Minister Logar focused his address on the priorities of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency, some of the most important being the efforts to strengthen transatlantic relations. He reflected on this June’s EU-US Summit, at which the leaders adopted the ambitious and future-oriented statement on close cooperation in key areas of common interest. In Slovenia’s view, this statement is the basis for bringing together the Presidency’s activities and a common transatlantic agenda.

Minister Logar also outlined the positive effects EU-US cooperation has on increasing resilience to pandemics, cyberattacks and other threats as well as in economic recovery, green transition and digital transformation, expressing his conviction that the recently established Trade and Technology Council would contribute to this end. He went on to emphasise the importance of consolidating common principles and values, including the rule of law, and strengthening the EU-US cooperation in addressing international issues, such as the Western Balkans, the eastern and southern neighbourhoods along with Russia and China. 

The Slovenian Minister added that the transatlantic partnership and alliance are strong and irreplaceable despite the occasional differences between Europe and the US. He concluded his address by noting that close cooperation in a competitive global environment between both sides of the Atlantic remains the best way forward to protect our common fundamental interests and values, such as freedom, security, resilience, democracy and prosperity