State Secretary Tina Heferle at the State of Asylum Conference

At the conference, which was divided into three panels, participants discussed current trends and challenges in the field of international protection in the EU, the Pact on Migration and Asylum, and the future of international protection.

The EU migration reform, as set out in the Pact on Migration and Asylum, must be completed by June 2026. With the Pact being implemented, the conference is taking place at a crucial moment for the EU, which is currently developing solutions to the challenges posed by the geostrategic changes in the regions surrounding the EU.

Slovenia supports the effective and coordinated implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which will contribute to strengthening the common European migration framework. Preparations for the implementation of the pact are at a crucial stage in Slovenia, with activities being carried out in parallel in several areas. An interministerial working group has been established, consisting of several subgroups. These bring together all relevant stakeholders and are responsible for preparing materials and carrying out activities in various areas, as well as for implementing various components of the asylum reform. This involves preparation of strategic documents, legislation, infrastructure, information technology, efficient use of funds, and provision of human resources.

On the sidelines of the conference, the State Secretary also attended the opening of the Asylum Academy of the EUAA. Since 2012, the EUAA has made an important contribution to greater harmonization in the implementation of EU asylum legislation as part of the strengthening of the Common European Asylum System, and the Academy represents a further development of the Agency's successful work. It will be responsible for training national experts from Member States working in the field of asylum and reception. This will contribute to faster and better identification of international protection needs.