Defence, European integration and cooperation development: First Deputy Speaker pays working visit to Slovenia
A Ukrainian parliamentary delegation led by First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksander Korniienko paid a working visit to the Republic of Slovenia. The delegation held a number of bilateral meetings with representatives of the country’s parliament and government.
In meetings with Vice-Speaker Danijel Krivec and other representatives of the National Assembly, Oleksander Korniienko thanked Slovenia for its military, financial, and humanitarian support. «Slovenia's decision to join the PURL initiative is of great importance to us and sends an important signal to other NATO partners who have not yet joined», said Oleksandr Korniienko, who also expressed gratitude for the financial and humanitarian support provided to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. He underscored that Ukraine has fulfilled the conditions for launching EU negotiation clusters: “We count on Slovenia's readiness to provide Ukraine with political and advisory support during the accession negotiations.”
Talks with Franz Breznik, Chairman of the Committee on European Union Affairs of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, addressed Ukraine’s energy needs, with Oleksandr Korniienko noting: «We would be grateful for support, both in the form of contributions to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund and logistical assistance». The delegation also discussed security cooperation, sanctions against russia, defence-industrial collaboration, and Slovenia’s recognition of Ukraine’s decentralization reform. First Deputy Speaker emphasised the role of local partnerships. «Strong communities are the foundation of our European integration,» he added. An agreement was reached to expand municipal cooperation, including a planned partnership line between Maribor, Lviv, and Kharkiv.
During a meeting with Defence Minister Borut Sajovic, Oleksander Korniienko expressed appreciation for Slovenia’s consistent support. «The agreement on security cooperation and long-term support is a solid foundation for our bilateral defence cooperation,» Oleksander Korniienko said. He proposed developing joint defence-industry projects. The delegation also studied Slovenia’s experience with EU cohesion policy and regional development, calling Slovenian expertise invaluable. «Even in wartime, we continue with reforms, because recovery and European integration are integral parts of the future we are fighting for,» First Deputy Speaker highlighted.
The discussion focused on Ukraine's path to full EU membership, progress according to the Enlargement Report, successful completion of the screening phase, and expectations for the opening of negotiation chapters. The importance of Slovenia's practical support and solidarity in the reconstruction of Ukrainian regions was emphasized. A Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of regional development was signed during the meeting. The use of frozen russian assets to compensate for the consequences of russia's aggression was discussed separately.