EU Council Presidency Slovenia 2021

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# THE ÜBERSICHT SLOVENIAN PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

CONTENT

I. CONTEXT OF THE SLOVENIAN EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY...... 3

II. FACTS & FIGURES...... 4

III. PRIORITIES FOR THE PRESIDENCY...... 5

IV. PROGRAM OF THE PRESIDENCY...... 6

V. WHO IS WHO?...... 9

VI. FURTHER INFORMATION...... 12

Version 1 / 06.07.2021 Have you discovered obsolete or incorrect information? Let us know! We are happy to update this overview: [email protected] I. CONTEXT OF THE SLOVENIAN EU COUNCIL PRESIDENCY

On 01 July, 2021, Slovenia took over the works”. For one, the next few months will Presidency of the Council of the Europe- prove crucial for Europe’s digital sector an Union for the second time in its history (and beyond) as several, keystone pieces after joining the European Union in 2007. of digital legislation will either be present- It is unsurprising that the Coronavirus and ed soon or continue to be discussed under its consequences have been the central the supervision of the Slovenians. Mean- topic of conversation in Europe for the while, US President Joe Biden finally made better part of one and a half years now, his first trip to the European continent, set- and although Europe’s vaccination rate is ting important impulses for the future of the steadily increasing, it seems the Slovenians transatlantic relationship. The message will still need to manage the consequenc- from both sides is clear: while conditions es of the pandemic. In an effort to equip for cooperation have improved compared the European Union with the tools it needs to the past few years, there will be no re- to protect the health of its citizens, the Slo- turn to the “status quo” prior to the Trump venian Presidency will continue to lay the administration. Both sides intend to look groundwork for deeper cooperation in forward and collaborate on very current, health policy at a European level. Also, pressing topics like a minimum global taxa- national recovery plans are on the agen- tion rate, presenting a united Western front da. Europe desperately needs to kickstart its vis-à-vis China, and protecting the rule of economy in the wake of the pandemic, and law and democratic values. On this last in an attempt to accelerate Europe’s green point, internal EU battles also lie ahead, as and digital transitions, these plans need to certain member states are accused of rule be approved and implemented as soon as of law backsliding, potentially jeopardiz- possible. Along these lines, the key word ing their access to Recovery Fund support for the next six months will be “resilience”. measures. Whether economically, digital- ly, socially, or from a health perspective: The portfolio the Slovenians are inheriting the Slovenian Council Presidency will from the outgoing Portuguese Presiden- work towards making Europe stronger in cy can be labeled as very much “in the the face of new, diverse challenges. ■

3 #THEÜBERSICHT #THEÜBERSICHT

Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

II. FACTS & FIGURES POLITICAL SYSTEM HEAD OF GOVERNMENT Prime Minister DEMOGRAPHICS ECONOMY Janez Janša POPULATION1 Slovenia is a parliamentary democratic EXECUTIVE HEAD OF STATE € republic with a proportional President 2.1 48 electoral system.11 Borut Pahor MILLION BILLION ANNUAL GDP6 (2019) The constitution of Slovenia gives the Slovenian KEY POLITICAL PARTIES12 Government the executive power. The current government is composed of the Prime Minister and LIFE EXPECTANCY2 % € Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) 3.2 27,436 16 Ministers. It directs and coordinates the GDP GROWTH6 GDP PER CAPITA6 implementation of state policy, considering the List of Marjan Šarec (LMŠ) 81.3 YEARS (AVERAGE) (2019) (2019) provisions of the Constitution, laws and other general acts of the National Assembly. Social Democrats (SD) 84.2 YEARS Modern Centre Party (SMC) TRADE The parliament is bicameral and consists of the Left (LEVICA) 78.5 YEARS € € National Assembly and the National Council. 40 39 In the National Assembly, there are 90 elected representatives New Slovenia – Christian BILLION BILLION of political parties and representatives of the Italian and Democrats (NSI) EXPORTS (2019) IMPORTS6 (2019) Hungarian national communities. It adopts its rules of procedure and the state budget, ratifies international treaties, and calls Party of Alenka Bratušek (SAB) referendums. The National Council consists of 40 nominated FERTILITY RATE3 Democratic Pensioners’ Party of members, who represent employers, employees, farmers, Slovenia (DESUS) CHILDREN/ MAIN TRADING PARTNERS7 (2019) craftsmen and independent professions, non-commercial 11 1.6 WOMAN Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, activities, and local interests. Slovenian National Party (SNS) Austria and China

