In this podcast, you will hear the inauguration with speeches by David-Maria Sassoli, President of the European Parliament, Dr. Anže Logar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, and director of EUNIC Gitte Zschoch. The event was recorded on the 14th of July 2021 by Europarl Audio. We now leave the floor to our moderator Julio Baquero-Cruz. Enjoy your podcast!

Open a book for a better future! - EuropeReadr Opening Ceremony

On May 1, 2004, ten&nbsp;new member states joined the European Union, marking the&nbsp;largest enlargement in terms of people and number of countries in the EU's history. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia joined the Union, growing from 15 to 25 members.

The European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of these ten nations joining the European Union&nbsp;and engaging in the EP's democratic process to defend the interests of European citizens.

20th anniversary of the 2004 enlargement of the European Union

Croatia officially joined the EU on 1 July 2013.&nbsp;Croatia became&nbsp;the 20th&nbsp;member of the eurozone on January 1, 2023&nbsp;with the adoption fo the euro.

Croatia borders Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia and has been an independent country since 1991. Croatia is a parliamentary republic in which the prime minister and the president represent the executive power and the state at home and abroad.

Croatia has 11 MEPs in the European Parliament.

EU - Croatia

From the 1st of July 2021, Slovenia is holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. However, the country&nbsp;has also been the subject of discussions about the “rule of law” within the EU, a concept referring to respect for due process, plurality in politics and media and the upholding of civic freedoms such as free speech.

In its last 2021 Rule of Law report the EC mentioned that the situation of media in the country has been deteriorating.&nbsp;Online harassment of and threats against journalists are a growing source of concern, and several lawsuits against journalists with intimidating effects have been reported as well as&nbsp;instances of political interference in media.

Attacks on media&nbsp;have been criticized by international, European and national journalists and editors associations. The European Commission intervened various times to express its concerns.

A delegation of the Civil Liberties Committee travelled&nbsp;to&nbsp;Slovenia between 13 and 15 October to&nbsp;take stock of the latest developments in the country as regards the situation of the rule of law, media freedom and the fight against corruption including the question of Slovenian delegated prosecutors to the European Public Prosecutors Office.

Their agenda included&nbsp;exchanges with: NGOs; the Human Rights Ombudsman; academics; journalists and press freedom organisations;the Supreme State Prosecutor and former president of the Association of Public Prosecutors of Slovenia; the Data Protection Commissioner; officials of the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Culture; representatives from the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption; members of the National Assembly; the President of the National Council; and the Presidents of the Constitutional Court and the Court of Auditors.

At the end of the mission, Sophie in ‘t Veld, the Chair of the Civil Liberties Committee delegation, said: "“We observed that the public institutions overall work well. At the same time, the delegation experienced a climate of hostility, distrust and deep polarisation in the country, which erodes trust in and between various public bodies."

Rule of law in Slovenia

Slovenia is a Member of the EU since May 2004, of the Eurozone since 1 January 2007 and of the Schengen area since 21 December 2007.

In March 2021, a debate in plenary was organised in the wake of concerns raised after Klubradio in Hungary was taken off the air, the proposed new levy on media advertising revenue in Poland, and emerging reports of political interference in Slovenian media. In November 2020, Parliament adopted the Resolution on Strengthening Media Freedom: the Protection of Journalists in Europe, Hate Speech, Disinformation and the Role of Platforms.

EU - Slovenia

From July to December 2021, Slovenia holds the Presidency of the EU Council, following the Portuguese Presidency and preceding the French Presidency. This is the second time Slovenia holds the Presidency.The last time was in 2008.

The presidency of the Council rotates among the EU member states every 6 months. During this 6-month period, the presidency chairs meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU's work. Member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three, called 'trios'. This system was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

The trio sets long-term goals and prepares a common agenda determining the topics and major issues that will be addressed by the Council over an 18-month period. On the basis of this programme, each of the three countries prepares its own more detailed 6-month programme.

