The Ministry would like to point out the President’s call for Europe to emerge from the pandemic even stronger and more vital. With regard to the activities of the European Commission in this context Slovenia has high expectations and supports the Commission’s focus on ensuring security, stability and opportunities for all EU citizens.

Among the focal points of the President’s address were the economy and the importance of pursuing a green and digital transition in overcoming the current crisis, strengthening the resilience of the EU, the importance of respect for the rule of law, the necessity of strengthening the position of the EU at the global level, and the importance of its immediate neighbourhood. The Ministry particularly commends the Commission’s concerns for health, the environment, economic reconstruction after the pandemic, enhancing the resilience and sovereignty of the European Union, and the announcement of the economic recovery package for the Western Balkans.

Slovenia will carefully examine the Commission’s proposals from President von der Leyen’s speech, especially in the light of Slovenia’s presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2021. With intense preparations already underway within the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry is pleased that the highlights of the address correspond to Slovenia’s foreseen priorities of the presidency.