Public Debate Looks into Ways to Make EU More Popular

Ljubljana, 9 May

A public debate on Slovenia's first year in the EU and on ways of bringing the EU closer to its citizens was held in Ljubljana on Monday, as part of events marking Europe Day.

Among those attending the debate, organised by the government, the European Commission Representation and the information office of European Parliament, were head of the Government Office for European Affairs, Marcel Koprol, and EU Ambassador to Slovenia Erwan Fouere.
Discussing means of making the EU more popular with its citizens, Fouere insisted that the Union's operations should be presented in a more interesting way, while Koprol highlighted that "simple language" should be used when describing them.
As to Slovenia's role in the EU, Fouere said that the country's success in Brussels depends on the lobbying capacities of all actors, the government, the business sector as well as NGOs. A country will also have a greater say if securing a wide support for a particular issue, according to Fouere.
Koprol meanwhile reiterated Slovenia's priorities in the EU, which are to stay net recipient in the next financial perspective, adopt the euro, introduce the Schengen regime and prepare for the EU presidency, due in the first half of 2008.
Slovenia has set itself a clear goal to remain a net receiver in the period 2007-2013, however even a good result in the financial negotiations does not actually guarantee this, Koprol said.
Mojmir Mrak of the Ljubljana Economics Faculty also highlighted that Slovenia's budget position will above all depend on its capacity to draw EU funds.
Head of the European Commission Representation Erwan Fouere said Slovenia enriched the EU and contributed to a stronger European integration process as he addressed a crowd gathered for an event marking Liberation Day and Europe Day in Ljubljana on Monday.
"Its most important contribution is perhaps its rich cultural heritage. Cultural diversity lies in the heart of the European integration process. With its musical and cultural heritage, Slovenia can be an inspiration to all of us," Fouere stressed.
The event in Kongersni trg square was organised by the Ljubljana Municipality and the European Commission Representation to Slovenia. Ljubljana Mayor Danica Simsic also addressed the crowd, calling for tolerance.
The event featured a concert by "Katalena" and a group of tamboura players "Prifarski muzikanti", playing Slovenian folk songs.

Public Debate Looks into Ways to Make EU More Popular

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