Minister Fajon: maintaining Slovenia's positive global image is our duty

SLOVENIA, December 18 - In her opening address, Minister Fajon underlined:

"As the year draws to a close, we can reflect on a demanding but fruitful period. With diligence and perseverance, Slovenia has bolstered its visibility and prominence on the international stage. However, the future presents growing challenges—not only politically, but also economically and socially.

It is essential to analyse where we stand and where we are heading as we navigate an increasingly unpredictable world. This is the most turbulent period since the Second World War and the Cold War. The shift of power and the constant erosion of respect for the international order are leading to escalating, ambiguous security and political challenges.

All this is very clearly reflected in the UN Security Council, where Slovenia's principled stance in upholding the Charter, human rights and respect for international law has earned it recognition as a steadfast advocate in the peace alliance and as a country pursuing a principled foreign policy without double standards.

What are our strengths? What can we take pride in?

First and foremost, our principled stance and solidarity with Ukraine, which has endured aggression by Russia—a permanent member of the UN Security Council—for nearly three years. Slovenia steadfastly supports all peace initiatives grounded in the principles of the UN Charter that could lead to a lasting and just peace—a peace acceptable to Ukraine. Without an end to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, a secure and stable Europe will remain unattainable. We expect the European Union to assume an active role in the forthcoming peace negotiations, and we must be prepared for developments following the inauguration of the next President of the United States. Slovenia has consistently emphasised the importance of bolstering cooperation with global partners and continues to provide significant humanitarian and material assistance to Ukraine. Under the leadership of Marta Kos as Commissioner for Enlargement and Reconstruction of Ukraine, facilitating Ukraine’s accession to the European Union is becoming a profoundly significant and collective responsibility.

We remain actively engaged in addressing the conflict in the Middle East, where Israel continues its attacks on Gaza and beyond. Our efforts to halt the hostilities, which are inflicting immense civilian suffering, causing substantial casualties, and bearing signs of genocide, extend far beyond the recognition of Palestine as an independent and sovereign state. A Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza during a religious holiday originated from a Slovenian diplomat’s initiative. Furthermore, 123 countries, including all members of the Security Council, have endorsed Slovenia’s proposal on joint commitments to UNRWA. We have also joined the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution and aligned ourselves with a broad coalition of nations working tirelessly for peace in the Middle East.

 

Slovenia has played an indispensable role in numerous initiatives undertaken by the elected ten members of the Security Council – the E10. Since last October, we have provided EUR 5.6 million in humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza. During our Presidency of the Security Council in September – one of the most challenging months for the role, at a time when the Council struggled even to agree on its agenda – our mission in New York achieved the seemingly impossible. Through the Presidential Statement on Leadership for Peace, we successfully united Security Council members in reaffirming their commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, the only true guarantee of peace.

And the list goes on. Slovenia’s diplomatic service has been remarkably active in its pursuit of world peace, and this is something we should take great pride in. It is no exaggeration to say that Slovenia has established itself as a multilateral power within the Security Council, with our membership providing a strong bulwark for the protection of human dignity.

And yet ... is that enough?

Allow me to pose a question I recently received from a first-year law student: have the States – including Slovenia – done everything within their power to prevent the wars that now threaten us? The answer is: no

What is the true value of our successes on the ground if wars continue to rage unabated? Beyond the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, we must not forget the ongoing wars in Sudan, Ethiopia, and Myanmar, as well as the persistent uncertainty in Syria and on the Korean Peninsula.

We are witnessing unprecedented levels of armed conflict, a record number of refugees, the highest civilian casualties, the most significant losses among humanitarian workers and an overwhelming number of humanitarian crises. In the Security Council, we are also grappling with issues of nuclear safety and security resulting from Russian aggression in Ukraine. The unconditional use of the veto in the Security Council persists, while the representation of States no longer reflects the realities of our time. The Geneva Conventions, the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as humanitarian and human rights laws, are being disregarded with indifference. The rules-based international order is increasingly giving way to a power-based international chaos. Even the latest arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court risks reinforcing the perception that international law is subject to arbitrary interpretation, rather than universal application.

What should I say to an aspiring law student who still believes in the letter of the law, the sanctity of agreements and the principles underpinning the rule of law?

