WEBVTT 1 00:00:04.040 --> 00:00:08.013 Gov.si, a Podcast from the Government 2 00:00:10.003 --> 00:00:14.269 Hello, dear viewers and listeners, and welcome to the first 3 00:00:14.423 --> 00:00:18.656 Gov.si Podcast, prepared by the Slovenian government 4 00:00:18.777 --> 00:00:22.336 and produced by the Government Communication Office. 5 00:00:22.477 --> 00:00:26.289 The guests of our first podcast are Deputy Prime Minister 6 00:00:26.410 --> 00:00:30.903 and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon and Defense Minister Marjan Šarec. 7 00:00:31.037 --> 00:00:34.723 I won't ask you about stage fright since you both come 8 00:00:34.844 --> 00:00:39.409 from the media world. You have years of experience with both politics 9 00:00:39.530 --> 00:00:45.956 and the media, so I'd like to begin by thanking you for coming. 10 00:00:46.383 --> 00:00:49.930 Before we begin our conversation, allow me a few words 11 00:00:50.090 --> 00:00:53.643 about the podcast. We're using it to expand our range 12 00:00:53.764 --> 00:00:56.656 of communication tools to inform the public 13 00:00:56.797 --> 00:01:00.909 about the government's work. In this case, it's not just about 14 00:01:01.043 --> 00:01:05.596 informing the public, but also about providing additional explanations 15 00:01:05.717 --> 00:01:09.836 of the government's decisions and plans. Our guests will range 16 00:01:09.990 --> 00:01:14.176 from ministers to civil servants, but we'll also invite experts 17 00:01:14.323 --> 00:01:17.656 and people with experience who may not be employed 18 00:01:17.777 --> 00:01:20.950 in public administration. The podcasts will have 19 00:01:21.071 --> 00:01:23.590 a range of hosts. I'm Boštjan Lajovic. 20 00:01:23.711 --> 00:01:29.283 As mentioned, our first guests are Foreign Minister Fajon 21 00:01:29.430 --> 00:01:34.837 and Defense Minister Šarec to mark the 20th anniversary 22 00:01:34.958 --> 00:01:37.816 of Slovenia's EU and NATO accession. 23 00:01:37.990 --> 00:01:41.903 As of January 1, Slovenia is also, for the second time, 24 00:01:42.024 --> 00:01:46.370 a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. 25 00:01:46.563 --> 00:01:50.996 Therefore, this year will be marked by foreign policy 26 00:01:51.117 --> 00:01:55.270 and security challenges. I'll begin with you, Minister Fajon. 27 00:01:55.423 --> 00:01:59.263 Before Slovenia's EU accession 20 years ago, 28 00:01:59.384 --> 00:02:02.796 the expectations were huge. I remember the euphoria 29 00:02:02.917 --> 00:02:06.310 I covered as a journalist. You probably do as well. 30 00:02:06.431 --> 00:02:09.456 There was a broad consensus for EU membership. 31 00:02:09.577 --> 00:02:12.723 And where are we today? According to the latest 32 00:02:12.857 --> 00:02:17.716 Eurobarometer poll, we Slovenians see ourselves as EU citizens, 33 00:02:17.877 --> 00:02:22.690 but EU institutions are losing our trust. 34 00:02:22.790 --> 00:02:28.383 What is your view of the EU and Slovenia's role within it? 35 00:02:28.497 --> 00:02:32.270 The EU certainly gave Slovenia many opportunities 36 00:02:32.417 --> 00:02:35.736 with the country's entry into the single market, 37 00:02:35.897 --> 00:02:38.890 the elimination of internal border controls, 38 00:02:39.030 --> 00:02:42.063 student exchange programs, and the opportunity 39 00:02:42.184 --> 00:02:45.130 for people to enter the single labor market. 40 00:02:45.257 --> 00:02:48.823 If we look only at the economic situation, 41 00:02:48.950 --> 00:02:54.463 we've seen a large increase in the per capita GDP 42 00:02:54.597 --> 00:02:57.450 and new opportunities for businesses. 43 00:02:57.610 --> 00:03:02.050 This is not just a part of the EU and its values, 44 00:03:02.217 --> 00:03:05.700 such as human rights, democracy, and solidarity, 45 00:03:05.870 --> 00:03:10.176 but also the fact that we share values such as peace and freedom, 46 00:03:10.297 --> 00:03:14.616 which are the foundation of European integration. If we look back 47 00:03:14.770 --> 00:03:19.490 at the catastrophic flooding that Slovenia experienced in August, 48 00:03:19.663 --> 00:03:24.236 solidarity was the key. I mention solidarity 49 00:03:24.350 --> 00:03:28.556 because we received substantial aid from the EU 50 00:03:28.697 --> 00:03:30.896 and neighboring countries. 51 00:03:31.030 --> 00:03:35.323 The EU is a space defined by security, freedom, and rights. 52 00:03:35.477 --> 00:03:38.570 Naturally, we need to tend to those rights 53 00:03:38.691 --> 00:03:42.390 and contribute to our joint values. 54 00:03:42.570 --> 00:03:45.510 We'll tackle some issues within the EU 55 00:03:45.643 --> 00:03:50.216 that pose a dilemma to all members states. 56 00:03:50.330 --> 00:03:54.490 Mr, Šarec, according to the Global Peace Index, 57 00:03:54.650 --> 00:03:58.250 Slovenia is among the most peaceful countries in 2022, 58 00:03:58.437 --> 00:04:01.530 ranking seventh among 163 countries, 59 00:04:01.683 --> 00:04:03.330 and fifth within the EU. 60 00:04:03.451 --> 00:04:07.477 If I can tease you a bit, does this mean the Defense Minister 61 00:04:07.598 --> 00:04:12.104 doesn't have a lot to do? -I'm happy to hear 62 00:04:12.225 --> 00:04:16.360 that we're seen as a peaceful country, 63 00:04:16.550 --> 00:04:23.280 that we're a safe country, and that our people feel safe. 64 00:04:23.423 --> 00:04:29.303 However, this doesn't mean we can rest on our laurels. 65 00:04:29.463 --> 00:04:34.069 After all, we're a member of NATO. As you mentioned, we joined 66 00:04:34.230 --> 00:04:38.130 the alliance 20 years ago. 67 00:04:38.263 --> 00:04:45.077 We confirmed that in a referendum. We can compare being a NATO member 68 00:04:45.243 --> 00:04:48.223 to life in an apartment building. 69 00:04:48.383 --> 00:04:52.922 We need to take care of both the roof 70 00:04:53.043 --> 00:04:55.740 and the lowest floor. 71 00:04:55.857 --> 00:04:58.889 To ensure that, we all need to contribute. 72 00:04:59.050 --> 00:05:04.689 If we look that what is happening in Sweden, for instance, 73 00:05:04.843 --> 00:05:12.623 and even some talk about getting ready for war, 74 00:05:12.763 --> 00:05:18.669 we must do everything to ensure that Slovenia remains 75 00:05:18.790 --> 00:05:22.616 a country that is perceived as peaceful and safe. 76 00:05:22.737 --> 00:05:27.060 This means that we need to invest in modernizing 77 00:05:27.190 --> 00:05:31.036 the Slovenian Armed Forces, which we're already doing. 78 00:05:31.217 --> 00:05:34.149 The armed forces are one of the foundations 79 00:05:34.337 --> 00:05:38.230 of national security. We have somewhat neglected 80 00:05:38.350 --> 00:05:41.330 this area in recent years, so it's only right 81 00:05:41.457 --> 00:05:44.223 that we’re investing in modernization. 