30 May 2019, 16:06 PM

Pahor in Montenegro, Talks W Balkans, EU Accession

STA, 30 May 2019 - President Borut Pahor met his Montenegrin counterpart Milo Đukanović on Thursday as part of his official visit to the country. They talked about the situation in the Western Balkans and exchanged views on the progress of Montenegro's talks to join the European Union, the president's office said in a press release.

Srdačna dobrodošlica predsjedniku Republike Slovenije @BorutPahor koji je danas doputovao u zvaničnu posjetu Crnoj Gori. #Slovenia #CrnaGora pic.twitter.com/DLqoKpGB00
— Milo Đukanović (@predsjednik_cg) May 29, 2019

Pahor said at a joint press conference after the meeting that Montenegro was an important factor of stability in the region, that led constructive and friendly policy toward all its neighbours.

The Slovenian president noted that the leaders of the countries of the Brdo-Brijuni process had stressed at the recent summit in Tirana that enlargement of the EU was a geo-political, and not a technical question.

This means that the leaders have assessed that the political will for an enlargement will probably be weaker in the future, and it is thus "our duty to have a more visionary approach to enlargement to make Europe see the Western Balkans as an opportunity."

Pahor also expressed the hope that a new European Commission will be constituted as soon as possible, while noting that the process would be harder than ever. In the meantime, an attractive plan should be made to help the European Commission keep enlargement on the agenda, he added.

Pahor and Đukanović also focused on the progress of Montenegro's talks to join the EU, with Pahor confirming that Slovenia supported Montenegro in the process, including with expert assistance in the closing of negotiating chapters.

It is key that Montenegro stays clearly committed to the negotiations and implements concrete reforms, he said, adding that the country's NATO membership had boosted its reputation, also from the aspect of foreign investments.

Predsednik Pahor se na povabilo predsednika Črne gore Đukanovića mudi na uradnem obisku v Črni gori. Gre za prvi uradni obisk slovenskega PR po vstopu Črne gore v NATO in pomeni simbolno potrditev podpore SLO vključevanju te države v evroatlanske integracije. @predsjednik_cg pic.twitter.com/4dCjnsRx9c
— Borut Pahor (@BorutPahor) May 30, 2019

The Slovenian president stressed that the relations between the countries were excellent and without open issues. The countries conduct a regular dialogue at the political and expert level and mutual trust has been established, added Đukanović.

Pahor noted that Slovenia was the first country to open a diplomatic office in Montenegro in 2006, while Slovenian companies were among the first to invest in the country.

The country's economic cooperation has been on the rise, with the amount of bilateral trade increasing by 6.5% last year to EUR 114.7 million.

Pahor and Đukanović expressed the interest for further boosting of cooperation, in particular in energy, renewables, infrastructure projects, tourism, agriculture, information technology and digitalisation.

Montenegro has also been a priority country for Slovenia's development aid, receiving EUR 1.24 million of such aid in 2017.

The first official visit by the Slovenian president to Montenegro after the country joined NATO in June 2017 is also a symbolic confirmation of Slovenia's support for Montenegro in its Euro-Atlantic integration, the president's office said.

V okviru uradnega obiska v Podgorici se je predsednik Pahor srečal s predsednikom Skupščine Črne gore Ivanom Brajovićem. pic.twitter.com/7qfViwgdZ6
— Borut Pahor (@BorutPahor) May 30, 2019

Pahor also held talks with Montenegrin Speaker Ivan Brajović revolving around the parliament's role in Montenegro's accession to the EU and the country's progress in membership negotiations.

The meeting with Prime Minister Duško Marković focused on the situation in Western Balkans.

On Friday, the Slovenian president will attend the 9th To Be Secure (2BS) conference in Budva, discussing regional and global security challenges.

27 May 2019, 09:50 AM

EU Elections 2019: Analysts – Despite Victory SDS Weaker, While SD Stronger

STA, 27 May 2019 - Political analysts believe the opposition Democrats (SDS/EPP) are in a way a loser of this year's EU vote even if their joint slate with the SLS has won three MEPs and the largest share of the vote. Andraž Zorko and Rok Čakš have however pointed to the success of the Social Democrats (SD/S&D), which have gained one seat.

Although the victory of the joint slate of the SDS and the People's Party (SLS) is convincing, the SDS is actually a loser: it will have one MEP less, since the third one is a member of the SLS, Zorko of pollster Valicon told the STA.