Slovenia does not wish to be part of a world where morality is not enshrined in law and where human greed dictates action. We will steadfastly defend and demand respect for international law and human rights. We will persist and strengthen our engagement with like-minded partners, including those who have not traditionally been in the spotlight, such as the Gulf, African, and Asian states. Only through the broadest possible alliance can we leverage the political capital necessary to bring about a shift in political attitudes and to reform outdated rules that undermine the authority and credibility of the Security Council and, by extension, the United Nations itself.

I cannot say whether that is a sufficiently good answer, but it is the only one I have at the moment. By forging new alliances, Slovenia is addressing not only political priorities but also economic needs.

To support our plans, we have opened embassies in Algeria, Ethiopia and the Philippines, thereby strengthening our presence in Africa and Asia. We envisage the Embassy in Ethiopia becoming a key institution for facilitating the implementation of Slovenian development projects in the region. From the Philippines, we aim to expand partnerships and capitalise on business opportunities across Asia. These decisions are also pivotal in bolstering Slovenia's resilience to international trade shocks.

We are strengthening high-level contacts with China, India, Brazil and other major global players, where significant economic opportunities for cooperation still exist. Slovenia’s most important non-European ally and one of its key strategic partners remains the United States. This partnership endures, as evidenced by Prime Minister’s recent visit to the White House after many years. However, with the resurgence of US protectionist policies and likely shifts in its trade approach, it will be vital to leverage our political capital in economic initiatives. This includes exploring new markets and enhancing the diversification, security, and reliability of supply chains.

Slovenian economic diplomacy achieved a record number of business contacts this year—over 10,000—and delivered an unprecedented number of initiatives through the economy project fund.

The decisions of the new administration will also have significant implications for the implementation and performance of climate and environmental action, particularly in the Global South, as well as for the development of technology companies and the harmonisation of standards for the management of artificial intelligence, among other areas. Slovenia is actively engaged in all of these domains, especially this year through sector renewal, having strengthened science diplomacy and public diplomacy in general. These are also areas of great importance for the European Union.

Expectations for the new College of European Commissioners are high. Calling for solidarity, the rule of law and European values in a modern grouping of states is, of course, necessary, but it is simply no longer sufficient. For the EU to safeguard these achievements, preserve the values and well-being of its citizens and maintain its competitive role in the world, positions must be assessed based on the strategic interests of the EU as a whole. The EU needs to begin actively engaging in the resolution of global problems, rather than merely adapting to them; it must become more integrated, more sovereign, more daring, and more free in its ideas and decisions. It can no longer rely entirely on alliances, let alone traditional ones. It is therefore time for Member States to seriously consider what it is that we want—whether from a common foreign and security policy, a green transition, internal market freedoms, or migration policy, energy prices, or a European social model. Otherwise, in the competition between superpowers, the perpetually disunited EU will find itself lagging far behind, or even becoming a casualty.

I would like to draw attention to the latest Eurobarometer, which reveals that Slovenians are at the bottom of the list of Member States in terms of trust in the Union. This reflects the fact that the EU is weak and disunited, including on the issue of ending wars. Slovenians are more likely than citizens of other Member States to believe that things are heading in the wrong direction within the EU, and more of them question the strength of their country due to EU membership.

This year, our Ministry was awarded the Order of Merit by the Slovenian President for its central role in advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives when it joined the EU and NATO 20 years ago. This provides all the more reason to insist on a political dialogue for a strong, united, and enlarged Union that, through competitiveness and stability, will deliver what it was created for: security, stability, and peace for its citizens.

NATO is the guarantee of our collective security. It must remain the backbone of transatlantic cooperation and the key space, including through its value system, in which we will ensure both collective and national security. Strengthening defence capabilities is, whether we like it or not, a reality. However, while meeting its defence expenditure commitments, Slovenia consistently emphasises that global security primarily depends on respect for international rules.

Slovenia continues to be a driving force behind the enlargement process and the stabilisation of the Western Balkans and the Eastern trio. This is a powerful geopolitical tool for the EU and the candidate countries, both a necessity and an opportunity. This year, the negotiation process for candidate countries has made tangible progress, with the Slovenian diplomatic service playing an active role. The appointment of a Slovenian Commissioner for Enlargement can therefore be seen as recognition of our efforts to date. Slovenia looks forward to an accelerated, more credible, effective and fair enlargement process. We will continue to advocate for a shift to qualified majority decision-making in those stages of the enlargement process where this is beneficial, and for the Bled Commitment to help bring at least some of the candidate countries on board by 2030.