82 00:05:44.350 --> 00:05:46.763 We have two key objectives. 83 00:05:46.917 --> 00:05:49.949 One is to modernize the Slovenian Armed Forces 84 00:05:50.070 --> 00:05:52.749 and the other is to obtain personnel. 85 00:05:52.870 --> 00:05:55.796 We'll talk about the details of that later. 86 00:05:55.957 --> 00:06:01.763 This way, we'll remain among the safest countries. 87 00:06:01.917 --> 00:06:06.255 If I go back in time 20 years, the level of social consensus 88 00:06:06.376 --> 00:06:09.176 for EU membership was very high. 89 00:06:09.297 --> 00:06:12.069 There was more skepticism regarding NATO. 90 00:06:12.197 --> 00:06:15.889 How do you see the attitude of Slovenian public opinion 91 00:06:16.063 --> 00:06:19.029 toward NATO given the challenges, 92 00:06:19.197 --> 00:06:22.449 to put it lightly, posed by the global situation? 93 00:06:22.616 --> 00:06:27.028 In NATO member countries, the percentages in favor 94 00:06:27.149 --> 00:06:31.423 of membership vary widely. 95 00:06:31.603 --> 00:06:37.750 We hear various kinds of statements about this in Slovenia. 96 00:06:37.883 --> 00:06:40.350 Everyone is entitled to their opinion. 97 00:06:40.510 --> 00:06:45.720 The role of the government and the Ministry of Defense 98 00:06:45.863 --> 00:06:51.036 is to ensure that we're a credible member of NATO 99 00:06:51.157 --> 00:06:54.856 and that we're investing into the defense sector, 100 00:06:54.977 --> 00:06:58.296 as I mentioned earlier. 101 00:06:59.030 --> 00:07:03.236 This is the key. The defense sector is defined 102 00:07:03.430 --> 00:07:07.669 by our need to invest in it while hoping that we won't need it, 103 00:07:07.810 --> 00:07:13.543 just like the fire department. The situation is similar, 104 00:07:13.683 --> 00:07:17.955 so the Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief, 105 00:07:18.076 --> 00:07:22.260 which is a part of our ministry, is an equally important part 106 00:07:22.417 --> 00:07:27.223 of our national security system because the safety of our citizens 107 00:07:27.343 --> 00:07:29.576 is our number one priority. 108 00:07:29.737 --> 00:07:34.343 We need to invest in both systems 109 00:07:34.464 --> 00:07:38.803 before anything happens. When something happens, 110 00:07:38.937 --> 00:07:41.803 it's too late. -We'll talk about this later, 111 00:07:41.957 --> 00:07:44.676 but I have a question for Minister Fajon. 112 00:07:44.823 --> 00:07:48.923 How do you see the Slovenian people's attitude, not to the EU, 113 00:07:49.083 --> 00:07:53.763 which isn't an issue, but to NATO, where's there is a different degree 114 00:07:53.930 --> 00:07:57.536 of skepticism in light of the current situation? 115 00:07:57.710 --> 00:08:01.883 I respect this opinion and even understand it to some degree. 116 00:08:02.050 --> 00:08:06.469 Of course, Slovenia is not a strong military power, 117 00:08:06.610 --> 00:08:10.709 but NATO ensures our collective security and peace. 118 00:08:10.830 --> 00:08:14.430 The world is rapidly changing and is deeply divided. 119 00:08:14.557 --> 00:08:18.616 We have more than 50 ongoing armed conflicts, 120 00:08:18.763 --> 00:08:24.002 and we often feel that large powers are directing 121 00:08:24.123 --> 00:08:30.323 those conflicts and that Slovenia needs to protect itself 122 00:08:30.450 --> 00:08:34.289 and ensure peace and stability. 123 00:08:34.410 --> 00:08:37.076 The principle guiding our foreign policy 124 00:08:37.197 --> 00:08:40.763 is for us to be a country that upholds the world order 125 00:08:40.884 --> 00:08:47.303 and international law, while working for peace. 126 00:08:47.430 --> 00:08:51.583 As I mentioned to my colleagues while working 127 00:08:51.704 --> 00:08:54.697 on our Security Council membership, 128 00:08:54.823 --> 00:08:58.476 and 153 countries voted for us, 129 00:08:58.630 --> 00:09:03.229 we weren't seen as a country with burdens from the past, 130 00:09:03.383 --> 00:09:06.050 a country that starts wars, 131 00:09:06.177 --> 00:09:08.976 so they gave us a huge vote of confidence, 132 00:09:09.110 --> 00:09:12.269 while entrusting us with a great responsibility 133 00:09:12.390 --> 00:09:15.583 to try to resolve conflicts and build trust. 134 00:09:15.710 --> 00:09:20.410 We'll also talk about the Security Council later, 135 00:09:20.550 --> 00:09:25.030 but since you mentioned conflicts, two of them are particularly 136 00:09:25.183 --> 00:09:27.780 relevant: the ones in Ukraine and Gaza. 137 00:09:27.997 --> 00:09:32.663 There is a public perception that Slovenia's positions 138 00:09:32.797 --> 00:09:35.736 have recently become more clearly defined. 139 00:09:35.897 --> 00:09:39.110 If they used to be somewhat anemic regarding 140 00:09:39.297 --> 00:09:43.642 the Israel-Palestinian conflict, at least that's my impression, 141 00:09:43.763 --> 00:09:47.240 we're finally getting a more autonomous stance. 142 00:09:47.410 --> 00:09:50.836 Is this the result of a changed political strategy? 143 00:09:51.003 --> 00:09:54.643 How do you view Slovenia's current positions regarding 144 00:09:54.764 --> 00:09:57.089 South Africa's case and so on? 145 00:09:57.210 --> 00:10:01.176 In conflicts such as the one in the Middle East, 146 00:10:01.297 --> 00:10:05.437 and we do have a dire situation in Gaza, where civilians, 147 00:10:05.558 --> 00:10:08.984 women and children are dying, and we're seeing gross 148 00:10:09.105 --> 00:10:13.197 violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, 149 00:10:13.318 --> 00:10:16.651 we're trying to maintain a self-confident posture. 150 00:10:16.866 --> 00:10:19.978 Slovenia is part of several international courts, 151 00:10:20.089 --> 00:10:22.767 including in the case with Palestine, 152 00:10:22.888 --> 00:10:27.314 and we are following South Africa's lawsuit closely as well. 153 00:10:28.121 --> 00:10:32.205 I hope that we can muster enough political wisdom, 154 00:10:32.326 --> 00:10:34.780 in the Security Council as well, 155 00:10:34.900 --> 00:10:38.644 which no longer has a crucial role in ensuring peace, 156 00:10:38.765 --> 00:10:42.776 to establish a lasting truce in Gaza as soon as possible, 157 00:10:42.897 --> 00:10:46.688 help protect civilians by providing humanitarian aid, 158 00:10:46.809 --> 00:10:49.522 and lay the groundwork for a peace plan 159 00:10:49.643 --> 00:10:54.318 that will lead to the international recognition of Palestine as a state, 160 00:10:54.439 --> 00:10:56.224 with the safe cohabitation 161 00:10:56.345 --> 00:10:59.778 of the Israeli and Palestinian people, of course. 