Obisk predsednice v Bruslju predstavlja jasen izraz slovenske zavezanosti skupni evropski prihodnosti. Photo: Matjaž Klemenc/Office of the President of Republic of Slovenia
A stronger and united European Union is our common response to today's global challenges
During her working visit to Brussels, President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar met with the heads of the European Union's central institutions: President of the European Council António Costa, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. The Slovenian President also addressed the plenary session of the European Parliament and met with Slovenian MEPs.
Brussels, 21 May 2025
The meetings focused on the EU's enlargement policy, the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Union's defence and security resilience, the EU's role in the world, and the EU's internal reforms. President Pirc Musar stressed that "a united, strategically oriented and decisive European Union is the only proper response to the crises and challenges of the modern world".
"In these unpredictable times, it is crucial that the Union speaks with one voice, for only then will we be stronger, more persuasive and more successful. No country – large or small – can respond effectively alone to challenges that extend far beyond the national borders," the President said in her address to MEPs, adding that "we Europeans must reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law, democracy and human rights as the cornerstones of our community." In her speech, the President of the Republic clearly emphasized that genocide is taking place in Gaza and that the European Union must not turn a blind eye to it.
She placed particular emphasis on enlargement policy: "Slovenia remains a strong advocate of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova. This is a strategic, geopolitical and moral imperative. Without enlargement, the EU loses relevance."
President Pirc Musar took the opportunity to express gratitude for solidarity shown to Slovenia in the aftermath of the catastrophic floods in 2023: "Solidarity between Member States is the foundation of the Union. When we share burdens, we build trust. And when we build trust, we are making Europe stronger."
In her talks with the heads of the European institutions, the Slovenian President also highlighted the importance of strengthening the competitiveness of the European economy, the EU's strategic resilience and a more assertive Union on the world stage where power relations are changing at an accelerating pace. "The European Union must become a global player that can protect its interests, defend its values and offer solutions – not only to its citizens, but also to the world," she said.
The President's visit to Brussels is a clear expression of Slovenia's commitment to a common European future.