The European Union faces challenging negotiations on the budget and the new financial framework. We also need to reach an agreement on internal reforms, which must go hand in hand with enlargement and not become an obstacle to it. In the current context, Slovenia believes that the outstanding institutional issues can be resolved without amendments to the basic EU Treaties.

Last week, the Government approved a new declaration on Slovenia's policy orientations in EU institutions, which will guide our future European policies. Looking further into our immediate neighbourhood, this year has been one of "think globally, act locally." Slovenia has indeed conducted a very dynamic good neighbourly dialogue at both high political and professional levels. We have held numerous meetings—from bilateral, trilateral, and quadrilateral meetings at ministerial level to the first meeting of all four Presidents, which took place in Slovenia.

In 2024, the Ministry has done an excellent job in organising a range of events. Our ongoing events include the Bled Strategic Forum, Development Days, Africa Days, and Latin America and Caribbean Days. Slovenia successfully held the Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region, took over the Presidency of the Bureau of the Water Convention and organised a new consultation under the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Our country has participated in high-profile cases before international courts. We have strengthened our solidarity and tripled our humanitarian aid to EUR 12 million. Our strength has been demonstrated in development partnerships: more than fifty projects by Slovenian institutions and NGOs have been implemented this year in the Western Balkans and the neighbourhood. The work of our consular network has also been exemplary, providing swift responses to crises around the world and assistance to Slovenian citizens.

I could go on and on, and I apologise for not covering all sectors. However, I will look ahead to the future, so as not to take up too much time.

In 2025, alongside all the challenging areas I have mentioned, our work will be shaped by several significant anniversaries: the 20th anniversary of the Bled Strategic Forum, the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, the 70th anniversary of the Austrian State Treaty, the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, and the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. We will also be preparing for membership of the Human Rights Council for 2026–2028, the presidency of the MED9 Group, and another presidency of the Security Council. Additionally, we are launching Slovenian-Italian cultural cooperation with the European Capital of Culture. We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Joint Commission with Bavaria and we plan to present Slovenia at Expo Osaka. Next year will also see the adoption of an amendment to the Foreign Affairs Act, a new Act on the conclusion and implementation of international treaties and other international acts, and a new Foreign Salaries Act. We are also working on initiatives to increase graduates' awareness of the diplomatic profession and to raise their interest in joining the diplomatic service.

Dear Colleagues,

I will once again address the question raised by the law student who expressed her fear of "the war that is being predicted."

I agree that analyses and strategies are necessary to address potential war situations and that, in a period of unpredictability, this issue must be seriously and publicly discussed. However, I appeal for responsibility on the part of opinion-makers and the media, who often amplify the danger, perhaps unintentionally, and thereby cause unnecessary fear among the public. We also need to pay more attention to education and to systematically combating the disinformation spreading through social networks into other spheres of information.

That said, I would not, however, claim that we are on the brink of a world war.

As I have already mentioned, the Ministry will focus on shaping a unified foreign policy that speaks with one voice in Europe and the world, on the reform of the United Nations and on the consolidation of the ideals and principles enshrined in the Charter, which can still provide a blueprint for peaceful coexistence between peoples. Last but not least, after 80 years, it is time for this global organisation to be led by a female Secretary-General.

Ladies and Gentlemen, everything we have achieved this year is the result of teamwork. Every individual is an important link in the chain of our success. I thank all of you here, and all my colleagues, both abroad and at home, for everything that you – and we – have done well in diplomacy this year.

Our successes are most evident in the image of our country as seen by the international community. And this image is a positive one. It is the professional duty of diplomats to maintain it.

I am sure you recognise how important it is to establish and nurture personal contacts, and how much they enhance credibility. I myself have the opportunity and privilege of experiencing this every day. Personal contacts around the world, investment in new acquaintances – this is what opens doors and builds trust for Slovenia. This is the most valuable diplomatic tool, which must be strengthened at all levels. To listen, to hear, and to understand – this is the guiding principle of my work. Our three-day meeting is dedicated to reviewing past work, exchanging best practices, and discussing plans and ideas for the future. But even more than that, I see it as an opportunity (too rare, unfortunately) for a chat, a handshake, even a hug. For your faces without masks, for a joke, a laugh. For even better teamwork and mutual support. For kindness. For sincerity. Because if our knowledge and our work so far provide the foundation, all these qualities will undoubtedly ensure that the future results of the Slovenian diplomatic service are not only good, but excellent.

Good luck."