The famous stool

The famous stool.

Those of you who have been following me for a long time know it. Of course, those who don’t follow me at all know it even more.

A very useful thing, by the way. Sometimes the only way to see – or hear – a little more. In my and similar cases, it’s just a “command” from the cameraman, because the shot on the switch is important.

In fact, these stools are a pretty good metaphor for journalism.

When I look back today, the day after World Media Day, on the field, the microphones, the dictaphones and all those moments, I remember this above all: the truth has never been comfortable. For it – and behind it – you had to stand. Sometimes literally … and it is still that way.

Although today many people would prefer to use the stool differently. Not to see further, but to look away more easily. Or to step a little higher. Above people, or rather above facts.

And then we come to the “couches” that become headlines overnight. To clickable stories that are often empty. Let’s be clear: the problem is not with posts about couches. The problem is when they become more important than anything else.

I was part of this system for eight years myself and I know how quickly you can be pulled in by the pace and/or pressure. But that is precisely why I can responsibly say that the media not only reflect reality. They co-create it. Every decision about what goes into a headline and article – and especially the way – has consequences.

Today, both the pace and the pressures are stronger, more sophisticated and often more dangerous. The freedom of independent media in Europe has long been no longer a given. Anyone who claims otherwise is turning a blind eye. The stool is clearly no longer in fashion.

That is why I know that the European Media Freedom Act, which I co-wrote as part of the negotiating team, was a necessary response. Will citizens still have access to verified information – or will we be left to propaganda and algorithms.

But if there is no political will, courage and a clear stance, the law will remain just a dead letter on the paper.

There is no democracy without a free media.

Sometimes you have to step up to the stool – or out of your comfort zone, if you will – and tell it like it is.

If we have a stool, let it serve to see further. As it served me. Let it not serve to make it easier to skip the facts. As it serves some.

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“Patriotic, indeed.”

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, MEP Irena Joveva participated in a plenary debate on the alleged interference of the European Commission in democracy, where she sharply criticized the initiators of the debate and described them as apparent patriots, but in reality defenders of foreign interests: “Patriots only in name. In reality, defenders of foreign interests. European ones – not even a little bit.”

She initially emphasized that such accusations are a typical tactic of populists who blame others for their own actions, and pointed out that this debate is perhaps the most obvious form of propaganda.

Joveva went on to assess that the European Commission was right to freeze funds to Hungary due to suspicions of corruption, and emphasized that European taxpayers cannot finance controversial practices. She also pointed to cases of actual interference in politics, including the participation of foreign political actors in election campaigns.

According to her, the problem is not that the Commission interferes too much, but that it does not act decisively enough against external influences, and concluded that drawing attention to such phenomena is an expression of true patriotism:

“It’s patriotic to say that, you know. But this from the proposers… nice attempt, bad script, even worse acting. It’s very clear who in this hall is really defending Europe and their home – and who is selling it. Patriotic, indeed.”

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International law, peace and human protection – all three are possible

On Wednesday, 29 April 2026, MEP Irena Joveva took part in a plenary debate on the European Union’s strategy in response to the crisis in the Middle East and its consequences for energy prices and the availability of fertilisers. “It is time to dare to be decisive. To dare to think for ourselves. To stand up for international law, peace and the protection of people in the EU,” she said in her address.

“Many believe that politics and integrity do not go together. I believe that they do. If one dares,” Joveva began, emphasizing that it is precisely the lack of political courage and consistency of the highest representatives of the European Union that leads to its ineffective responses to global crises. “Our responses to the situation in the Middle East are too slow, predictable and, above all, ineffective and selective,” she added. According to her, this only reduces the influence of the Union as a global actor.

She was also critical of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s statements regarding US President Donald Trump’s policies, pointing out that such rhetoric normalizes a dangerous escalation of the situation:

“When Friedrich Merz talks about Donald Trump and his war in Iran in a way that normalizes a dangerous escalation, that’s not even realpolitik. That’s irresponsible.”

According to her, the European Union must not accept the logic of escalating the situation nor legitimize dangerous geopolitical moves, but must take a more active role in calming the conflict:

“We are not talking about a geopolitical game at a distance. This is a crisis. A crisis created by the genocidal Israeli prime minister and his “puppet”. The US and Israel are waging wars, and the citizens of the EU are bearing the consequences. Europeans are paying the bill. Bill after bill they are being punished for a war we did not start.”

