In the context of the EUMED Group – an alliance of Mediterranean EU member states, including Slovenia – the Spanish side highlighted as key topics for discussion the current situation in the light of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and the impact of both on the economies of the Mediterranean countries. The interlocutors paid particular attention to the EU enlargement policy and the European perspective of the Western Balkan countries, with Acting Director-General Škrilec advocating that Bosnia and Herzegovina be granted candidate status at the earliest possible date. She stressed the importance of the credibility of the EU enlargement policy, which must also remain at the forefront in the context of new political initiatives such as the idea of establishing a European political community.

On the future of Europe, the two directors-general stressed the need to put into practice the proposals arising from the dialogue with citizens. They went on to discuss progress at the European level in tackling migratory flows, the Schengen area reform and the removal of obstacles to its proper functioning (border controls), EU relations with the southern neighbourhood and Latin America. The latter two in particular are expected to be part of the key foreign policy priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2023.