162 00:10:59.899 --> 00:11:03.039 It is not easy, it will not happen overnight, 163 00:11:03.160 --> 00:11:06.499 but Slovenia is maintaining a clear policy, 164 00:11:06.620 --> 00:11:10.210 by condemning the humanitarian law in Gaza as well. 165 00:11:10.331 --> 00:11:13.475 How far will we go in South Africa's lawsuit? 166 00:11:13.596 --> 00:11:17.040 There is a lot of misunderstanding in the public. 167 00:11:17.161 --> 00:11:19.892 South Africa presented its views 168 00:11:20.012 --> 00:11:24.104 on the intentional killing of Palestinians, even genocide. 169 00:11:24.225 --> 00:11:29.559 The Court must first decide whether it will even deliberate on the case. 170 00:11:29.734 --> 00:11:34.345 South Africa also asked countries to not join the case 171 00:11:34.555 --> 00:11:36.960 so that it would not be delayed. 172 00:11:37.081 --> 00:11:41.589 Israel presented its opposing standpoints. 173 00:11:41.710 --> 00:11:47.141 Once the Court declares whether it will deliberate on the matter, 174 00:11:47.262 --> 00:11:53.960 the government will decide, based on legal arguments, how to proceed. 175 00:11:54.172 --> 00:11:59.139 But, again, we have always joined court cases 176 00:11:59.260 --> 00:12:03.361 and last week we decided in the government 177 00:12:03.482 --> 00:12:10.774 to take our own legal, non-binding advisory opinion to court 178 00:12:10.895 --> 00:12:14.385 as it decides on the illegal actions of Israelis 179 00:12:14.506 --> 00:12:17.013 in occupied Palestinian territories. 180 00:12:17.134 --> 00:12:19.896 Minister Šarec, with this issue in Gaza 181 00:12:20.016 --> 00:12:23.933 it seems as though Ukraine has been left behind. 182 00:12:24.054 --> 00:12:26.860 What is the status with the cooperation 183 00:12:26.981 --> 00:12:29.778 of Slovenia's defence system in Ukraine? 184 00:12:29.899 --> 00:12:31.982 We have cooperated a lot, 185 00:12:32.103 --> 00:12:36.820 we cannot forget the aid that Ukraine sent us during the floods. 186 00:12:36.941 --> 00:12:38.593 How do you view the war 187 00:12:38.714 --> 00:12:42.017 and the development of these events in Ukraine, 188 00:12:42.138 --> 00:12:44.901 which have taken a bit of a back seat? 189 00:12:45.022 --> 00:12:50.310 Two years are about to pass since the beginning of this war. 190 00:12:50.431 --> 00:12:56.867 Slovenia has sided with the victim since the start and still does. 191 00:12:57.124 --> 00:13:01.480 We are also participating in the EUMAM mission, 192 00:13:01.601 --> 00:13:08.692 where our instructors are training Ukrainian soldiers. 193 00:13:08.813 --> 00:13:15.093 This is happening in Germany, so it is not true, as some say, 194 00:13:15.214 --> 00:13:21.900 that we will send our army to Ukraine and the like. 195 00:13:22.248 --> 00:13:28.382 Slovenia is, along with other countries, still unwavering. 196 00:13:28.503 --> 00:13:32.087 We are part of this international community, 197 00:13:32.208 --> 00:13:35.458 part of the European Union, part of NATO 198 00:13:35.579 --> 00:13:39.427 and the Ministry of Defence is implementing 199 00:13:39.548 --> 00:13:42.715 the policy of the Slovenian government. 200 00:13:42.836 --> 00:13:47.745 Our position in this regard has not changed one bit. 201 00:13:47.866 --> 00:13:53.116 But, all of us who appear on the international stage keep saying 202 00:13:53.237 --> 00:13:58.899 that we also mustn't forget about the Western Balkans amid all this. 203 00:13:59.020 --> 00:14:04.898 The attention has now turned more toward Gaza. 204 00:14:05.202 --> 00:14:11.091 We must also keep in mind the Western Balkans. 205 00:14:11.320 --> 00:14:15.820 The integration of the countries of the Western Balkans 206 00:14:15.941 --> 00:14:21.276 into Europe and NATO must remain our objective. 207 00:14:21.489 --> 00:14:25.920 That is surely Slovenia's priority. -It certainly is. 208 00:14:26.041 --> 00:14:30.125 We also keep reminding the international community 209 00:14:30.246 --> 00:14:33.100 not to forget about this area. 210 00:14:34.168 --> 00:14:40.526 Regarding Ukraine, we know who is the aggressor and who is the victim 211 00:14:40.647 --> 00:14:43.230 and our position is quite clear. 212 00:14:44.211 --> 00:14:47.211 When discussing the future of the EU, 213 00:14:47.332 --> 00:14:50.916 in relation to the aforementioned conflicts, 214 00:14:51.037 --> 00:14:53.620 we cannot ignore the assessments 215 00:14:53.741 --> 00:14:57.682 that the European Union is losing relevance somewhat. 216 00:14:57.803 --> 00:15:02.095 Take the war in Ukraine. The US is conducting its own policy, 217 00:15:02.216 --> 00:15:05.716 while the EU is suffering the consequences, 218 00:15:05.837 --> 00:15:09.619 but is no longer one of the key factors. 219 00:15:09.740 --> 00:15:12.111 What do you think, Minister Fajon? 220 00:15:12.232 --> 00:15:17.314 Is it an exaggerated assessment that the EU is losing relevance 221 00:15:17.434 --> 00:15:21.434 in these open, difficult international conflicts? 222 00:15:21.555 --> 00:15:23.722 If we look at it globally, 223 00:15:23.843 --> 00:15:28.060 the world's foreign policy is aimed at the Indo-Pacific, 224 00:15:28.181 --> 00:15:33.534 such as the rivalry between the USA and China. 225 00:15:34.169 --> 00:15:39.669 I, too, have heard many criticisms, especially in the Global South, 226 00:15:39.851 --> 00:15:44.597 from countries that are accusing us of double standards, 227 00:15:44.895 --> 00:15:47.145 mainly due to our response, 228 00:15:47.266 --> 00:15:51.712 the severe condemnation of Russian aggression in Ukraine, 229 00:15:51.833 --> 00:15:53.845 a very clear European unity, 230 00:15:53.966 --> 00:15:57.076 military, material and humanitarian aid ... 231 00:15:57.197 --> 00:16:00.065 I am well aware of Ukraine's predicament. 232 00:16:00.186 --> 00:16:04.243 Nearly two years have passed since the start of the war. 233 00:16:04.363 --> 00:16:06.440 There is no time for fatigue. 234 00:16:06.561 --> 00:16:11.368 This is about understanding Ukraine's territorial sovereignty 235 00:16:11.489 --> 00:16:14.993 and respecting internationally recognised borders. 236 00:16:15.114 --> 00:16:19.114 Slovenia will support Ukraine. On the other hand, 237 00:16:19.235 --> 00:16:23.902 we have often been criticised regarding the EU's response 238 00:16:24.023 --> 00:16:27.440 to the war in Gaza and to the Middle East. 239 00:16:27.561 --> 00:16:31.778 But the Security Council is very divided on this point. 240 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:34.067 Many would say that the USA 241 00:16:34.188 --> 00:16:38.446 is blocking decisions toward a lasting truce in Gaza. 242 00:16:38.566 --> 00:16:42.634 It is all very complex. Since we have established a number 243 00:16:42.755 --> 00:16:47.253 of relations in the past year in Africa and the Global South ... 