Under the slogan “Together. Resilient. Europe.”,&nbsp;the Slovenian presidency wants to&nbsp;focus on recovery and resilience, translating ambitious green goals into binding legislation, strategic autonomy, the digital transition, rule of law and the protection of external borders.

Slovenian Presidency

Slovenia is a member of the eurozone since 1 January 2007 and of the Schengen area since 21 December 2007. There are 8 members of the European Parliament from Slovenia.

Situated in southern Central Europe, Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Croatia to the south and southeast, and Hungary to the northeast. The north of the country is dominated by the Alps, while in&nbsp;the southwest, the Karst Plateau is a region filled with limestone caves and gorges. Slovenia has a coastline of 46.6 km by the Adriatic Sea&nbsp;between Italy and Croatia.

EU - Slovenia (2019 - 2020)

This storybook is about a little girl, Anna, who is starting school in a new country and learning the local language through immersion. The audiobook and e-book versions are available in the 24 EU official languages. While the target audience is 3-6 year olds, this storybook could also be useful for older children learning to read, whether in their first EU language or in another one.

<a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/anna-learns-new-language-all-versions_15508_pk">See the other language versions</a>

Anna learns a new language (Slovenian version)

EP President Metsola meets the President of the National Assembly of Slovenia, Urška Klakočar Zupančič and she addresses the National Assembly of Slovenia. President Metsola and President Klakočar Zupančič speak to the press. She also meets the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar and the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob. The EP President and Prime Minister Golob speak to the press.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Meeting with Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Joint Press Point with  Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Meeting with Nataša PIRC MUSAR, President of Slovenia

Proposals for Union acts

Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel, the need for de-escalation and an EU response (debate)

Resumption of the sitting

Formal sitting – 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement

Voting time

Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

The attack on climate and nature: far right and conservative attempts to destroy the Green Deal and prevent investment in our future (topical debate)

Amending Directive 2013/36/EU as regards supervisory powers, sanctions, third-country branches, and environmental, social and governance risks - Amending Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 as regards requirements for credit risk, credit valuation adjustment risk, operational risk, market risk and the output floor (joint debate - Banking Union)

The sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive - Anti-Money Laundering Regulation - Establishing the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (joint debate - Anti-money laundering)

The European Parliament's right of inquiry (debate)

Voting time (continuation)

La Hulpe declaration on the future of social Europe (debate)

Forging a sustainable future together: economic, social and territorial challenges for a competitive, cohesive and inclusive Europe (debate)

Recent attempts to deny dictatorships and the risk of Europe returning to totalitarianism (debate)

Azerbaijan, notably the repression of civil society and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu and Ilhamiz Guliyev

The proposed repeal of the law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia

The new security law in Hong Kong and the cases of Andy Li and Joseph John

The anti-LGBTIQ bill passed by the Ghanaian parliament with implications for human rights, freedom of expression and democratic principles (debate)

Advance passenger information: enhancing and facilitating external border controls - Advance passenger information: prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime (joint debate - Advance passenger information)

Explanations of vote

Agenda of the next sitting

20240424-0900-PLENARY

Closure of the sitting

Plenary session

Official visit to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister

Official visit to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Urška Klakočar ZUPANČIČ, President of the Slovenian National Assembly

Official visit to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the National Assembly

Joint press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister

Renewable Energy, Energy Performance of Buildings and Energy Efficiency Directives: amendments (REPowerEU) (debate)

Announcement by the President: see Minutes

Renewable Energy, Energy Performance of Buildings and Energy Efficiency Directives: amendments (REPowerEU) (continuation of debate)

This is Europe - Debate with the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob

Implementation of the New European Agenda for Culture and the EU Strategy for International Cultural Relations (debate)

A need for a dedicated budget to turn the Child Guarantee into reality - an urgency in times of energy and food crisis (debate)

Question Time (Commission) - “Protection of strategic infrastructure from China's influence”

Suspicions of corruption from Qatar and the broader need for transparency and accountability in the European institutions (debate) (debate)

