“Concessions from the rule of law and civil liberties cannot be tolerated,” Foreign Minister Georgos Gerpatritis said, referring to developments in Turkey and the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu. The Greek Foreign Minister noted that Turkey must give “convincing answers for any alleged violation of the rule of law”.

Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis made the remarks after his meeting with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tania Fayon in Ljubljana during which the issue of European defense was also discussed.

Referring to this issue, Mr. Gerapetritis expressed Athens’ support for the EU’s plan to strengthen Europe’s defence, underlining, however, Athens’ concern about the possible transfer of funds from cohesion funds.

“Regarding the EU’s defence autonomy, this is an initiative that has been implemented after intense efforts over the last three years. Europe must become autonomous and self-sufficient. It is important not only for the strength of the Member States but also for the well-being of the European peoples. On the other hand, I have to express my concern about the possible transfer of funds from the cohesion sector” said Mr. Gerapetritis, adding:“I believe that cohesion is a key factor in Europe. It is the heart of ‘social’ Europe. We cannot have too many concessions in this area. We all recognise how important it is to develop the capabilities of the EU’s defence mechanism. But, on the other hand, this cannot come at the expense of spending on social cohesion. We have to find alternative ways of financing this new way of budgeting.”

Greece and Slovenia echo the EU’s voice at the UN Security Council

“Greece and Slovenia echo the voice of the EU in the Security Council and it is particularly important at this moment to be united,” Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis also stressed in joint statements with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tania Fayon.

He said that both countries are members of the UN Security Council and NATO allies, share common values, principles and challenges and noted that Greece looks forward to further strengthening the coordination between Athens and Ljubljana for the upcoming Greek Presidency of the UNSC in May.

“We have a common perspective for the world,” he stressed. “In very difficult times, European values are a common sense of principles and we defend them vigorously, respect and fully implement international law,” he said.

We have succeeded in reviving the Cyprus talks

Mr. Gerapetritis travelled to Slovenia directly from Geneva, where he participated in an expanded conference on the Cyprus problem on Monday and Tuesday.

“We strongly believe in the importance of continuing the discussions,” he noted. “We believe that the United Nations framework is the foundation for moving forward to a resolution of the Cyprus problem that will lead to the reunification of the island.”

“I am particularly pleased that we have been able to revive the talks on Cyprus. This is perhaps the best news we have heard after 8 years of stagnation and inaction.”

“We are still a long way from reaching a solution, which can only be designed within the framework of the UN Security Council resolutions for a bizonal, bicommunal federation,” he said, but added that it is important that the two sides can talk.

There are some tangible results that have emerged, he said: the appointment of a personal envoy, a concrete timetable for the next steps, which is extremely important, and especially the next meeting with the expanded format of the five, and a list of positive confidence-building measures.

“Confidence must be restored so that we can move forward,” the Greek minister noted. “I have a little optimism. Given the adverse conditions around the world, we have a little hope that we could have some good news. And good news could only be reunification.”

Gerapetritis also referred to the need to strengthen bilateral relations with Slovenia in the economy, trade, investment and energy.

In tourism, there are several arrivals and Greece is the second favourite destination of Slovenians, with the Greek minister commenting that “the second best position is not enough, but we will work to reach the top”.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in the framework of the Three Seas Initiative. Greece became the 13th member in 2023.

“It is important that the Aegean becomes the “fourth” sea in the whole project that unites many countries.”

“We strongly believe that this southern dimension is important because it serves to bridge the South and the North and broadens the perspectives of geopolitical interests in the region.”

The MED-9 initiative was also discussed. Since Slovenia is chairing this year, there will be close cooperation. It is important “to have this kind of regional results when it comes to common challenges and we fully support all the initiatives that Slovenia is undertaking.”

The enlargement process within the EU is a revitalisation process for the EU too
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One of the priorities of the Slovenian Presidency is EU foreign policy and enlargement.

“We both believe that the enlargement process within the EU is a process of rejuvenation for the EU as well,” he noted, adding:

“It has been 22 years since the Thessaloniki agenda, which set the framework for the accession of the Western Balkans. I think we need to take appropriate and strong action to accelerate the process based on the European acquis within the framework of the European acquis, international law, and the principle of equal merit. But we need to speed up the process.”

“Enlargement is crucial for Europe, we need an inclusive Europe and the bigger Europe is, the stronger it becomes,” he said.

“Especially nowadays, when we need to show unity and strength. Of course, there are candidates in the pre-accession process and we need to fully encourage them. Together with Slovenia, we have worked on providing concrete incentives and expertise. And we will exhaust every possible means to enable progress in the enlargement process in a meaningful way in the future.”

To shape a culture of peace and prosperity

“The war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East have shocked the whole world,” he said.

“We have some positive news from both sides, but also some negative news. The ceasefire seems to be insufficient. We need to form a mindset of peace and prosperity.”

He stressed that the conflict in Ukraine must end and underlined that Greece supports a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace with full respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

“The war in Ukraine is not just a war between two states, but constitutes an existential issue for the entire world.”

In the Middle East, we are deeply shocked by the resumption of hostilities in Gaza and the significant number of human casualties, he said.

“We call for the ceasefire to be respected. The hostages must be released. And humanitarian aid to Gaza should flow unhindered. We are working together to ensure that this aid reaches those who need it.”

“At a time of uncertainty and unpredictability in global affairs, developing relationships like ours is not only important but makes a real difference.”

T. Fayon: Slovenia is committed to efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem by UN resolutions

For her part, the Slovenian Foreign Minister noted that the two countries have a similar way of thinking and a common Mediterranean identity. They cooperate with various organisations, including the UN Security Council and EU Med9.

He noted that the discussion was in a positive climate and very constructive. The Slovenian presidency will lead to an even closer cooperation.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed the strengthening of economic cooperation between Athens and Ljubljana in energy, innovation and science. Regarding tourism, he noted that Greece is the second favourite destination for tourists. The air connection from Ljubljana to Athens is a step in the right direction.

Ms. Fayon also referred to the Cyprus issue and noted that Slovenia is committed to efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem in accordance with UN resolutions.

She also noted that the meeting discussed joint efforts for peace in Ukraine and stressed that “every opportunity for peace is a step in the right direction.”

He also mentioned the importance of the enlargement of Europe and noted that Slovenia is closely following the developments in North Macedonia and Serbia. It is important for the Western Balkans to continue on the European path.

He pointed out that we need a stable, peaceful neighbourhood, and the Western Balkan countries, for their part, must continue on the European path.

Referring to the EU’s White Paper on defence, he noted that any transfer of European funds earmarked for cohesion to defence “may prove problematic”.

We need to do more and faster so that Europe can be self-reliant, he said.

Finally, Ms Fayon expressed concern about the arrest of the Istanbul mayor and stressed that the rule of law was key to the EU’s relations with Turkey.