Blanar Discusses EU Enlargement, Security and Energy with EU Ambassadors

Bratislava, 16 December (TASR) – Key issues of European and foreign policy, including the forthcoming multiannual financial framework, EU enlargement, energy security and the current security situation in Europe, were discussed by Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) with ambassadors of EU member states and the head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia. As TASR learnt from the ministry's press department, the meeting took place in Bratislava on Tuesday, at the initiative of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU. "The European Union is our living space. We want to be perceived in the debate on the future of the Union as a constructive partner that openly communicates its sovereign positions while at the same time seeking common European solutions," Blanar said. Part of the meeting focused on EU enlargement and the future of Europe. The minister reiterated Slovakia's support for continuing the enlargement process based on the merits of candidate countries. According to him, EU enlargement must remain a rules-based process without shortcuts. European security in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the current state of peace initiatives were also discussed. The foreign minister recalled that the conflict has no military solution and that lasting peace must be the result of a diplomatic process involving all relevant actors. During the discussion, Blanar also warned of the risks of a potential disruption of oil supplies via the Druzhba pipeline, which he said would threaten Slovakia's energy security. He also pointed to Slovakia's geographical and infrastructure constraints, including limited access to LNG terminals. "Further restrictions on imports of Russian gas without adequate replacement increase the risk of gas shortages and rising prices in Central Europe. Our position on the REPowerEU regulation therefore remains critical," Blanar noted. According to him, Slovakia has long emphasised at both bilateral and multilateral levels that diplomacy is above all about dialogue, which is a fundamental prerequisite for understanding. "This meeting was also held in the spirit of open and substantive discussion, in which representatives of diplomatic missions had room to ask questions and receive answers on the positions of Slovak diplomacy. Despite differing views on some issues, we are united by membership in the European Union, and that is precisely why it is essential to conduct joint dialogue and seek solutions," Blanar stressed. mf