• About Us
  • Our Practice Areas
    • Banking & Financial Services
    • Competition & Antitrust
    • Digital & Tech
    • EU & International
    • Food & Drink
    • Green Transition
    • Healthcare, Life Sciences & Wellbeing
    • Trade & Investment (including EU-UK)
    • Transport, Travel & Logistics
  • Our Team
    • FIPRA International
    • Special Advisors
  • FIPRA Network
  • Latest News
  • Events
  • Careers
Skip to content

FIPRA

Search for:
Events

Diplomacy key to Slovene EU presidency’s digital & green recovery ambitions

By Mihael Cigler
Thursday, 17 June 2021
Diplomacy key to Slovene EU presidency’s digital & green recovery ambitions

A successful presidency is a common goal for every country, regardless of their national political problems. Slovenia’s reputation as a trustworthy and hard-working nation will have the opportunity to shine in a successful presidency. 

The Health Union is very important for the European Union, particularly as we continue to manage COVID-19. We know there is no single silver bullet to beat this virus; it continues to mutate and we must learn how to live with it. We can do this through proactive emergency planning and investment in innovative technologies. 

The European Union must be more prepared in terms of having crisis plans, protocols, measures and solutions for pandemics and other public health emergencies that may arise. The Health Emergency Response Authority, the so-called HERA project, will be one of the most important agenda items during the Slovene presidency. The health union and projects such as HERA will be key in Europe’s post-Covid economic recovery. 

These times that we live in, we call them ‘vuca’ times — volatile, unpredictable & chaotic. It’s really hard to even say what’s going to happen the next half a year, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase the strength and capacity of Slovenia, especially in post-Covid recovery.

– Violeta Bulc, Former EU Commissioner for Transport

In terms of innovative technologies, we began the pandemic with a focus on early detection, using PCR and antigen tests to detect the virus as quickly as possible and put health restrictions in place to limit transmission. That was stage one.  

Then with scientists collaborating together around the world, we were able to develop a solution – vaccines – and got as many people vaccinated as possible. This was stage 2. Now we are at the third stage, where we have the scientific knowledge and ability to verify that the vaccines worked and confirm immunity. In order to confirm immunity, we must test for antibodies. 

Confirming immunity is essential to infection prevention. Some people who have compromised immune systems will not build enough antibodies to have immunity after full vaccination.  Our immune systems are all unique, and we don’t know how long immunity will last before we need a booster shot to keep us safe from COVID-19.  

As more time passes since the first round of vaccinations, we need to focus on booster shots to keep the virus at bay. The safest and most efficient way to manage a booster shot program is by carefully monitoring our antibody status. 

When it comes to priorities of the forthcoming presidency, it seems to us at the Commission that Slovenia is on the right track. There’s been continuous dialogue with Slovenian services on different levels for several months already. We, as the Commission, have also seconded quite a number of officials to the Slovenian presidency in order to achieve their objectives.

Dr. Zoran Stancic, Hors Classe Adviser, DG CNECT European Commission

This issue is well-known in the scientific community. I personally know Dr. Glenn Weagle in Canada has perfected the Viral Sentinel Rapid Antibody Test that is specifically designed to detect antibodies produced by all COVID-19 variants and all COVID-19 vaccines. This is the only rapid test, to my knowledge, that can do this.  

We are fortunate to have a solution in place, and as a next step, governments must lead its implementation through policy and careful global logistics planning. Immunity testing will be a natural compliment to vaccination and Digital Green Certificate programs. 

On the topic of vaccines, we have to talk about the disparity between modern and developing countries, as this has developed into a diplomatic and geostrategic struggle. One of the most important diplomatic tasks for the Slovene presidency will be the EU enlargement to the Western Balkans. An informal EU-Western Balkans summit has been scheduled during the Slovene presidency to discuss this, as well as the relations and influence of Russia, China and Turkey in the region.  

Economic cooperation will have a big impact on expansion to the Balkans, as will cooperation on health matters including personal protective equipment (PPE) and vaccines. Especially in the latter Russia and China are far ahead of the EU, for example if we have a look at Serbia, but this is not the only case.  

Member states and EU institutions will be looking to Slovenia for its experience, local knowledge and ideas on the topic of enlargement. Here I would like to point out the comment made by David Sassoli the President of the EU Parliament who said: “EU enlargement can bring enormous benefits to this region and to Europe as a whole and help ensure a stable, prosperous and peaceful continent.” 

If you look at the Western Balkans as a theme, I get the feeling that most of the countries around the table are looking to Slovenia for local knowledge on how to move forward their EU membership bid well and safely. We tend to think in terms of geopolitics, transatlantic ties and China, but actually the Western Balkans is pretty geopolitical.

– Robert Madelin, FIPRA International Chairman

On the topic of Green Transition, we expect a diverse set of agenda items. Most notable is the “Ready for 55” legislative package which will focus on the revision of climate and energy legislation and measures to achieve the enhanced EU climate target (55% reduction in emissions).  

