Minister Fajon: Slovenia and Luxembourg together for a stronger EU

During their talks, ministers Fajon and Bettel paid particular attention to the Middle East: "The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate day by day. The death toll continues to rise, with many women and children among the victims. The attacks on civilians must end immediately and the blockade must be lifted, allowing for prompt, comprehensive and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid," stated Minister Fajon. The ministers continued with an exchange of views on the current efforts to bring peace to Ukraine, agreeing that the EU must play its part in the negotiations and in finding a path to peace.

They also discussed the importance of EU enlargement, with Minister Fajon stressing the need to assume a more active role in the Western Balkans and to encourage countries to move forward on their European path. She expressed her wish for the EU to take a step towards a more efficient enlargement process by applying the qualified majority voting in certain intermediate stages of the process. Minister Fajon also praised Ukraine and Moldova for the progress in implementing the necessary reforms: "For Slovenia, it is vital to keep the Western Balkans in the spotlight, they belong in the EU. By 2030, I would like to see the EU enlarged and stronger."

When reviewing EU affairs, the foreign ministers also touched on the Schengen area, which is crucial for both countries. Minister Fajon stressed that Slovenia advocates a Europe without internal borders.

As regards bilateral cooperation, Minister Fajon informed her counterpart of Slovenia’s interest in enhancing cooperation on space activities. On 1 January 2025, Slovenia became a member of the European Space Agency (ESA), with which Luxembourg has already established extensive cooperation. "Many Slovenian companies are actively engaged in the development of satellites and various instruments, apps for satellite data use, water monitoring, etc. I believe that there is ample scope both for direct cooperation between the two countries and within the ESA," said Minister Fajon.

Luxembourg has always been a highly important partner for Slovenia, both politically and economically. In 2024, trade in goods reached 962 million. A direct flight connection has been established between Ljubljana and Luxembourg in September 2023. "Many Slovenians live in Luxembourg, and we hope this direct link will help to increase contact between the people of both countries. Positive effects have already been observed in tourism, with the number of tourists from Luxembourg on the rise," Minister Fajon said after her visit. 

Minister Fajon also met with the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Claude Wiseler. She will also visit the Court of Justice of the EU, where she will meet with President Koen Lenaerts and Slovenian judges at the General Court of the EU, Dr Maja Brkan and Dr Damjan Kukovec.