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Slovak Presidency programme discussed with Council Secretary-General Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen
Their talks centred on the preparation of the work programme and priorities for the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the EU. They also discussed some matters that will directly concern the Presidency, in particular the referendum on the United Kingdom’s EU membership and the latest developments in migration and asylum policy.
In addition, Mr Tranholm-Mikkelsen gave a presentation, on the margins of a session of the Slovak Government, describing the responsibilities incumbent on the country holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, particularly with respect to the chairing of the individual Council configurations. “One of the main tasks facing the Presidency is to manage the legislative process efficiently. In doing so, the ministers have an irreplaceable role. As chairs of the individual councils of ministers, they will be tasked with formulating a strategic political vision and, by seeking compromises between the Member States, they will work towards progress in the legislative process,” said Miroslav Lajčák, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
As part of Mr Tranholm-Mikkelsen’s visit, a seminar was organised on the practical aspects of EU law- and policy-making that Slovakia will need to master in its role as the Council’s Presidency. The seminar was led by Jim Cloos, the Deputy Director-General for General Policy and Interinstitutional Relations at the General Secretariat of the Council.
