More than 40 leaders from across Europe exchanged views and opinions on current issues on the old continent within an informal platform. The meeting focused on the future of Europe and how to consolidate its geostrategic position and make it even more resilient and prosperous.
“I regret the absence of Turkey and Azerbaijan at today’s meeting, because the summit of the European Political Community should have addressed the challenges of the European continent and not only the European Union,” he said. declared the Prime Minister upon his arrival in Grenada. He stressed the importance of dialogue and equal representation of all parties involved, including Turkey. “Ensuring people’s safety is our top priority. And this is the first thing we must strive for. Only then will political solutions come,” he added.
Today’s discussions on the sidelines of the summit also focused on the recent fighting in northern Kosovo. Asked about possible measures against Serbia, the Prime Minister stressed that Slovenia would join the EU common position if it was formulated, but that EU member states had not yet discussed possible measures.
He believes it is right that the international community, including Slovenia, condemns the perpetrators of the recent armed conflict and sees the solution to the tensions in a new holding of elections: “Everyone, including the Serbian community, must be invited to participate in the elections. » It will then be necessary to find a solution for the community of Serbian municipalities.
Regarding additional support to Ukraine, Dr Golob hopes that the Community interest will prevail in agreements on the future financial aid program at EU level.
The Prime Minister was welcomed to Granada by summit host, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who addressed the opening plenary session of leaders from the EU and several other European countries. He underlined the importance of the European Political Community platform in the context of the war in Ukraine and its consequences for the European economy and society. He warned of escalating violence and instability in the Western Balkans and said Europe’s future can only be based on unity, solidarity and cooperation.
The leaders continued the discussion around three working tables. The Slovenian Prime Minister participated in a round table on energy, environment and climate change. In light of the war in Ukraine, Europe continues to diversify its supply routes and energy sources in order to be well prepared for winter. The green transition and decarbonization of the economy must also continue.
During the debate, Dr Golob highlighted the growing dimensions of climate change and the need to strengthen the EU’s resilience and response to natural disasters. Solidarity is essential, as the floods in Slovenia in August demonstrated. The other themes of the round tables were digital transition and artificial intelligence, multilateralism, security and geopolitical issues.
The European Political Community summit, last held in Moldova in June this year, provides an opportunity for a number of bilateral meetings between leaders of the wider region. During their talks, the leaders addressed in particular the current situation in Kosovo and Nagorno-Karabakh, including Prime Minister Robert Golob with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. He and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili discussed Georgia’s rapprochement with the EU.
The leaders concluded the European Political Community Summit with a working dinner and a tour of Spanish cultural heritage at the Alhambra Palace, where the Prime Minister and Ms. Tina Gaber were welcomed by the Spanish royal couple, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
