Response to the President of the European Commission's first address in this term

• Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs

She emphasised Europe's strategic autonomy in security and defence matters, the EU's global and regional roles, the imperative of enhancing competitiveness, the green transition, and the significance of protecting the European social model and the democratic and legal principles that underpin the EU.

As expected, the speech addressed Russian aggression in Ukraine. Slovenia welcomes further diplomatic efforts and comprehensive EU support for Ukraine in order to end the war and achieve a just and lasting peace. Further pressure on Russia is needed, including the adoption of a new package of sanctions. Slovenia particularly welcomes the emphasis placed on the return of all abducted Ukrainian children.

President von der Leyen also addressed the situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Gaza. Slovenia emphasises that deliberate starvation must not be used as a weapon of war, and welcomes the European Commission's proposals, including freezing bilateral support to Israel, imposing sanctions on Israeli extremist ministers and violent settlers, and partially suspending the implementation of the trade part of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. These are steps in the right direction and, given the scale of the situation, they should be taken immediately. Slovenia will continue to call for more decisive and coordinated EU action to achieve an immediate ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages.

Europe and global security face an unprecedented number of threats and challenges, which is why Slovenia believes that the EU's response must be comprehensive, multifaceted and flexible, and coordinated with our partners. Close cooperation with NATO remains absolutely necessary. Investing more and better in defence, infrastructure, dual-use technologies and resilience is important not only for our security, but also for who we are and what we stand for.

Slovenia particularly welcomes the mention of the reunification of Europe through enlargement to the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova. We remain a strong supporter of enlargement, which is of geostrategic importance for the EU and for Slovenia.

Strengthening European competitiveness and the internal market is a necessity, of which Slovenia is also aware. Completing the EU internal market, simplifying European legislation, digitalisation and diversification of trade relations are prerequisites for reducing the innovation gap. In the digital field, Slovenia supports the greater use of artificial intelligence by European companies and applauds the initiative to establish artificial intelligence factories, including a data centre in Maribor. Slovenia recognises the exceptional importance of the green transition, as well as the importance of responding appropriately to the distortion of competitive conditions by other countries. In light of the strengthening of the 'Made in Europe' brand, Slovenia will be particularly interested in working on the initiative to produce a small, affordable European electric car.

As Slovenia's energy-intensive industry is particularly sensitive to these issues, the country supports efforts to achieve secure and resilient EU energy systems and affordable energy at competitive prices. Slovenia also supports clean energy sources and the implementation of energy efficiency measures. When searching for solutions, Slovenia wants the principle of technological neutrality to be considered, given that nuclear energy can play a significant role in decarbonisation.

It is important to Slovenia that efforts to increase food security focus on supporting farmers and rural development. While this is primarily the responsibility of individual Member States, Slovenia also recognises the EU's constructive role in addressing the housing crisis, as outlined by Ursula von der Leyen.

The rule of law remains the foundation of European integration, particularly in the context of the EU's enlargement process. Slovenia continues to strongly support the continuation of the existing rule of law mechanism, as well as the close linking of all EU funds to respect for the rule of law. Given the current disinformation and foreign interference, Slovenia supports the initiative to strengthen the protection of democratic processes through the soon-to-be-presented European Democracy Shield.

Slovenia will continue to cooperate constructively in adopting European Commission measures that benefit all EU citizens.