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President Čaputová: Slovakia must be a partner and ally in the EU and NATO not only on paper.

by AI | 30.Apr 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The President reminded that the importance of membership was reflected in the everyday life of the country. “Through the development of infrastructure, job opportunities, but also a safer Slovakia,” she added.

President of the Slovak Republic Zuzana Čaputová speaks during the presentation of thank-you medals on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Slovakia's entry into the EU and NATO on Tuesday, 30th April 2024 in Bratislava. PHOTO TASR - Pavol Zachar

BRATISLAVA – Even 20 years after joining the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), it is important for Slovakia to be a real, reliable, and constructive partner in both groups, not just a partner on paper. President of Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová said this on Tuesday (April 30) during a ceremonial event, where she awarded commemorative medals to 28 personalities who directly contributed to or supported the integration efforts for EU and NATO membership.

The event was held on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Slovakia’s entry into both groups. The president described the integration into the union and alliance as one of the most important and successful moments in Slovakia’s recent history. “It was a success for the entire country, all its citizens,” the head of state emphasized. She recalled that the significance of membership was evident in the everyday life of the country. “Through the development of infrastructure, job opportunities, but also a safer Slovakia,” she added. She noted that not everyone who has played a part in this integration success can be recognized, but everyone deserves thanks.

Čaputová in her speech also stated that it is not only necessary to celebrate, but also to assess membership in the EU and NATO in the context of when Slovakia managed to most shape the union itself and the alliance and promote its interests in both groups. “It is clear that we were most successful when we were consistent and transparent for our partners. This approach has brought many advantages and opportunities, which we still benefit from today,” she emphasized. She also pointed out that although the EU and NATO have undergone changes over the two decades, the rules that were in place at the time of Slovakia’s entry still apply. “Every member country must remain a functioning democracy,” she reminded.

Therefore, according to the president, Slovakia still has the duty to maintain democracy and its key values. “So that we continue to behave in the spirit of the values whose protection allowed us to enter both groups,” she warned. “Respect for these values is the strongest link between us and the other members, but especially the most significant benefit for our citizens,” the head of state added.