The recent JHA Council decision on Schengen accession

Prospects for the two-State solution for Israel and Palestine

Turkish airstrikes on northern Syria and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (debate)

Annual implementing report on the EU association agreement with Georgia (debate)

ASEAN relations ahead of the EU-ASEAN summit in December 2022 (debate)

Approval of the minutes of the sitting

Stronger economy, social justice and jobs

Climate change and the environment

EU in the world

Digital transformation

Closing of the Conference Plenary meeting

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary  (with Metadata)

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary - Stronger economy, social justice and jobs

Digital transformation - Presentation of the Recommendations by European Citizens’ Panel 1 and related National Panels

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary 4: Digital transformation

Opening and agenda as proposed by the Executive Board

Health – Presentation of the recommendations by the European and national citizens’ panels

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary 4: Health - Presentation of the recommendations by the European and National Citizens' Panels followed by a debate

Climate change and the environment – Presentation of the recommendations by the European and national citizens’ panels

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary 3: Climat Change &  Environement - Presentation of the recommendations by the European and National Citizens' Panels followed by a debate

Opening of the sitting

Outcome of the COP26 in Glasgow

Statement by the President 

Voting session

The EU's Role in Combatting the Covid-19 Pandemic: How to Vaccinate the World

Announcement of voting results: see Minutes

The EU&#39;s Role in Combatting the Covid-19 Pandemic: How to Vaccinate the World (continuation of debate)

Request for the waiver of a Member’s immunity (resumption of procedure)

Fundamental rights and the rule of law in Slovenia, in particular the delayed nomination of EPPO prosecutors (debate)

A European Action Plan Against Rare Diseases (debate)

Presentation of the Court of Auditors&#39; annual report 2020 (debate)

Agenda of the next sitting 

Closure of the sitting 

Opening by the Co-Chairs and agenda as proposed by the Executive Board

European Citizens’ Panels - presentation by the Co-Chairs and the representatives from the European Citizens’ Panels followed by discussion

Amendment of the agenda 

Report by the Representatives from National Panels and Events on the National panels and events being held

Report from the European Youth Event

Multilingual Digital Platform - presentation by the Co-Chairs of the interim reports and state of play followed by discussion

Conference on the Future of Europe - Plenary

Press conference by Sophia in 't VELD, Head of the EP LIBE delegation to Slovenia, Ljubljana

Press conference by David SASSOLI, President of the European Parliament, Ursula von der LEYEN, President of the European Commission, and Janez JANŠA, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia

Purpose and expectations of the Conference including European Citizens' Panels, National Panels/events and Multilingual Digital Platform: presentation and general discussion

Calendar of Conference Plenaries, European Citizens’ Panels and European Citizens’ Event, and Co-chairs proposal on the organisation of thematic working groups: presentation and discussion

Inaugural plenary of the Conference on the Future of Europe

Press statement by David SASSOLI, EP President and by Borut PAHOR, President of the Slovenian Republic

Press conference by David Sassoli, EP President, and Janez Janša, Slovenian Prime Minister, on the priorities of the Slovenian Presidency

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Meeting with Urška KLAKOČAR ZUPANČIČ, President of the Slovenian National Assembly

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Press point with Urška KLAKOČAR ZUPANČIČ, President of the Slovenian National Assembly

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the Slovenian National Assembly

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Urška Klakočar ZUPANČIČ, Speaker of the Slovenian Parliament

EP Plenary session- This is Europe - Debate with Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister - Press Point

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister

European Council: Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister

Matja NEMEC in the EP in Strasbourg

Official Visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia - Dialogue with young people

Official Visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia - Meeting with Tomasz GRODZKI, Marshal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland

Official Visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia - Meeting Angelo FARRUGIA, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malta

Official Visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia - Meeting with Elisabetta ALBERTI CASELLATI, President of the Italian Senate

Official Visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia - Meeting with Elzbieta WITEK, Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland

