As has already been reported, in March 2019 the Slovenian Government approved a comprehensive project assignment which sets out the basic guidelines for and the timetable of Slovenia’s preparations for the presidency. The ministerial departments have held numerous discussions with European institutions and with Germany and Portugal as the partners in the trio of presiding EU Member States. On the basis of these discussions, a proposal for draft priorities for ministerial discussion has been drawn up.

At the conference, the ministers highlighted sustainable and green as the elements linking the Slovenian presidency and pursued the "less is more" principle. As a result, three interwoven and interconnected content areas have been defined. The very idea of the European Union is based on the rule of law and sustainable development in the broadest sense, from the social (we are an ageing society) environmental, nutritional and financial aspects to research and scientific perspectives. None of the above can be achieved if we do not provide for the safety of Europeans and are not a worthy and constructive partner both to neighbouring countries and worldwide.

A large part of the activities will involve the inherited agenda, in the scope of which Slovenia will identify the content that is important for the operation of its presidency. More details will be known in the beginning of next year, when the programme of the European Commission in its new composition for the next legislative period (2019–2024) will be adopted.

The Government remains committed to making Slovenia’s presidency of the EU Council not just a project of state institutions, but one of people. Therefore graphic designers have been invited to take part in the competition to select the image branding of the Slovenian presidency, while local communities have been invited to create the accompanying programme of presidency events at sub-ministerial level throughout Slovenia. The preparations for the presidency are progressing according to the timetable in other areas as well.

After today’s discussion, the drafting of a proposal of the Government material is envisaged, with the aim of discussing and approving the proposal at the first session of the Government in August. Approval by the Government will be followed by presentations in the relevant committees in the National Assembly in September.