244 00:16:47.374 --> 00:16:49.597 Also due to the UNSC membership. 245 00:16:49.718 --> 00:16:54.320 Yes. I would like us to open our policies and be partners, 246 00:16:54.441 --> 00:16:59.456 because these relations around the world are extremely important. 247 00:16:59.613 --> 00:17:04.530 Regional initiatives are forming, such as G20, G7 and BRICS. 248 00:17:04.651 --> 00:17:08.804 The world is forming alliances. Slovenia is striving toward 249 00:17:08.925 --> 00:17:11.971 peace and security in its own region first, 250 00:17:12.091 --> 00:17:15.341 but these global alliances are paramount 251 00:17:15.462 --> 00:17:20.272 because the EU is here, but the focus is now elsewhere in the world. 252 00:17:20.633 --> 00:17:23.204 Let's touch on the relevance of NATO. 253 00:17:23.325 --> 00:17:27.323 There are doubts whether the EU is wavering in relevance, 254 00:17:27.444 --> 00:17:30.028 but NATO is gaining new members. 255 00:17:30.149 --> 00:17:33.399 After the Cold War it seemed for a while 256 00:17:33.520 --> 00:17:36.854 that this role was not very well defined, 257 00:17:37.048 --> 00:17:41.360 however, NATO is gaining in relevance right now. 258 00:17:42.039 --> 00:17:44.317 You have just made the point. 259 00:17:44.437 --> 00:17:47.437 If two countries, Sweden and Finland, 260 00:17:47.558 --> 00:17:51.225 decide to join NATO after years of neutrality 261 00:17:51.346 --> 00:17:54.598 because that is the only way they can ensure 262 00:17:54.718 --> 00:17:58.218 collective security or rather their safety, 263 00:17:58.339 --> 00:18:01.703 then we know that NATO is the one 264 00:18:01.824 --> 00:18:05.658 providing us all with this collective security. 265 00:18:05.779 --> 00:18:10.196 Of course we must each do our part. These two countries 266 00:18:10.317 --> 00:18:14.810 definitely did not make this decision arbitrarily. 267 00:18:14.931 --> 00:18:19.393 They judged that it is the right thing to do. 268 00:18:19.715 --> 00:18:26.749 In this NATO community of nations or countries 269 00:18:26.870 --> 00:18:30.606 we often hear: "America this, America that," 270 00:18:30.727 --> 00:18:35.980 but the USA is also just one of the members. 271 00:18:37.474 --> 00:18:43.238 With a bit more influence. -Well, there is certainly a difference 272 00:18:43.359 --> 00:18:49.171 between a country like the USA and a smaller country. 273 00:18:49.292 --> 00:18:53.042 The same holds true within the European Union. 274 00:18:53.812 --> 00:18:56.325 There are large and small countries. 275 00:18:56.446 --> 00:18:59.220 That is why it is important for Slovenia 276 00:18:59.341 --> 00:19:03.799 to conduct its foreign policy as it does, in a unified manner. 277 00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:07.475 The UN Security Council membership 278 00:19:07.596 --> 00:19:11.419 also gives a voice to countries such as ours. 279 00:19:11.540 --> 00:19:16.967 Numerically we will never be able to compete, that much is clear, 280 00:19:17.088 --> 00:19:23.149 but we can have a number of other advantages. 281 00:19:23.270 --> 00:19:29.604 For instance, few know the Western Balkans area the way we do. 282 00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:37.230 We have also never in history been the aggressor, 283 00:19:37.421 --> 00:19:40.881 we never took anything from anyone, 284 00:19:41.002 --> 00:19:44.051 if anything it was the opposite. 285 00:19:44.254 --> 00:19:49.246 That is why we are a country with a lot of empathy. 286 00:19:49.512 --> 00:19:55.555 However, we cannot turn a blind eye to the modern world. 287 00:19:55.676 --> 00:20:03.249 Of course, some are calling for disarmament, 288 00:20:03.370 --> 00:20:09.089 to not modernise armies and the like, 289 00:20:09.405 --> 00:20:15.320 but we will achieve nothing if we disarm ourselves. 290 00:20:15.441 --> 00:20:18.025 Some are calling for neutrality, 291 00:20:18.146 --> 00:20:21.896 but neutrality is achieved in a different way, 292 00:20:22.017 --> 00:20:25.517 you do not just declare it out of the blue. 293 00:20:25.638 --> 00:20:30.687 Switzerland and Austria both have a history of neutrality 294 00:20:30.808 --> 00:20:33.674 as well as a tradition. 295 00:20:33.852 --> 00:20:40.812 Since the things we heard back in 2019, 296 00:20:40.933 --> 00:20:44.557 I remember I was at the summit in London 297 00:20:44.678 --> 00:20:49.711 where it was said that NATO is clinically dead, 298 00:20:50.862 --> 00:20:58.780 NATO is now on a completely new level. 299 00:20:59.787 --> 00:21:03.371 All of those countries, or rather all of us, 300 00:21:03.492 --> 00:21:09.326 since Slovenia was not the only one neglecting its defence spending ... 301 00:21:10.013 --> 00:21:17.167 The countries that had a similar defence expenditure to our own 302 00:21:17.419 --> 00:21:22.836 are increasing it considerably. The countries with a significantly 303 00:21:22.957 --> 00:21:26.457 smaller GDP than Slovenia are already at 2% 304 00:21:26.578 --> 00:21:31.049 and some are even over that. We are still far from 2%. 305 00:21:31.960 --> 00:21:35.544 In the future we will definitely have to act 306 00:21:35.665 --> 00:21:40.615 so that we will not be the ones in the alliance who ... 307 00:21:40.736 --> 00:21:43.236 NATO consists of Member States. 308 00:21:43.357 --> 00:21:48.702 If, hypothetically, something happens, another MS will say: 309 00:21:48.866 --> 00:21:54.409 "We are poorer and have a smaller GDP than you, 310 00:21:54.530 --> 00:21:57.030 but we still invest in defence. 311 00:21:57.151 --> 00:22:02.348 Why should we defend you if you did not do your part?" 312 00:22:02.469 --> 00:22:07.323 That is why NATO is currently 313 00:22:07.444 --> 00:22:15.444 moving completely differently than it did a while ago. 314 00:22:15.680 --> 00:22:19.462 The war in Ukraine is a fact. 315 00:22:19.583 --> 00:22:24.859 Why, for instance, is there concern for Moldova? 316 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:29.161 Because Moldova is not a member of NATO. 317 00:22:29.282 --> 00:22:35.840 NATO members are protected by Article 5, which changes things. 318 00:22:36.067 --> 00:22:39.401 That is why Slovenia should do all it can 319 00:22:39.522 --> 00:22:43.042 to be a legitimate member of all integrations, 320 00:22:43.163 --> 00:22:46.497 not only NATO, but EU and others as well, 321 00:22:46.693 --> 00:22:49.264 and to make itself heard 322 00:22:49.385 --> 00:22:53.135 as it is now heard on the UN Security Council. 323 00:22:53.256 --> 00:22:58.892 Before we move on to more domestic topics, 324 00:22:59.013 --> 00:23:05.371 would you like to add anything to the topic on NATO, Minister Fajon? 