Official Visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia -  Keynote address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the Conference of Speakers of the European Union Parliaments ( EUSC )

Official Visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia - Meeting with Borut PAHOR, President of Slovenia

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participate in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new Member States, who are invited to attend the sitting. Four young guests ask questions to Leszek MILLER, former Prime Minister of Poland, Anton ROP, former Prime Minister of Slovenia, Mikuláš DZURINDA, Former Prime Minister of Slovakia and Christina OJULAND, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: Guests ask questions to Leszek MILLER, former Polish PM, Anton ROP, former Slovenian PM, Mikuláš DZURINDA, Slovak Former PM and Christina OJULAND, former Estonian Minister

European Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement On Wednesday morning, MEPs, EU and member state representatives, and young people born in May 2004, will mark the ten countries joining the EU 20 years ago. On this occasion, EP President Roberta Metsola welcomes Leszek MILLER, Pat COX, Günter VERHEUGEN, Vaira VIKE-FREIBERGA, Peter MEDGYESSY, Lawrence GONZI, Anton ROP, Mikulas DZURINDA, Kristiina OJULAND, Giorgios IACOVOU, Antanas VALIONIS, Pavel TELIČKA,

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: extracts from the arrivals

EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, former EP President Pat Cox, and former Commission President Romano Prodi participates in a formal sitting of Parliament to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement round along with representatives from the ten countries, that joined the EU 20 years ago. During the ceremony, the guests answer questions from a group of young people born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, who are invited to attend the sitting.

20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement: extracts from the ceremony

Parliament celebrates the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement. Young people, born on or around 1 May 2004 from the new member states, testimony on their feelings about this historical event and the EU.

Clip: Born European - 20th Anniversary of the 2004 EU Enlargement

This infoclip shows footage of the Cukrarna Gallery opened in September 2021 in Ljubljana (Slovenia) with the contribution of the European Regional and Development Fund (ERDF). The Slovenian capital has gained a new space that serves both as a venue for exhibiting contemporary art and as a place where thoughts can be explored and contemporary art projects of all kinds – visual, intermedia, performance, sound, music and more – can be created and presented. The financial contribution from the EU ERDF is of 10,7 million euros for a total estimated value of 24,6 million euros.

Infoclip: "Cukrarna" Gallery - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - Ljubljana (Slovenia)

This infoclip shows the Ljubjana main train station and its ongoing renovation financed by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) that will increase the efficiency of rail transport for end users, especially by eliminating the existing bottleneck in Ljubljana. In particular, the renovation of the railway station in Ljubljana will increase the capacity for freight and passenger traffic in the wider city area with the aim of reducing the use of cars by daily migrants by enabling a 15-minute frequency of passenger trains in the Ljubljana area from all five directions in the morning and afternoon rush hours. The Recovery and Resilience Facility contributes EUR 214 million to the investment worth EUR 260 million in total. The works started in December 2023 and should be finalised by mid-2026.

Infoclip: Upgrade of the railway station - Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) - Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Following her visit official visit to Slovenia and after meeting with the Prime Minister, EP President Roberta METSOLA holds a press point together with Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister. The press point concentrates on the situation of the farming industry in the EU, the developing situation in the Middle East, the ongoing enlargements talks and the start of the negotiations for the accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the upcoming 2024 European Elections. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister

As part of her official visit to Ljubljana (Slovenia), EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert GOLOB. This news item shows the arrival and press conference. The topics of discussion covered are the ongoing enlargements talks and the start of the negotiations for the accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the upcoming 2024 European Elections.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Meeting with Robert GOLOB, Slovenian Prime Minister: arrival and extracts from the press conference

EP President Roberta METSOLA visits the Slovenian National Assembly in Ljubljana. This news item shows her arrival, her meeting with Urška KLAKOČAR ZUPANČIČ, President of the Slovenian National Assembly, extracts from her address to the Assembly and the press point. The topics that resonated were European elections in June 2024, European enlargement, open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the developing situation in Middle East. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ljubljana (Slovenia) - Visit at the Slovenian National Assembly: arrival, meeting with Urška KLAKOČAR ZUPANČIČ, President of the National Assembly, extracts from the address and the press point

