EU has to cope with any outcome of British referendum: Schulz

A 'GB' (Great Britain) sticker with an European Union design is seen adhered to the rear of a vehicle in London, Britain, January 29, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

BRATISLAVA - The European Union (EU) has to be prepared for whatever outcome the British referendum on staying in the EU will yield, announced European Parliament Chairman Martin Schulz after meeting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Bratislava on Thursday.

Schulz and Fico discussed Slovakia's Presidency of the Council of the EU that is set to begin on July 1. They both believed that the whole EU will have to respond to the outcome of the referendum on June 23.

"No matter what will be the result of it, we'll have to be prepared to cope with it," said Schulz.

Fico has promised that Slovakia will take up its role in a responsible way.

"Despite the hectic period, I'd like to guarantee that Slovakia will be well prepared," stressed Fico.

He said that the presidency is a great opportunity for Slovakia to make itself more visible.

"A small country will be in the center of European discussion about topics that are not seen every month," explained Fico, adding that Slovakia's priorities might be influenced by various incidents.

"We have to realise that there is the referendum in Britain on June 23, less then a week after that there is an important general election in Spain. We're also still worried by the situation in Greece regarding the financial situation and the migration crisis is still a very lively topic," summed up Fico.