In his address, State Secretary Marn pointed out that it is not possible to substitute the enlargement process by any other engagement, and warned against the dangers ensuing from the lack of a European perspective for the Western Balkans, but also for the EU.

Slovenia remains an advocate of the EU integration of the Western Balkans and – because of the credibility of the EU, the importance of the European perspective and internal security and stability of the countries in the region – strives for a prompt decision to begin the negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania by March 2020. Slovenia appreciates a discussion on solutions that could improve the efficiency of the enlargement process and further stimulate the countries in the region to implement the necessary reforms for full-fledged EU membership.

State Secretary Marn also emphasised that Slovenia supports the enlargement process, both on the political and technical levels, especially with the projects in the framework of development cooperation and also through Centre for European Perspective activities in the Western Balkans.