Before today's European Council meeting, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, and the Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs, Marjeta Cotman, attended the Tripartite Social Summit, which focused on three items on the Council's agenda: knowledge and innovation, adaptability and flexible security, and improved legislation and the integrated impact assessment.

Prime Minister Janez Janša talking with Borut Meh, President of the Association of Employers of Slovenia, Dušan Semolič, President of the Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia, and Marjeta Cotman, Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs. (Photo: Kristina Kosec/BOBO)

 

In his address, Mr Janša stressed the significance of establishing a dialogue with social partners, which can often be quite difficult, particularly on the national level, yet extremely beneficial. He said that the adoption of the euro in Slovenia had been a positive experience, as social dialogue and agreement with social partners have greatly contributed to the fact that prices and, consequently, inflation have not risen.

The Slovenian PM also said that social dialogue was one of the key factors in sustainable development. In relation to this, he stressed the impact that climate change would have on the sustainable development of current and future generations of EU citizens. Changes in climate present a major challenge; however, according to the PM, they should not be viewed only in terms of dangers, but also the opportunities they would bring. Therefore, Mr Janša sees the conclusions arrived at during this European Council meeting both as a major opportunity and encouragement. In conclusion, the PM emphasised that through collaboration with social partners and by establishing social dialogue, the EU can reach the next level of development.