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At the meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, Minister Tanja Fajon stressed that the Union must maintain a visible and active engagement in the Western Balkans and that enlargement must remain a political priority. She also expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed Slovenia’s position that the EU and its partners must continue to exert pressure on Russia, as there are no indications that it is prepared to end its aggression against Ukraine.

State Secretary Neva Grašič attended an informal meeting of EU ministers and state secretaries for European affairs in Lefkosia. The agenda, drawn up by the Cyprus Presidency, included the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is also regularly discussed at General Affairs Council meetings. The focus was on how to respond to major crises, as set out in the proposal for the next MFF.

Today, we celebrate both Europe Day and the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, which laid the foundations for the European Union as we know it today. In response to war and destructive nationalism, European states have achieved lasting
peace and prosperity by gradually deepening their cooperation. Today, we celebrate Europe as a beacon of a better future.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Ministers discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the situations in the Middle East, the South Caucasus and Sudan. Minister Fajon drew particular attention to Israel’s ongoing human rights violations, urging the EU to take more decisive action.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the MED9 Informal Ministerial Meeting in Split to discuss security and cooperation in the Mediterranean. “The situation in the Middle East affects us all. We must insist on diplomacy and respect for the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, which must apply to everyone,” said Minister Fajon.

Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which are causing numerous civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, must stop. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and maximum restraint by all parties. Full respect for international law, in particular international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel is essential.

Minister Tanja Fajon attended an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv. The visit, which took place four years after the liberation of Bucha, underscored continued support for and solidarity with Ukraine. The discussions focused primarily on holding Russia accountable for its crimes, assessing the situation on the ground and supporting peace efforts.

During the General Affairs Council discussion on the draft conclusions for the March European Council and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), State Secretary Neva Grašič welcomed the leaders’ plan to focus on the EU’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy, which is particularly important in the context of the heightened security situation in the Middle East, the consequences of which are already being felt in Europe.

At the Foreign Affairs Council, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon emphasised that other crises must not divert attention from Ukraine. This was the third meeting of EU foreign ministers this month, two of which were convened on an emergency basis in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East. Ministers continued their discussion on the EU’s response to the ongoing violence in the region, noting with concern that violence continues to replace diplomacy.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in an informal video conference with the foreign ministers of the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The discussion focused on Iran and the situation in the broader Middle East. Speaking on behalf of Slovenia, Minister Fajon thanked the Gulf partners for their invaluable assistance to Slovenian citizens and for facilitating their repatriation from the region.

At an informal video conference of EU foreign affairs ministers, Slovenia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon warned of the risk of a wider regional conflict and called for immediate de-escalation and restraint. She stressed that the people of Iran must be free to determine their own future.

At the meeting of the General Affairs Council, held on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, ministers and state secretaries responsible for European affairs started preparations for the European Council meeting in March. An exchange of views was held with the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, to mark today's launch of the Centre for Democratic Resilience.

On arrival at the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Minister Tanja Fajon joined her counterparts in expressing support for Ukraine as it enters its fifth year of military aggression. Ministers wore sunflower brooches as a symbol of hope, peace, resistance and Ukrainian national identity. “The war in Ukraine must end,” Minister Fajon said.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council hosted UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, at the initiative of Slovenia and Ireland. Minister Tanja Fajon emphasised that human rights are increasingly being treated as optional rather than universal. "Respect for human rights is a priority for Slovenia." At the meeting, ministers also backed measures against Iran.

State Secretary Neva Grašič attended the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels, where ministers and state secretaries for European affairs held a strategic exchange on the European Democracy Shield, the rule of law and the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU for this semester. Emphasising the importance of a comprehensive approach to combating disinformation and foreign interference, she also referred to the upcoming elections in Slovenia.

At today’s meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper I), the Member States were asked to approve the final compromise text based on the agreement in principle reached at the beginning of the month following trilateral negotiations on the proposal for a regulation on forest reproductive material (FRM). As the Republic of Slovenia is critical of some of the agreed solutions, it abstained from voting.

At today’s meeting of the Deputy Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper I), the Member States were asked to approve the final compromise text based on the agreement in principle reached at the beginning of the month following trilateral negotiations on the proposal for a regulation on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques and their food and feed. The Republic of Slovenia is not in favour of the agreed solutions.

State Secretary Neva Grašič participated in the General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, which focused on the draft European Council conclusions, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 and conclusions on EU enlargement. The three EU institutions approved the joint declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026, and ministers were briefed on progress on legislative simplification and on the roadmap for the 2026 European Semester.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, where EU ministers discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions. Topics included efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, continued support for Ukraine and maintaining pressure on Russia. Ministers also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and on EU-China relations.

State Secretary Tina Heferle is attending the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.