Minister Kajzer at the Foreign Affairs Council on EU enlargement as an investment in Europe’s security

SLOVENIA, October 12 - “Russian attacks on civilians and the destruction of civilian and energy infrastructure in Ukraine, as well as the attacks on Saudi Arabia, serve as a reminder of the importance of reinforcing our own resilience and security, and of cooperating at the EU level. A unified approach will strengthen our influence in seeking compromise solutions to the situation in Ukraine and other global issues, all the while respecting international law,” said Minister Kajzer.

During the debate on the security implications of EU enlargement, Minister Kajzer stressed that enlargement is a vital geostrategic tool for bolstering Europe’s security, stability and resilience. Slovenia supports the further integration of the Western Balkan countries, Ukraine and Moldova into the EU, provided it is based on a credible accession process and the candidate countries’ achievements. “Candidates need a clear and credible European perspective. Prolonged uncertainty creates scope for harmful external influences and increases security risks for both the candidate countries and Europe as a whole,” said the Minister.

He also emphasised the importance of enhanced cooperation and coordination among candidate countries with regard to the Common Foreign and Security Policy. This is particularly significant in terms of strengthening defence capabilities and resilience against hybrid threats, cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns. “I therefore encourage EU Member States to join the Western Balkans Cyber Capability Centre, which plays a key role in developing the region’s cyber capabilities, thereby improving preparedness and resilience.” He added that an enlarged EU would enhance the importance of regional cooperation rather than undermine it. Cross-border challenges require cross-border solutions.

Support for new EU sanctions and their consistent enforcement

During the debate on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Minister Kajzer reaffirmed Slovenia’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. He emphasised the importance of a unified European response, comprising continued political, economic, military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine, and increased pressure on Russia, including sanctions. In response to the ongoing violations of international law resulting from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which has been undermining the country’s territorial integrity over the past five years, new sanctions were adopted today. This is the largest package of listings to date, targeting almost 1,600 individuals and entities within Russia’s military-industrial complex. “We must also ensure the consistent implementation of sanctions and prevent their evasion. We must respond resolutely to Russia’s increasingly intense hybrid activities against European countries”.

The Minister underlined that, with winter approaching, it is crucial to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence and protect its energy infrastructure. Slovenia also supports efforts to resume the peace process, with the ultimate goal being a just and lasting peace in accordance with international law.

During the debate on Russia’s hybrid actions, the minister drew attention to the systematic attempts to destabilise European countries and erode their support for Ukraine. He urged the EU to take coordinated, decisive and effective action and to strengthen its resilience against such threats.

Stability in the Middle East and the Gulf, and freedom of navigation

During the discussion on the situation in the Middle East, the ministers addressed the security situation in the wider region. “Slovenia strongly condemns the Houthi’s attacks on civilian and economic infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. We deplore all civilian casualties resulting from the latest attack on Riyadh airport. Further military escalation must be prevented and diplomatic dialogue must continue,” added Minister Kajzer. He highlighted the strategic importance of freedom of navigation and secure, uninterrupted supply chains to the European economy, particularly in light of the ongoing attacks on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab. “As a representative of a maritime nation, I would like to emphasise the importance of secure and open maritime routes. This is not just a regional issue, but a matter of European and global economic security. Freedom of navigation is not a privilege granted to individual states, but a right guaranteed by international law that we must all respect.”

Minister Kajzer supported the view that postponing the elections in Palestine, where the last elections took place over 20 years ago, would not strengthen democratic legitimacy or help relaunch the confidence-building process, which is a prerequisite for progress in peace efforts and the implementation of the Gaza peace plan as set out in UN Security Council Resolution No. 8203. He expressed Slovenia’s support for the EU playing an active diplomatic role in defusing tensions and ensuring peace, security and stability in the region.

The ministers also discussed other current global developments, including those relating to the International Criminal Court. Minister Kajzer emphasised Slovenia’s support for the rule of law, as well as for the independence and impartiality of judicial institutions, including those of international criminal justice, and highlighted the importance of dialogue with the US. In order to ensure accountability for crimes against humanity and bring those responsible to justice, institutions must operate independently and impartially, in accordance with international law, when gathering and presenting evidence. This is also demonstrated by the experiences of the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Belarus, where those responsible for aggression and specific crimes will be held accountable by international criminal or judicial institutions.

During an informal breakfast meeting, the ministers discussed ways to strengthen the EU’s collective response to foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). In this context, Minister Kajzer argued for a more coordinated and strategic approach to imposing sanctions on Russian actors and FIMI infrastructure.

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