State Secretary Gabrič participates in EU Development Ministers meeting on future financing for development
State secretary Dr Melita Gabrič at the meeting of EU ministers for development | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve
The discussion on financing for development served as preparation for the 4th International Conference on Financing for development (FFD4), which will be held on 30 June–3 July 2025 in Seville, Spain. Amid numerous global crises and growing uncertainty, the financial shortfall for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has tripled over the past five years, now amounting to 4,000 billion US dollars per year. The Seville conference provides an opportunity for the international community to introduce measures aimed at increasing development resources and improving the effectiveness of development cooperation, in line with the objectives of the 2024 Pact for the Future.
State Secretary Dr Gabrič underlined the importance of official development assistance (ODA), alongside greater mobilisation of private sector investments and increased cooperation with partner countries. The Global Gateway strategy is crucial in this regard. Slovenia maintains that the EU must continue to act as a responsible global actor, committed to multilateralism and respect for human rights. While the EU alone cannot fully bridge the shortfall left by the withdrawal of US resources, it must adopt a strategic approach to protect the most vulnerable groups. The involvement of new donors should be encouraged, based on shared norms and standards. State Secretary Gabrič also emphasised that this financial gap must not impede the EU enlargement process.
Following the 3rd European Union-African Union Ministerial Meeting in Brussels on 21 May, EU ministers for development discussed the development and humanitarian aspects of EU-Africa relations. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the partnership with the AU, and the 7th EU-AU Summit is planned to take place this autumn. The Ministerial Meeting and the upcoming Summit offer an opportunity to renew momentum and reinforce the EU's position as a reliable and trustworthy partner, showcase progress made since the last summit and identify new areas for cooperation. Slovenia underlines the importance of maintaining regular dialogue and strengthening relations with Africa, which are essential for the EU’s security, given that security and political developments in Africa have an indirect impact on EU Member States. The EU-Africa strategic partnership contributes significantly to the strengthening of sustainable development on the African continent.
State Secretary Dr Gabrič presented a letter composed by 16 EU Member States and addressed to Jozef Síkela, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships. The letter advocates for a strengthened role of SMEs in delivering the Global Gateway investment strategy. The letter outlines specific proposals for participation in priority EU projects with the help of financial and non-financial support mechanisms.
During an informal lunch, ministers for development discussed the future of the EU's external action following the expiry of the current multiannual EU budget in 2027. As regards the EU development instruments, Slovenia supports the predictability while maintaining flexibility, long-term planning and a strong role of the Council in guiding the implementation.
In a briefing on current affairs, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, updated ministers on the efforts to bolster Ukraine's resilience. Slovenia has provided humanitarian and development aid to Ukraine since the onset of Russian aggression, with a focus on demining, rehabilitation of war victims, psychosocial support to children, health care services and strengthening the capacities of local communities, totalling 15 million euros.