WEBVTT

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It's not only about
the shelling of the hospital,

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but about a series
of crimes against humanity.

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Today, the EU has to make
two important decisions.

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We have to phase out Russian
energy sources as fast as possible.

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We don't have a particular
year in mind.

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We're looking for a commitment

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that this will be done
as soon as possible.

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Saying this can be done in 10 years
is an insult to all the victims.

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This won't be easy,
but if the EU is united,

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and if we keep stock
for the troublesome times ahead,

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then we can proceed with this
in a time frame that still has

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an effect on Russian position
regarding the war in Ukraine.

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Ukrainian membership in the EU
is equally important.

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We are against setting
a definite date on that.

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If we promise the Ukrainians
they will become a member in 10 years,

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it doesn't mean a thing.

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We suggest that the leaders
make a firm commitment

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that Ukraine receives
a membership status

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according to
the 2003 Thessaloniki Declaration

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and that we will do everything we can
that this happens as soon as possible.

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These are the two most important
decisions we need to arrive at today.

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There are some doubts still, but the
Versailles Declaration is important.

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It sets a political framework

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for the strategical 
autonomy of the EU.

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Not only concerning energy sources,
but also food security and defence,

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which is particularly
stressed in the declaration.

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There were few meetings
and political documents

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as important as this one,

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despite this being
an informal summit.

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The language regarding Ukraine
is rather weak in the draft.

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How far... -There are several drafts
and things are constantly changing.

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What ended up in the draft is a
step forward from two weeks ago,

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when Ukraine wasn't even mentioned.

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Some said we don't even know
if Ukraine will exist in two weeks.

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Ukraine exists and defends itself.

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Ukraine needs our help.

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Today,
we also had discussions

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with presidents of Ukrainian
parties in the National Assembly.

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Such unity, not only in Ukraine,
but also around the world,

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hasn't been seen in 20 years.
They stand together.

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Not only the people, even politicians.
Ukraine will persevere.

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But we need to help them
so that the cost for that

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won't be too high, especially when
it comes to victims and destruction.

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Today is a very important day.

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I hope that the EU summit

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reflects the developments
of the last two weeks.

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How serious is the problematic
of food price rises?

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What can the EU do?

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The food price rise
is partly a consequence of the war,

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and partly a consequence
of the energy sources price rise

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which was in effect even before
the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

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We have to know that the common
agricultural policy of the EU provided

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more than 80% of
European self-sufficiency.

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This means that some things might be
harder to get but we won't be hungry.

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Slovenia has made
great efforts recently.

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We have enough supplies

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for these turbulent times.
We probably won't be able to choose

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from 10 different croissants,
but at least we won't be hungry.

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This serves as a warning

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that a storm is coming

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and that agriculture
needs to be taken care of.

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We have to prepare
for a lack of imports

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and promote local produce.

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There are also talks about
compensating the damage

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that the EU members are suffering
due to the Russian aggression.

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What does Slovenia want
to achieve in this regard?

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As far as Slovenian companies
are concerned, our ministry

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is trying to find solutions
to help all those affected.

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Russian threats

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about plundering Western companies

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have forced the EU
to think about a fund

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that would use
the frozen assets

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of the Russian oligarchs

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or Russian government
to repay the damages.

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I regret this decision,

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but the instigator of the aggression
needs to realize

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that what goes around
comes around.

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Are there any estimates
on damages for Slovenia?

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Contrary to the popular
belief of Slovenian public,

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the Russian Federation is not
our strategic economic partner.

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There are at least 20 smaller
countries that we trade more with,

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but a loss of every market
is unnecessary.

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We hope that

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the Russian people 
which greatly contributed

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to the European civilisation

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gathers enough strength
to vote someone into power

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who won't be a threat to others.

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Another option is a so-called
EU-Ukraine Association Agreement Plus.

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Is this an option?

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It is clear you want more
but could that be a middle ground?

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Look...

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Yesterday,
on the main square in Kyiv

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in the midst of war

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we saw the National Symphony
Orchestra of Ukraine.

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play the Anthem of Europe

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Buildings shelled by the Russian army
display European flags.

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Ukraine also fights for Europe.

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Former Ukrainian president Poroshenko,

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who we also spoke with today,

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and who is a political opponent
of the current president,

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backed him unconditionally.

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He said something to consider.

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He said that a Ukrainian pilot
in an old MiG-29 aircraft

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currently does more for the defence
of the European democracy,

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than 10 of the most modern F-16s
or Eurofighter jets on the ground.

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Consequences of what
will happen in Ukraine

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will mark the future years 
or decades of the EU

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and probably the whole world.

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Yesterday, I received a call
from the Australian Prime Minister

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who said

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that they are far away,
but are monitoring the situation

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because the outcome might influence
China's next move in the Pacific.

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In a way,
we are trying to ensure

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a more or less peaceful climate
in the decade to come.

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Thank you.
-Thank you.