Excellent neighbourly relations between countries are the way to a better and more cohesive European Union despite many differences

Slovenia has very good relations with all its neighbours, for which she thanked the presidents in particular on this occasion. Despite all the differences between the five countries, they coexist peacefully and cooperate closely in various fields of action. The President expressed her satisfaction that events such as today’s reinforce excellent bilateral relations, with which, including by our example, we are building a better and more connected European Union. Today’s talks between Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen, Croatian President Zoran Milanović and Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok were also held in a spirit of friendship with a substantive discussion on the EU’s successes and challenges.

The people of Slovenia are unanimous that its membership of the EU was our strategic objective after gaining independence and that we have all benefited from membership, while at the same time contributing to the richness and diversity of the EU. Slovenian, spoken and understood by two million people, has become one of the official languages of the EU. In Slovenia, life is also better as a result of its EU membership. Our economy develops better thanks to the single European market, as we can provide products and services to a market of 440 million EU citizens. EU funds have been used to build schools and kindergartens, make new water pipelines for the population, build motorways, railways, etc.

Schoolchildren, pupils, students, and teachers participate in European programmes, enriching their knowledge and their view of the world. Researchers, cultural workers and creators participate in European research, media or cultural programmes. Additionally, in the event of natural disasters, such as last year’s floods, we receive assistance through the European solidarity funds. We have suitable European funds for the transition to a sustainable economy, to reduce carbon emissions, and much more.

The presidents also discussed the challenges they face: combating, and adapting to, climate change; maintaining the competitiveness of the European economy and protecting our social models; tackling migration; ensuring stability and security in the world and in the EU, etc. Notwithstanding their different views, they are unanimous that a more cohesive and stronger Europe, including the current candidate countries, is the right response to these challenges. It is well known that the President of the Republic of Slovenia supports the enlargement of the European Union, as she believes that this is the right way for society to develop. She also wants countries to remove the re-established border controls, as this severely interferes with people’s lives and movements.

As today, 22 April, coincides with World Earth Day, President Nataša Pirc Musar presented each president with a lime tree seedling to plant in their neighbouring country at the end of the meeting. The lime tree is one of Slovenia’s national symbols. This gesture carries a strong symbolic message, as it stands for friendship between neighbouring nations, underlines the importance of European integration, and reaffirms our shared commitment to combating climate change. “May our friendship and our lime trees continue to grow to remind us of this pleasant day,” concluded the President.