Commissioner for Regional Policy visits President Janez Drnovšek
Brdo by Kranj, 08/10/2004 | press release
The President of the Republic, Dr Janez Drnovšek, today received the European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Mr Jacques Barrot, who is paying a private visit to Slovenia. To start with, the French Commissioner spoke highly of Slovenia which sets an example as a successful country with a dynamic economy. He noted that the European Union was striving for a more balanced development and fewer differences between regions with financial solidarity between more developed regions in the Union and those less developed being a foundation for attaining the two objectives. Dr Drnovšek and Mr Barrot focused on the recently adopted European Constitutional Treaty and exchanged opinions on the related referenda announced by some Member States, which may considerably hamper or at least slow down the process of ratification in these countries. They also touched upon the European prospects of the countries of South East Europe and elaborated on the assessment of the progress made by some countries of the former Yugoslavia. Commissioner Barrot asked Dr Drnovšek to present his views on the situation in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro as well as Kosovo. The latter highlighted the significance of the European prospects for the reforms to continue in the countries of the former Yugoslavia, and the importance of foreign investment. Commissioner Barrot expressed his expectation that Slovenia would play an active role in the Western Balkans also in the future since the new Commission intends to pay necessary attention to these countries.
Commissioner Barrot closed by commending Dr Drnovšek on his role in the successful development of Slovenia. In addition, he congratulated Slovenia on its concern for the preservation of natural beauties and the clean environment.