EU MED9 ministerial meeting on foreign policy and security, competitiveness and EU budget
During the plenary session, the Ministers and State Secretaries for EU Affairs of the MED9 group will exchange views on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, developments in the Middle East and the strengthening of the EU's global role. They will also consider ways to boost the competitiveness of the European economy and reinforce the single market.
The discussions will explore ways in which Mediterranean EU member states can further contribute to productivity, innovation, investment in infrastructure and energy connectivity, and to reducing administrative barriers. Particular attention will be given to strengthening the climate resilience of both the European economy and society and to addressing global risks.
The meeting in Portorož will also include discussions on the future Multiannual Financial Framework – its size, structure and the new challenges it will need to address. The MFF will have a significant impact on the EU's future priorities and consequently on the daily lives of its citizens.
Stéphanie Riso, Director-General of the European Commission’s Budget department, will also be in attendance.
This is the seventh and final ministerial meeting of the Slovenian MED9 Presidency ahead of the MED9 Leaders' Summit, which will be hosted by Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob in Portorož on 20 October.
After the meeting, the MED9 Ministers and State Secretaries will join their counterparts from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro for a working lunch to discuss support for EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, reform progress and ways to strengthen cooperation between Western Balkan countries in the Mediterranean.
Media information
Media representatives wishing to attend should register by 16:00 on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, at pr.mzez@gov.si.
Media contacts: Milica Kotur (milica.kotur@gov.si) and Tina Kučinič (tina.kucinic@gov.si).
