Minister Fajon at the EU Foreign Affairs Council: Supporting Ukraine towards a peace agreement

Minister Fajon with European Commissioner Lahbib | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

During the discussion on peace efforts and continued support for Ukraine, which Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha joined by video link, Minister Fajon reiterated Slovenia's position that any peace agreement must provide Ukraine with robust security guarantees and take full account of Europe's security interests. She underlined that a strong Ukrainian army is the most effective security guarantee and that further military assistance is therefore required, including with substantial US involvement. She also noted that EU enlargement, based on the same criteria for all candidate countries, constitutes an important security guarantee. Minister Fajon further called for increased pressure on Russia, including through sanctions, in order to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible.

Commenting on the ongoing debate on the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, Minister Fajon said: "At the EU summit this weekend, Slovenia will support a solution that is both legally and fiscally sustainable. We recognise that Ukraine needs this assistance. Slovenia will stand by Ukraine, but any solution must also be underpinned by clear assessments of the fiscal impact on EU member states." Addressing the issue of accountability for crimes committed, she also drew attention to the plight of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children, stressing that they must not be overlooked in peace efforts.

During the discussion on the situation in the Middle East, Minister Fajon said: "Israel must allow access for humanitarian aid and respect the role of UN agencies. Together with the foreign ministers of Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain, she called on the EU to take urgent action in response to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and to speed up the implementation of the peace plan. She emphasised the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and the EU's active engagement in implementing the peace plan, including through two EU civilian missions: the EU Mission for the Support of the Palestinian Police and Rule of Law, and the EU Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah). "It is essential to take further steps under the comprehensive peace plan, including the establishment of a Peace Council and a coordinated EU role in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803. The Palestinian authorities must also play a visible role in Gaza's political and security structures," Minister Fajon said. Slovenia also drew attention to the fragile situation in the West Bank, emphasising the importance of sustained efforts to achieve a two-state solution, and stating that violence perpetrated by settlers must cease as it undermines peace efforts.

On strengthening political relations with Syria, Minister Fajon highlighted the need for an inclusive political transition that upholds human rights, justice and accountability, and a strong role for the UN in this process. As the country currently holding the presidency of the UN Security Council, Slovenia led the first visit to Damascus, thereby demonstrating its support for the Syrian people during this critical and extremely challenging transition period. Slovenia emphasised the need to respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and supported the EU's offer to assist Syria in reforming its security forces.

During an informal exchange on EU-China relations, Minister Fajon stressed that the EU must protect its economic interests and act in a unified manner to safeguard its security, values and respect for international law. In this context, Slovenia supports the continuation of a constructive and open dialogue aimed at achieving a more balanced relationship.

Minister Fajon also reported on the ministerial meeting with West African countries that she chaired on behalf of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, at the EU-African Union Summit in Angola in November 2025. During the discussion on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she stated that the deteriorating situation requires active EU engagement, intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, and a comprehensive approach that takes into account the regional context.

Prior to the Council meeting, Minister Fajon attended an informal breakfast with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. She welcomed the strengthening of the EU's political dialogue with Armenia, the recently adopted new strategic agenda of the Partnership Council and the first EU-Armenia summit, which is scheduled to take place in May 2026.