"Even without pairing up with the SLS, the SDS would have won enough votes to secure three seats", as was the case in the 2014-2019 term, believes Zorko.

Agreeing that three SDS+SLS seats somewhat overshadowed the fact that compared to 2014-2019, the SDS has lost one MEP, Čakš believes that by joining forces, the SDS+SLS "took the key step towards victory". He noted the SLS had contributed one MEP and added a significant 5% to the outcome.

Zorko believes the Social Democrats (SD) may be considered the biggest winner, not only picking up an extra seat but nearly trebling the number of votes compared to five years ago.

On the home ground, the SD's result strengthens this coalition party against the LMŠ of PM Marjan Šarec and further weakens the position of the coalition Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) and especially of the Modern Centre Party (SMC), said Domovina portal editor Čakš.

Both Zorko and Čakš, meanwhile, believe the Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) did well, winning two seats in its first EU elections.

"The LMŠ has broken through with two MEPs apart from winning around 74,000 votes, which is an above-average index compared to the general elections," said Zorko.

The analysis are however unanimous in that the opposition Left is the biggest loser, having made several mistakes during the campaign.

"It had an excellent starting position and a spitzenkandidat at EU level, but with awkward moves during the campaign it squandered a seat it was practically already secured," said Čakš.

Zorko believes the Left's biggest mistake was its first-seeded candidate, MP Violeta Tomić, who did not do well in the EU arena.

Another loser is according to Zorko the Pensioners' Party (DeSus) and its leading candidate, outgoing MEP Igor Šoltes.

"It actually lost twice," said Zorko, noting DeSUS lost a seat it had in 2014-2019 (its MEP Ivo Vajgl did not stand for re-election) and Šoltes lost his own seat.

The election outcome has also brought change to the Slovenian centre-right parties, as the centre-right has lost one seat to have four, just as the centre-left parties.

Čakš attributed the fact that the centre-left had gained one seat to its successful campaign in districts where it is strong.

Otherwise there are no major winners or losers among other parties, though Zorko pointed to a small victory for the SMC.

Although its election result is relatively poor, it regained the seat in the Slovenian parliament it lost when its MP Milan Brglez defected to the SD.

Since he was now elected MEP, his seat will be filled by a SMC stand-in deputy because he was elected on the SMC slate last year.

With one MEP, the NSi is where it was five years ago, the only difference being that its new MEP is a woman. "They lost nothing by not joining forces with the SLS, but they were not far from winning a second MEP," said Zorko.

And it was perhaps premature to put a member of the Slovenian minority on the slate in Slovenia, Zorko commented on the Alenka Bratušek Party's (SAB) choice of its frontrunner Angelika Mlinar. "The experiment has fallen through."

27 May 2019, 08:43 AM

EU Elections 2019: Roundup - SDS+SLS Win Share of Vote, But Overall Conservatives Lose Ground to Liberal-Left

STA, 27 May 2019 - The conservative list of the Democrats (SDS) and People's Party (SLS) won Sunday's EU election in Slovenia ahead of two leftist coalition parties, but the conservative bloc lost some ground overall as voters delivered a mixed message that was neither a rejection of politics-as-usual nor an embrace of populism.

The SDS+SLS list won 26.5% of the vote and three MEPs, the coalition Social Democrats (SD) and Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) got two MEPs each with 18.6% and 15.6%, respectively, with the opposition New Slovenia (NSi) getting 11.1% and one seat.

MEPs Milan Zver, Romana Tomc and Franc Bogovič won re-election on the SDS+SLS slate, and Tanja Fajon was re-elected MEP for the SD. The remaining four will be novices.

Somewhat surprisingly, Milan Brglez, a former speaker of parliament, was elected second MEP from the SD slate thanks to preferential votes.

For the LMŠ, front-runner Irena Joveva and second-placed Klemen Grošelj were elected, while Ljudmila Novak will return to Brussels after ten years as the only deputy for the NSi.

The SDS declared resounding victory, with party leader Janez Janša stressing that this was the result of the only tie-up between two parties in this election, one which could also serve as a model for future ballots.

Speaking about the third election victory for the party in a year, Janša stressed that this was the only list to join forces for this election and deservedly won a plurality of the vote.

