Slovenian and Italian foreign ministers call for faster EU enlargement and stronger cross-border ties

In Nova Gorica, Slovenia's foreign minister Tone Kajzer and Italy's foreign minister Antonio Tajani agreed that the European Union should speed up its enlargement process, maintaining clear accession prospects for the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova. They examined the temporary Italian border checks on the Slovenian side and called for solutions that ensure smooth crossings while safeguarding security. Both ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral economic relations, noting growth in trade and plans to deepen collaboration in science, innovation, industry and logistics, with particular focus on the ports of Trieste and Koper.

Kajzer praised Italy as a key neighbor, partner and NATO ally, while Tajani described Slovenia as Italy's leading regional economic partner. The discussion also covered the situation of Slovene minorities in Italy, noting recent increases in support and the ongoing search for a parliamentary representation model.