Uradni fototermin slovenske predsednice in hrvaškega predsednika.

Slovenia and Croatia working hand in hand for the European future of the Western Balkans

Today, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, met for the first time with the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, on a working visit to Zagreb. During this introductory visit, the presidents spoke about the relationship between their two countries, current developments in the Western Balkans, and cooperation among the presidents of the countries in the region as part of the Brdo-Brijuni Process. They also discussed economic cooperation between Slovenia and Croatia and the security situation in Europe, which is being shaken by the war in Ukraine.

Zagreb, 1 Feb 2023

News

On 1 January 2023, the Slovenian President, along with the President of the European Commission and Croatia’s Prime Minister, visited the Obrežje/Bregana border crossing to congratulate Croatia upon joining the Schengen Area and adopting the euro.

The year 2023 represents the lowering of both physical and technical barriers on the border between the two countries. On this occasion, President Pirc Musar said: “My wish is for us, the politicians, to also build strong bridges of friendship between our neighbouring nations. And for us to take steps to rebuild the bridges on the national border, bridges that need to be restored, and to resolve the open issues between our countries.”

President Pirc Musar believes it’s not good that, some 30 years on, the relationship between the countries continues to be burdened by certain unresolved and very important matters. “This is true both of the border issue, which needs to be brought to a close and resolved in line with international law and the arbitration award, and the issues related to succession,” Pirc Musar emphasised at the press conference after the meeting, and called upon both governments to approach resolving the remaining open matters in dialogue.

Slovenia and Croatia are very closely economically intertwined, and the adoption of the euro will greatly facilitate the operations of Slovenian businesses in Croatia. What is more, Slovenia is interested in continuing its close cooperation with Croatia on energy projects. In light of the current global events, a stable energy supply is vital.

Pogovor na štiri oči med predsednico Pirc Musar in predsednikom Milanovićem.

In their conversation, Pirc Musar and Milanović placed particular emphasis on the security and political situation in the region and the Brdo-Brijuni Process, which is an important platform that unites the presidents of the Western Balkans and encourages dialogue. The Slovenian President highlighted the importance of the initiative, and suggested that young people should be given a central role in future meetings: “We must work on bringing together and engaging young people from the region to overcome tensions, nationalisms, and populisms, which in the long run will bring about a better understanding of all of us.” She also called attention to the importance of exchanging good practices in the fight against climate change.

The President stressed that the region needs more Europe, and the countries of the region need encouragement and support. Slovenia, according to its President, has been and will continue to be active in providing this support to other nations.

Together with the EU and NATO, Slovenia stands united and in solidarity in support of Ukraine, which has been attacked and is fighting for its territory and freedom. We support it unwaveringly in this," said President Pirc Musar, in the light of international developments.

The President of the Republic of Slovenia concluded her first visit to Croatia by expressing her wish for the two countries to demonstrate statesmanship and adherence to European values, among which the rule of law is key, both in resolving open issues between the two countries and in the wider region. She stressed that the European Union is based on integration, solidarity, cooperation and understanding, and we must promote these values in the region.