Opposition Marks 22 Years of Slovakia in EU, Warns of Risks

Bratislava, 1 May (TASR) - The opposition marked the 22nd anniversary of Slovakia's accession to the European Union on Friday, with the Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party considering the country's accession to the EU to be the most important milestone of its modern history, while warning against efforts to leave the bloc. For the Progressive Slovakia party, 22 years of EU membership mean freedom to travel, study and work, as well as investments transforming cities and regions. MP Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia'-For the People) said on the occasion of May Day and the anniversary of Slovakia's EU accession that the country is facing a decline of the social state, lay-offs and the threat of a freeze of EU funds. "I consider the accession of the Slovak Republic to the European Union to be the most important milestone of our modern history. Today, 22 years after joining the European Union, we face efforts to undermine our membership of this grouping," said SaS leader and MP Branislav Groehling. He pointed out that Freedom and Solidarity has proposed enshrining Slovakia's EU membership directly in the Constitution. The party wants the country's European orientation to be protected by a constitutional majority rather than depend on the mood of a single government. "Unfortunately, the coalition has rejected this proposal. Freedom and Solidarity will continue to fight for Slovakia's European future. Our country must remain a firm part of the European Union, in the spirit of freedom and economic prosperity," added Groehling. On the anniversary of Slovakia's EU accession, Remisova also pointed to the possible freezing of EU funds for Slovakia, a move that the European Parliament this week called on the European Commission to consider. mf/df