The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, will visit Slovenia from 1-2 September 2025, engaging in high-level discussions and participating in the Bled Strategic Forum. This visit reflects the deepening partnership between Slovenia and the Council of Europe and underscores the former's dedication to their shared commitment to democratic resilience, multilateralism and European values.
Bilateral meetings
During his official visit, Secretary General Berset will hold bilateral meetings with senior government and parliamentary officials, including Nataša Pirc Musar, President of Slovenia; Tanja Fajon, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs; and Urška Klakočar Zupančič, President of the National Assembly.
The meetings will focus on democratic challenges in Europe and Slovenia's continued support for the Council of Europe's conventions and mechanisms.
Bled Strategic Forum
On 2 September at 13.30 (CET) Mr Berset will take part in a one-on-one session at the Bled Strategic Forum 2025, held at the Rikli Balance Hotel.
The discussion will explore key themes:
- Democracy under pressure: addressing threats to democratic institutions, processes, and norms across Europe.
- Disinformation and polarisation: tackling false narratives and societal divisions.
- Democratic security: safeguarding democratic values in a volatile geopolitical context.
- A renewed European order: shaping a stronger, more resilient Europe amid global power shifts.
- The future of multilateralism: strengthening cooperation through shared European values.
Slovenia and the Council of Europe: a strong partnership
Slovenia has been a member of the Council of Europe since 14 May 1993. The country actively contributes to numerous Council of Europe initiatives and is party to over 100 Council of Europe conventions, promoting human rights, legal standards, and democratic governance. It is also actively engaged in the Register of Damage for Ukraine.
This visit takes place against a background in Europe of democratic backsliding, disinformation campaigns, and shifting international dynamics. Collaboration between the Council of Europe and member states such as Slovenia remains critical - a message reinforced by the Secretary General Berset's engagement at the Bled Strategic Forum.