The LMŠ counts its performance a success as well, having risked it all by rejecting a joint liberal list with the Modern Centre Party (SMC) and Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB).

Prime Minister Marjan Šarec said the party had succeeded with a platform-based campaign instead of dealing with others. "We're also happy that this campaign proved to be successful for the parties which feel Europe, which do not ostracise."

The SD doubled their number of MEPs as Fajon, who will serve her third term, will be joined by Brglez, a political science professor who served as speaker of parliament in 2014-2018.

"I'm very happy that we've managed to double our seats and that we're going back with two MEPs... I hope we'll be able to form a progressive majority in the European Parliament, allowing us to achieve the changes we want," said Fajon.

The Left and DeSUS were major surprises, winning respectively 6.35% and 5.65% even though both were projected to be much closer to winning a seat and DeSUS having had an MEP in the 2014-2019 term.

But while Left leader Luka Mesec acknowledged the outcome was a disappointment, DeSUS leader Karl Erjavec said the result was not bad.

The other parliamentary parties performed dismally as well. The National Party (SNS) and the SAB were virtually tied at 4.01%. The Modern Centre Party (SMC) was far behind with 1.58%, having been overtaken by two green parties and the far-right Homeland League (DOM).

Overall, the election produced a slight shift as the conservative camp went from having five MEPs to four, with the liberal-left bloc picking up a seat thanks to the SD.

Analyst Andraž Zorko said the SDS was actually the loser of the election despite the overall win, as they will have one MEP less, while the SD may be considered the biggest winner, not only picking up an extra seat but nearly trebling the number of votes compared to five years ago.

The vote also allayed fears about a feared populist surge, as the most hard-line parties barely made a dent.

The populist SNS won a slightly smaller share of the vote than in last year's general election, an indication that it has limited appeal, while the hard-right Homeland League (DOM), which campaigned on a radically anti-immigration platform, got less than 2% of the vote.

Turnout, at 28.3%, was almost four points higher than in 2014 but still well below projections and significantly lower than in the EU on average.

Political analyst Marko Lovec blamed this on parties failing to provide good candidates: instead of fielding good candidates, Slovenian parties used the vote as an opportunity to resolve internal issues.

26 May 2019, 23:21 PM

The Right Win EU Elections in Slovenia

STA, 26 May 2019 - The joint list of the Democrats (SDS) and People's Party (SLS) won Sunday's EU election in Slovenia ahead of two coalition parties, but the overall balance of power in the Slovenian EU Parliament has shifted to the left.

The SDS+SLS list won 26.5% of the vote and three MEPs, the coalition Social Democrats (SD) and Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) got two each with 18.6% and 15.6%, respectively, with the opposition New Slovenia getting 11.1% and one MEP seat.

MEPs Milan Zver, Romana Tomc and Franc Bogovič won re-election on the SDS+SLS slate and Tanja Fajon was re-elected MEP for the SD, but the remaining four will be novices.

Somewhat surprisingly, Milan Brglez, former speaker of parliament, was elected second MEP from the SD slate thanks to preferential votes.

For the LMŠ, front-runner Irena Joveva and second-placed Klemen Grošelj will serve in parliament, while Ljudmila Novak will return to Brussels as the only deputy for the NSi.

The SDS declared resounding victory, with party leader Janez Janša stressing that this was the result of the only tie-up between two parties in this election, one which could also serve as a model for future ballots.

Nevertheless, the conservative camp has gone from having five to four MEPs, as the SD picked up one more and the LMŠ got two in what was its first EU vote.

This was despite the fact that the Left and Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) narrowly missed the threshold, respectively with 6.35% and 5.65%, even though both were projected to be much closer to winning a seat.

The National Party (SNS) and Alenka Bratušek List (SAB) were virtually tied at 4.01%. The Modern Centre Party (SMC) was far behind with 1.58%, having been overtaken by two green parties and the far-right Homeland League.

The results are almost final, but several hundred mail-in ballot will be added to the tally in the coming days.

20 May 2019, 13:12 PM

EU Elections 2019: Various Priorities for Slovenia's EU Presidency in 2021

STA, 20 May 2019 - The government has not yet presented the priorities for Slovenia's presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2021, but the parties running for seats in the European Parliament have some ideas, although quite different ones, about the topics that should be prioritised.

The ruling Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) says it is too early to discuss priorities as these have to be set by all three countries from what is termed the presidency trio.

