On Thursday, President Andrej Kiska delivered an address to the National Convention in Bratislava about European union.

„Today we are here to talk about the importance of the European Union for our country and our citizens. We are here to discuss what membership brings to us and why we — the three highest constitutional officials — but not just us, believe that membership in the European Union is not an alternative for Slovakia.  In October of last year, we signed a joint declaration with the President of the National Council and the Prime Minister.

We have unequivocally confirmed that the strategic interest of the Slovak Republic is to continue a pro-European and pro-Atlantic direction. We have agreed that membership in the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance is the foundation of our security, stability and prosperity. It is in accordance with our core values. We have committed ourselves to speaking responsibly about the priorities of our country as well as one language at home and abroad. We have confirmed that Slovakia should contribute to the stability and unity of the European Union and that it wants to be part of further integration. 

European Union membership has stable support from the majority of our citizens in Slovakia after 14 years — one of the latest surveys says almost 70 percent. Why is it necessary to speak more about the union? Because even in Slovak politics there are voices that directly or indirectly cast doubt on our membership in the Union. Because targeted propaganda that promotes nationalist and extremist political streams engages in our public debate and helps to strengthen their influence on public opinion. We cannot underestimate it. The current support of citizens cannot be taken for granted. It is the duty of all responsible officials of this state to act actively, responsibly and persistently in its favor.

  Let us look at how today’s world looks and what life is like in many of its parts. Hunger, suffering, war. The persecution of opinion, political conviction or religious belief is not exceptional for many people in the world. We live in the most prosperous and safest part of the world. Today Slovakia is a modern, democratic and free country. We have voluntarily decided to be part of the amazing European cooperation project that has brought peace and prosperity to the European continent. That is where we belong. This is the future we want to ensure for our citizens. That is why we must be able and willing to insist on our values, publicly defend them and strengthen the significance and meaning of political declarations through actual deeds.  

Slovakia is thriving. We are growing economically, we have the historically lowest unemployment rate and we are a country attractive for foreign investors. Our students can study abroad; we all travel freely and work; we use the same currency as most EU countries. We are taking advantage of what we did not even think about in the past. 

Our efforts for a better life would not have been so successful in the 25 years of existence of democratic Slovakia if we had not been a member of the European Union. Despite this EU is still not good at all. Instead, we often hear of Brussels and of how it takes away our sovereignty. That we, Slovakia, is losing ours. And the exact opposite is true.  

Thanks to joining the EU, we are, as a state, stronger, more self-confident and more respected. Those born earlier can compare what our reputation was when we split in 1993. Many doubted whether we would survive at all. And partners from abroad looked at us as if little viable. Today the Slovak Republic is an advanced and self-confident state. This is also because, when deciding on important matters, Slovakia sits behind a table with Germany, France, the Netherlands, Finland and other countries and is an integral part of these decisions. 

When traveling outside the European Union or accepting foreign delegations, I myself experience the importance Slovakia has today in the world. Because we no longer speak only for our country, but also as a member of the European Union. We have reasons to be self-confident, and we can better assert our interests.    

When I meet colleagues from Eastern Europe or the Balkans, today we are the ones who they ask for advice and help. Just as we once did. And they often ask how we managed to become such a successful country in such a short time. In their eyes, membership in the European Union has an immense and irreplaceable weight and value.        

 At home I have children of young age who did not experience the times that we older ones remember. They take today’s benefits as a matter of course. And I am grateful they can live in such times. But young people are also the most vulnerable. Especially when they hear that we would be better off if we were not part of the union. Or that it’s just an economic project for us, in which we should just take advantage of what we like and give up others. Therefore it must also be remembered that the EU has emerged as a peace project. Cooperation has replaced conflicts and wars on the European continent. And the only battles we want to fight are behind the negotiating table.

It is also important to recall that there is no problem in the world with which we could not cooperate with other European Union countries. And no European Union country is addressing the really great challenges we face today like climate change, migration, economic development and many other on its own.  And that is what the much stronger and bigger states in Europe than Slovakia are aware of. Together we are strong, and we can do it.      

Unfortunately, instead of such a message, we hear a lot of distorted information, lies and half-truths. We are listening to the dictatorship of Brussels, and we are doubting the strength of our development within the EU.  Propaganda is attacking our own weaknesses, trying to reinforce our prejudices, our uncertainties or shortcomings. But also our not having come to terms with our own past. We often help it ourselves.  By failing to blame Brussels for our failures because of the lack of fulfillment of the expectations of our citizens. Also by saying one thing at home and saying another abroad. Or by distorting information ourselves in the hunt for the cheap gain of electoral votes. 

I recently gave a speech in the European Parliament. I talked about the story of a successful, proud and self-confident Slovakia. About the length of the path we have traveled since 1989 to be able to stand before the MEPs as President of a free, democratic and stable member country. I am convinced that the success of the Slovak Republic is the story of successful European integration. And that without the European Union, Slovakia would not be the country it is today. Please keep this in mind. Because the European Union is a great opportunity for Slovakia, our natural living space and our vital interest.  We are building a successful Slovakia as part of a modern Europe and building a successful Europe in which Slovakia has its clear and unique place.“

photo: tasr