The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, attended the opening of the 10th Meeting of Heads of State and Government of the SEECP in Zagreb. In his speech, he called on the countries in the region to turn away from the past and focus on a common future in Euro-Atlantic institutions. 

 

(Photo: Bobo)

 

He mentioned the promise made the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Thessaloniki in 2003, which re-iterated the fact that the future of the Western Balkans lies in the EU. Since then, then the enlarged EU has drawn closer to South East Europe, while the countries in the region have also taken a step towards the EU. According to Mr Janša, this proves that the EU, even when it is searching for answers with regard to its own future, offers ample opportunities for its members, candidate countries, and those aspiring to join. He also outlined the success of regional cooperation and welcomed the fact that the countries in the region are assuming responsibilities in the integration processes.

 

In conclusion, the Slovenian PM said that Slovenia had a vital interest in the stability and the development of South East Europe. He stressed that it is determined to fulfil its goals and the goals of its government to strengthen its contribution to the stability of the region as the presiding EU country in the first half of next year, and is counting on the support of the rejuvenated network of regional cooperation.

  

(Photo: Bobo)

 

In a meeting with the media, the Slovenian PM stressed that he was attending this event mainly because the European perspective for the countries in the region which are not members of the EU will be one of Slovenia's priorities during the presidency. This was also the central topic of all the discussions Mr Janša had against the backdrop of the SEECP meeting, including a meeting with the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Branko Crvenkovski.

 

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, and the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Branko Crvenkovski (Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 

When asked to comment on the possibility of a joint session of the Slovenian and Croatian government, the PM said that organising such a session would only make sense if it would move some things forward. It will be known shortly if a joint session can take place even before the general elections in Croatia. According to the PM, the odds are fifty-fifty.

 

From Zagreb, the Slovenian PM, together with the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Parliament travelled to Sintra in Portugal to attend an informal EU meeting.

 

Address by the Prime Minister