She therefore stressed the importance of a unified, decisive and independent EU foreign policy, based on diplomacy and a unified foreign policy stance, reducing dependence on third actors and consistent respect for international law:

“It is time to dare to be decisive. To have integrity. To dare to think for ourselves. To stand up for international law, peace and the protection of people in the EU. All three are possible. I promise.”

Background:

The tense situation in the Middle East, where a fragile ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran is in place, continues to have a significant impact on global oil and gas markets and is contributing to rising energy prices in Europe and around the world. Additional uncertainty is caused by restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions to shipping for vessels bound for or from Iranian ports have led to supply chain disruptions and increased unpredictability of logistical flows. This is increasing pressure on the availability of key raw materials, also important for the European Union, in particular fertilisers, which are essential for agricultural production and the stability of food systems. As a result, the effects of geopolitical tensions are directly translated into higher living costs, weaker price competitiveness of the European economy and increased risks to food and energy security. At the same time, the current situation is revealing the Union’s structural vulnerabilities, in particular its dependence on external sources of energy and raw materials and its limited ability to respond quickly, in a coordinated and effective manner to complex global crises.

 

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There is a big difference between “it is convenient” and “it is right”

There is a big difference between “it is convenient” and “it is right”.

Today we celebrate the day when submission was said NO.

But today, unfortunately, we are also watching some people compete in how to say YES to submission and please also. Great Ones, save us.

Who even cares about what, if we have big words about petty patriotism. Who cares that in the background, the division of power according to personal – comfortable – interests and the distribution of chairs are happening.

We get “partnerships” where you are equal exactly as much as you are subordinate. Well-behaved.

Unfortunately, connecting the historical meaning of the holiday with the present is not difficult.

Today, the same old tricks are here, just packaged a little more modernly. They do not need tanks or uniforms. Their weapons are discourse and rhetoric, which normalize manipulation, relativize the truth and undermine trust in everyone who is not… well-behaved.

In the fight against the occupier, NO was said – clearly, without calculations and without figs in the pocket.

That is why today we celebrate the heroism of all those who stepped on the right side of history and fought and won for their existence. Their language. The right to remain their own in their own way. In a free Slovenia.

Are we able to recognize that this is not a matter of the past, but a very concrete test of the present?

April 27th remains exactly what it should be – a day of remembrance and a reminder that essential things, which may still seem self-evident, do not preserve themselves.

Because between “it is convenient” and “it is right” … there is a big difference.

Good luck, Slovenia!

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There is no consent without a ‘yes’

On Monday, 27 April 2026, MEP Irena Joveva took part in a plenary debate on the importance of non-consensual rape legislation in the European Union, where she stressed that the concept of consent should be understood simply – ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

In her introduction, the MEP highlighted the Istanbul Convention, which clearly states that rape is any sexual act without free and explicit consent, which has been signed by all Member States but has still not been uniformly transposed into national criminal law.

She pointed out that this is primarily a question of political will and was critical of countries that support the convention on a declarative level but do not put its principles into practice:

“The will of those who have clearly forgotten that without a clear yes – there is nothing. That silence is not consent. That fear is not consent. And that the inability to say ‘no’ in no way means ‘yes’.”

In conclusion, Joveva stated that, in her opinion, the decision should not be a matter of complicated legal debates, but rather a clear choice between protecting victims or not protecting them.

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Our power, our planet.

Earth Day. Today.

This year with a very clear theme: Our Power, Our Planet.

And now I could stick to the nice words about nature and responsibility. Or I could say: isn’t this photo beautiful?

Unfortunately, reality is a little less romantic. The problem is not that we don’t know what is right. The problem is that we too often know. But…

But: in the EU we have more tools today than ever before. Concrete legislative frameworks to reduce emissions, protect nature and people, industrial responsibility, transform the economy…

We are no longer discussing whether we need rules. We are now discussing how many more we are prepared to keep.

Here are the famous “omnibus” packages. With one, for example, we are interfering with two key pieces of legislation on corporate reporting and their responsibility. In the name of simplification, we are getting fewer obligations and more flexibility.

Or better said: less pressure for the most influential. We have similar things at home – “intervention plans”: more for the rich, but for the remaining 99%… who cares, or what?

For many, compromises and coordination are no longer just a thing. It’s cheap populism. It’s because it’s clearly fashionable to be a hypocrite these days.

Like modern cheap products without any serious control over what they contain. Our market is flooded with eternal chemicals – substances that we have long known have no place in our environment.

(By the way: if you draw parallels with real people instead of products and substances – nothing wrong)

They even managed to water down one of the key European laws for forest protection. Even where we know that the consequences are direct and measurable, we are therefore willing to take a step back.

