Lajcak: My mandate as mediator until August 31st begins a new phase of the process with the EU leadership

Miroslav Lajcak will soon leave the post of EU special emissary for the Western Balkans and Kosovo-Serbia dialogue mediator. It has already become known that the EU has nominated it for Ambassador to Switzerland, while Lajcak himself finds his mandate expires on August 31st.

“has always been clear because the mandate of special EU representatives is equal to the mandate of EU ambassadors, which lasts four years. So there is a rule that special representatives cannot last for more than four years. I just started fifth year and my mandate ends on August 31st,” said Slovak.

There was never a debate, never planned to leave or stay longer. It is logical that with the new European Union leadership, it is also good to begin a new phase of the process. So by August 31st, I am fully responsible and fully dedicated to this process”, the emissary has added further.

Speaking about the emissary/ new mediator expected to take over the former Slovak diplomat position says it is not up to him to speak. Lajcak says he is familiar with former Slovenian President Borut Pahor, who has shown ambition to take office.

I will not be part of my successor's selection, so I must not make a statement. But, of course, I know President Pahor for many years. We have met and discussed the situation in the Western Balkans on several occasions, I know he is very interested in the region and also in much knowledge. So, of course, this is a very important factor. That's probably as much as I can say at this point”