The Prime Minister Janez Janša attended the grand opening of the Centre for the European Perspective at Jable Castle in Loka pri Mengšu today. In his opening speech he addressed the foreign ministers and other high guests, and said that the idea to open the Centre was a logical consequence of Slovenia's foreign policy priorities, i.e. accession to the EU and NATO. Upon joining Euro-Atlantic organisations Slovenia defined as one of its key priorities supporting countries wishing to join the EU.

 

FOTO: Primož Lavre / Salomon 2000

 

According to the PM, the CEP is the first institution of its kind in the Republic of Slovenia, and it also brings together a number of concepts which had been developed by government, non-governmental, and academic circles since Slovenia became an independent country. The CEP is the result of endeavours to establish a national centre for defining the key strategies of Slovenia's foreign policy. ''So far, strategic consideration about Slovenia's foreign policy priorities have been limited to the initiatives of individuals from political and academic spheres, but we did not have a specialised institution which would cover this important area systematically,'' added the PM.

 

The PM believes that no-one has the right to erect new barriers between European nations in the name of national self-interest. Only a united Europe is a strong Europe, and only as such will it preserve its role in globalisation.

 

Prime Minister Janez Janša with former German Foreign Minister Hans Dietrich Genscher. (Foto: Primož Lavre / Salomon 2000)

 

Peace, security, political stability, economic development, and social cohesion in the countries of South-Eastern Europe are not only strategically important for Slovenia and the region, but also for the EU and the entire international community. ''It gives me great pleasure that numerous esteemed foreign politicians, diplomats, and academics have accepted our invitation to cooperate in the CEP's activities. The initiative for the Centre came from a small country. A country which is not indifferent to the problems its closest and more distant neighbours face in the process of joining the EU. Slovenia is also aware that the success of the Centre depends mainly on inter-state solidarity on a broader, pan-European level. We believe that our initiative will be welcomed by our EU partners, and the entire international community,'' concluded the Prime Minister.

 

Speach of Prime Minister