And then we ask ourselves why people are losing trust.

Part of the answer is also that space is increasingly opening up to policies that offer simple answers to complex problems.

To those who present responsible politics as something we “cannot afford anymore”. In reality, it is the opposite. We cannot afford not to have it.

At least environmental politics is not an ideological issue. Air and water are not abstract topics! That is why “Our Power, Our Planet” should not remain a slogan. The power exists. The only question is who uses it and how.

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“It’s not necessarily bad if things don’t go according to plan.”

On Friday, April 17, 2026, MEP Irena Joveva attended a round table at the I. Gymnasium in Celje and spoke openly with students about her study and career path and the challenges she faces in politics. She emphasized that studying international relations was not her first choice, but it later turned out to be the right decision. She also told young people that not everything in life has to go according to plan, as unexpected paths can turn out to be the best.

She pointed out that her studies had given her a breadth of thinking and an understanding of global events, as well as the awareness that the individual is not always at the center of everything. She highlighted humanity as a key value, which in her opinion remains the most important also in politics.

She also presented her work at the European level to the students, where she had participated in important legislative changes, including in the areas of digitalization, artificial intelligence, personal data protection and media legislation. She stressed the importance of perseverance, as decision-making processes are often lengthy, but can nevertheless bring about positive changes:

“Not all politicians are the same. There are also those of us who care about what we were elected to do. If I didn’t believe in it, I wouldn’t be in it, but it’s not always the easiest thing to believe in positive change.”

She also touched on the position of women in politics and society, where, in her opinion, differences in treatment still exist. She emphasized that motherhood and career are not mutually exclusive, although balancing the two roles is not easy, and she wants to be an example that it is possible to successfully combine the two.

The MEP spoke about the challenges faced by young people in the labour market, especially the difficulties in gaining their first work experience. She noted that the European Union’s powers in this area are limited, but that they are nevertheless working towards improvements, such as fairer conditions for traineeships.

She also placed particular emphasis on the importance of tolerance and acceptance of diversity, which was shaped by her upbringing in a diverse environment. She was critical of the role of politics and social media in spreading intolerance:

“Freedom of speech is one thing, hate speech is something else entirely, and the line between the two is not as thin as people think.”

At the conclusion of the round table, which also included MEP Milan Zver, Joveva encouraged young people to think, being informed, curious and active citizens who are able to make independent judgments and participate responsibly in society.

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Sustainable policies only succeed with the participation of civil society

On Thursday, 26 March 2026, MEP Irena Joveva addressed the participants of the opening conference From the Field to European Policy in Novo mesto via video link, which is taking place as part of the international SustiBridge project. “Sustainable policies are only truly sustainable if people and civil society actively participate in their co-creation,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of environmental civil initiatives, which are too often overlooked in decision-making processes.

In her introduction, Joveva spoke about the importance of connecting people for a shared green future. As she explained, the project’s slogan – connecting people for a green future – should reflect the very essence of today’s Europe, but this vision is too often pushed to the background in a world increasingly marked by wars, rising populism and the spread of disinformation.

She went on to specifically highlight the symbolic significance of Slovenia as the host of the project: “In a country where the color green is present at every step and where drinking water flows not only from taps, but also from a deep awareness that such goods are rare and worthy of protection.”

She recalled that not long ago, during the previous government, we were in a situation where even a fundamental right such as access to drinking water had to be defended in a referendum. According to her, this experience clearly showed how strong civil society can be when it comes together to defend natural resources and protect the common good.

“It was a historic environmental victory that would not have been possible without volunteers and active citizens, from young people and women to older generations and marginalized groups, united by one goal – to protect something that belongs to everyone.”

For Joveva, the experience revealed one of the key challenges of today’s Europe, which is why she assessed the opening conference in Novo mesto as an important space for connecting and collaborating with everyone who cares about shaping sustainable policies:

“Too often, people feel that they are distant from European decision-making or that their voice does not count. But as we saw in the case of Slovenia, their cooperation can bring about real change.”

In conclusion, she also highlighted the importance of European policies that must be based on people’s participation: “The European Green Deal emphasizes that citizens are the driving force behind the transition to sustainability. By drafting the Green Charter of Rights, you are taking a concrete step towards ensuring that the people’s voice reaches decision-makers in Brussels.”

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Four letters, thirteen days, fourteen hundred and seventy kilometers and one task

They are not afraid of rules. Because for them – in their opinion – they do not exist.

They are afraid of people who stop waiting… and start demanding.

