Slovenia will be at the centre of political debates next week, on the future of Europe, Afghanistan, cyber-security and post-pandemic recovery: The 16th Bled Strategic Forum international conference (BSF) will be held on 1–2 September 2021 under the title “Future of Europe”.

Developed over the years into one of the leading international conference in Central and South-Eastern Europe, the Bled Strategic Forum offers an opportunity to express and exchange views on contemporary society and its future. 

This year’s BSF will focus on in-depth reflection on the issues, risks and opportunities of our common future. The recent crises, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, and the changes in the international environment have shown that the EU needs to adapt and change. It is imperative that it strengthens its resilience in order to deal with future crises more effectively. The post-pandemic recovery is a unique opportunity to steer the EU on the much-needed path of inclusive green and digital transformation.

Next week, as part of the Presidency Slovenia will also host informal meetings of the Ministers of Defence (1 September), Ministers of the Foreign Affairs (2 September), Agriculture Ministers (5 september) at Brdo pri Kranju and an extraordinary meeting of EU Home affairs ministers on the current situation in Afghanistan, which will be held in Brussels (31 August). 

The events, specially Bled Strategic Forum, will be attended by a wide range of representatives from the worlds of politics and academia, and we look forward to lively discussions and wise decisions.