State Secretary Grašič on further strengthening economic relations between Slovenia and Italy

1. 10. 2025

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

On 30 September 2025, State Secretary Neva Grašič addressed participants at the conference titled 'Strategies for Competitiveness, Industry Leaders and Supply Heads Chains', held at the Grand Hotel Union. The event was organised by Confindustria Slovenia, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Italian Republic and the Italian Trade Agency.

The conference participants are sitting on chairs. — Conference participants | Author Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

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The State Secretary expressed her enthusiasm that the event is taking place in Slovenia in the year of the official visit by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and in the year that the cities of Nova Gorica and Gorizia are jointly holding the title of European Capital of Culture 2025.

She emphasised that Slovenia and Italy also cooperate within the informal MED9 group, which is currently chaired by Slovenia. The shared interests of the MED9 countries are closely linked to the changing global environment, which requires a more resilient and competitive EU. The State Secretary highlighted the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley energy project as an example of good practice in regional cooperation, bringing together Slovenian, Italian and Croatian partners.

She went on to express her satisfaction with the excellent economic cooperation between the two countries. Italy remains one of Slovenia's most important economic partners, and the level of cooperation between the two countries provides a solid foundation for the further development of relations in the fields of innovation, science, space and supercomputer development. Transferring knowledge and innovation to the economy is crucial for boosting economic competitiveness and social welfare.

She emphasised that breakthrough innovations are a driver of new, higher-quality and more sustainable jobs. In addition to knowledge, innovation also requires investment, which is why she invited the assembled representatives of Italian associations, companies and banks to continue investing in Slovenia. She was also pleased to note that Ekolat, which is owned by the Italian company Sabelli, received an award in 2024 as the best foreign investor in Slovenia.

The event continued with discussions at three round tables focusing on energy, agriculture and financial services.