Four letters. Thirteen days. Four hundred and seventy kilometers. One task: to knock on the doors of institutions – and on the consciences of those who still refuse to see and understand.

A year after the students from Serbia set off on their bicycles towards the European Parliament, their story lives on. Their “Tour to Strasbourg” a year later is not a film about a journey. It is a film about what happens when people stop waiting. When the (silent) majority finally says: enough.

This majority has always been here, but the tragedy in Novi Sad has awakened it. It has awakened people who want their country back – a country that belongs to the democratic world. Where standards are not a matter of choice, but the rule.

If it took 1,470 kilometers to do this – to prove that change does indeed begin with a person, but only truly succeeds if it becomes a shared responsibility – I am grateful that I was able to be a part of it.

And when these days in Serbia we are (again) witnessing pressures, incidents and the intrusion of politics where the line has long been crossed… do not let them convince you that the abnormal has become normal. Facts remain facts. Even when they are unpleasant.

Of course, no one is opposed to legal investigations and procedures. But without transparency, without respect for institutions and without clear legal foundations, these are no longer procedures.

This is a demonstration of force.

And when you add to this the media spectacle of precisely defined, those “first in the service of truth”, there is no longer any doubt.

Such. Authority. Is. Not. Afraid. of. Rules.

It is afraid of people. Therefore… persevere.

Thank you to everyone who told this story. And to those of you who live it every day.

The night is darkest just before dawn.

And perhaps it is no coincidence that we are watching these stories in these very days. When time itself reminds us that after every fall comes… resurrection.

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Disintegration of the European Union from within is even more dangerous than external threats

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, MEP Irena Joveva visited the Faculty of Arts of the University of Ljubljana, where she participated in a round table discussion as part of the course Education for Democratic Citizenship. She discussed the work of MEPs with students of pedagogy and andragogy, and also touched on the common foreign and security policy and the dynamics between the European Union and Slovenia. “The disintegration of the European Union from within is even more dangerous than external threats; unfortunately, authoritarianism is increasing, although there are also bright exceptions,” Joveva emphasized regarding the threat to the future of the Union.

In her introduction, Joveva stressed that she perceives her current mandate as even more unpredictable than her first. Although the latter was heavily marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, the current mandate is, in her opinion, even more challenging, as it is shaped by the intertwining of numerous global crises, from the war in Ukraine and the situation in Gaza to the increasingly unpredictable and dangerous policies of US President Donald Trump. She also warned of the strengthening of the far right and stressed that the traditional division between left and right is increasingly being replaced by a split between pro-European and Eurosceptic forces within parliament.

She further explained to the students the diversity within her political group, Renew Europe, where some MEPs focus more on economic issues, while others, including herself, focus on social rights and equality. Despite their differences, they are united by common values, with human rights and the rule of law as the foundation. “Of course, the group coordinates before votes, but in the end I always vote according to my conscience,” she emphasized, adding that her beliefs largely coincide with the views of the group of which she is vice-chair.

The conversation also touched on the aspirations for national sovereignty and the desire for a strong, united Europe. Joveva assessed that strong states are not necessarily in contradiction with a strong European Union, but she also pointed out the duplicity of some sovereignists who, on the one hand, block key legislation, and on the other, willingly collect European funds.

“I call them self-proclaimed patriots. The disintegration of the European Union from within is even more dangerous than external threats, unfortunately there is more and more authoritarianism, although there are bright exceptions. It is absolutely possible to combine sovereignty and at the same time be aware of common standards. I believe that we urgently need reform, especially in the field of security and foreign policy. The rules that we have now, including the veto, are being exploited by some leaders for their own, personal interests.”

When asked whether we can still talk about a common European foreign and security policy of the Union in times of numerous regional conflicts, she gave a critical answer, especially regarding the lack of credibility in responding to international crises. “I don’t even know anymore whether these are double, triple standards, or whether we can even call these standards,” and cited as an example that the European Union correctly sided with the victim in the case of Ukraine, but did not do so again in the case of Gaza. She also expressed her belief that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu should be treated according to the same criteria as Russian President Putin.

In the final part of the debate, which was also attended by MEP Matjaž Nemec, Joveva presented her view on the role of Slovenia and emphasized that the influence of the country should not depend on its size, but on the self-confidence and proactivity of its leadership in asserting its own positions. “We are a small country, but this smallness is mainly in our heads. I don’t notice it and I am proud to be Slovenian. We have great credibility in the European Union and are perceived very positively,” she concluded.

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