Gov't to Deal with Annual Report on Slovakia's EU Membership in 2020

Bratislava, March 3 (TASR) - At its regular session on Wednesday the Government will deal with the annual report on Slovakia's membership of the European Union for 2020. The Foreign Affairs Ministry in the report points to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, which has tested the cohesion of member states; for example, in the repatriation of more than 600,000 EU citizens stranded all over the world as a result of the pandemic and restrictions. Slovakia repatriated 6,469 of its own citizens from 110 countries. At the same time, it helped 618 citizens of other EU countries to return home, while other EU countries assisted 631 Slovak citizens to get back to Slovakia. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad (OLaNO) is submitting to the Government a draft inter-departmental programme called Support for State Defence in 2021-23. The programme anticipates a sum of €3.8 million for this year. Its priorities include, for example, providing support for a Defence Ministry research and development base with an emphasis on building up the defence capabilities of the Slovak army, as well as creating and maintaining state material reserves in line with the army's requirements. The Cabinet should also revise and update the National Plan for Slovakia's participation in Permanent Structured EU Cooperation (PESCO). According to the updated resolution, the defence minister should take measures in order to meet commitments stemming from the country's participation in PESCO. ko/df