Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia

11/14/2024 | Press release | Archived content

State Secretary Štucin and Austrian counterpart discuss bilateral relations and the Slovenian minority

State Secretary Marko Štucin reaffirmed the good neighbourly relations during bilateral consultations with Nikolaus Marschik, Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, held in Bled. He expressed hope that Austria would continue to adopt measures to improve the situation of the Slovenian minority through close cooperation with the minority community.
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State Secretary Štucin shaking hands with his Austrian counterpart Nikolaus Marschik | Author Nebojša Tejić/STA

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State Secretary Štucin shaking hands with his Austrian counterpart Nikolaus Marschik State Secretary Štucin shaking hands with his Austrian counterpart Nikolaus Marschik

Slovenia and Austria enjoy positive political and economic relations. State Secretary Štucin and Secretary General Marschik expressed their interest in further strengthening bilateral cooperation. State Secretary Štucin reiterated Slovenia's support for the full implementation of the rights of the Slovenian minority in Austria.

The two officials also exchanged views on the political priorities of the incoming European Commission and the EU strategic agenda 2025-2029. They agreed that EU enlargement remains one of the Union's most significant geostrategic tasks. Slovenia and Austria, as strong advocates of enlargement, pledged to maintain their focus on supporting the Western Balkan countries in their efforts to join the EU. Further discussions addressed the functioning of the Schengen area and migration, with both sides recognising these as shared challenges for the EU.

They then exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans, with State Secretary Štucin presenting Slovenia's activities and views on Russian aggression against Ukraine and developments in the Middle East.

The State Secretary's consultations form part of the regular dialogue between Slovenia and Austria. Relations between the two countries are intensive and broad-ranging, with exchanges and meetings occurring across nearly all areas of cooperation.