I think there will be interesting discussions on the revision of the EU CO2 emissions trading system, burden-sharing regulations, CO2 emission standards from vehicles, land use, land use change and forestry. We have to note that when talking about the Green Transition, it is fundamental that we establish an appropriate framework to provide Member States with adequate financial resources to implement the Green Transition.  

Furthermore, I personally expect a discussion regarding implementation and action plans, specifically implementation of the EU Green Deal and the Green Transition. Here I would point to the transitional energy sources and the transition itself.  

Let us not forget the heated debates about Nord Stream 2 project and others when taking into account the broader picture,  and not just Europe. It’s important that we are aware of Europe’s critical role as a leader in these matters, and must be recognized during the Slovene presidency. The European Union has to approach and tackle this issues with a global awareness.  

Any solutions, innovations and best practices will be implemented faster on the global stage if the EU spearheads this transition and implements it to the best of its ability. The innovations that Europe implements and its green investments will surely have a catalyst effect and model the way for other countries, including both our successes and unfortunately any shortfalls, as we saw under the populist politics of the USA under Trump. 

The tourism sector will also tie to the green transition. Slovenia will focus on the unification of the Member States in terms of sustainable renewal and redevelopment of the European tourism economy within the framework of the European Union’s recovery plan and economic recovery plan. Slovenia will open a debate on achieving greener, more innovative and more resilient tourist ecosystems.  

There will be emphasis on green business models, green value chains in service processes and the transition to circular management in accordance with the goals of the Green Deal and the goal of preserving Europe as a sustainable and green tourism destination.  

We don’t have just a crisis of Covid; we have a crisis of communication. For the Slovene presidency to be successful, governments will have to open themselves and welcome dialogue with industry, NGOs, civil society and remind them of the very important role they play.

– Mihael Cigler, CEO, MC Public Affairs / FIPRA Slovenia

In the field of EU tourism promotion, Slovenia will focus primarily on the promotion of green and safe EU tourism with the aim of restoring consumer confidence in tourism activities and encouraging cross-border tourist flows in the EU, post-pandemic. There is talk of Slovenia proposing the introduction of an EU label for green and safe tourism. 

Lastly, I would mention another interesting agenda item: Cyber Security. We have seen warnings that individual EU countries cannot deal with cyber threats effectively, particularly since they are happening so frequently, at times on a weekly basis. The EU needs to build a common firewall to combat this threat. 

Another threat is the planned dissemination of false news and misinformation to achieve various political goals and influence foreign direct investment.  

Digital transformation will focus on the regulation of digital markets and services and artificial intelligence. Here Slovenia might open debates on various aspects of digitalisation, opportunities and challenges for the labor market, occupational safety and health, education and science, potential for businesses, cities, rural areas and consumers, as well as an important ethical and regulatory aspect on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.  

This brings opportunities for improving connectivity, improving digital infrastructure,  introducing digital technologies and accelerating digital transformation. This might lead to a debate on proposals that will make the European Union a leader in this field, including the creation of a favorable environment for the development, testing and use of new technologies, the security of 5G networks and the timely basis of legislative bases for the development of artificial intelligence.  

Digitalisation will be closely linked with the green transition and strengthening the European Union’s resilience to crises. 

FIPRA events

Click here for a full rundown of FIPRA events or register for the upcoming webinar on the priorities of the French EU presidency here.

