At the forum in Slovenia on the role of Europe in the world
Bled – One of the central themes of the jubilee 20th Bled Strategic Forum (BSF), taking place in Slovenia, is the role of Europe in the world. The President of the European Council Antonio Costa advocated for a more sovereign Europe, while the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas expressed disappointment that the union is unable to respond to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Bled Strategic Forum is the central event of Slovenia’s foreign policy, hosted by Slovenia every year at the end of summer. This year, more than 2000 participants will gather. This year’s forum is titled “A World in Escape,” which, according to Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, aims to draw attention to a series of armed conflicts, the increasingly undermined world order, and violations of international law. The discussions will focus on the role of Europe in this new global environment.
One of the highest guests is the President of the European Council Costa, who, in his opening address, advocated for a more independent, resilient, and sovereign Europe, especially in light of the recently achieved trade agreement between the EU and the USA and diplomatic efforts to end Russian aggression in Ukraine.
“We advocate for a world where peace is protected, partnerships are sincere, and the principles of the United Nations Charter are respected – not just in words, but also in actions,” he emphasized on behalf of the EU.
In this context, he condemned the humanitarian catastrophe and famine in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza, where Israel is further intensifying its attacks. He called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered access for humanitarian aid, a halt to the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, and a restoration of international commitment to a two-state solution.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kallas expressed disappointment that the EU is unable to respond to Israel’s actions in Gaza. “I have been striving hard to ensure we are united in our response, as I believe the credibility of the European Union is also at stake,” she added.
Costa also spoke about Europe’s future in his address. “The rapprochement of the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine with the EU is not just a promise. It is a priority. These countries are at the heart of Europe and are part of Europe’s future. In the coming years, we must prepare the union for enlargement – with reforms, budget adjustments, and strengthened governance. Enlargement will not be easy, but it will be worth it,” Costa said before the opening discussion of this year’s BSF on the enlargement of the union.
Participating in it were the prime ministers of Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, and Montenegro, as well as the European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
Kos emphasized that enlargement is much more than just increasing the European Union in size and population. “For me, enlargement today (…) is also a kind of unification of Europe, such as we have never had in history,” she said. (September 1)