325 00:23:06.703 --> 00:23:10.297 As far as NATO is concerned I can only agree 326 00:23:10.410 --> 00:23:14.890 that time when safety was taken for granted 327 00:23:15.063 --> 00:23:18.137 are even further away nowadays. 328 00:23:18.970 --> 00:23:23.530 I watch, how the world develops with an arms race, 329 00:23:23.690 --> 00:23:25.477 whether we like it or not. 330 00:23:25.677 --> 00:23:32.163 In Seoul I talked with a former Secretary General Ban Ki-moon 331 00:23:32.443 --> 00:23:38.183 who said that China wants to arm itself to become the first superpower 332 00:23:38.303 --> 00:23:40.777 and that we have 12 or 13 years time. 333 00:23:41.037 --> 00:23:46.123 As we watch this arms race, in Europe as well, 334 00:23:46.423 --> 00:23:52.197 you have to ask yourself. NATO is offering collective safety. 335 00:23:52.383 --> 00:23:56.017 I would like the world without arms, 336 00:23:56.177 --> 00:23:59.683 without nuclear arms too. At least in this part I can say 337 00:23:59.823 --> 00:24:03.123 that Slovenia is very active. 338 00:24:03.230 --> 00:24:08.523 At the beginning of this tenure we have joined the Stockholm Initiative 339 00:24:08.610 --> 00:24:10.743 for nuclear non-proliferation. 340 00:24:10.877 --> 00:24:16.517 I believe this will be our proactive stance in the Security Council. 341 00:24:16.690 --> 00:24:22.690 We will support all initiatives to stop nuclear proliferation. 342 00:24:22.990 --> 00:24:24.850 Okay. Let's turn our focus to Slovenian army, 343 00:24:25.043 --> 00:24:30.997 which is right now at the stage of modernization 344 00:24:31.230 --> 00:24:35.597 and filling the gaps in personnel. In what shape is Slovenian army? 345 00:24:35.717 --> 00:24:43.550 Not long ago the commander in chief said that it is not ready for battle. 346 00:24:43.783 --> 00:24:46.637 I won't go into detail. But in what shape is Slovenian army 347 00:24:46.843 --> 00:24:49.577 in this moment and how do you invest in it, as you've said before? 348 00:24:49.750 --> 00:24:56.357 The state of the last 10 or 15 years surely wasn't satisfactory 349 00:24:56.543 --> 00:25:03.170 and Slovenian army with all the modern systems 350 00:25:03.317 --> 00:25:06.417 that we are buying now 351 00:25:06.537 --> 00:25:10.890 is slowly, slowly moving towards the point, 352 00:25:10.983 --> 00:25:14.697 as you have established correctly, 353 00:25:14.963 --> 00:25:18.050 that one day the grade won't be bad anymore. 354 00:25:18.190 --> 00:25:24.283 We had been listening every year that Slovenian army 355 00:25:24.477 --> 00:25:29.290 is adequate for working in peace, but is inadequate for war. 356 00:25:29.463 --> 00:25:35.390 The citizens were put in an awkward position 357 00:25:35.490 --> 00:25:40.137 or they felt uncomfortable. If you listen in media, 358 00:25:40.303 --> 00:25:44.417 that your army is useless, it is probably bad. 359 00:25:44.603 --> 00:25:49.957 Our goal is to reach the stage, 360 00:25:50.123 --> 00:25:52.657 where this evaluation won't be like this anymore. 361 00:25:52.803 --> 00:26:00.730 For a positive grade or an excellent condition for every... 362 00:26:01.910 --> 00:26:06.097 ...for every occasion, you have to do a lot. 363 00:26:06.257 --> 00:26:10.290 Herein is included the equipment, 364 00:26:10.803 --> 00:26:16.710 fulfilling the commitments we gave 15 years ago 365 00:26:16.817 --> 00:26:23.357 to establish a battalion battle group, a reconnaissance battalion, 366 00:26:23.723 --> 00:26:28.177 but also in personnel terms. 367 00:26:28.290 --> 00:26:34.337 From the beginning of this government's tenure 368 00:26:34.523 --> 00:26:38.423 we have done a lot. -As far as personnel is concerned, 369 00:26:38.537 --> 00:26:42.617 how many new members of Slovenian army is there? 370 00:26:42.796 --> 00:26:50.170 Last year in 2023 we have for 65% exceeded 371 00:26:50.337 --> 00:26:53.223 the year 2022. 372 00:26:53.390 --> 00:26:55.663 We have already... 373 00:26:55.923 --> 00:27:03.923 In the year 2023 we have employed 320 new people, 374 00:27:04.337 --> 00:27:08.683 which is a result of the measures we have implemented. 375 00:27:08.797 --> 00:27:14.157 We have simplified the procedures like medical exams. 376 00:27:14.383 --> 00:27:20.270 To put it simply, before somebody who wanted to work in Slovenian army 377 00:27:20.643 --> 00:27:23.963 had waited for four months for the process to be finished. 378 00:27:24.143 --> 00:27:27.790 A few of them changed their minds in between. -What about the salary? 379 00:27:27.917 --> 00:27:30.897 Being a soldier is probably not a very profitable job. 380 00:27:31.023 --> 00:27:34.650 This is not true. The salaries have... 381 00:27:35.510 --> 00:27:38.643 We have to differentiate between a basic salary 382 00:27:38.930 --> 00:27:43.083 and a salary with allowances, like in other professions. 383 00:27:44.217 --> 00:27:50.143 It is difficult to talk about a basic salary, 384 00:27:50.257 --> 00:27:52.730 because everybody gets allowances. 385 00:27:52.837 --> 00:27:55.810 Crucial is, how much a soldier brings home. 386 00:27:56.003 --> 00:28:02.317 The salaries aren't so bad anymore in these days. 387 00:28:02.430 --> 00:28:06.217 Of course, it could always be better, 388 00:28:06.323 --> 00:28:13.377 but soldiers are also part of the public service. 389 00:28:13.610 --> 00:28:18.410 As well as professional firefighters 390 00:28:18.830 --> 00:28:25.517 and all the others, from policemen to judicial police officers. 391 00:28:25.650 --> 00:28:30.537 I deliberately talk about uniformed professions. 392 00:28:31.717 --> 00:28:37.417 As a part of public service they are a part of a framework negotiation. 393 00:28:37.530 --> 00:28:41.583 Salaries are an eternal topic, 394 00:28:41.743 --> 00:28:48.883 but I have to say that what soldiers bring home today 395 00:28:49.050 --> 00:28:53.437 is not so bad as years ago. 396 00:28:53.550 --> 00:29:01.090 Researches about the essential needs for a person to work in the army 397 00:29:01.210 --> 00:29:03.877 or to stay in the army, which is even more important, 398 00:29:04.030 --> 00:29:06.923 show that salary was never in the first place. 399 00:29:07.057 --> 00:29:11.077 They mention interpersonal relationships, 400 00:29:11.303 --> 00:29:16.270 the modernization brings something as well, 401 00:29:16.357 --> 00:29:21.110 if there are young people. I'm making a connection with firefighters again. 402 00:29:21.237 --> 00:29:26.937 If you buy a new equipment in the fire department, 403 00:29:27.063 --> 00:29:31.177 new clothes and other stuff, more young people will come. 404 00:29:31.343 --> 00:29:34.163 Old equipment is not as attractive. 