The talks between EU leaders at an informal leaders' summit in Brussels on Wednesday, May 23, had a general character and, based on the content, Slovakia cannot expect the European Union to be able to agree on specific, resolute pro-growth measures within a short time, Prime Minister Robert Fico has said, as quoted by the TASR newswire.
"The summit has shown that it will mainly be up to the member states what kind of measures they adopt. I'm leaving with the conviction that it's especially up to us, what we do back home in Slovakia, and to what extent we'll be able to prepare moves to strengthen economic growth," said Fico, adding that he had expected more from the talks.
Fico stated the that opinion within the EU only seems to be in harmony when it comes to so-called 'project bonds' that could serve to finance large investment projects, and on an increase in the capacity of the European Investment Bank (EIB).
According to Fico, there was disagreement over the possible introduction of Eurobonds and a common EU tax on financial transactions. "It will probably be very difficult for us to reach agreement at the EU level when it comes to these two moves," Fico said, while adding that the Slovak government can still imagine introducing Eurobonds as a tool for resolving the debt crisis in the eurozone.
Fico also stated that he had informally asked the European Commission for more flexibility in decision-making processes concerning re-allocation of EU Funds for supporting youth employment.
According to the prime minister, the recently agreed fiscal compact won't be amended. "Everybody put their hands up for consolidation within the given deadline," he pointed out. The replacement of the temporary EU framework, the EFSF, by the permanent European Stability Mechanism (ESM) is scheduled for July 1. In this respect, Slovakia must approve a special law, which it will probably do via fast-tracked legislative proceedings.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
