Diplomatic Consultations ahead of Slovenia’s Taking over EU Presidency

Anze Logar (Wikimedia/UKOM)

Slovenian diplomats will gather at Brdo Castle near Kranj on May 31 for a two day conference at which they are to receive the final instructions a month before that country takes over the six-month presidency of the Council of the EU. The most important event during Slovenia’s mandate will be the informal EU-Western Balkans summit, planned for October 2021.

Slovenian Foreign Minister Anze Logar and President Borut Pahor are expected to address the heads of the country’s diplomatic and consular missions and the representatives of the Foreign Ministry on May 31, the first day of the gathering, while Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa will do the same the following day, June 1, according to the STA news agency.

The conference’s main topic is the Slovenian presidency of the EU Council, which is to begin on July 1. According to the country’s foreign ministry, Slovenia is well and comprehensively prepared for the task, which it sees as a great opportunity to strengthen its role, visibility and reputation in the wider international community.

In addition to the Western Balkans summit, the other important event, according to the agency, will be the Bled Strategic Forum, to be held in early September, which should host the heads of all EU institutions, as well as prime ministers and presidents of the most important EU member-states.