Minister Logar at the European Parliament plenary session on the situation in Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina and on the outcomes of the COP26

From 23 to 25 November, Minister Anže Logar attended the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg as Slovenia's high representative for relations between the Council and the Parliament.

On Tuesday 23 November, Minister Logar participated in the discussion on the situation in Belarus at its border with the EU i. "The EU must remain united in rejecting Belarus' attempts to instrumentalise migrants. The most affected countries, like Lithuania, Latvia and Poland, who defend the external borders of the EU deserve our continued solidarity and strong support," stressed Minister Logar.

In the discussion on police violence against Roma, Minister Logar stressed that discrimination and violence against ethnic minorities are unacceptable and called on Member States to implement legislation against discrimination. The minister also stressed that we must empower the Roma community and ensure that they enjoy legal protection and the same fundamental rights as everyone else. Empowerment goes hand in hand with responsible citizenship.

Minister Logar emphasised that the EU budget for 2022 is a balanced compromise that allows the EU to appropriately finance its priorities and measures, while leaving enough flexibility to respond to unpredictable needs.

In a discussion on the worrying political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Logar reaffirmed the EU's longstanding and unequivocal commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina's European perspective as a single, united and sovereign country. The stability of the region is of key importance for the EU as a whole; this is one of the reasons why the Slovenian Presidency has made the Western Balkans one of its priorities. "The EU must do everything it can to calm the threatening rhetoric in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Politicians must work to promote reconciliation in the country," said Minister Logar.

On Wednesday 24 November, Minister Logar gave a statement on behalf of the Council of the EU on the outcomes of the COP26 climate conference. He emphasised the EU's strengthened climate ambition following the conference in Glasgow. "The EU will work hard with other parties to reach the 1.5°C goal. Everyone must take on their share of the responsibility for achieving our shared climate goals."

Minister Logar also took part in a discussion on the EU's role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU is committed to ensuring universal and equitable access to safe and affordable vaccines, medicines and diagnostics for this and all future pandemics. "The EU will not ignore its moral and political responsibility. It will donate 100 million vaccines by the end of 2021, and its target is 500 million by mid-2022. We are committed to ensuring fair opportunities for all."

During the debate on fundamental rights and the rule of law in Slovenia, the minister assured those present that the Slovenian Presidency and the Council of the EU as a whole attaches great importance to the principles of the rule of law and the protection of fundamental rights. The EU institutions and the Member States are, together, responsible for respecting, protecting and promoting our common values as enshrined in the Treaties. "The Slovenian Presidency attaches great importance to respect for the rule of law as a common EU foundation. Two key concerns about Slovenia from the European Commission's 2021 report have been resolved: the appointment of European Delegated Prosecutors and the funding of the STA."

Minister Logar and European Parliament President David Sassoli signed the recently adopted legislative acts together.