Slovenian President receives European Commissioner Potoènik

Ljubljana, 18.3.2010  |  press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, today received the European Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Janez Potoènik. In his statement to the press, Dr Türk said that during his talks with Commissioner Potoènik the two had tackled topics which are in fact crucial to the future of the European Union and, consequently, also to Slovenia's economic and political prospects.

The Slovenian President emphasised that EU institutions are faced with serious issues resulting in economic crisis. He went on to say that a successful resolution of the crisis is not yet within reach; therefore, these institutions should be increasingly proactive in finding appropriate solutions. This, among other things, also means dealing with certain highly sensitive political topics, such as coordination of economic measures which affect national fiscal and budgetary policies.

Dr Türk and his guest moreover touched upon the areas of competence of Commissioner Potoènik. They both agreed that more attention should be paid this year to the issue of biotic diversity. Elaborating on this topic President Türk said that this environmental aspect had so far been somewhat in the shadow of efforts to combat climate change. Therefore, he called for a more comprehensive and balanced approach in this area.

Outlining the most critical environmental issues in Slovenia, Dr Türk particularly highlighted problems related to the development of the energy and transport sectors. According to the President, the responsibility for comprehensive energy and transport policies lies primarily with the Government. Hopefully, this year will see appropriate discussions and the formulation of adequate policies in these two areas.

When asked what all citizens should do to safeguard the environment, President Türk answered that there is a generally high level of public environmental awareness in Slovenia. Moreover, he recalled that in a month's time, an all-Slovenian initiative entitled "Let us clean Slovenia", expected to attract a great number of people, would be carried out. The President also intends to participate in this initiative and, to this end, will meet with the organisational team tomorrow. Dr Türk emphasised that by improving our awareness we can find better answers and better define priorities regarding various environmental issues.