Minister Fajon at the EU Foreign Affairs Council: the EU must be united and coordinated in its relations with the US

During the discussion on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which was introduced by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha via videoconference, Minister Fajon reiterated Slovenia’s strong condemnation of Russia’s actions and reaffirmed support for further assistance to Ukraine. She highlighted Slovenia’s engagement in the Grain from Ukraine initiative and its role as an active advocate for accountability. “The European Union must continue to push for a just and lasting peace that is acceptable to Ukraine, including in its engagements with the new US administration, and ensure that it has a seat at the negotiating table when the time comes,” said Minister Fajon. She also shared insights from her recent visit to Kyiv as part of the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Ministerial Meeting. On behalf of Slovenia, she supported the preparation of the 16th sanctions package as additional pressure on Russia and its supporters. This sanctions package, to be adopted on the third anniversary of the war, will focus on sector-specific measures.

The Council also discussed priorities, challenges and opportunities for cooperation with the new US administration, particularly in foreign and security policy. “In discussions with our American partners, we always underline the importance of transatlantic cooperation, also in the context of strengthening our shared values and interests. The European Union must take the lead in promoting multilateralism and act based on its principles, including international law and the UN Charter,” said Minister Fajon. She stressed the need for better coordination and information-sharing within the EU to improve cooperation on trade policy and successfully respond to other global challenges.

The final item on the Foreign Affairs Council’s agenda was the situation in the Middle East. Discussions focused on: 1) Support for Syria during the transition period, particularly in relation to sanctions relief; 2) Revitalising the partnership with Lebanon following the appointment of a President and a Prime Minister; 3) Developments in Israel and Palestine following the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in exchange for political prisoners. On Syria, Minister Fajon emphasised Slovenia’s support for a peaceful and inclusive political transition in line with the key principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, the protection of civilians, the safeguarding of the country’s independence and territorial integrity and the facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery. In light of the evolving situation and as a signal of support for a peaceful political transition, Slovenia backs the gradual easing of some sanctions against Syria, with appropriate safeguards in place should conditions deteriorate, and calls for the continued provision of humanitarian aid. “In the context of the ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in exchange for prisoners between Israel and Hamas, which will also enable the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza, it is crucial that the agreement is fully implemented. Above all, we must intensify efforts towards a lasting peace and a Two-State Solution while also increasing humanitarian assistance. UNRWA plays an indispensable role in this regard,” Minister Fajon stressed in the discussion on Israel and Palestine.

Under current affairs, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas drew attention to the situation in Moldova, following Russia’s Gazprom suspension of gas supplies on 1 January, and Georgia, where protests against the current authorities persist. The Council endorsed a proposal to reintroduce visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and service travel documents from Georgia, which was discussed at the December meeting.

In an informal discussion on hybrid threats, particularly in light of recent attacks on critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, EU ministers explored further measures to prevent and counter Russian hybrid activities. The Slovenian Foreign Minister expressed solidarity with the affected Baltic states and called for greater support for partners in the Western Balkans. She highlighted the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre in Podgorica as a positive example - a leading regional initiative to strengthen cybersecurity capacity and resilience, established by Slovenia in partnership with France and Montenegro.