At the meeting of Slovenian diplomacy, warnings about Europe’s weak role in the world
Ljubljana – At the 29th conference of Slovenian diplomacy, warnings were issued about Europe’s current weak role in the world, characterized by changing power dynamics. Both Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon and Prime Minister Robert Golob highlighted the importance of Slovenia’s principled policy in their addresses to Slovenian diplomats.
Fajon pointed out the changing power relations in a world where the only constant is instability, and emphasized the weak role of the European Union. She believed that it could transform from an observer into a relevant force, but it would need to overcome divisions.
In her view, Slovenia has established itself in the EU as “the voice of reason that knows how to listen while also advocating clear positions; as a country that does not deepen divisions but connects.”
Similarly, Prime Minister Golob pointed out Europe’s weak role, which is just one of the players in the world. “If Europe does not change its way of operating, this way of operating will actually lead to it becoming an insignificant player,” he warned.
He cautioned that the well-being of living in Europe could also be called into question in the end. “Without a competitive economy and appropriate advanced technologies, we will not be able to maintain the current standard of living,” he believed.
President Nataša Pirc Musar also addressed the challenges facing Europe in her speech, stating that the EU is losing ground on the political stage. “If we allow others to negotiate for peace on European soil, they will not negotiate from the perspective of EU interests,” she said, adding that she would like to see a more united European Union and more in-depth, pragmatic, strategic thinking in the area of common foreign and security policy.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sibiha also addressed diplomats working at Slovenia’s 61 diplomatic and consular missions abroad via video link, supporting the strengthening of cooperation between the union, its member states, and Ukraine in ensuring defense capabilities and advocating for Ukraine’s swift rapprochement with the EU. (August 28 and 29)
