Observers worry about the independence of the judiciary and the media in Slovenia. The small country is now taking over the Presidency of the Council of the EU – Ursula von der Leyen appeals to Janez Jansa.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has made an urgent appeal to the controversial Prime Minister Janez Jansa about the assumption of the EU Presidency by Slovenia.
The EU Council Presidency also plays an important role in matters of the rule of law, said the politician on the sidelines of talks with Jansa in the Slovenian capital Ljubljana. Trust is the EU’s most valuable asset. This also includes trust in an independent judicial system and in independent and adequately financed media.
The right-wing national Jansa has come under fire, among other things, for obstructing the work of the new European Public Prosecutor’s Office by blocking the dispatch of two Slovenian prosecutors. He is also accused of attacking freedom of the press and supporting the controversial Hungarian law restricting information about homosexuality.
Slovenia took over the EU Council Presidency, which changes every six months, a few hours before the meeting of the EU Commission with the Slovenian government from Portugal. During its presidency, the former Yugoslav republic wants to work, among other things, for faster progress in EU accession talks with the Balkan countries that have not yet been admitted. Because of Jansa’s controversial political course, the country must fear that other issues will overshadow the presidency.
As a small country with only around 2.1 million inhabitants, Slovenia does not normally have a particularly large influence in European decision-making processes. As the EU presidency, however, it will now play an important mediating role for six months in the event of differences of opinion between the EU states. It can also set its own political priorities. The country bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia takes over the role of Portugal. It has been a member of the EU since 2004 and also of NATO.
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