405 00:29:34.290 --> 00:29:38.210 This is even more prominent in the army 406 00:29:38.377 --> 00:29:44.857 and we have new professions too. We have cutting-edge drones, 407 00:29:45.003 --> 00:29:47.983 unmanned aircrafts, 408 00:29:49.123 --> 00:29:54.937 which are produced by the Slovenian company 409 00:29:55.877 --> 00:29:59.303 and within the scope of better research and development 410 00:29:59.457 --> 00:30:03.110 or increase in assets we have signed contracts with it 411 00:30:03.263 --> 00:30:06.457 that have already yielded results. 412 00:30:06.637 --> 00:30:12.123 Slovenian economy has benefited from the investments. -Exactly. 413 00:30:12.270 --> 00:30:15.583 This is the goal of investing in research and development. 414 00:30:15.750 --> 00:30:19.317 Slovenian defence industry should ... 415 00:30:19.470 --> 00:30:25.777 By the way, another company is making or developing 416 00:30:25.870 --> 00:30:31.010 a weapons station, which is called Project Mangart. 417 00:30:31.190 --> 00:30:34.617 It's a cutting-edge thing, a modular weapons station. 418 00:30:34.757 --> 00:30:39.337 What is a goal here? To start manufacturing something on our own. 419 00:30:39.470 --> 00:30:44.930 Or Slovenian companies shall do it for Slovenian army... -And export. 420 00:30:45.090 --> 00:30:47.957 The export is essential. To put it simply. 421 00:30:48.103 --> 00:30:53.350 When we go to a fair abroad, we shall have our own stand 422 00:30:53.477 --> 00:30:57.283 and we could finally sell something 423 00:30:57.450 --> 00:31:00.810 as it already was in the past. 424 00:31:00.910 --> 00:31:07.123 It was well-developed in the past, but we neglected it. 425 00:31:07.283 --> 00:31:09.543 We are slowly reviving it. 426 00:31:09.670 --> 00:31:12.150 If we go back to personnel. -Briefly, please. 427 00:31:12.350 --> 00:31:18.970 All factors that I have mentioned, are leading to more employment. 428 00:31:19.123 --> 00:31:25.370 We have shortened the time from an idea to employment from four months 429 00:31:25.523 --> 00:31:29.963 to three weeks. We need all kinds of professions, 430 00:31:30.103 --> 00:31:36.117 from drone operators 431 00:31:36.263 --> 00:31:38.977 and experts for cutting-edge systems 432 00:31:39.117 --> 00:31:41.477 to an ordinary foot soldier. 433 00:31:41.597 --> 00:31:46.203 We are doing everything to achieve this. 434 00:31:46.390 --> 00:31:50.083 Our biggest problem are retirements. 435 00:31:50.203 --> 00:31:55.077 We have so many retirements that if we deduct them, 436 00:31:55.257 --> 00:31:58.330 we would have a positive trend already. 437 00:31:58.557 --> 00:32:04.817 But if we add retirements, inflow is still too small. 438 00:32:04.983 --> 00:32:08.577 Our big issue is also, 439 00:32:08.717 --> 00:32:12.930 why people are leaving the army. 440 00:32:13.030 --> 00:32:17.057 There are many factors here. Interpersonal relationships 441 00:32:17.210 --> 00:32:22.937 and other stuff. Work in this area, 442 00:32:23.163 --> 00:32:26.283 as in how to ... -Or challenges. -Yes. 443 00:32:26.483 --> 00:32:31.297 Until we get a positive evaluation 444 00:32:31.590 --> 00:32:34.770 and the citizens will be satisfied, 445 00:32:35.077 --> 00:32:38.303 there is a lot of work ahead of us. 446 00:32:38.483 --> 00:32:42.837 Slovenian army proved itself in floods last year. 447 00:32:42.963 --> 00:32:46.050 We will talk about it at the end of the show. 448 00:32:46.217 --> 00:32:50.703 This was also a result of the fact that we have it 449 00:32:50.817 --> 00:32:53.363 and that we train it. 450 00:32:53.583 --> 00:32:55.923 You are training it for peaceful purposes. 451 00:32:56.103 --> 00:32:58.417 Let's talk about another important topic. 452 00:32:58.530 --> 00:33:01.117 Or very important topic for the next two years. 453 00:33:01.250 --> 00:33:03.803 Our membership in the UN Security Council. 454 00:33:04.010 --> 00:33:10.430 Slovenia will be close to the global decision-making centres, 455 00:33:10.550 --> 00:33:13.503 but in conditions that are not completely normal. 456 00:33:13.643 --> 00:33:18.223 Russia, a member of the Security Council, is an aggressor. 457 00:33:18.397 --> 00:33:23.537 Human rights and all the other rights from the UN documents 458 00:33:23.763 --> 00:33:26.890 are being explained differently by each member. 459 00:33:27.023 --> 00:33:33.970 What position or slalom, if I can say so, will use Slovenia. 460 00:33:34.543 --> 00:33:39.217 It will be very important to be able to talk to everybody. 461 00:33:39.350 --> 00:33:44.717 You've mentioned the issues in Security Council. 462 00:33:44.863 --> 00:33:49.917 With Russia as an aggression and the obstruction in the Council 463 00:33:50.057 --> 00:33:53.063 it's very hard to find an agreement. 464 00:33:53.257 --> 00:33:57.637 But ten non-permanent members have an important role, 465 00:33:57.857 --> 00:34:02.390 because especially recently it is very important 466 00:34:02.563 --> 00:34:07.037 that these ten states talk among themselves and with others as well. 467 00:34:07.223 --> 00:34:12.357 They can make a shift in voting. 468 00:34:12.523 --> 00:34:16.757 We have made contact with everybody. 469 00:34:16.983 --> 00:34:20.363 Even with the newly elected non-permanent members. 470 00:34:20.463 --> 00:34:25.363 But Slovenia will traditionally defend 471 00:34:25.877 --> 00:34:29.403 the United Nations Charter and international law. 472 00:34:29.597 --> 00:34:32.743 Global order and multilateralism, 473 00:34:32.937 --> 00:34:37.123 which considering the global conditions needs 474 00:34:37.370 --> 00:34:42.817 a new reflection, how to act on a given situation and imbalance. 475 00:34:42.960 --> 00:34:45.647 A Security Council reform is one thing, 476 00:34:45.773 --> 00:34:48.487 but how can we make it more effective 477 00:34:48.607 --> 00:34:51.783 that it can do, what is its main mission, 478 00:34:52.030 --> 00:34:55.283 namely safety and peace. It will be Slovenia's task. 479 00:34:55.450 --> 00:34:59.997 We will primarily participate in topics 480 00:35:00.077 --> 00:35:03.593 which directly affect our neighbourhood, 481 00:35:03.714 --> 00:35:06.310 we will certainly be asked a lot for our opinions 482 00:35:06.431 --> 00:35:09.322 on how to stop the Russian aggression, 483 00:35:09.443 --> 00:35:13.102 how to end the war in Ukraine. Then the Western Balkans 484 00:35:13.223 --> 00:35:16.090 is one of the issues that we understand very well, 485 00:35:16.211 --> 00:35:19.793 we know how to ensure peace and security. 486 00:35:19.914 --> 00:35:21.514 Then the topic will be water. 487 00:35:21.635 --> 00:35:26.085 We are one of the few countries that have water in the constitution, 488 00:35:26.206 --> 00:35:29.295 and through water diplomacy we can prevent conflicts, 489 00:35:29.416 --> 00:35:33.095 protect civilians, women, peace, security. 