In his keynote address, State Secretary Štucin underlined Slovenia's support for the Western Balkan countries on their path towards the EU and the support for EU enlargement, stressing the importance of mutual cooperation in tackling common challenges facing the EU and the Western Balkans in the wake of the war in Ukraine, including hybrid threats, energy and food security. The EU and the Western Balkan countries are also working together on other global challenges – recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, illegal migration and the fight against organised crime. In addition to the EU’s enhanced cooperation with the Western Balkans region, State Secretary Štucin also stressed the importance of cooperation among the countries in the region, which will, in the long run, foster reconciliation between these countries and within the region. 

"Countries aspiring to join the EU must meet the requirements in terms of alignment with EU norms, standards and policies," the State Secretary added. In this context, he brough to mind the role of the civil service as a vehicle for the pre-accession process, noting that only a competent and well-functioning civil service can implement the required reforms and contribute to achieving sustainable growth, macro-economic stability, modernisation of the state, a resilient economy and security. He concluded his address by wishing the workshop participants a successful exchange of knowledge and experience.

The event was organised by the Center of Excellence in Finance (CEF), the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSpa) and IEDC - Bled School of Management.