This is why Slovenia has already entered dialogue with Germany and Portugal, which will chair the Council 12 months before Slovenia.

A similar view is held by the opposition Democrats (SDS), which were in power when Slovenia presided over the EU for the first time in 2008.

The SDS says Slovenia, Germany and Portugal will jointly set long-term goals and produce a common programme of topics to be discussed from July 2020 to December 2021.

Nevertheless, security, defence and the protection of citizens, alongside demographic trends and the environment should top the list of the trio's priorities, says the SDS, which has a joint list of candidates with the non-parliamentary People's Party (SLS).

The coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC) would like topics such as a stronger social union, the rule of law, innovations, sustainable development and security challenges to be at the forefront.

Security and the related issue of illegal migrations was also highlighted as the first priority by the non-parliamentary Homeland League (DOM).

Prosperity should be the next on the list, says DOM, which also notes the EU's cohesion policy has not bridged the development gap between various EU regions.

Meanwhile, consistent respect for the EU and international law, protection of human rights and dignity, the establishment of a fully-fledged European Social Union and a fresh impetus for EU enlargement, remain key topics for Slovenia for the coalition Social Democrats (SD).

Climate change, poverty eradication and sustainable agriculture should also be prioritised, the party says.

Similarly, the coalition Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) believes Slovenia should provide for a fresh impetus to EU enlargement towards the Balkans.

It also believes the country should promote the good practices from home, such as solid environmental protection and enhanced solidarity.

The opposition Left believes EU presidency will be an opportunity to focus on reforms to make the EU more democratic, fight against tax havens, implement climate goals from the Paris Agreement by 2030, and to produce a green New Deal.

Slovenia could also promote some of its successful policies, such as the constitutional protection of drinking water and a minimum wage that is by 20% higher than the minimum costs of living.

The non-parliamentary Good State says Slovenia as the presiding EU country should highlight the respect for EU citizens and for the rule of law.

The Let's Connect list believes the four priorities should be "a green, safe, socially just and clean Europe".

The non-parliamentary Greens of Slovenia say Slovenia should focus on the CAP, environment, competition and technology.

Meanwhile, the coalition Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) says Slovenia should highlight all EU advantages, but also do its best to enhance its own influence in the EU.

For the opposition New Slovenia (NSi), it would be good for Slovenia to build on the reputation of a leader in healthcare and in fighting cancer it earned during the 2008 EU presidency.

But environmental issues, including the protection of pollinators, as well as the development of agriculture and SMEs should also be in the focus.

The non-parliamentary United Slovenia believes the only priority should be "consistent efforts for overhauling the EU into a union of sovereign and free nations".

This would require a thorough reform of the EU's foundations, but the party believes interests of multinationals and capital should no longer be at the forefront.

The opposition National Party (SNS) doubts Slovenia has enough qualified staff to produce a good programme for EU presidency in the first place.

Still, it believes the country should bring up a number of problems during the presidency which have resulted from poor decisions taken by previous governments.

All our stories on the European Union are here

16 May 2019, 15:20 PM

Slovene EU Commissioner Bulc Has More Support at Home than in Brussels

May 16, 2019

In a recent survey evaluating the work of each of the 28 European Commissioners, Margrethe Vestager of Denmark ranks highest, while Hungarian Tibor Navrascis the lowest. Slovenian commissioner Violeta Bulc ended near the bottom at 21^st place, reports POP TV today.

best and worst.jpg

Source: CBW report

In her five-year mandate the highest ranking European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager put the pressure on many multinational companies who have until then managed to avoid paying taxes in the EU. As a result, the two tech giants Google and Apple were hit with a combined bill for nearly 20 billion in fines, notes BCW Communications Agency, which carried out the survey.

The most successful move of the European Commissioner for Transportation, Violeta Bulc, is seen in her attempt to raise the tolls paid by drivers of high polluting vehicles, while her greatest failure is identified as her attempt to end the seasonal changing of the clocks in Europe (although this attempt has not yet been defeated, simply not agreed on).

However, Bulc enjoys very high popular support in her home country. According to Mediana polling agency, she’s been placed between 2^nd and 4^th on a list of Slovenian politicians throughout her term as Commissioner.

