”European solidarity is our shared value”

On Wednesday, 9 August 2023, MEP Irena Joveva attended the National Assembly meeting, which was addressed by President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. Joveva stressed that solidarity is a shared European value.

In recent days, Slovenia has been hit by its worst natural disaster in decades. The relentless floods and their aftermath have caused immense damage, including, unfortunately, loss of life. President von der Leyen visited our country together with the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, expressing solidarity and support. Together with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, they visited the hardest-hit areas in Gorenjska, Savinjska and Koroška regions. The visit was primarily aimed at finding solutions so that the European Union can most effectively help and support the reconstruction of the affected areas.

“At such a sad time for everyone in Slovenia, any help is welcome and I am glad that the European Union and other allies have responded so generously. People need support and it will be urgently needed for some time to come.”

At Slovenia’s request, the European Union immediately mobilised assistance through the Civil Protection Mechanism and sent a representative to the Slovenian Civil Protection Headquarters to coordinate the EU’s help on the ground. In addition, the Copernicus satellite system is being deployed to monitor flooded areas and landslides.

“We have to help as best and as much as we can. I believe that every single one of us is doing the very same. I don’t want to imagine what the situation would be without the help of so many volunteers. Any help is useful, and it is truly a silver lining that the good will of the Slovenian people really knows no bounds in times like this. The European solidarity shown every day by our fellow citizens, and all the help we have received in Slovenia over the last few days, is a common value that we all share.”

President von der Leyen promised Slovenia a grant of €100 million from the EU Solidarity Fund this year and €300 million next year, when damage assessment and the speed in applying for funding will be key. Slovenia currently has €2.7 billion in loans available from the European Recovery Fund, but in this respect, too, time will be of the essence, which is why a joint working group has already been set up to enable Slovenia to draw these funds. The European Union will also be as flexible as possible to allow Slovenia to redirect 3.3 billion of cohesion policy funds that can be used until 2027 for flood relief.

“A lot of help is coming from Europe – in the form of human, material and financial resources. For the latter, I believe that the government of Robert Golob will really make every effort, as it is already doing, and actually use it in a comprehensive and targeted manner to help the Slovenian people.”

In this difficult time, we are witnessing remarkable solidarity, compassion and sacrifice in our country. All of Slovenia is united in dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.

“But we will need to do more in all areas, from flood protection and prevention schemes to empowering volunteers and being kinder and less destructive to nature. We cannot do without our fellow human beings, we cannot do without nature, but nature can do without us. We need to remember this in all our next steps.”