Slovakia Assumes EU Presidency

This is the first presidential stint for Slovakia, which joined the EU in 2004.

Earlier, Prime Minister Robert Fico said the EU will have to “redefine” unsuccessful policies, particularly on immigration.

But analysts say the Slovak agenda, which also includes reforming the European Union’s single market, will be eclipsed by the fallout from Brexit.

Slovakia and the other so-called Visegrad states – Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic – are calling for more powers to be returned to EU capitals and a reduction in the role of the executive European Commission in Brussels.