Lajcak Before Summit: We’re Losing Support of European Citizens

Bratislava, September 16 (TASR) – The European Union as a project has begun to lose the support of its people, which is why self-reflection is essential, said Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak after arriving at the EU informal summit in Bratislava on Friday.

“Populist and xenophobic parties are taking the lead, which is a very discomforting trend that needs to halted. Despite this, the EU is a super project that brings many good things, but people are taking it for granted,” warned Lajcak, adding that people tend to look only at divisive issues.

The Slovak capital is hosting the leaders of all EU-member states, excluding Great Britain, for the first time ever. A total of 343 delegates, 1,350 journalists, including 1,100 from abroad, have registered for the summit.

The main issues of the summit include the form that the EU will take after Britain’s departure and security in terms of fighting terrorism as well as in social and economic terms. The EU leaders should also discuss new investments, forms of communication and the global role of the Union.