Speech by Ambassador of the Slovak Republic in Greece, HE. D. Ján Voderadský.
For English: www.diplomatic.gr / pd / ar-slovakia.htm
Year 2010. Assessing
six years that the Slovak Republic is part of the EU is essential to note that on May 1, 2004 when Slovakia joined the EU (like entering NATO weeks before), our country finally resolved the issue strategic guidance on policy. Accepting the values \u200b\u200bof the Euro-Atlantic space and stronger communities, Slovakia began roots firmly in the socio-cultural environment.
Further development confirmed that these decisions were successful integration not only for the obvious advantages and privileges of membership in groups such as the space integration and economic common market, free movement of people, ensuring the collective defense, but even more in terms of positive changes in social environment, such as increased self-confidence of society itself. Ensuring security and stability is an important assumption for the internal development by which people can make positive changes.
be positive effects of EU miebro and deep structural reforms implemented by the Government of Slovakia (especially the tax and legal persons to 19% as VAT to 19%) was reflected in the dynamic growth GDP of our country. In the period 2005-2008 exceeded permanently 6.0%. He deserves a special mention in 2007 when Slovakia was as high as 10.4%, while in the fourth quarter was 14.3%, a figure not seen before in the EU.
The recession that resulted in a global financial and economic crisis in 2008, naturally also undermined the development potential of the Slovak economy. And Slovakia lived after years of economic growth in GDP falling to the figure of 4.7% in 2009. The trend of gradual recovery that will become more evident in 2010 when GDP is expected to be positive in 2-3%, which is 1-2% higher than growth through the euro zone. International Trade
Slovakia reached 1.3 billion Euros last year despite the negative impact of global crisis on our economy geared to heavy industry. The automotive and electronics industry had a significant role in the development of this macroeconomic indicator. Very few know that Slovakia could be called the "Detroit of Central Europe", without exaggerating much. Our country bequeathed to be the world leader in car production per capita. Car production in Slovakia could reach 850,000 to 900,000 cars in 2010, an impressive number for a country with 5.4 million inhabitants. The industry "national" car is represented by 3 companies - Volkswagen, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Kia Motors. It is worth mentioning that the models most luxurious and sophisticated, higher-end, like Touareg, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne are produced in the Volkswagen plant in Bratislava.
In regard to the electronics industry, dominates the production of LCD-TV sets, led by two of three best selling brands in Europe - Samsung and Sony. It is expected a small "earthquake revolutionary" in this field with the launch of 3D TVs that run on the basis of LCD TVs. Plants eslovacasde Samsung and Sony are in the factories that soon Starting Out with mass production.
All recognized rating agencies located in Slovakia among the top countries of Central and Eastern Europe - Moody's Corporation has allocated to our country A1 in terms of security in the investment climate, rated A + Fitch and Standard & , Poros A + / A1.
Introducing the euro on 1 January 2008, Slovakia joined the club of countries with stable economy that enjoys a strong global currency.
The inclusion of Slovakia in the EU and monetary community have increased the potential for long-term growth, monetary stability and control inflation. By joining the EU living standards and purchasing power of Slovaks has aumentdo. A concrete example is that the per capita average monthly wage in Slovakia has increased over 60% between 2005-2006.
Slovak citizens also appreciate the freedom of movement that was extended in a significant way through the entry of Slovakia into the Schengen area in December 2007.
One indisputable expression of the appreciation of the progress of the Slovak Republic in the EU is the assignment of the important post of Vice-President of the European Commission for Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration of Slovakia Maros Sefcovic.
In conclusion, the entry of our country in the Euro-Atlantic structures integration pushed our country into a major internal reforms. Almost 6 years of Slovakia in the EU is a success story. Today, almost 60% of Slovaks regarded as "very good" Slovakia's integration into the EU, and 77% of Slovaks think that the country has benefited from this union. In addition, these structures have better valuation than they did before the entry into the EU.
