He underlined the successful and timely response of the EU to the economic consequences of the pandemic, when an agreement was made on the extensive instrument for resilience and recovery, in addition to the agreement on the EU budget in July. A compromise was made at last week’s meeting of the European Council, which removes the last barriers for the implementation of this agreement. This is an extremely important common achievement of major political, not just economic, importance, where the key role was played by the German presidency of the EU Council.

The key challenges mentioned by the Prime Minister included the continuation of the fight against the pandemic in the coming months, which tends to be more difficult as it was until now, where the start of the vaccination process in all member states will be of great benefit, as well as the implementation of the resolutions of the European Council, where he mainly highlighted the climate issue.

Regarding the preparations for the Slovenian presidency of the EU Council, he presented two key priorities to the ambassadors: The formation of a comprehensive strategy, which will include all elements of the fight against the next possible epidemic, and the strengthening of cyber security. Slovenia will continue to promote the expansion of the EU to the Western Balkan states, and as a Mediterranean country, focus its attention on the southern Mediterranean. No stability in Europe can be achieved without the stability in our southern neighbourhood.