Source: European Parliament 3
Speaking to plenary on Wednesday, Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar highlighted challenges facing the EU, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Welcoming President Pirc Musar at a formal sitting, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “Slovenia has helped to shape our Union, proving again and again that we work best when we work together. That is why it is so important that Slovenia and Europe remain united in our approach to the challenges ahead. Why our values matter. And why we will stand up for them.”
Pirc Musar recalled the positive experience of Slovenia’s reforms and integration into the EU in 2004 and underscored her country’s support for future merit-based EU enlargement, in particular to the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova. She stressed the need to enhance the efficiency, and financial and institutional capacities of the EU as a political community to welcome new members.
On security and defence, President Pirc Musar called for greater strategic autonomy and increased societal resilience in the face of multiple crises. She stressed the EU’s responsibility to uphold the multilateral world order and the founding principles of the United Nations Charter.
Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Pirc Musar called for more EU involvement and an end to hostilities in the West Bank and Gaza.
Pirc Musar also underlined the importance of strengthening Europe’s global competitiveness to sustain the European social model. She advocated for continued investment in social justice, education, culture and high living standards for all EU citizens.