Minister Kajzer in Vienna on the future of the EU, regional cooperation and multilateralism

SLOVENIA, November 3 - Talks with his Austrian counterpart focus on strengthening bilateral relations and European challenges

On the sidelines of the trilateral meeting, Minister Kajzer held a meeting with Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs. The two ministers reaffirmed the excellent and friendly relations between Slovenia and Austria, and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Particular attention was paid to the situation of the Slovenian national minority in Austria, with a focus on the realisation of their linguistic and other rights as set out in the Austrian State Treaty. They also discussed economic cooperation, Central European regional integration and ways to strengthen cooperation with countries in the Global South. Another topic of discussion was transport and logistics connectivity, with both ministers emphasising the important role of the Port of Koper as a key link to the Mediterranean region for the export-oriented economies of both countries.

Ministers Kajzer and Meinl-Reisinger exchanged views on current European issues, particularly those relating to the security and competitiveness of the European Union. With Austria due to take up a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council in January 2027, Minister Kajzer shared Slovenia’s experience, emphasising the importance of effective multilateralism, and pledged his full support to his counterpart in fulfilling her new responsibilities. He also congratulated Austria on taking over the leadership of the Berlin Process in 2027, an initiative that is instrumental in bringing the countries of the Western Balkans closer to the European Union.

The ministers agreed to continue their dialogue at the C5 meeting in Budapest. Preparations are also underway for a bilateral visit by the Austrian minister to Slovenia. 

Strengthening regional cooperation for a safer and more competitive Europe

The trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Slovenia, Austria and Croatia focused on the future of the European Union, its enlargement to the Western Balkans, European security and defence, migration, energy security and the EU’s competitiveness. The ministers stressed the importance of regular political dialogue between neighbouring countries and called for enhanced regional cooperation in order to address common challenges.

Minister Kajzer emphasised that closer cooperation between Central European countries and a credible, merit-based enlargement process are essential for stability and security on the European continent. During his visit, he also met with Martin Eichtinger, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, and delivered a lecture on the security and competitiveness of the European Union in Central European and transatlantic settings. He stated that strengthened European resilience, regional integration and close transatlantic cooperation are vital to effectively addressing the security and economic challenges of modern Europe.

Minister Kajzer had a working lunch with Ernst Gödl, Head of the Austria–Slovenia Parliamentary Group. They reaffirmed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and discussed ways to strengthen relations. 

Support for effective multilateralism and international cooperation

During his visit to Vienna, Minister Kajzer met with Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu, Secretary General of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). They discussed the current security situation in Europe and the future of the organisation. The Minister emphasised that Slovenia firmly supports an effective and operational OSCE and that dialogue and cooperation are vital for maintaining security and stability in Europe.

Minister Kajzer met with Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Minister reaffirmed Slovenia’s support for the Agency’s efforts to promote the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, emphasising the importance of international cooperation and capacity-building in this area. Particular attention was paid to the situation in Ukraine and nuclear safety issues.

Minister Kajzer also met with Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). Recognising the excellent, long-standing partnership between Slovenia and UNIDO, they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of sustainable industrial development, innovation, technology transfer and development cooperation. Minister Kajzer conveyed Slovenia’s interest in new joint projects, as well as in raising the profile of Slovenian expertise, technologies and innovative solutions within the organisation’s activities. 

Slovenians in Vienna: A vibrant community

Minister Kajzer attended a ceremony to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Knafelj Foundation. In his opening address, he said that the Foundation had been the cornerstone of Slovenian intellectual life for three and a half centuries, and one of the oldest bridges to Vienna, Europe and beyond. He also highlighted its significant contribution to the education, integration and international openness of many generations of Slovenians.

The Minister also visited the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Austria and Slovenia’s Permanent Representation to the United Nations, OSCE and Other International Organisations in Vienna. 

At both missions, he met with staff and with representatives of the Slovenian community in Austria, whose work plays a significant role in preserving the Slovene language, culture and identity, and in strengthening ties between Slovenia and Austria.

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