The meeting focused on the most topical issue of the day – tackling the novel coronavirus pandemic. The ministers advocated for even closer cooperation, particularly now, during the summer holiday season, when people wish to cross borders, while the appropriate mitigation measures should still apply. Regular dialogue and exchange of information have been established between the competent ministries and the institutes of public health.

Minister Logar provided an update on the current measures adopted by the Slovenian government to contain the spread of the virus, and stated that Slovenia is closely monitoring how the epidemiological status is evolving in Croatia as well as in the wider region, stressing that the regulation put in place along Croatia’s southeast border is of great importance for Slovenia.

Minister Logar then extended congratulations to his counterpart for having successfully concluded the presidency of the Council of the EU in this challenging period of curbing the pandemic, which has been rendered even more demanding because of limited contact and has required a great deal of flexibility and resourcefulness from the country holding the presidency.

He also outlined the main priority tasks of Slovenia’s Presidency and the ministers then exchanged views on the enlargement process, which both countries strongly support. They also discussed the importance of cooperation in the framework of the Three Seas Initiative, the summit of which is scheduled for October in Tallinn. Before the meeting drew to a close, the pair also debated the current outstanding bilateral issues.