16 May 2019, 11:30 AM

EU Elections 2019: Most Parties See Brexit as Negative, Although Reasons Differ

STA, 16 May 2019 - Most parties and lists running in the European Parliament election except for the more radical players do not see Brexit as a positive development. They however point to different reasons for the British leaving the EU.

The coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC) told the STA Brexit was a negative decision for all and that the EU and UK would continue to cooperate closely in the medium run, at least in the most important fields of common interest.

The Social Democrats (SD) said that there was still a possibility that there will be no Brexit, and that if it happened, it was in everybody's interest that the procedure be carried out responsibly.

It added that exits from the EU and extremes could not be predicted, while being an obvious consequence of irresponsibility of populists and the danger they pose to Europe.

While no one knows what will happen with the UK, the EU needs to strengthen ties between the countries which are aware of the benefits of membership, while at the same time effectively responding to pressing issues, said the Pensioners' Party (DeSUS).

The coalition Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) believes that Brexit is a warning for everybody that elections are important. Many people in the UK, especially the young, would like to go back in time and cast their votes in the Brexit referendum.

The ruling Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) warned that the consequences of Brexit on the flow of goods, services, capital and workforce will be felt both by citizens and companies.

The prime minister's party is convinced that Brexit will be a lesson for the entire EU and that no other member state will decide to leave the bloc.

The minority coalition's partner in the opposition, the Left, argues that the UK has been taken away from the EU by right-wing populism. This is a signal for EU citizens that they are not able to decide on the fate of their own countries.

According to the party, this blow to democracy has triggered a wave of Euroscepticism which will not subside until the EU becomes democratic.

The opposition Democrats (SDS) and non-parliamentary People's Party (SLS), which are fielding a joint list, believe that the consequences of Brexit will depend on its final form and the duration of the transitional period.

The parties think that no other EU member state would decide to exit the bloc at the moment, as trust in the EU is at the highest level since 1983.

The opposition New Slovenia (NSi) said that the British have "jumped into an empty swimming pool" and that it did not believe a full Brexit will take place.

If the political elite is not able to decide, they should let the people decide one more time, as they are now acquainted with the consequences, the party added.

The far-right National Party (SNS) believes that Brexit has failed to strengthen the unity of the EU, but has shown that the EU does not know what it wants and that it is not able to solve this issue.

"Brussels is buying time and making London make decisions, while London is waiting for the EU to make a move," said the SNS, which sees some other member state leaving as a possibility and suggests Slovenia should think about this option.

Slovenia leaving the EU is also being proposed by the non-parliamentary United Slovenia (ZSi), which argues that Brexit is a nice example of how interests of corporations outweigh referendum decisions of the people.

Brexit has been blocked so that the will expressed by the British does not become an example for other countries, the party said, calling for "Sloexit" due to violations of fundamental human rights in the EU.

The Homeland League (DOM) believes that Brexit is a "symptom of the EU's illness". Leaving the EU is the country representing 20% of GDP of the EU, the strongest member military-wise and the oldest democracy, the party noted.

Good State (DD) argues that Europeans have obviously forgotten that the EU is a guarantor of political stability.

The Let's Connect list believes that Brexit is a "national and European disaster and a consequence of the decades of demagoguery of the British governments, which have blamed Brussels for their own incompetence".

The Greens think that Brexit will have a negative impact both on the EU and the UK and hope for a second referendum, which would save the younger generation in the UK which strongly opposes Brexit.

10 May 2019, 11:50 AM

Schengen Zone: Most Slovenian Parties Oppose Internal Border Checks, Some Call for Stronger Controls at Croatian Border (Feature)

STA, 9 May 2019 - With a number of countries within the Schengen zone continuing to carry out internal border checks, including neighbouring Austria, a majority of the parties standing in the 26 May European election claim such checks are unwarranted. Some perceive them as an expression of a lack of trust in Slovenian politics.

The coalition parties generally share the opinion that internal border checks are not warranted, as passing borders without checks is one of the most tangible advantages of EU membership.

The ruling Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) believes that the rules on temporary border checks within the Schengen zone should be redefined to prevent abuse of the system.

The Social Democrats (SD) think that checks on internal borders are unwarranted, except in extraordinary situations. Any obstacles to the free flow of people, services, goods and capital are unacceptable, the party says.

The Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) finds Austria's border checks unacceptable. "We don't want a future in which counties make unilateral decisions about such fundamental values and treaties, such as the Schengen Agreement."

