The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs welcomes the fact that the Court has found the complaints of the Slovenian fishermen admissible and will decide on its merits. In accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights, in all cases before the Chamber or the Grand Chamber of the ECHR, the State Party of which the applicants are nationals – in this case the Slovenian fishermen – has the right to file pleadings and take part in public hearings.

In its letter of 5 June 2023, Slovenia informed the ECHR of its intention to intervene in this case. At this stage, Slovenia is only announcing its intervention and does not state its positions on the proceedings. The deadline for notifying the Court of the intervention would otherwise have expired on 16 June. The Court will set a date for the submission of Slovenian application after receiving Croatia's reply.

By exercising its right to intervene, Slovenia is providing assistance and support to protect the legal interests of Slovenian fishermen who are victims of Croatia's non-recognition of the Final Award in the arbitration between the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Croatia determining the course of the maritime and land boundary between the two countries (Arbitral Award).