On 10 November, CEI Secretary General Franco Dal Mas welcomed Tomaž Kunstelj, Consul General of the Republic of Slovenia in Trieste, to the Executive Secretariat of the Central European Initiative (CEI).
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the CEI’s strategic priorities, particularly European integration, regional connectivity, security and resilience, in light of the outcomes of the recent Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest and the forthcoming Ukrainian CEI Presidency in 2027. The exchange also took place ahead of the envisaged meeting between the Secretary General and the Slovenian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tone Kajzer, later this month.
Particular attention was devoted to the European integration of the Western Balkans, with both interlocutors highlighting the importance of maintaining strong European engagement in the region and advancing the enlargement process as a strategic investment in Europe’s peace, stability and prosperity.
The discussion also focused on connectivity as a key driver of economic integration, with emphasis on transport, energy and digital infrastructure. In this context, the strategic role of the ports of Trieste and Koper, their connections with Central Europe and the wider region, and the opportunities offered by the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) were highlighted. The interlocutors underlined the importance of strengthening synergies between the two ports, as well as enhancing cooperation between the CEI and other regional frameworks, such as the Three Seas Initiative and the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative, building on their complementarities and shared objectives to maximise the impact of regional efforts.
Against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and growing security challenges, the meeting also addressed the need for enhanced regional cooperation in protecting critical infrastructure, countering hybrid threats and strengthening regional resilience.
The exchange reaffirmed Slovenia’s longstanding commitment to the CEI as a platform for political dialogue and practical cooperation, contributing to a more connected, resilient and united Europe. A member of the CEI since 1992, Slovenia has played an important role in promoting dialogue, good-neighbourly relations and European integration across the region. Having held the position of CEI Deputy Secretary General on two occasions, Slovenia continues to actively contribute to the Organisation’s institutional and project-related activities and the advancement of its strategic objectives.
