NEWS

Closer cooperation among Slovenia, Austria and Croatia in the European Union

The Prime Ministers of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia met today in Graz at the invitation of their Austrian colleague, Federal Chancellor Werner Faymann. In their discussion over lunch, they agreed that the meeting in this format would become a tradition. Hence the next meeting will be held in Slovenia at the end of autumn.

   

The Prime Ministers also shared the view that Croatia's membership of the European Union adds a fresh impetus to the already good and close ties between the countries in the regional, European and broader international context. In the light of this, they stressed the need for enhanced coordination of common positions on topics of shared interest for Slovenia, Austria and Croatia, which are discussed by heads of state and government in Brussels.

  

All three Prime Ministers devoted special attention to youth employment, which remains one of the key issues facing the EU in its efforts to overcome the economic and financial crisis. In this regard, Federal Chancellor Faymann outlined the measures and good practice that have helped Austria achieve good results and exceptionally low youth unemployment.

  

The Prime Ministers also exchanged views on strengthening cross-border or regional cooperation. They agreed that projects of this kind had clear added value in ensuring the economic growth and further development of this region.