Miroslav Lajčák facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Miroslav Lajčák
Lajčák in 2020

EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues
In office 2 April 2020 – 31 January 2025
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Peter Sørensen
President of the United Nations General Assembly
In office 12 September 2017 – 19 September 2018
Preceded by	Peter Thomson
Succeeded by	María Fernanda Espinosa
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office 4 April 2012 – 20 March 2020
Prime Minister	Robert Fico Peter Pellegrini
Preceded by	Mikuláš Dzurinda
Succeeded by	Ivan Korčok
In office 26 January 2009 – 8 July 2010
Prime Minister	Robert Fico
Preceded by	Ján Kubiš
Succeeded by	Mikuláš Dzurinda
Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
In office 1 January 2019 – 1 January 2020
Preceded by	Enzo Moavero Milanesi
Succeeded by	Edi Rama
High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina
In office 1 July 2007 – 25 March 2009
Preceded by	Christian Schwarz-Schilling
Succeeded by	Valentin Inzko
European Union Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina
In office 1 July 2007 – 28 February 2009
Preceded by	Christian Schwarz-Schilling
Succeeded by	Valentin Inzko

Personal details
Born	(1963-03-20) 20 March 1963 (age 62) Poprad, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia)
Political party	Communist Party (1983–1990) Direction - Social Democracy (associated non-member)
Spouse	Jarmila Lajčáková-Hargašová
Children	3, including Vanesa
Alma mater	Comenius University in Bratislava, Faculty of Law Moscow State Institute of International Relations

Miroslav Lajčák (born March 20, 1963) is a Slovak politician and diplomat. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Slovakia several times. He also held the important role of President of the United Nations General Assembly from 2017 to 2018.

Mr. Lajčák played a key role in helping solve problems in the Western Balkans after conflicts. He helped organize the 2006 Montenegrin independence referendum for the European Union. From 2007 to 2009, he was the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, working to bring peace and stability.

From 2020 to 2025, he was the European Union Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. This role focused on improving relations between Serbia and Kosovo. After this, he became a special advisor to the Slovak Prime Minister.

Miroslav Lajčák: A Diplomat's Journey
See also

Miroslav Lajčák: A Diplomat's Journey

Early Life and Education

Miroslav Lajčák grew up in Slovakia. He attended primary school in Stará Ľubovňa. Later, his family moved to Bratislava, where he continued his schooling. He studied law at Comenius University in Bratislava. He also earned a master's degree in international relations from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations.

A Career in Diplomacy

Representing Slovakia Abroad

Mr. Lajčák began his diplomatic career in 1988. He worked for the Czechoslovak foreign ministry. From 1991 to 1993, he was posted at the Slovak embassy in Moscow. When Slovakia became an independent country, he helped create its new Foreign Service.

In 1994, he became the Slovak Ambassador to Japan. He was the youngest head of a diplomatic mission for Slovakia at just 31 years old. After his time in Japan, he returned to Slovakia's Foreign Ministry.

International Peace Efforts

In 1999, Mr. Lajčák started working internationally. He assisted the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Balkans. From 2001 to 2005, he was Slovakia's Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (later Serbia and Montenegro).

In 2005, the EU asked him to oversee the 2006 Montenegrin independence referendum. This vote decided if Montenegro would become an independent country. The referendum was approved, and Montenegro became independent.

From 2007 to 2009, Mr. Lajčák served as the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also acted as the European Union Special Representative there. During his time, Bosnia and Herzegovina signed an important agreement with the EU. This agreement aimed to bring the country closer to the European Union.

Leading Slovakia's Foreign Affairs

Mr. Lajčák served as Minister of Foreign Affairs for Slovakia twice. His first term was from 2009 to 2010. His second term lasted from 2012 to 2020. He worked under Prime Ministers Robert Fico and Peter Pellegrini.

Lajčák with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington, D.C., May 2009

During his time as Foreign Minister, he focused on Slovakia's role in Europe. He also worked on relations with other countries. He encouraged dialogue and cooperation.

Lajčák with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, D.C., December 17, 2015

In 2016, Slovakia held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Mr. Lajčák played a key role in setting the priorities for this period. He emphasized Slovakia's commitment to Europe.

Lajčák with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Bratislava, February 2019

Guiding EU Diplomacy

From 2010 to 2012, Mr. Lajčák helped create the European External Action Service. This is the European Union's diplomatic service. He was the managing director for Europe and Central Asia. He also served as the EU's chief negotiator for agreements with Ukraine and Moldova.

Presiding Over the UN General Assembly

From 2017 to 2018, Mr. Lajčák was the President of the United Nations General Assembly. This is a very important global role. He worked to promote dialogue and cooperation among nations. He also encouraged strengthening international teamwork. He was the first president to share his financial information publicly.

Chairperson of the OSCE

In 2019, Mr. Lajčák served as the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). He focused on people, dialogue, and stability in Europe. He visited many OSCE offices to highlight their work. He also held talks with leaders across the region.

Lajčák as OSCE Chairperson-in-office and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovakia with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, June 2019

EU Special Representative for the Western Balkans

On April 2, 2020, Mr. Lajčák was appointed as the EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. This role focused on improving relations between Serbia and Kosovo. He also worked on other regional issues in the Western Balkans. His term was extended several times to ensure continuity in important talks.

His work in this role faced some criticism. In April 2024, a German Member of the European Parliament described his performance as a "disaster." Mr. Lajčák was considered for a new role as EU Ambassador to Switzerland. However, this appointment was cancelled to maintain stability in the Dialogue. His mandate as EU Special Representative ended on January 31, 2025. Peter Sørensen succeeded him.

Special Advisor to the Prime Minister

After his work as EU Special Representative, Mr. Lajčák returned to Slovak diplomacy. He became a Special Advisor to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. His focus was on security issues and the Western Balkans.

Resignation

Miroslav Lajčák and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico at the Bratislava Summit during Slovakia's EU presidency, September 2016

On January 31, 2026, Mr. Lajčák resigned from his role as Special Advisor. Prime Minister Robert Fico accepted his resignation.

Other Activities and Interests

Miroslav Lajčák is involved in several international organizations. He also participates in academic institutions.

European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), Member
Friends of Europe, Member of the Board of Trustees
The Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue, Member of the Advisory Board
GLOBSEC, Member of the International Advisory Council
European Alpbach Forum (EFA), Member of the International Advisory Board
Matej Bel University, member of the Scientific Council
Slovnaft, Supervisory Board Member

Personal Life

Miroslav Lajčák is married to Jarmila Lajčáková-Hargašová, a Slovak television presenter. They have a daughter named Lara. Mr. Lajčák also has another daughter, Nikola, from a previous marriage. His wife, Jarmila, has a daughter named Vanesa from a previous relationship.

Besides his native Slovak, Mr. Lajčák speaks several other languages. These include English, German, Russian, French, and South Slavic languages.