EP President Roberta METSOLA meets with President of Slovenia Nataša PIRC MUSAR in Ljubljana. This news item shows their arrival, meeting and roundtable discussion.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Ljubljana (Slovenia) meeting with Nataša PIRC MUSAR, President of Slovenia: arrival and meeting

Following her address to the Slovenian National Assembly in Ljubljana, EP President Roberta METSOLA holds a press point together with President of the Slovenian National Assembly Urška KLAKOČAR ZUPANČIČ. The press point centers around the relevance of the upcoming 2024 European Elections and participation, as well as the call for a ceasefire and the developing situation in the Middle East. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Urška KLAKOČAR ZUPANČIČ, President of the Slovenian National Assembly

Following her address to the Members of Slovenian National Assembly in Ljubljana, EP President Roberta METSOLA replies to the questions from all 6 deputy groups. The answers covers a broad range of topics, including but not limited to: the EU's commitment to climate action, the farming industry in the EU and the SCF (Social Climate Fund, a dedicated funding so that the most affected vulnerable groups, such as households in energy or transport poverty, are directly supported, and not left behind during the green transition), enlargment and the devoloping situation in the Middle East. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the Slovenian National Assembly: Questions from all 6 deputy groups and a wrap-up reply by Roberta METSOLA, EP President

EP President Roberta METSOLA addresses to the Members of Slovenian National Assembly in Ljubljana, on the occasion of her official visit to Slovenia. The address focuses on enlargement, climate change, the developing situation in the Middle East situation, and the upcoming European elections, and highlighted the EU's commitment to unity, climate action, peace, and democratic participation. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Address by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to the Slovenian National Assembly

Bridging the digital divide, investing in research and innovation… Across the EU people from all walks of life are taking part in the digital transition.  

Heigo and his MindChip team in Estonia are developing autonomous ships and AI ‘captains’ with Tallinn and Tartu universities to help gather marine data. Zagorka volunteers at Simbioza, a company bridging the digital divide in Slovenia, teaching old and young to use digital tools.  

The European Parliament is making sure everyone benefits from the digital transition in the EU, investing in projects ranging from robotic research to digitising schools, bringing tools and knowledge to everyone. Programmes like the European Regional Development Fund, Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+ invest in innovation and bringing regions forward, together.

Benefits of the EU’s digital transition: meet Heigo and Zagorka - VT

Benefits of the EU’s digital transition: meet Heigo and Zagorka - INTER

Slovenian version. Together.eu is a community of people who believe in democracy and who want to give it real meaning as the next European elections approach. It connects people from across Europe to meet, share knowledge and learn new skills, all while encouraging others to vote in 2024.

Together for democracy (Slovenian version)

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated this summer for an increasing number of extreme weather events, including devastating floods (Slovenia, Cyprus, more recently Greece and Bulgaria) and the largest wildfires ever recorded in the EU (in particular in the Mediterranean region). MEPs debate with the Council and Commission better protecting Europeans from extreme heatwaves, floods and forest fires. Extracts from the debate

Towards a more disaster resilient EU - protecting people from extreme heatwaves, floods and forest fires: extracts from the debate

MEPs debate with the Council and Commission better protecting Europeans from extreme heatwaves, floods and forest fires. MEPs call for increased action to build a more disaster-resilient EU. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated this summer for an increasing number of extreme weather events, including devastating floods (Slovenia, Cyprus, more recently Greece and Bulgaria) and the largest wildfires ever recorded in the EU (in particular in the Mediterranean region). Closing statements by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management and by Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union on behalf of the Spanish Presidency of the European Council.

Towards a more disaster resilient EU - protecting people from extreme heatwaves, floods and forest fires: closing statements by Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the EU and Olivér VÁRHELYI, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management

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Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Slovenia