“We are aware that the global situation is difficult and challenging, but we remain optimistic that we can achieve important steps forward in all areas,” said Prime Minister Golob.

EU enlargement remains one of the EU’s key issues. The Prime Minister emphasised that the Western Balkans also needed a positive political message. We need to focus on this region more than ever and maintain the motivation and ambition for the reforms to move forward. According to the Prime Minister, Slovenia insists that countries should be treated as a package, i.e. all countries should be treated equally: “This means the start of accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova, but also for Bosnia and Herzegovina. I believe that the European Commission will support this, and I hope that the other EU Member States will follow”

Slovenia will insist that the enlargement should be seen as a geopolitical decision and will continue to support the implementation of reforms in the region. The full implementation of enlargement will boost integration into the Single Market and accelerate the reform process and meeting the requirements for EU membership.