490 00:35:33.453 --> 00:35:35.497 There are many issues... -Children's rights. 491 00:35:35.618 --> 00:35:37.659 Children's rights, child protection, 492 00:35:37.780 --> 00:35:41.295 where Slovenia has already made a strong profile in the last period, 493 00:35:41.416 --> 00:35:44.106 traditionally for a long time, human rights, 494 00:35:44.227 --> 00:35:46.067 and we will continue to work on this. 495 00:35:46.188 --> 00:35:49.195 Above all, know how to listen, hear, 496 00:35:49.316 --> 00:35:55.052 and then look for those key common points we will build on. 497 00:35:55.173 --> 00:35:58.795 You already mentioned the necessary reform of the Security Council, 498 00:35:58.916 --> 00:36:01.870 I read a lot about it when preparing for this conversation. 499 00:36:01.991 --> 00:36:04.396 What kind of reform is Slovenia striving for 500 00:36:04.517 --> 00:36:07.290 or how are you picturing it, above all, of course, 501 00:36:07.411 --> 00:36:10.704 in the light of the fact that Slovenia is a small country? 502 00:36:10.825 --> 00:36:13.896 Not small in that sense, but it doesn't have that much influence. 503 00:36:14.017 --> 00:36:17.293 What kind of reform would be necessary in your opinion? 504 00:36:17.414 --> 00:36:20.301 This is a long-lasting and quite difficult discussion, 505 00:36:20.422 --> 00:36:22.948 the reform is taking place in the General Assembly. 506 00:36:23.069 --> 00:36:27.843 I think that at the moment there is no ambition for a serious reflection, 507 00:36:27.964 --> 00:36:29.564 there is an awareness 508 00:36:29.685 --> 00:36:32.100 the Security Council needs to become more effective. 509 00:36:32.221 --> 00:36:34.288 I have said many times in the past, 510 00:36:34.409 --> 00:36:39.288 given that 80, 90% of topics in the Security Council 511 00:36:39.409 --> 00:36:44.196 is related to Africa, but Africa isn't among the permanent members, 512 00:36:44.317 --> 00:36:46.988 we need to think about how to expand 513 00:36:47.109 --> 00:36:50.458 to have a more geographically balanced Security Council 514 00:36:50.579 --> 00:36:52.641 with a permanent or non-permanent membership, 515 00:36:52.762 --> 00:36:55.503 while at the same time not jeopardising ourselves 516 00:36:55.624 --> 00:36:59.230 and the possibilities of having this decision-making power. 517 00:36:59.351 --> 00:37:01.405 We have our own views, but I admit, 518 00:37:01.526 --> 00:37:04.792 there has been no serious discussion on reform for a long time, 519 00:37:04.913 --> 00:37:08.096 and given the situation in the world, 520 00:37:08.345 --> 00:37:13.082 I don't expect a serious discussion anytime soon. 521 00:37:13.203 --> 00:37:17.401 Perhaps also your view on Slovenia's membership of the Security Council. 522 00:37:17.522 --> 00:37:20.896 From the point of view of your position. 523 00:37:21.017 --> 00:37:25.899 Well, our ministry implements, as I said, 524 00:37:26.020 --> 00:37:29.797 the policy of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. 525 00:37:29.918 --> 00:37:32.567 We act so that... 526 00:37:33.509 --> 00:37:38.323 To the extent that we have these foreign policy contacts, 527 00:37:38.444 --> 00:37:44.235 we work in coordination with other factors of foreign policy, 528 00:37:44.356 --> 00:37:47.458 with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 529 00:37:47.609 --> 00:37:54.686 I think that at the moment Slovenian foreign policy is coordinated, 530 00:37:54.807 --> 00:37:57.697 so that we know... -Which wasn't always the case. 531 00:37:57.818 --> 00:37:59.994 Yes, a lot of things happened in the past, 532 00:38:00.115 --> 00:38:03.331 but I am glad that now it's different 533 00:38:03.452 --> 00:38:06.169 and we're coordinated. 534 00:38:06.290 --> 00:38:09.409 From our point of view, 535 00:38:09.530 --> 00:38:12.608 it's right that we join this 536 00:38:12.729 --> 00:38:17.616 and that we follow the directions of the National Assembly, 537 00:38:17.737 --> 00:38:20.082 the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. 538 00:38:20.203 --> 00:38:22.474 This is the only right way. 539 00:38:22.595 --> 00:38:25.740 Right. Earlier you mentioned modernisation 540 00:38:25.861 --> 00:38:30.502 and the role of the Slovenian Army in this modernisation, 541 00:38:30.623 --> 00:38:33.812 as well as the very positive role of the Slovenian Army 542 00:38:33.933 --> 00:38:36.485 in the recent floods, the August floods. 543 00:38:36.606 --> 00:38:40.646 Of course, now we're in the phase of post-flood reconstruction, 544 00:38:40.767 --> 00:38:42.760 which will require many, many resources. 545 00:38:42.881 --> 00:38:46.804 Does this post-flood reconstruction and the corresponding budget items, 546 00:38:46.925 --> 00:38:48.525 which are now being changed, 547 00:38:48.646 --> 00:38:53.102 in any way affect the funds intended for the Slovenian Army? 548 00:38:53.223 --> 00:38:54.823 If I have the right information, 549 00:38:54.944 --> 00:38:56.960 1.2 billion euros in the next four years. 550 00:38:57.081 --> 00:38:59.300 Will this be relocated in any way? 551 00:38:59.421 --> 00:39:03.561 Well, first of all, let me add on the previous topic, 552 00:39:03.682 --> 00:39:09.195 we are present at all international hotspots, missions, 553 00:39:09.375 --> 00:39:14.843 and in the light of the United Nations Security Council, 554 00:39:14.964 --> 00:39:19.018 we're already talking about returning to Cyprus. 555 00:39:19.293 --> 00:39:22.869 We're already talking about it with Slovakia, 556 00:39:22.990 --> 00:39:27.698 so that this mission in Cyprus will be our contribution 557 00:39:27.819 --> 00:39:32.487 to the non-permanent membership of the Security Council. 558 00:39:32.907 --> 00:39:35.898 But as for the floods, 559 00:39:36.019 --> 00:39:40.099 they've certainly cut into all segments. 560 00:39:40.586 --> 00:39:45.131 When we talk about the Ministry of Defence budget, 561 00:39:45.252 --> 00:39:48.695 some say a billion, 562 00:39:48.816 --> 00:39:56.498 but the Ministry of Defence budget doesn't just fund the Slovenian Army, 563 00:39:56.619 --> 00:40:00.494 but also the Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief, 564 00:40:00.615 --> 00:40:03.140 where we have increased funds. 565 00:40:03.261 --> 00:40:06.956 Then there is also the Military Heritage Administration, 566 00:40:07.077 --> 00:40:15.077 but the fact is that due to floods the Slovenian Army gave up funds 567 00:40:16.174 --> 00:40:18.507 in the upcoming years. 568 00:40:18.826 --> 00:40:23.990 Of course, the defence expenditure is also still increasing. 