CULTURE & SCIENCE

8 ECONOMIC SECTORS (2019) Slovenia is known for the There are more than Beekeeping is a prime Solkan bridge, the world’s 10,000 caves in Slovenia. part of the Slovenian OFFICIAL LANGUAGE4 longest stone-arch While the Slovenian identity. There are 90,000 Services (56.9%) Slovenian bridge railway. language is only spoken beekeepers in a Industry (28.4%) It was built in 1900 and by 2.3 million people, population of 2 million.14 Agriculture (1.9%) features 4,533 stone blocks there are more than 48 that stretch 220 meters. different dialects.13

RELIGIONS5 1https://www.stat.si/StatWeb/en/Field/index/17 9 Roman Catholic (73.5%) MAIN INDUSTRIAL SECTORS (2019) 2https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.LE00.IN?locations=SI Atheist, No Religion or Food and Beverage, Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, Automotive 3https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.DYN.TFRT.IN?locations=SI 4 https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/national-policies/eurydice/content/population-demographic-situation-languages-and-religions-77_en Unknown (17.5%) Industry, Non-Metallic Mineral Sector, Iron and Steel Sector 5https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-major-religions-in-slovenia.html Islam (2.4%) 6https://www.destatis.de/Europa/EN/Country/EU-Member-States/Slovenia.html 7https://wits.worldbank.org/countrysnapshot/en/SVN/textview Orthodox (2.3%) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE10 8https://www.statista.com/statistics/329073/share-of-economic-sectors-in-the-gdp-in-slovenia/ Protestant (0.8%) 9https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-are-the-biggest-industries-in-slovenia.html 10https://www.statista.com/statistics/330256/unemployment-rate-in-slovenia/ "other” religions (Judaism, % 11 (2020) https://www.gov.si/en/topics/political-system/ Eastern Religions & 3.8 12 http://www.parties-and-elections.eu/slovenia.html 13 other beliefs)(3.5%) https://slovenia.si/this-is-slovenia/dialects-enrich-the-slovenian-language/ 14 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/slovenia/articles/slovenia-facts/

4 III. PRIORITIES FOR THE PRESIDENCY

The Slovenian EU Council Presidency will aim to facilitate the EU’s recovery and reinforce its resilience, reflect on the future of Europe, strengthen the rule of law and European values, and increase security and stability in the European neighborhood. Specifically, the Slovenian agenda for the presidency will focus on four main priorities:

RESILIENCE, RECOVERY CONFERENCE ON THE A CREDIBLE AND SECURE AND STRATEGIC FUTURE OF EUROPE EUROPEAN UNION AUTONOMY The Slovenian Presidency puts a special Under the priority “A credible and secure Under the priority “The resilience, recov- emphasis on the Conference on the Future European Union, capable of ensuring se- ery, and strategic autonomy of the Euro- of Europe as it recognizes the need for a curity and stability in its neighborhood”, pean Union”, the presidency will focus comprehensive debate on the common the presidency strives to strengthen the on reducing dependence on external future of the European Union. Special at- transatlantic relations. The cooperation players. Strategic autonomy shall be tention will be devoted to the process of with US and NATO is supposed to rein- strengthened also by building a European discussions on the expectations of citizens force the EU’s position in the international Health Union and improving the capac- on the future of Europe. There will be a close community and facilitate member states’ ity to ensure the availability of medicinal cooperation with the tree main EU institu- pursuit of common interests. Special at- products and medical devices, as well as tions and it will be ensured that the Council tention will be devoted to the Western facilitate their research, development, and of the EU and the member states have an Balkan countries by focusing on their eco- production. The presidency supports the appropriate role during the conference. The nomic recovery, green and digital tran- proposal to establish a Health Emergen- discussion will focus on the aspects of life in sition, and resilience in the region– also cy Preparedness and Response Authority Europe today as well as in the future. ■ against increasing cyber threats. The pres- (HERA). To be better equipped for the idency will be guided by the principle to challenges of the new digital era, cyber build a positive future for young people. resilience will be a priority along with dig- THE EUROPEAN WAY Slovenia will host the EU-Western Balkans ital service and market regulations. Addi- OF LIFE Summit to further work towards this goal. tionally, Ljubljana will strive for an ethical To strengthen the security of the Europe- development of Artificial Intelligence. To Under the priority “A union of the Europe- an Union, the presidency is determined to accelerate the green and digital transi- an way of life, the rule of law, and equal build a robust Schengen area that is pre- tion, the Next Generation EU instrument criteria for all”, the Slovenian Presidency pared for the challenges ahead. Addition- and the Recovery and Resilience Facility is determined to strengthen the rule of law ally, there will be negotiations on the New are intended to be implemented effec- as one of the common European values. It Pact on Migration and Asylum. ■ tively. The objectives of the EU to be cli- will lead an annual dialogue on the rule of mate-neutral by 2050 and reducing the law situation with the aim of promoting a greenhouse gases will be transposed culture of the rule of law throughout the EU into binding European legislation. The and enable member states to learn from Slovenian Presidency will initiate debate each other’s experiences. The presidency on proposals for new own resources and strives to show that the rule of law can be discuss EU fiscal rules. ■ further strengthened in full respect of national constitutional systems and traditions. A further goal is to counter the negative demographic trends in the Union. ■

