President of the Republic receives European Commissioner Marta Kos

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, received the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, at a courtesy meeting. During their talks, they expressed their commitment to continuing Slovenia's important role in the EU enlargement process and to strengthening relations between the EU and the countries of the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova.

President Pirc Musar took the opportunity to congratulate Commissioner Kos on her appointment to the new European Commission. "The enlargement portfolio is one of the most demanding, as it involves not only the reforms and progress of the candidate countries, but also the readiness of the European Union institutions. Slovenia has always been a strong supporter of enlargement, as we believe that the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU is a geostrategic and economic priority," the President underlined.

During the talks, President Pirc Musar and Commissioner Kos exchanged views on the key challenges and opportunities in the enlargement process. The President stressed the importance of coordinated action of the EU and its Member States, noting that "the enlargement process is long and demanding, but necessary. Slovenia wants to play a constructive role in this process and offers the Brdo–Brijuni Process as an additional platform for dialogue and encouragement to the candidate countries."

They paid particular attention to the issue of Ukraine and Moldova, where both expressed the need for comprehensive support for these countries' reconstruction and European integration. "During the first two years of my term of office, I visited Ukraine and Moldova. I would like to see a just peace in Ukraine as soon as possible – to be decided by Ukraine – and then its reconstruction and EU integration. Moldova is also very vulnerable. We must not neglect it, but rather support it now all the more firmly on its European path," said President Pirc Musar.

They concluded their meeting by agreeing to work closely together. "I am confident that Commissioner Kos will be a key player in the further enlargement process and I look forward to our future cooperation for the benefit of Slovenia and the European Union at large."