Prime Minister Janez Janša: Demographics must be one of the key topics for the future of Europe

At the close of the summit, the participating leaders emphasised the importance of cooperation among Mediterranean countries to ensure security and stability, while strengthening the resilience of their economies, energy systems, and communities.

In response to a journalist's question, Prime Minister Janša addressed the situation of migration along the Western Balkan route. He noted that the European Migration Pact was already yielding results, although the situation varied across different migration routes.

"If we look at the figures, we can see that the number of irregular crossings on the Western Mediterranean route is still significant, but it is decreasing. On the Balkan route, however, the situation is different. Numbers have not decreased significantly, and we therefore need to take action," he stressed.

He also emphasised the importance of effectively protecting the European Union's external borders, and of showing solidarity with countries that are more exposed to migratory pressure due to their geographical position. "Our objective remains to ensure strong controls at our external borders and as little control as possible, or none at all, at the internal borders. After all, that is why Schengen was established," said the Prime Minister.

As a long-term strategic response to migration challenges, he highlighted demography in particular. He noted that the MED9 countries, which are home to around 200 million people in total, are losing approximately 1,500 inhabitants every day due to the difference between birth and death rates.

"Every day our countries lose one small local community," he said. "History has taught us that walls can be built along borders and that it does not matter how high they are. If a territory is empty, that will not work. Empty territory will eventually be populated."

The Prime Minister therefore proposed that demography should become one of the key topics at the next MED9 Summit, forming an integral part of Europe's strategic response to migration challenges.

Ahead of the summit, Prime Minister Janez Janša also met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković. The two leaders discussed further cooperation in tackling irregular migration, the European perspective South-East European countries, and bilateral cooperation between Slovenia and Croatia.