5 IV. PROGRAM OF THE PRESIDENCY

II. ECONOMIC AND made. In addition, the Western Balkans Presidency Motto: FINANCIAL AFFAIRS are named as a geographic priority. The presidency strives to raise awareness “Together. Resilient The implementation of the Recovery and for the combat of hate speech and crimes, Europe.” Resilience Facility, approving all national particularly online. The accession to the plans in the Council, and monitoring im- European Convention on Human Rights is plementation will be central in this field. support and the presidency will empha- Achieving a successful recovery will also size the impact of Artificial Intelligence be the aim of the implementation of the tools on fundamental rights. It will continue I. GENERAL AFFAIRS common fiscal rules, which will allow for to work on the digitization of justice and its a balance between measures to support legislative proposals (e-CODEX system, In the continued response to the COVID-19 economic growth and the stability of pub- e-evidence). ■ crisis, the presidency will focus on the “stra- lic finances even after the COVID-19 cri- tegic aspects” the crisis has brought to the sis. The EU budget for 2022 shall be ad- stage. Strategic autonomy should mark the opted. Regarding financial services, the IV. ENVIRONMENT EU’s global role by 2040. EU-NATO co- presidency will continue activities related operation and a Joint Cyber Unit are cen- to the Banking Union. Legislative work will The presidency sees the realization of tral in fighting hybrid threats. Enlargement focus on two dossiers that will provide the the goals set out in the European Green and association processes with the West- basis for new EU own resources, name- Deal as the leitmotif of their environment ern Balkans are of utmost importance for ly the dossiers on digital taxation and the and energy policy. For the environment, Slovenia, who strives for positive messag- carbon border adjustment mechanism. this includes, especially, formulating a es. With the UK, the focus will be on imple- In terms of business relations with third mandate for the EU at the COP26 to the menting the agreements made. In strength- countries, the presidency will promote the UNFCCC which can ensure that the EU ening the respect for the rule of law, the simplification and integration of customs acts as a united front at the conference presidency will work for a convergence of and other administrative procedures for and allows the EU to take a leading role views through impartiality and equal treat- companies. ■ in the negotiations. The presidency will ment of all member states. To prepare the lead the debate in the Council on the Fit next EU Strategic Agenda, Slovenia will for 55 package (including the revisions bundle the results of the Conference on the III. JUSTICE AND of the EU ETS, CO2-standards for vehi- Future of Europe in the form of recommen- HOME AFFAIRS cles, and the Effort Sharing Regulation), dations by early 2022. Ljubljana will also aimed at adapting the European energy focus on the various aspects of the Europe- The presidency aims to further develop a system to the new climate targets, “trying an Democracy Action Plan, for example to “comprehensive system for migration and to identify as many outstanding issues as strengthen electoral integrity and encour- asylum management”. A focus is the strat- possible and find balanced compromise age democratic participation. ■ egy on the future of Schengen and the solutions”. Furthermore, the presidency will amendment of the Europol Regulation to seek agreement on a general approach ensure a well-functioning Schengen area, to the European Batteries Regulation and effective police cooperation, and secu- lead a debate in the council on the Waste rity in the EU. Internal security will be an Shipment Regulation. ■ aspect when discussing the directive on the resilience of critical entities. Efforts in terms of better disaster resilience shall be

