Today in Ljubljana, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, met the President of Businesseurope, Ernest-Antoine Seillière, who commended Slovenia for a number of its achievements in the last few years, highlighting EU accession, the euro changeover, and the forthcoming EU Presidency.

 

(Photo: Bor Slana/Bobo)

 

The PM stressed that the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy has been successful, as economic growth in the EU is good, and many new jobs have been created. He believes, however, that EU member states must remain strongly committed to the implementation of the Lisbon goals. Besides competitiveness and growth, fighting climate change and promoting energy efficiency must remain the EU's key objectives. Mr Seillière expressed the firm belief that the Slovenian Presidency, with its bold goals, would be a success.

 

PM Janez Janša and Mr Seillière agreed that with regard to achieving the Lisbon goals Europe was on the right track, but that reforms have to continue. At the spring European Council under the Slovenian Presidency there will be a review of the first three years of the Lisbon strategy, which does not need extensive changes; however, it must be refined and upgraded in terms of the needs that have arisen in the first three years of its implementation. The PM also stressed that climate change was among the priorities of Slovenian Presidency. We should not see efficient and environment-friendly energy only in terms of cost, but mainly as an opportunity to develop new and more efficient technologies. In conclusion, the PM expressed his conviction that cooperation with representatives of Businesseurope will also continue to be constructive during Slovenia’s Presidency.