Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel said in Brussels on Thursday that Slovenia wanted to contribute to creating synergies in Europe during its stint as EU president in 2007. For this is reason it has selected "Si.nergy for Europe" as its presidency motto.
According to the Slovenian foreign minister, being the first newcomer from the recent rounds of enlargement to hold the presidency is an honour and a major responsibility and challenge. This is a "historic project" for Slovenia, Rupel said.
"Our motto is Si.nergy for Europe, SI being the country code for Slovenia," said Rupel. According to him, the goal is for Slovenia to contribute to creating synergies for Europe.
"Kosovo and the Western Balkans - this is the top challenge for the Slovenian presidency," he said. "It is clear that Slovenia will face the most complex processes during its presidency," he added in a reference to the future status of Kosovo.
He believes that "these processes will culminate towards the end of our presidency". He also pointed out that Slovenia stood ready to support Serbia on its path to the EU.
"We would like for Serbia to slide along the fastest tier to Europe, with the first stop being the signing of the Agreement on Stabilisation and Association, and the second candidate status."
He added however that Serbia's commitments to the Hague tribunal were carved in stone. "We wouldn't dare consider renouncing these standards."
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