EU consultations with the Netherlands

Deputy Director-General for European Affairs Vršnak and Director-General for European Cooperation Bakker discussed the key current challenges facing the EU and exchanged views on the forthcoming steps at the EU level.

Regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework, both officials underlined the need for a forward-looking budget that supports the EU's key priorities, ensures consistency in security and sustains the EU's active role on the global stage. In this context, Deputy Director-General Vršnak stressed the importance of cohesion policy and the Common Security Policy for Slovenia, as well as the need to secure adequate resources. On migration management and the future of the Schengen Area, they agreed on the importance of effective management of external borders and the strengthening of solidarity among Member States.

The two officials later focused on the competitiveness of the European economy and European defence. They concurred on the need for the EU to enhance its strategic autonomy while maintaining close transatlantic ties and cooperation with NATO. In this context, they also discussed the rule of law as one of the EU's fundamental values and a prerequisite for the effective functioning of the single market. In their view, respect for the rule of law is key to maintaining citizens' trust in European institutions. They agreed to further enhance the exchange of experience on mechanisms to monitor and support reforms, where necessary, in order to ensure the equal implementation of EU law.

State Secretary Marko Štucin and Director-General Heleen Bakker called for further strengthening of political dialogue and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The State Secretary underlined that the Netherlands is one of Slovenia's most important trading partners and investors.

They also exchanged views on current foreign policy issues, focusing on developments in the Western Balkans, EU enlargement and transatlantic relations. State Secretary Štucin recalled the Slovenian-German initiative on qualified majority voting on certain technical steps of the enlargement process. On transatlantic ties, they called for a constructive, forward-looking dialogue with the United States, based on common interests and values. State Secretary Štucin expressed his regret at the US sanctions against ICC Judge Beti Hohler, the first EU citizen to be subjected to such measures. These sanctions undermine the independence of the ICC and contradict the EU's core values, as well as judicial independence and the fight against impunity.