The 20th Bled Strategic Forum The President of the Republic called for a more united and determined Europe

The President noted that the European Union has still not fully lived up to its motto "United in diversity": "Instead of unity, we are sliding towards division. Do we really want to cooperate – and compete – with the great powers of our time in this way? I believe in a Europe that will be a respected and determined player on the world stage.

She stressed that geopolitical decisions affecting Europe must not be made without Europe, and that the future of Ukraine should in no event be decided without Ukraine. "Europe will only be strong and competitive if we are able to overcome our differences and narrow interests – for the success of the European Union and all its citizens." In such a Europe, democracy will not be questioned, we will take the single market seriously, care for the vulnerable and defend our interests together," she stressed.

The President also issued a clear call to the representatives of the countries to take a more active role on the world stage: "We must not stand aside and watch history unfold without us. It is time to tell the truth – boldly and unwaveringly – to our leaders. To put the motto 'United in Diversity' back at the heart of the European dream."

She concluded by emphasising that human rights and dignity only thrive in a stable and just world, adding: “Now is the moment to raise our voices – not in a whisper of compromise, but in a thunder of determination. Let us reject those who bend values to the winds of profit and personal gain. Let's fight for a Europe that speaks clearly, strongly and decisively in every multilateral forum."

She also publicly expressed her support for the initiative to award the Nobel Peace Prize to Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the West Bank and Gaza, and to the doctors caring for the people of Gaza. "They deserve recognition for risking their lives to restore peace and preserve humanity. They also embody what multilateralism means for human rights: preventing individual politicians from acting with impunity.

In the afternoon, the President will meet with various representatives of countries and international organisations at working meetings.

On the second day of the Bled Strategic Forum, the President will host her peers in a special panel. Together with the President of the Republic of Estonia, Alar Karis, the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavol, and the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, she will discuss the erosion of the multilateral system and the root causes of the disintegration of the international order. They will highlight the key challenges faced by the European Union and discuss how best to respond to them. 

Tomorrow, the President will also be one of the speakers at a panel entitled "Reflection on Multilateral Action Amid Crises and Restrictions", which is taking place as part of the 3rd Slovenian Humanitarian Forum.