The Modern Centre Party (SMC) sees Austria's decision as a violation of the fundamental principles of the EU, arguing that Slovenia is protecting the Schengen border responsibly. It sees the political situation in Austria as the main reason for border checks.

Also stressing that the checks on the Slovenian-Austrian border are unwarranted is the Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB), which says it is a mere "implementation of cheap nationalist politics".

The opposition Democrats (SDS) and the non-parliamentary People's Party (SLS), who are running on a joint ticket, believe that internal border checks are a result of the increasing threat of terrorism and illegal mass migrations.

Internal border checks run counter to the idea of free movement of people, but only effective protection of the external border would make internal checks unnecessary, the parties says.

While noting that internal border checks undermine one of the fundamental freedoms in the EU, the opposition New Slovenia (NSi) believes that these are an obvious sign of distrust among EU member states, a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

The Left, an opposition partner to the minority ruling coalition, warns that checks on internal borders run against the concept of open borders as one of the fundamental EU values. The measure is unlawful and undermines the principles on which the EU is based.

The opposition National Party (SNS), meanwhile, believes that Slovenia should seal its Schengen border with Croatia and let only people with valid documents in the country. Controls on the border should be constant and strict.

Similarly, the Homeland League (DOM) thinks that Austria's measure is self-explanatory, as Slovenia has failed to protect its border since 2015. "If border protection is not effective, the Schengen border will be moved from the river Kolpa to the Karavanke mountain range."

On the other hand, the Let's Connect list believes that such checks are no longer warranted from either the security or customs aspects. It is propaganda aimed at creating the false feeling of an outside threat, it says.

Good State believes that Austria is using the situation for political purposes. Internal checks are unwarranted and the Slovenian government should take counter-measures and check people coming to Slovenia from Austria.

10 May 2019, 09:59 AM

Pahor Joins Steinmeier, Other EU Presidents in Calling for Strong, Integrated Europe

STA, 9 May 2019 - The EU heads of state, including Slovenia's Borut Pahor, have issued a joint call ahead of the EU election, urging the people on Europe Day to vote and making a case for a strong, integrated EU. Pahor presented the initiative on Thursday with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who started a two-day official visit to Slovenia.

"European integration has helped to realise a centuries-old hope for peace in Europe after unbridled nationalism and other extreme ideologies led Europe to the barbarity of two world wars.

"To this day, we cannot and should not take peace and freedom, prosperity and well-being for granted. It is necessary that we all engage actively for the great idea of a peaceful and integrated Europe."

The statement is carried today by major European newspapers, including three dailies in Slovenia.

Na povabilo predsednika Republike Slovenije Boruta Pahorja se danes in jutri na uradnem obisku v Republiki Sloveniji mudi predsednik Zvezne republike Nemčije Frank Walter Steinmeier. Predsednika bosta skupaj proslavila današnji dan Evrope. pic.twitter.com/hWJGi2C2w4
— Borut Pahor (@BorutPahor) May 9, 2019

It was also presented in Ljubljana today by Pahor and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who thus started an official visit to Slovenia.

Pahor, who was, according to his office, among the first signatories of the appeal, stressed that this was the first time in 40 years since European election are being held that all presidents of member states had issued a joint call to EU citizens to support Europe by turning out for the election.

"I think this shows that we all share the view that we have reached an important crossroads regarding our joint European future and that perhaps it will be the European election that will decide the future course of our beloved European Union," Pahor said.

"Usually we ask what we can get from Europe, but now we can give something to Europe - our vote that any one of us can cast," he added.

Steinmeier said that the 21 signatories of the statement agreed that Europe needed a political debate in order to determine its future course.

"Together with other partners, Slovenia and Germany want to make sure not only that the cooperation in Europe continues but also prevent Europe from taking a step backwards, where we would perceive each other as rivals or even opponents."

In the statement, the presidents stress that this year's elections are particularly important, and urge the people to vote since the elected members of the European Parliament, along with the Council, decide which rules should apply in Europe and how Europe's budget should be spent.

The statement acknowledges that the EU is facing profound challenges, with some people "talking about rolling back one or more integration steps, such as freedom of movement or abolishing joint institutions" even as others call for more integration or for a multi-speed Europe.

