Marek Eštok: Slovakia is at the core of the EU and at the center of European cooperation

Bratislava – The Slovak Republic is this year one of the host countries for the work-educational stay of employees of the European Commission (EC). In order to confirm active mutual relations and strengthen cooperation among the member states of the European Union and the various directorates-general of the EC, 16 representatives of the EU executive have arrived in Slovakia, TASR reports.

As part of a three-day program (April 7 – 9, 2025), they were welcomed on Monday at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MZVEZ) of the Slovak Republic by State Secretary Marek Eštok.

“I am convinced that this visit will allow the employees of the European Commission a deeper and real insight into the various sectoral policies in Slovakia,” stated the state secretary of the foreign affairs ministry, adding that participants will have the opportunity to gain an individual and practical perspective on the political, economic, administrative, social, and cultural structures of the Slovak Republic.

Among the guests are experts from a wide range of directorates-general of the Commission with various professional specializations and nationalities, but primarily with a specific connection to Slovakia within their work focus.

“For Slovakia, there is no alternative to the European Union. We are at the core of the EU as members of both the eurozone and the Schengen area. Public support for the Union is traditionally very high in Slovakia,” emphasized Eštok in his speech, confirming that the Slovak Republic remains a strong member of the EU, which consistently promotes its sovereign positions and national interests in all aspects of European policy-making.

“We live in turbulent times, and everyday life brings new challenges for member states and for the entire Union. Therefore, we approach issues of great importance for our homeland proactively, as is the case in areas such as energy security or the automotive industry,” added the state secretary.

Current European and global issues and the priorities of the Slovak Republic in the EU will also be the subject of ongoing discussions and bilateral consultations organized as part of the study-work visit of employees of the European Commission to Slovakia. Participants will meet with members of the Committee on European Affairs of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, representatives of various ministries, and the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency. They will also discuss with other representatives of the public and private sectors, visit the National Bank of Slovakia, and the Slovak Academy of Sciences. (April 7)

“For Slovakia, there is no alternative to the European Union. We are at the core of the EU as members of both the eurozone and the Schengen area. Public support for the Union is traditionally very high in Slovakia.” Marek Eštok