State Secretary Štucin holds consultations with Austrian Minister for Europe, Integration and Family

State Secretary Štucin and Minister Plakolm began by reaffirming the mutual interest in strengthening the already intensive good-neighbourly relations further. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Austrian State Treaty, State Secretary Štucin underscored the importance of the consistent implementation of the rights of the Slovenian minority in Austria.

The counterparts continued by discussing current issues in the EU, agreeing that strengthening the competitiveness of the economy is a prerequisite for the EU's success in tackling the numerous global challenges. They advocated improving the functioning of the internal market, especially in services, and simplifying administrative rules. They discussed support for the automotive industry and the need for an ambitious industrial policy at the EU level.

Given that Slovenia and Austria share an interest in EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, they will continue their efforts to ensure that the countries of the region become full EU members by the end of this decade. State Secretary Štucin also presented some of Slovenia's initiatives for a more effective enlargement process.

Migration remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the EU. State Secretary Štucin called for active coordination between Member States and for the implementation of the renewed migration legislations, which was echoed by Federal Minister Plakolm. They also discussed the importance of the negotiations on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which will also provide an important basis for further negotiations on EU policies.