The President of the Slovak Republic received the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz.

In the course of discussions, Ivan Gašparovič referred to the complicated situation in Europe saying that it is “difficult, especially in the euro area.” He also stated that the Slovak Republic has a strategy, which is to maintain the euro area so that it can “get a second wind”. Our highest official is of the opinion that Europe needs a stronger union whose members will be able to cooperate.

In introduction, Martin Schulz admitted to being very impressed by Slovakia, “because the Slovak people have lived through a lot during the past two decades”. The President of the European Parliament stated that, in this time, Slovakia has seen the fall of a federation, the creation of an independent state, accession to the EU and NATO, the Schengen area and the euro area – a remarkable journey, he said. “The Slovak Republic has shown its solidarity with the European Union; it is time for the European Union to show solidarity with Slovakia” Martin Schulz pointed out in reference to the stances of the Slovak Republic.

Ivan Gašparovič noted that in this context the positions of our primary economic partner, Germany, are important to Slovakia as well. According to the Slovak President, the potential exit of a member from the euro area would have very adverse consequences, bringing about a sort of domino effect.

In his discussion with the Slovak President, Martin Schulz said the greatest threat lies in “foreign exchange speculations” aimed against the euro. “We must convince the citizens that the EU maintains their national identity, while giving them financial security,” said the President of the European Parliament.

According to the words of President Ivan Gašparovič, the Slovak Republic welcomes the decision of the German Constitutional Court in respect of the European Stability Mechanism. “I am convinced this step will help make the mechanism functional,” said the Slovak President. In conclusion of the discussion with the President of the European Parliament, he added that the Slovak Republic wishes to focus on reducing the public finance deficit.