Year 2006

President Ivan Gašparovič met with European Commission Chairman Barroso

President of the Slovak Republic Ivan Gašparovič met with Chairman of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso. Their discussions dealt with the position of Slovakia within the EU in the context of the reforms Slovakia is undergoing. The partners talked also about the European Constitution Treaty and its prospects; they came to agreement in essential issues concerning activities of the Slovak Republic in the Euro-Atlantic structures. Regardless of some dissimilar views, they both see positive aspects of Slovakia’s EU membership; Ivan Gašparovič underlined the flow of investments to Slovakia as well as growing acceptability of the country in foreign policy. „I believe this membership supported Slovakia in having been elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council“, said Mr Gašparovič.

EC Chairman José Manuel Barroso reminded in his speech the fact that President Ivan Gašparovič had been the first president he had received congratulations from and had talks with after his inauguration in Brussels. The EC Chairman expressed his satisfaction with the views on the reform development in Slovakia and was assured by the head of the state of the proceeding reform process regardless the situation in the government after the upcoming elections. Mr Barroso emphasised how stimulating the talks with the Slovak President had been and pointed out to the credibility of Slovakia, an EU member, as a significant and equal political partner. The Chairman also expressed the will to pay respect to all EU member states notwithstanding „their status of being historical or modern, rich or poor, large or small. Within the EC, we are ready to sweep away these differences, for any member state deserves equal respect and treatment. We believe that all member states are able to accomplish a lot in their joint efforts“, said the EC Chairman. In view of the growing credit of the Slovak Republic, Mr Barroso expressed honour to have an opportunity to collaborate with the high state representatives headed by President Ivan Gašparovič.