State Secretary Grašič: EU unity is key to addressing strategic challenges

In preparation for the European Council meeting on 19–20 March, State Secretary Grašič advocated EU unity, which must evolve from the symbolic to the strategic and operational levels. She underlined that Ukraine’s security is intrinsically linked to that of the European Union, concluding that EU enlargement must remain one of the Union’s key priorities. Slovenia supports a swift and effective enlargement process, based on equal conditions for all candidates. On the sidelines of the meeting, the State Secretary also held discussions on enlargement with the Cabinet of the President of the European Commission.

State Secretary Grašič drew attention to the ongoing catastrophic situation in Gaza and expressed concern at the renewed tensions in the West Bank. Slovenia firmly rejects any actions that could lead to the annexation of the West Bank, as the expansion of illegal settlements undermines the prospects for a two-state solution.

State Secretary Grašič emphasised the need to revitalise the competitiveness of both the European Union and the single market, which must remain at the heart of the European agenda. In light of the current geopolitical situation, it is essential for the EU to act swiftly, comprehensively and in a unified manner, particularly with regard to deepening the single market in services, addressing high energy prices and accelerating the deployment and development of new technologies.

With regard to the next Multiannual Financial Framework, State Secretary Grašič expressed support for the planned discussion on key open horizontal issues and for an ambitious negotiating timetable, with a view to concluding negotiations by the end of the year.

Commissioner McGrath presented the initiative to establish a European Centre for Democratic Resilience, one of the key proposals under the European Democracy Shield aimed at countering foreign interference. During the discussion, and in light of the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Slovenia, State Secretary Grašič stressed that “Slovenia supports all European Democracy Shield initiatives that could contribute to strengthening the analytical capacities of member states and to monitoring long-term trends”, adding that the Centre should build on existing instruments so as to reinforce joint efforts rather than duplicate them. “Slovenia supports the idea that the Centre should focus on the exchange of information between EU member states and partner countries, and particularly welcomes the inclusion of candidate and potential candidate countries within this framework,” she emphasised.