6 V. TRANSPORT, ulation. Due to the increasing importance thority (HERA). In the area of availability TELECOMMUNICATIONS of cyber resilience, the presidency sees and accessibility of medicines, they wish AND ENERGY the proposal for a directive on cyber se- to stimulate discussion on new solutions curity (NIS 2) as highly important. ■ at EU level. The presidency supports a The European Green Deal entails a strong lifelong approach to aging, especially coordination of the EU’s climate and ener- regarding quality work at all stages of gy policies. This means that several central VI. COMPETITIVENESS life. Slovenians will continue negotiations energy files are now defined equally as on wage transparency and will prepare environment policy – especially the Fit for The Slovenians strive to reach an agree- Council conclusions on the impact of 55-package mentioned above. The presi- ment in the Council on key pieces of leg- digitization and Artificial Intelligence on dency sees the Renewable Energy Sourc- islation for the internal market: the Digital gender equality in the labor market. The es Directive (RES), the Energy Efficiency Services Act and Digital Markets Act. To presidency will continue negotiations on Directive (EE), and the Directive on the En- improve enforcement of internal market the coordination of social security systems ergy Performance of Buildings (EPBD) as rules, findings from the Strategic Report on and pay attention to the Western Balkan key new energy files which it is prepared the Implementation of the Internal Market partners. ■ to begin negotiating on. The presidency Action Plan should be applied. Regard- will prioritize the inter-institutional nego- ing a Corporate Sustainable Reporting tiations on the Trans-European Energy Directive, the Slovenians plan on initiating VIII. AGRICULTURE AND Networks Regulation (TEN-E) while giv- a legislative proposal. Next, to integrate FISHERIES ing consideration to the decarbonization European industry into the green and digi- package in the field of gas legislation. tal transitions, this presidency will focus on The Slovenian Presidency will promote a the updated European Industrial Strategy. socially sustainable transition to sustain- The presidency sees transport as one Important for Ljubljana is the revitalization able agriculture, food chains, and forest of the most important sectors in the EU, of the European tourism ecosystem, for management. Ljubljana’s focus will be which has at the same time been severe- which they will promote innovations to on guaranteeing food supply and the in- ly affected by the pandemic. Sustainable restore consumer confidence in tourism tegrity of food supply chains. Improving and innovative mobility shall “ensure a in the single market. Regarding research, farmers’ competitiveness and income will functioning internal market and the four the Slovenian Presidency seeks to institu- be a crucial part. Another priority will be freedoms”. This entails working on the tionalize research partnerships and de- origin labelling to meet changing consum- Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive velop high-computing research structures er expectations. The presidency aims to and on the two strategies Refuel Aviation through legislative acts and update the achieve the goals of the European Green and Refuel Maritime. The presidency is European Research Area governance Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy. For also prepared to commence discussions framework. ■ this, the reform of the Common Agriculture on the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Policy (CAP) will be the main tool. The proposal scheduled for November, and presidency will include plant products in will give priority to the Trans-European VII. HEALTH, the negotiations on trade agreements with Transport Networks Regulations (TEN-T) EMPLOYMENT AND third countries and start a discussion on including the related proposals to revise SOCIAL AFFAIRS animal welfare. It will promote digitization the European railway corridors. in the veterinary sector. For fisheries, the The Slovenians will focus on the added Slovenian Presidency will push for prog- The digital transformation is identified as value of cooperation at EU level in the ress on the Regulation amending Regu- one of the two key elements of the EU’s development of innovative solutions for lation as regards fisheries control. Ne- economic renewal (along with the green resilient health systems. Special attention gotiations will be launched in the field of transition). The presidency plans on giving will be paid to the role of the EU in global Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agree- priority to AI, data and the data economy, health and the European Cancer Plan. EU ments with third countries. ■ and the roaming regulation. The legisla- health agencies should be strengthened, tive procedures for the Data Governance and Ljubljana will kick off the discussion Act and ePrivacy Regulation will continue, on a legislative proposal to establish a along with deliberations on the eID Reg- new Health Emergency Response Au-

7 IX. EDUCATION, YOUTH, X. EXTERNAL RELATIONS CULTURE AND SPORT The Slovenian Presidency will foster a A discussion on new ways of learning and strong transatlantic cooperation, following teaching, placing digital transformation at the topics discussed at the EU-US Summit, the forefront, will take place during the namely in strengthening multilateralism presidency. They will focus on the broader and promoting climate policy. A key focus context developing digitization and Artifi- will be on strengthening the relations with cial Intelligence and ethics in education- the Western Balkans, also in defense pol- al processes and thus contribute to the icy and to foster resilience in the region, implementation of the Digital Education as well as in the entirety of the EU neigh- Action Plan. The central theme regarding borhood. Slovenia wants to strengthen youth matters will be the participation of EU defense policy and military crisis pre- young people. The presidency will trans- paredness in cooperation with NATO. In fer support for a green and digital future foreign trade, the Slovenian Presidency to the cultural field. They want to prioritize will continue to support the EU’s position the innovative potential of culture with in the WTO reform process. Priority will be special emphasis on quality living. The given to strengthening the partnership with presidency intends to prepare a Council the United States and establishing a fairer, Resolution on the European model of sport rules-based economic relationship with and tries to establish the concept of life- China. Ongoing negotiations with Mexi- long physical activity and will examine the co and the Mercosur should progress. In possibilities of revising the 2019 WADA humanitarian and development aid, the Resolution. ■ Slovenian Presidency will draw up a comprehensive approach to water and renew agreements with Africa, the Pacific, and the Caribbean. The presidency will strive for progress in addressing the international public procurement instrument. ■

