On 14 June 2021, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, in a conversation with the State Secretary for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Gašper Dovžan, discussed Slovenia’s priorities for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the next half year. Consultations focused on the EU’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, cyber security, climate, digitalisation, the rule of law, as well as topics related to foreign affairs – the EU’s relationship with the United States of America, Russia, Eastern Partnership countries, and the Western Balkans.
“EU coordination on Covid-19 matters remains crucial. It is important to take into account lessons learned from the pandemic in order to ensure better coordination and resilience for the future,” the Parliamentary Secretary said. Considering that the EU Digital COVID Certificate will be operational as of 1 July, work should continue on global-level solutions, and the interoperability of systems must be facilitated to enable verification of vaccination certificates issued in third countries.
During the Slovenian Presidency, efforts will be devoted to the process of the recovery of EU economies after the COVID-19 crisis including through the use of EU funding.
In an exchange of opinions on legislative proposals concerning climate, the Parliamentary Secretary noted: “We all have made commitment to achieve our common goal – the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, we expect that the “Fit for 55” legislative package seeking to establish a new EU climate policy architecture and enabling the EU to achieve its ambitious climate goals by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2050 will be fair with respect to how the burden is shared among Member States.”
Toward the conclusion of their discussion, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica and Gašper Dovžan addressed current developments in Belarus. “Due to the negative developments, Belarus will continue to be high on our agenda also during the next EU presidency. We must continue to support Belarusian civil society. The EU4Belarus programme approved by the European Commission in support of Belarusian civil society, independent media, youth, education and health care system must become fully functional as soon as possible,” Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica underlined.
Background information
Slovenia will begin its Presidency of the Council of the European Union as of 1 July 2021. See more detailed information on the priorities of Slovenian Presidency here.