European institutions should be more tactful and empathetic towards events in Member States. The Slovak and Polish presidents agreed on this at a meeting held as part of the official visit of the Polish President, Andrzej Duda, to the Slovak Republic.

“It is also important that we don’t blame our internal problems only on Brussels,” said President Andrej Kiska. “If someone criticizes the European Union, let him express concrete criticism. Let him say specifically what we should change. If we should reform the Union, let him tell us what specific reforms we should carry out. So that we can seek what unites us, not what divides us.”

The Polish president’s official visit took place shortly before Slovakia takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Poland will, at the same time, also soon take over the Presidency of the Visegrad Group. “At present we are very aware of the importance of the V4 in our search for mutual European solutions,” added President Kiska.

The presidents of Slovakia and Poland also spoke about the coming NATO summit in Warsaw. “NATO must react to threats against citizens, to what citizens in different countries feel, particularly after the illegal annexation of Crimea. Even though Slovak citizens perceive threats differently than Poland does, we absolutely understand the fears of the citizens of the Baltic countries. Therefore, we, Slovakia, want to contribute to increasing their security and will continue to fulfil our obligations,” emphasized Andrej Kiska.

The actual developments in Ukraine were also a topic of discussion. Both presidents expressed concern that in its present situation, Ukraine is seemingly being overlooked by the European Union. “We must not forget Ukraine. And we have to make use of each and every possibility to give signals to the people of Ukraine that, as long as they want to, we will welcome them into our Europe. That after implementing reforms, they will have the opportunity to be here with us,” noted President Kiska. Both presidents are of the opinion that it is also important to keep the door open for Ukraine regarding NATO membership if its citizens express the desire to become a member of the Alliance.

Poland is Slovakia’s third largest trading partner and the meeting of the presidents was also economic in nature. “This visit is a visit by an important neighbour, an important economic partner, an important ally and a true friend,” confirmed President Kiska. “With such a very good relationship we must think what we can still improve. We must think how to transfer this good relationship to even better cooperation between regions, entrepreneurs, citizens. I am convinced, and keep talking about it with President Duda, that we possess a lot of untapped potential.” He mentioned tourism as an example.

As part of his two-day official visit to Slovakia, the Polish president will still meet with Prime Minister Robert Fico, walk through the Old Town of Bratislava and lay a wreath at the Gate of Freedom Memorial.