8 V. WHO IS WHO?

Political Parties:

European Council Slovenian Democratic Party New Slovenia - Christian Democrats

Modern Centre Party Democratic Pensioners' Party Chair SI Representative of Slovenia

Slovenian Democratic Party

Council Configurations: AGRIFISH: EYCS: Education, Youth, Agriculture and Fisheries Culture and Sport COMPET: FAC: Competitiveness Foreign Affairs ECOFIN: Economic GAC: CHARLES JANEZ and Financial Affairs General Affairs MICHEL JANŠA ENVI: Environment JHA: Justice and Home Affairs EPSCO: Employment, TTE: Transport, Telecommuni- President of the Prime Minister of Slovenia Social Policy, Health cations and Energy European Council and Consumer Affairs

FAC

Chair Foreign Affairs and Trade International Relations

Slovenian Democratic Party Modern Centre Party

JOSEP ANŽE ZDRAVKO BORRELL FONTELLES LOGAR POČIVALŠEK

High Representative of Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister of Economic the Union for Foreign and Development and Technology Security Policy

9 > WHO IS WHO?

COMPET AGRIFISH ENVI

Internal Market/ Space Research Agriculture/ Industry Fisheries Environment

Modern Centre Party Slovenian Democratic Party Modern Centre Party Democratic Pensioners' Party of Slovenia Slovenian Democratic Party

ZDRAVKO ANDREJ SIMONA JOŽE ANDREJ POČIVALŠEK VIZJAK KUSTEC PODGORŠEK VIZJAK

Minister of Economic Minister of the Environment Minister of Education, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of the Environment Development and Technology and Spatial Planning Science and Sports Forestry, and Food and Spatial Planning

EYCS ECOFIN

Education, Youth Culture Finance Home Affairs and Sport

Modern Centre Party Slovenian Democratic Party Slovenian Democratic Party Modern Centre Party

SIMONA VASKO ANDREJ ZDRAVKO KUSTEC SIMONITI ŠIRCELJ POČIVALŠEK

Minister of Education, Minister of Culture Minister of Finance Minister of Economic Science and Sports Development and Technology

10 > WHO IS WHO?

EPSCO ENVI GAC

Social Affairs Consumer Protection Health Environment Coordination

New Slovenia Modern Centre Party Independent Slovenian Democratic Party Slovenian Democratic Party

JANEZ CIGLER ZDRAVKO JANEZ ANDREJ GAŠPER KRALJ POČIVALŠEK POKLUKAR VIZJAK DOVŽAN

Minister of Labor, Family, Minister of Economic Minister of Health Minister of the Environment State Secretary at the Social Affairs, and Equal Development and Technology and Spatial Planning Ministry of Foreign Affairs Opportunities

JHA TTE COREPER

Justice Home Affairs Transport/Energy Telecommunications Ambassador

Modern Centre Party Slovenian Democratic Party New Slovenia Modern Centre Party

LILIJANA ALEŠ JERNEJ BOŠTJAN IZTOK KOZLOVIĆ HOJS VRTOVEC KORITNIK JARC

Minister of Justice Minister of the Interior Minister of Infrastructure Minister of Public Permanent Representative Administration

11 FURTHER INFORMATION

OFFICIAL WEBSITE EP NEWS POLITICO Slovenian Presidency of the Council of 30 JUNE 2021 01 JULY 2021 the EU What Slovenian MEPs expect from their A call for vigilance as Slovenia’s EU country’s presidency presidency begins

EURACTIV EURONEWS EURACTIV 29 JUNE 2021 01 JULY 2021 22 JUNE 2021

Slovenia to speed up legislative agenda Slovenia’s Janez Jansa takes over EU Slovenian FM: EU inaction in Western for key digital files, ambassador says Presidency amid fears for rule of law Balkans “strategically dangerous”

UNDERSTANDING POLITICS ENVISIONING THE FUTURE ANALYSIS, STRATEGY POSITIONING