»Združena Evropa potrebuje močan glas ljudstva zato vas pozivamo, da uveljavite svojo volilno pravico. Glasovali bomo namreč o skupni evropski prihodnosti.« pic.twitter.com/R709WTXjaZ
— Borut Pahor (@BorutPahor) May 9, 2019

"Views on these matters differ among the citizens and governments of the member states, as well as between us heads of state. However, we all agree that European integration and unity is essential and that we want to continue Europe as a Union. Only a strong community will be able to face up to the global challenges of our time.

"The effects of climate change, terrorism, economic globalisation, and migration do not stop at national borders. We will only meet these challenges successfully and continue on the road to economic and social cohesion and development by working together as equal partners at the institutional level."

The presidents thus make an appeal for a strong EU that has "joint institutions, a Union that constantly reviews its work with a critical eye and is able to reform itself, a Union that is built on its citizens and on its member states as a vital base."

"This Europe needs a vibrant political debate on the best path forward into the future ... Europe is able to withstand a very wide range of opinions and ideas. But there definitely must not be a return to a Europe in which countries are no longer equal partners but opponents.

"Our united Europe needs a strong vote by the peoples. This is why we call on you to exercise your right to vote. It is our common European future that is on the ballot," the statement concludes.

The statement was signed by all EU heads of state except from countries that are monarchies, since by convention monarchs do not sign such statements.

08 May 2019, 12:52 PM

EU Elections 2019: On Migration Parties Differ in Specifics, But Most Want Common EU Policy (Feature)

STA, 8 May 2019 - The parties standing in the upcoming EU election have very different views on the issue of migration, which the EU has been struggling with in recent years. While coalition parties mostly advocate for a common EU migration policy and sharing the burden, the opposition, bar the Left, want better border protection.

The senior coalition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) as well as the junior coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC) believe in solidarity.

The SMC thinks quotas are one of the possible solutions to the current situation, while the LMŠ believes a balance between solidarity towards migrants and the safety of Slovenian citizens should be found.

Both parties believe the problem of people leaving their countries should be tackled at its source, with the LMŠ noting a clear distinction should be made between legal and illegal migrations.

The coalition Social Democrats (SD) have told the STA that a united pacifist foreign policy of the EU would be crucial to deal with migration, along with protection of external EU borders.

Also important will be fair trade and a high level of environment protection and labour standards, the SD believes.

The party thinks countries share the responsibility for the situation and should also share the burdens.

The coalition Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) agrees. "No country will be able to deal with this challenge alone and border fences will not stop immigration."

The Pensioners' Party (DeSUS), another ruling coalition party, thinks the migration influx has caught the EU completely unprepared.

"Each country took its own steps and what we witnessed at the end of 2015 is a disgrace for all of us who believe that Europe is a humane and civilised community," it says.

The opposition Left thinks the EU's foreign policy and its policy towards neighbouring countries need a thorough overhaul. Rather than building fences, buying weapons and gathering troops, the EU should invest in peace building in its neighbourhood, the party stresses.

"These people are fleeing from hunger, poverty, wars, ecological disasters," the Left has said about migrants.

In contrast, the opposition Democrats (SDS) and the non-parliamentary People's Party (SLS), running on a joint ticket, think the EU has made the right call when it recently decided to send 10,000 police officers at its external borders.

The SDS+SLS alliance believes the migration issue should be tackled in source countries and opposes obligatory refugee quotas for EU member states.

The opposition National Party (SNS) has even more radical views, calling for immediate closure of EU borders for all migrants.

The party also thinks all those who are already in the country and do not meet the criteria for residence should immediately be sent back to their countries.

The opposition New Slovenia (NSi) thinks the main problem is the lack of dialogue between central and western Europe.

"We need a European solution that will not breach the sovereignty of countries. We cannot have one Europe and two migration policies and two interpretations of the rule of law."

The issue of migration should primarily be addressed by tackling economic and social problems in source countries, the NSi believes.

Among the non-parliamentary parties and lists, the Homeland League (DOM) holds the most radical view, demanding that the EU protect its borders using all means available and prevent illegal migration from the Middle East and Africa.

The far-right United Slovenia, led by the self-styled militia leader Andrej Šiško, even talks of a "planned genocide against European nations" which started with the 1975 Strasbourg resolution. It claims that with the resolution, the EU predecessors agreed to accepting Arab immigrants in exchange for access to oil.

All our stories on the EU elections are here, while those on immigration are here

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