Slovenia takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union from Portugal. The focus will be on facilitating the EU’s recovery and making it more resilient.
Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša and the Slovenian government discussed the presidency programme with David Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, and the political groups leaders on 26 May. "The Slovenian Presidency comes at a critical moment for Europe, as we look to rebuild our Union after the Covid-19 pandemic," said Sassoli.
In addition to the recovery, Slovenia will work on the following issues:
European Health Union
- Implementation of the recovery and resilience instrument
- Green transition
- Cybersecurity and digital transformation
- Conference on the future of Europe
- Rule of law
- Migration
We asked Slovenian MEPs what they expect from the presidency:
"The presidency arrives at a strategically very important time. The European union faces many challenges, from recovery after the corona crisis to the green and digital transformation of the economy, preserving European social model and security issues,” said Romana Tomc (EPP). Our big responsibility as the presiding country is to actively participate in these questions about the future of the EU." She added: "This is also an opportunity for our voice and our opinion to be heard."
Tanja Fajon (S&D) expects the Slovenian presidency to advocate for the rule of law, for a European perspective for Western Balkan countries, as well as for a high level of consensus when adopting measures to support the EU's economic and social recovery after the health crisis and the green transition. She added that she "definitely expects a direction that will reaffirm Slovenia's position and reputation as an ally and firm supporter of a unified EU of solidarity".
Klemen Grošelj (Renew Europe) was critical of some of the government’s recent measures, but said he expected the Slovenian presidency to “follow the values and principles on which the EU is based,” adding: “ I wish that Slovenia would be, as it used to, a defender and promoter of the principles and values of the rule of law, freedom of the media, independent judiciary and justice, and a country of vibrant democratic dialogue with the non-governmental sector and civil society.”
This is Slovenia's second time at the helm of the Council. It first took the chair in 2008. France will take over on 1 January 2022.
Ref.: 20210624STO06912
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