“I don’t want Slovakia to be ousted from this game”

Slovakia has to be part of the debate on how the European Union will function in the future, stated Prime Minister Robert Fico on Monday. As he added, this also includes the topic recently presented by the German Social Democrats (SPD) leader Martin Schulz on transforming the EU into a United States of Europe by 2025. "As our membership has so far been successful, and deeper integration suits us, I don't want Slovakia to be ousted from this game," said Fico, who reiterated his stance that Slovakia should form part of the EU's core. However, Fico stressed that Slovakia would not agree with decisions that could harm the country. It is unimaginable that European institutions would approve Slovakia's state budget, but joint decisions on defence and social policies, taxes and levies are acceptable, he said.