It's not only about the shelling of the hospital,
but about a series of crimes against humanity.
Today, the EU has to make two important decisions.
We have to phase out Russian energy sources as fast as possible.
We don't have a particular year in mind.
We're looking for a commitment
that this will be done as soon as possible.
Saying this can be done in 10 years is an insult to all the victims.
This won't be easy, but if the EU is united,
and if we keep stock for the troublesome times ahead,
then we can proceed with this in a time frame that still has
an effect on Russian position regarding the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian membership in the EU is equally important.
We are against setting a definite date on that.
If we promise the Ukrainians they will become a member in 10 years,
it doesn't mean a thing.
We suggest that the leaders make a firm commitment
that Ukraine receives a membership status
according to the 2003 Thessaloniki Declaration
and that we will do everything we can that this happens as soon as possible.
These are the two most important decisions we need to arrive at today.
There are some doubts still, but the Versailles Declaration is important.
It sets a political framework
for the strategical autonomy of the EU.
Not only concerning energy sources, but also food security and defence,
which is particularly stressed in the declaration.
There were few meetings and political documents
as important as this one,
despite this being an informal summit.
The language regarding Ukraine is rather weak in the draft.
How far... -There are several drafts and things are constantly changing.
What ended up in the draft is a step forward from two weeks ago,
when Ukraine wasn't even mentioned.
Some said we don't even know if Ukraine will exist in two weeks.
Ukraine exists and defends itself.
Ukraine needs our help.
Today, we also had discussions
with presidents of Ukrainian parties in the National Assembly.
Such unity, not only in Ukraine, but also around the world,
hasn't been seen in 20 years. They stand together.
Not only the people, even politicians. Ukraine will persevere.
But we need to help them so that the cost for that
won't be too high, especially when it comes to victims and destruction.
Today is a very important day.
I hope that the EU summit
reflects the developments of the last two weeks.
How serious is the problematic of food price rises?
What can the EU do?
The food price rise is partly a consequence of the war,
and partly a consequence of the energy sources price rise
which was in effect even before the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
We have to know that the common agricultural policy of the EU provided
more than 80% of European self-sufficiency.
This means that some things might be harder to get but we won't be hungry.
Slovenia has made great efforts recently.
We have enough supplies
for these turbulent times. We probably won't be able to choose
from 10 different croissants, but at least we won't be hungry.
This serves as a warning
that a storm is coming
and that agriculture needs to be taken care of.
We have to prepare for a lack of imports
and promote local produce.
There are also talks about compensating the damage
that the EU members are suffering due to the Russian aggression.
What does Slovenia want to achieve in this regard?
As far as Slovenian companies are concerned, our ministry
is trying to find solutions to help all those affected.
Russian threats
about plundering Western companies
have forced the EU to think about a fund
that would use the frozen assets
of the Russian oligarchs
or Russian government to repay the damages.
I regret this decision,
but the instigator of the aggression needs to realize
that what goes around comes around.
Are there any estimates on damages for Slovenia?
Contrary to the popular belief of Slovenian public,
the Russian Federation is not our strategic economic partner.
There are at least 20 smaller countries that we trade more with,
but a loss of every market is unnecessary.
We hope that
the Russian people which greatly contributed
to the European civilisation
gathers enough strength to vote someone into power
who won't be a threat to others.
Another option is a so-called EU-Ukraine Association Agreement Plus.
Is this an option?
It is clear you want more but could that be a middle ground?
Look...
Yesterday, on the main square in Kyiv
in the midst of war
we saw the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine.
play the Anthem of Europe
Buildings shelled by the Russian army display European flags.
Ukraine also fights for Europe.
Former Ukrainian president Poroshenko,
who we also spoke with today,
and who is a political opponent of the current president,
backed him unconditionally.
He said something to consider.
He said that a Ukrainian pilot in an old MiG-29 aircraft
currently does more for the defence of the European democracy,
than 10 of the most modern F-16s or Eurofighter jets on the ground.
Consequences of what will happen in Ukraine
will mark the future years or decades of the EU
and probably the whole world.
Yesterday, I received a call from the Australian Prime Minister
who said
that they are far away, but are monitoring the situation
because the outcome might influence China's next move in the Pacific.
In a way, we are trying to ensure
a more or less peaceful climate in the decade to come.
Thank you. -Thank you.