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State Secretary Grašič on a working visit to Spain about Slovene MED9 Presidency and coordination of positions on EU affairs

State Secretary Neva Grašič has paid a working visit to Spain, where the Slovenian Presidency of the informal MED9 group of Mediterranean EU Member States hosted a working breakfast for representatives of Slovenia and Spain, and the ambassadors of the group's member states. State Secretary Grašič also met with Fernando Sampedro, State Secretary for the European Union, and Maider Makua García, Director of the Department of European Affairs of the Spanish Presidency of the Government and PM’s sherpa.
Man and woman holding hands in front of flags

State Secretary Grašič with Fernando Sampedro, State Secretary for the European Union | Author Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

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The working breakfast provided an opportunity to review the current activities of the Slovenian MED9 Presidency and prepare for upcoming events. Before the end of the Presidency, two important meetings will take place: a Meeting of Ministers and State Secretaries for European Affairs on 8–9 October 2025, and the MED9 Leaders' Summit on 19–20 October 2025 in Portorož, Slovenia. The latter is expected to be attended by representatives from Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain.

These meetings will aim to strengthen coordination among Mediterranean EU Member States on key issues on the European agenda, focusing on competitiveness, the multiannual financial framework after 2027 and coordinating positions on foreign policy issues. Special attention will also be paid to EU enlargement, as ministers for European affairs will be joined at the working lunch by ministers from three Mediterranean countries, candidates for EU membership.

State Secretary Grašič held a bilateral meeting with Fernando Sampedro, State Secretary for the European Union at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. The two senior officials reaffirmed their aligned positions on the situation in the Middle East, including their support for a two-state solution ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session (23–26 September), as well as their commitment to continued support for Ukraine during this critical period. They also discussed ways to strengthen economic cooperation, particularly in information and communication technologies, space policy, and the defence and automotive industries. Slovenia is striving for closer ties and improved air connectivity between the two countries.

State Secretary Grašič and Director Maider Makua García discussed preparations for the MED9 Leaders' Summit in Portorož, which is an important milestone in the lead-up to the upcoming European Council meetings.

  • Slovenian Presidency of MED9

    In 2025, Slovenia holds the Presidency of the MED9 Group, an informal group of nine like-minded Mediterranean EU Member States. During its Presidency, Slovenia will host the MED9 Heads of State Summit and several ministerial-level meetings.

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