Minister Kajzer at the close of the Bled Strategic Forum: 'Without security, there can be no stability or prosperity.'

Minister Tone Kajzer at the closing press conference. | Author STA/MZEZ

On the second day of the Bled Strategic Forum, Minister Tone Kajzer took part in a panel discussion entitled 'Peace Without Illusions: Ukraine and Europe's Security Reckoning'. The participants agreed that Europe must overcome two misconceptions: the idea that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a distant conflict with no direct impact on European security, and the belief that further aggression can be prevented solely through restraint and concessions to Russia. They emphasised that Russian aggression poses a broader challenge to European security and stability, and that a lasting and just peace can only be achieved through a united, resolute and credible European response, as well as continued support for Ukraine.

Minister Kajzer said that Russia's aggression against Ukraine also raises questions about the fundamental values on which Europe is founded. He emphasised the importance of a bottom-up approach, whereby decisions about the country's future should be based on the will of the people. He cited Slovenia as an example of a country whose population overwhelmingly chose freedom, democracy and the rule of law 35 years ago. In today's world, these values are once again being put to the test, which is why Slovenia will continue to strengthen its support for Ukraine, particularly by bolstering the country's resilience and providing humanitarian assistance.

"We must return to reality and stop living in a world of constructed discourse. International law is not a magic wand that we can wave to resolve all issues. If this were the case, Putin would have withdrawn his forces to Ukraine's internationally recognised borders by now, allowing diplomacy to begin. The war in Ukraine is not a distant conflict; it is a war on the EU's doorstep that threatens Europe's security. Those living in countries closest to the war can see the fire, hear the wood crackling and smell the smoke. Those further away may only see smoke on the horizon, if they notice it at all. However, no matter how far away we are, this affects our common European security. That is why we need a shared understanding of the threat and a unified European response," Minister Kajzer emphasised in his speech.

In addition to the Slovenian minister, the panellists included: Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe; Paweł Kowal, Member of the Polish Sejm, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Government Plenipotentiary for Polish-Ukrainian Development Cooperation; Matthew Palmer, Senior Fellow at the US Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA); and Yevhen Perebyinis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Meaningful discussions

Around 2,000 participants gathered in Bled for the two-day event, during which 33 discussions on a variety of topics were held. News of the Bled Forum spread to many countries across Europe and beyond. In his closing remarks, Minister Kajzer said that this year's Forum had provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about key geopolitical challenges. The focus was on European and global security, the war in Ukraine, EU enlargement, the Western Balkans and transatlantic cooperation. "We have had two very intensive days of discussions, and we can be satisfied with this year's conference. The Bled Strategic Forum is our joint project and a Slovenian brand that we can all be proud of," he stressed. A significant part of the discussions was also devoted to values, democratic dialogue and the interests of nations.

The Minister emphasised that, while Slovenian foreign policy remains grounded in values, it must also be based on a realistic understanding of the world and the evolving international landscape. Particular attention was paid to Central Europe and areas where Slovenia can effectively promote its interests.

"For the participants, the Bled Strategic Forum 2026 ends today, but for us, the Bled Strategic Forum 2027 starts as early as tomorrow," concluded Minister Kajzer.

Minister Kajzer held many bilateral meetings

On the sidelines of the Forum, Minister Kajzer held bilateral meetings with ministers from the Western Balkan countries and other high-level officials, including Ferit Hoxha, Albania's Foreign Minister; Ervin Ibrahimović, Montenegro's Foreign Minister; Yevhen Perebyinis, Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister; General Carsten Breuer, the Chief of Defence of the German Armed Forces; Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe; and Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties.