Young people at Young BSF had many questions for Minister Fajon

31. 8. 2025

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

Before the official start of the Bled Strategic Forum 2025, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon engaged in dialogue with the participants of the 14th annual Young Bled Strategic Forum (Young BSF). They discussed how values can be a driving force in global politics. Minister Fajon emphasised that, in politics, it is important to maintain strong principles and uphold them.

soba, udeleženci poslušajo, ministrica Fajon nasproti — Minister Tanja Fajon engaging in a debate with young participants | Author MZEZ

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As many as 49 bright young minds aged between 18 and 35, from 26 countries around the world, voiced their interest in global issues such as the rigidity of the UN, the disunity of the EU and the prospects for EU enlargement to the Western Balkans. The Minister explained how discussions are conducted at bilateral meetings and in multilateral forums. She also spoke openly about the differing views among her colleagues and the frequently challenging negotiations. Nevertheless, she said that the most important thing is to believe in one's principles and views, and to pursue one's goals.

Minister Fajon answered numerous questions, primarily regarding political values, Slovenia's steadfast positions and the driving force behind her and the Ministry. “The main motivation comes from having faith in what you are doing and from believing that you can effect change. This does not happen overnight, but rather step by step. Sometimes, it can be extremely difficult, especially when you are going against the tide or against the grain of public opinion”.

She also talked about Slovenia's stance on Israel's policies, and the measures adopted by Slovenia, the Western Balkans, Serbia, NATO, the UN Security Council and the EU's common foreign and security policy.

About Young BSF

The Young BSF is an annual three-day event where bright young minds from around the world come together to share their views and ideas on pressing global issues, and to explore ways of addressing these issues in their local communities. This event, which is part of the Bled Strategic Forum, shines the spotlight on the participants and their work, focusing on understanding the complexity of modern global issues. This understanding is essential for devising inclusive and sustainable solutions. The Young BSF is organised by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Centre for European Perspective, with this year marking the fourteenth edition.