569 00:40:24.287 --> 00:40:31.978 This increase is a little slower than we planned, 570 00:40:32.099 --> 00:40:36.708 so the floods also affected this area. 571 00:40:36.829 --> 00:40:41.410 But the Ministry of Defence plans in such a way 572 00:40:41.531 --> 00:40:46.101 that the key projects still remain in the budget. 573 00:40:46.497 --> 00:40:53.511 Recently, we carried out a final decision and signed a contract 574 00:40:53.632 --> 00:40:58.790 for the Iris T anti-aircraft system of a German manufacturer 575 00:40:58.911 --> 00:41:04.652 with the German government, that is, with the German Ministry of Defence. 576 00:41:04.773 --> 00:41:07.207 This is a government to government project, 577 00:41:07.328 --> 00:41:09.916 there are no intermediaries 578 00:41:10.037 --> 00:41:13.597 or other matters we have witnessed in the past, 579 00:41:13.718 --> 00:41:18.487 Slovenia paid the same price as Germany, 580 00:41:18.608 --> 00:41:22.197 as all the countries within this agreement. 581 00:41:22.399 --> 00:41:30.124 This anti-aircraft defence is one of the priorities 582 00:41:30.245 --> 00:41:33.893 also for strengthening the security of critical infrastructure. 583 00:41:34.014 --> 00:41:37.106 We know we have the Krško Nuclear Power Plant 584 00:41:37.227 --> 00:41:41.350 and also other things. Therefore, it is important 585 00:41:41.471 --> 00:41:45.789 that we have anti-aircraft defence. -A good system. -A good system. 586 00:41:45.910 --> 00:41:51.994 The other modernisation that we're witnessing 587 00:41:52.115 --> 00:41:56.691 is being maintained. We're looking for the balance 588 00:41:56.812 --> 00:42:02.832 between sacrificing funds for floods 589 00:42:02.953 --> 00:42:05.505 and modernisation, 590 00:42:05.626 --> 00:42:10.805 which definitely remains a high priority. 591 00:42:11.224 --> 00:42:13.003 Our conversation is nearing the end, 592 00:42:13.124 --> 00:42:16.301 so maybe at the end just a few words about the situation at home. 593 00:42:16.422 --> 00:42:20.000 We always say foreign policy is a reflection of interior policy, 594 00:42:20.121 --> 00:42:24.335 of course, for big countries, for our country maybe a little less, 595 00:42:24.456 --> 00:42:27.505 but in what shape, let me use a sports term again, 596 00:42:27.626 --> 00:42:32.597 is Slovenia in 2024? A question for both of you. Minister Fajon. 597 00:42:32.718 --> 00:42:36.810 2024 is just starting. 598 00:42:37.044 --> 00:42:41.397 I think that our task as Government 599 00:42:41.518 --> 00:42:44.909 is primarily to introduce into society with concrete solutions 600 00:42:45.030 --> 00:42:48.047 a good positive climate, a trust. 601 00:42:48.168 --> 00:42:50.895 This trust is often jagged, 602 00:42:51.168 --> 00:42:53.906 and most of the time, politicians are co-responsible, 603 00:42:54.027 --> 00:42:56.156 the media play a big role, 604 00:42:56.277 --> 00:42:59.287 what kind of information they convey to the public, 605 00:42:59.408 --> 00:43:04.505 but I think that the Government has outlined the new year in good shape, 606 00:43:04.626 --> 00:43:08.098 we have also set ourselves some clearer rules of the game, 607 00:43:08.219 --> 00:43:13.307 we have learned a lot, including what our slip-ups were in the past. 608 00:43:13.428 --> 00:43:17.013 If we know how to invest that in a better trust, 609 00:43:17.134 --> 00:43:18.908 in creating a positive climate, 610 00:43:19.029 --> 00:43:23.866 and above all really work for people with clear results, 611 00:43:23.987 --> 00:43:28.395 we are on the right track. I wish the year to be better than last year, 612 00:43:28.516 --> 00:43:33.514 with fewer catastrophic, extreme weather conditions 613 00:43:33.635 --> 00:43:35.989 or conflicts that are around us. 614 00:43:36.110 --> 00:43:38.395 Above all, safe for people, 615 00:43:38.516 --> 00:43:42.101 so that they will be able to live safely and peacefully with dignity. 616 00:43:42.222 --> 00:43:44.700 That is our mission. -Minister Šarec. 617 00:43:44.821 --> 00:43:51.610 Yes, I agree that we're not in bad shape, certainly not. 618 00:43:51.731 --> 00:43:56.509 I still remember the times of the previous government, 619 00:43:56.630 --> 00:43:58.966 what we were dealing with then, 620 00:43:59.087 --> 00:44:03.124 we had to fight for basic human rights. 621 00:44:03.245 --> 00:44:06.509 Well, today is a completely different matter, 622 00:44:06.630 --> 00:44:13.027 and the fact that people can express their opinion 623 00:44:13.148 --> 00:44:17.447 in one way or another, is a democratic value. 624 00:44:17.725 --> 00:44:21.293 As for the operation, 625 00:44:21.414 --> 00:44:25.194 or the post-flood reconstruction and other things, 626 00:44:25.315 --> 00:44:28.345 of course, there are many challenges. 627 00:44:28.800 --> 00:44:34.889 We can't say that we did everything a 100% great 628 00:44:35.010 --> 00:44:37.398 or that we will in the future, 629 00:44:37.519 --> 00:44:40.882 but still, a slightly more detailed look 630 00:44:41.005 --> 00:44:47.300 than just the criticism and whining and similar things we're witnessing, 631 00:44:47.478 --> 00:44:53.502 nevertheless shows that the Government is working, 632 00:44:53.623 --> 00:44:57.993 that it is taking the steps it has to take, 633 00:44:58.114 --> 00:45:03.193 not least the funds we received from the European Union, 634 00:45:03.314 --> 00:45:07.895 if the documentation had not been so well prepared... 635 00:45:08.016 --> 00:45:11.997 Until recently I was in charge of the Ministry of Agriculture, 636 00:45:12.118 --> 00:45:19.009 during this time we also got funds in this area, 637 00:45:19.130 --> 00:45:24.325 so I think that these 8.5 million 638 00:45:24.643 --> 00:45:27.641 will go into the right hands, 639 00:45:27.798 --> 00:45:32.010 so things are moving forward. 640 00:45:32.131 --> 00:45:34.790 People will always judge for themselves. 641 00:45:34.911 --> 00:45:39.088 The Government judges itself 642 00:45:39.209 --> 00:45:43.211 differently than the people do, 643 00:45:43.332 --> 00:45:48.812 but in principle the climate is not bad, it's fine. 644 00:45:48.933 --> 00:45:53.607 I believe that now and in the future, even this year, 645 00:45:53.728 --> 00:45:57.299 we will tackle quite a few of the challenges ahead of us, 646 00:45:57.420 --> 00:46:00.265 especially as I said, in the post-flood reconstruction, 647 00:46:00.386 --> 00:46:03.272 this will accompany us for a long time. 648 00:46:03.708 --> 00:46:07.690 We've come to the end, dear guests, Minister Fajon, Minister Šarec, 649 00:46:07.811 --> 00:46:11.718 thank you very much for participating in the first Gov.si podcast 650 00:46:11.839 --> 00:46:14.281 and in a way breaking new ground. 651 00:46:14.402 --> 00:46:17.796 Dear viewers, dear listeners, 652 00:46:17.917 --> 00:46:21.471 thank you very much for your attention. Goodbye.