Minister Fajon in Brussels: Pragmatism for its own sake is not the right path for Slovenia and the EU

Minister Tanja Fajon at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

Ahead of the meeting in Brussels, ministers held an initial informal exchange on the development of a new European security strategy, aimed at strengthening the EU's capacity to assume greater responsibility for its own security and reducing its reliance on external actors for security and economic support. The EU's strength, according to Minister Fajon, is directly linked to its adherence to international law and the principles outlined in the UN Charter: "The use of power and unauthorised use of force must not become the new normal." Referring to International Criminal Court judges affected by US sanctions, she illustrated what the "principled pragmatism" advocated by many today means in practice. She said: "When it comes to violations of international law and human rights, we cannot remain silent."

During the discussion on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, Minister Fajon called for continued and unified support for Ukraine, the immediate lifting of the blockade on financial assistance, the adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia and progress in the enlargement process, while ensuring that the countries of the Western Balkans are not overlooked. She added that the process of establishing a special tribunal for crimes of aggression against Ukraine must be accelerated. Regarding peace efforts, she called for the EU to strengthen its role, develop its own strategy and assume greater responsibility for European security. "If Europe gives in on Ukraine today, its own security may be at risk tomorrow," she said, emphasising that the EU must forge new partnerships with like-minded countries. "Slovenia can serve as a model in this regard. Over the past four years, our foreign policy has demonstrated our ability to cooperate with all those who advocate respect for international law, the UN Charter and human rights. Slovenia has proven to be a principled and trustworthy country, building partnerships even in regions where it was previously less well known."

Ministers then turned their attention to the situation in the Middle East. Minister Fajon warned that, rather than de-escalating, the violence is intensifying and the conflict is spreading, with the civilian population bearing the brunt. She once again called on all parties to de-escalate and to respect international law: "The only sustainable way out of the crisis is a cessation of hostilities, a ceasefire and a return to diplomacy. Diplomacy and dialogue must take precedence over weapons." She highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the conflict, which are already acutely affecting the economy. In this context, she stressed that the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and the alarming levels of settler violence in the West Bank must not be overlooked. Regarding the situation in Lebanon, Minister Fajon emphasised that the EU should call on both Israel and Hezbollah to cease hostilities, respect UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and uphold the ceasefire agreed in November 2024.

Relations between the EU and the ten Southern Neighbourhood partner countries were also on the agenda. The discussion focused on the implementation of the Pact for the Mediterranean, launched last year. In support of the pact for an enhanced Mediterranean partnership and the establishment of the Mediterranean University, Slovenia advocated the strengthening of existing Euro-Mediterranean structures, such as EMUNI University in Slovenia, which should play an important role in this regard.

During a working lunch, ministers discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between the EU and India with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, following the successful EU-India Summit held in January.

Under "Other items", Slovenia and the other MED9 member states expressed support and solidarity with Italy and Malta regarding the damaged Russian tanker in the southern Mediterranean Sea.

In the margins of the meeting, Minister Fajon held a bilateral meeting with the Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petr Macinka, to discuss further cooperation between the two countries.

Minister Tanja Fajon with Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka. | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve