I thank the Chairman and members of the joint committee for this opportunity. I will commence with a short presentation following which I hope I will be able to answer members' questions. I introduce my colleagues from Parliament, Mr. Kondrót who is chairman of the committee on economic affairs, Mr. Devínsky who is the chairman of the committee for education, and Mr. Csáky who is former Vice Prime Minister of the former Government responsible for European affairs.
When I took over the office of chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic I stressed that politics must be perceived as an ambitious service to our citizens and political representatives cannot be entitled to more than the people they represent. Successful development of relations between citizens and their representatives is strongly conditioned by continuity and stability, not only on domestic but also on foreign policy, as the state with good credibility abroad is also reliable at home. The Slovak Government's statement of policy has offered such a guarantee, and I am convinced that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is generally regarded as the expert in the field of international relations — I refer to Mr. Kubis — is the right person to carry out the foreign policy of the Slovak Republic that will be in compliance with the task of securing stability and continuity. Continuity offers a new range of possibilities following on the international position of the Slovak Republic. We might eventually witness that besides a little adjustment, the priorities of Slovak foreign policy have not been altered.
The main outline of European Union and NATO membership that foreign policy has been effective in explaining is the result of constant and extensive political consensus. The joint interest of the political spectrum in strengthening the stable and good position of our country abroad continues. At the same time we wish to enrich foreign policy with a more intensive economic dimension. Let me return to my inaugural speech when I stressed the co-operation of the National Council of the Slovak Republic in regard to foreign policy. The consensus among all political parties in regard to key issues of the European Union agenda has not changed. All parliamentary parties share similar opinions on the extension of the EU, on strengthening the EU role in foreign policy, and on the fulfilment of the EU task in regard to increased competitiveness in a global perspective. All foreign political obligations that have been taken over by the Slovak Republic are fulfilled responsibly today. That is why the task of securing stability and continuity is also essential for foreign policy.
I am aware that the EU constitution is very high on the agenda of this committee. One of the priorities of the European dimension on foreign policy is the reform of the institutional scope of the EU which should result in increased efficiency of EU activities. I assume the fundamental element of this process is the continuance of EU constitution ratification, which represents a significant innovative factor in the extended European Union. Despite the amount of discussion on the EU constitution so far, unfortunately, an eventual solution has not yet been found. Also, communication with EU members is still based on the relations among states, the states' competencies, borders, sovereignty and the difference between domestic and foreign policy.
Since this document has not altered it is indisputable that the new environment needs more transparent rules in the extended EU. In spite of its imperfections the introduction of the EU constitution has been logical and it has been the highest priority of the National Council of the Slovak Republic in regard to foreign policy. I am convinced that once the EU has its own treaty document it will contribute to the fulfilment of a united EU and to global competitiveness. I am glad the Slovak Republic is not the one that has disputed the future of this document but we fully respect the right of others to do so.
However, today at the beginning of the German Presidency and the review period, we must ask questions on the fundamental direction of the European integration process. Moreover, as we are a part of this process and have always worked towards it, we wish to form such relations among EU member states as will sustain the freedom, prosperity and security of our sub-continent. Allow me, therefore, to appeal to politicians, European leaders and citizens of the European Union to take over the responsibility for successful continuance of the European integration project and together find the solution and means to achieve the validation of the treaty.
One of my interests is the Conference of the Speakers of EU Parliaments. At the beginning of July this year in Copenhagen, the national council of the Slovak Republic took over the Presidency of the Conference of the Speakers of EU Parliaments. I assure our Irish partners how delighted we are with the meeting on the Bratislava forum and that the highest legislative assembly of Slovakia will follow up with the successful activity of Danish Folketing and will do anything not to disappoint our partners' belief. I am fully aware that we have to cope with the amount of issues in parliamentary relations, mainly due to overgrown bureaucracy and not very much effective discussion. In this connection, the highest priority of the conference shall be the opening of discussion on the streamlining and rationalisation of parliamentary relations in order to exempt mutual co-operation from overblown formalism and ambitious challenge. In terms of this agenda, we shall discuss with the partners particular topics that might enrich all involved parties and parliamentary diplomacy in the future. Our decision about the future within this forum will be led by courage, responsibility and understanding of the national parliaments' roles in the decision making process within the European Union.
When speaking about European relations we have to bear in mind relations within and outside the EU. With regard to relations with the neighbouring countries of the EU, I point out our permanent interest in the western Balkans, mainly in the succession countries of former Yugoslavia, where the most discussed topic is the future of Kosovo. I emphasise that it is not only about the calculation of our own benefit but also about the permanent solution for all involved parties.
Being elected as a non-permanent member and currently chairing country of the UN Security Council, we will make it a priority to contribute to solving this issue. The aim in defining Kosovo's future status shall be not only the strengthening of stability and security but also the European prospect in the region. In this regard, we cannot forget about the danger of the domino effect in the form of other frozen conflicts as well as the eventual radicalisation of Serbian society and possible denial of the pro-western orientation of Serbia resulting in the destabilisation of the western Balkans. The result of the recent parliamentary election in Serbia has implied the weakening of the pro-western orientation of the country, the existence of a negative attitude to dependency separation from its territories, despite the obvious political spectrum of Serbia.
The future of Kosovo has to come from the mutual agreement of all the involved parties that will guarantee the conditions of creating a multi-ethnic society with consistent protection of all minority groups. As a member of the EU and based on historical and cultural ties with this part of Europe, we support the effort of the international community to find a permanent solution for Kosovo in order not to proportionally damage any party, even though it will be very difficult.
I refer to Slovak nationals in Ireland. Apart from mutual characteristics, Slovak and Irish people have an historical connection, namely, the tradition in work emigration. Ireland is a little further ahead in development. Mainly thanks to the huge progress they have made in the recent period, many Irish citizens are coming back to their homeland. In the case of Slovakia, many Slovaks are leaving the country to make profits abroad. This also means the outflow of many qualified, young prospective people but it does not necessarily have to be perceived as a negative situation. The Irish example gives hope that in the near future, if Slovakian economic growth persists, those people will return enriched by new experiences and savings. I am convinced Slovakia will be capable of capitalising on these attributes and maximising their positive significance.
Ireland has opened the door to our citizens and, by the best means, has shown Europe the direction of integration. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a presentation to the committee and for the attention of members. My colleagues and I are prepared to answer questions.
