In a world of overlapping crises and conflicts in Europe’s immediate neighbourhood, we need a European Union that acts swiftly and decisively and serves as an anchor of security for all of us in Europe, tomorrow and the day after, too. Germany and Slovenia are united in the aim of strengthening our shared Europe, making it fit for the future and welcoming the countries of the Western Balkans into our midst. For us, a strong European Union is, just like NATO, an irreplaceable life assurance policy in uncertain times.

The countries of the Western Balkans completely and absolutely belong in our European Union. Those are not just empty words. It is very much in our own security interest – in Ljubljana, in Berlin and in all of Europe. To make it a reality, the necessary reforms must be completed in the countries that want to become part of the European family. At the same time, the EU must keep its word and take the next steps in the enlargement process, once the conditions are met. In light of Russia’s imperialism in the heart of Europe, the EU cannot afford any grey areas. Together with Slovenia, we are working to see the EU reform in order to plot the course for an enlarged Union. Progress on enlargement policy and internal EU reforms must go hand in hand.

Germany and Slovenia work closely together on many issues in a spirit of great mutual trust. We are in the middle of implementing the German-Slovene Action Plan in order to move forward on issues that are crucial to our future. The fight against the climate crisis, the greatest threat to humanity’s security, is a linchpin of our cooperation. As a member of the United Nations Security Council for the next two years, Slovenia will be taking on responsibility for peace and security at international level – and our friends in Ljubljana will have our full support as they do so.