Slovak Interests Included in Deal on Brexit Guidelines

The foreign affairs ministers of 27 member countries of the EU have agreed on a joint approach to guidelines for Brexit talks. This agreement suits Slovakia's interests well, said Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák after a special meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Thursday. "The member countries came to an agreement fairly quickly, and all that Slovakia regards as important has been included. Most importantly, this includes the interests of our citizens and also the need for the United Kingdom to observe its financial commitments towards the EU. The supervisory role of member countries was also highlighted," said the Slovak official. Slovakia has two priorities vis-à-vis Brexit: maintaining the current status of Slovak nationals living in the UK and ensuring that the UK delivers on its financial commitments before the end of the present programme period; that is, by the end of 2020, said Lajčák. The guidelines await approval at an extraordinary summit of the EU27 heads of state or government this Saturday. On May 22 the foreign affairs ministers are expected to meet again and approve concrete negotiating principles. Lajčák believes that the snap election due in the UK in June should not hinder the Brexit negotiations.