Written by
Mihael Cigler
FIPRA Slovenia / MC Public Affairs S.a.r.l.
Profile
FIPRA in Slovenia
FIPRA in Slovenia
FIPRA is represented in Slovenia by MC Public Affairs S.a.r.l. which provides a full range of government affairs services including strategic communications, public affairs, political event management, monitoring of developments, crisis communications, stakeholder management and grass roots local communications.
More
Latest News
  • News
    Gerd Götz joins FIPRA as a Special Advisor on Green Transition
    17 March 2023
  • Analysis
    PFAS: rooting ambitions for a toxic-free environment in a manageable process
    10 March 2023
  • News
    Erwin Dhondt  joins FIPRA as a Special Advisor for Health Security
    22 February 2023
  • Analysis
    EU’s small but vital step to shipping decarbonisation: the maritime ETS 
    9 February 2023
  • Analysis
    European Parliament’s New Year Resolution: build a powerful but child-friendly online gaming industry
    19 January 2023
  • FIPRA in Australia
    FIPRA in Australia
    is known locally as Richardson Coutts
    FIPRA in Australia
  • FIPRA in Austria
    FIPRA in Austria
    is known locally as Mastermind Public Affairs Consulting
    FIPRA in Austria
  • FIPRA in Belgium
    FIPRA in Belgium
    is known locally as Greenlane Public Affair
    FIPRA in Belgium
  • FIPRA in Canada
    FIPRA in Canada
    is known locally as Earnscliffe Strategy Group
    FIPRA in Canada
  • FIPRA in China
    FIPRA in China
    is known locally as Yuan Associates
    FIPRA in China
  • FIPRA in Croatia
    FIPRA in Croatia
    is known locally as Vlahovic Group
    FIPRA in Croatia
  • FIPRA in Czech Republic
    FIPRA in Czech Republic
    is known locally as PAN Solutions
    FIPRA in Czech Republic
  • FIPRA in Denmark
    FIPRA in Denmark
    is known locally as European Advisers
  • FIPRA in Estonia
    FIPRA in Estonia
    is known locally as META Advisory Group
    FIPRA in Estonia
  • FIPRA in France
    FIPRA in France
    is known locally as Cabinet Samman
    FIPRA in France
  • FIPRA in Georgia
    FIPRA in Georgia
    is known locally as BGI Advisory Services Group
    FIPRA in Georgia
  • FIPRA in Germany
    FIPRA in Germany
    is known locally as Miller & Meier Consulting
    FIPRA in Germany
  • FIPRA in Greece
    FIPRA in Greece
    is known locally as One Team S.A
    FIPRA in Greece
  • FIPRA in Hungary
    FIPRA in Hungary
    is known locally as CEC Group
    FIPRA in Hungary
  • FIPRA in India
    FIPRA in India
    is known locally as Chase India
    FIPRA in India
  • FIPRA in Ireland
    FIPRA in Ireland
    is known locally as Vulcan Consulting
    FIPRA in Ireland
  • FIPRA in Italy
    FIPRA in Italy
    is known locally as Telos A&S
    FIPRA in Italy
  • FIPRA in Japan
    FIPRA in Japan
    is known locally as GR Japan
    FIPRA in Japan
  • FIPRA in Korea
    FIPRA in Korea
    is known locally as FIPRA Korea
  • FIPRA in Latvia
    FIPRA in Latvia
    is known locally as Meta Advisory
    FIPRA in Latvia
  • FIPRA in Luxembourg
    FIPRA in Luxembourg
    is known locally as Huggard Consulting Group
    FIPRA in Luxembourg
  • FIPRA in Malta
    FIPRA in Malta
    is known locally as Maritimus Company Limited
    FIPRA in Malta
  • FIPRA in Mexico
    FIPRA in Mexico
    is known locally as InStrag
    FIPRA in Mexico
  • FIPRA in The Netherlands
    FIPRA in The Netherlands
    is known locally as Public Matters
    FIPRA in The Netherlands
  • FIPRA in Norway
    FIPRA in Norway
    is known locally as First House
    FIPRA in Norway
  • FIPRA in Poland
    FIPRA in Poland
    is known locally as CEC Group
    FIPRA in Poland
  • FIPRA in Portugal
    FIPRA in Portugal
    is known locally as Initium
  • FIPRA in Singapore
    FIPRA in Singapore
    is known locally as Landmark Public Affairs
    FIPRA in Singapore
  • FIPRA in Slovakia
    FIPRA in Slovakia
    is known locally as FIPRA Slovakia
  • FIPRA in Slovenia
    FIPRA in Slovenia
    is known locally as MC Public Affairs S.a.r.l.
    FIPRA in Slovenia
  • FIPRA in South Africa
    FIPRA in South Africa
    is known locally as Ethicore Political Lobbying
    FIPRA in South Africa
  • FIPRA in Spain
    FIPRA in Spain
    is known locally as Influence Spain
    FIPRA in Spain
  • FIPRA in Sweden
    FIPRA in Sweden
    is known locally as Hallvarsson & Halvarsson (H&H)
    FIPRA in Sweden
  • FIPRA in Switzerland
    FIPRA in Switzerland
    is known locally as Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors
    FIPRA in Switzerland
  • FIPRA in Tunisia
    FIPRA in Tunisia
    is known locally as Mediterranean Development Initiative
    FIPRA in Tunisia
  • FIPRA in Turkey
    FIPRA in Turkey
    is known locally as Stamina Public Affairs
    FIPRA in Turkey
  • FIPRA in Turkey
    FIPRA in Turkey
    is known locally as Stamina Public Affairs
  • FIPRA in Ukraine
    FIPRA in Ukraine
    is known locally as Stober Poltavets & Associates
    FIPRA in Ukraine
  • FIPRA in the United Kingdom
    FIPRA in the United Kingdom
    is known locally as Lexington
    FIPRA in the United Kingdom
  • FIPRA in the United States
    FIPRA in the United States
    is known locally as Alpine Group
    FIPRA in the United States
FIPRA Network

FIPRA

© FIPRA 2023.
All rights reserved.

Follow us on Twitter  Find us on LinkedIn

  • Privacy Policy
Explore
  • About Us
  • Our Practice Areas
  • Our Team
  • FIPRA Network
  • Latest News
  • Events
  • Careers
  • FIPRA Tools
  • Contact Us
Practice Areas
  • Banking & Financial Services
  • Competition & Antitrust
  • Digital & Tech
  • EU & International
  • Food & Drink
  • Green Transition
  • Healthcare, Life Sciences & Wellbeing
  • Trade & Investment (including EU-UK)
  • Transport, Travel & Logistics
Contact

info@fipra.com

Brussels Office  map
FIPRA International SRL
Rue de la Loi 227
Brussels 1040
+32 (0)2 613 28 28
Company number: 0733.774.811

London Office  map
FIPRA International Limited
201 Borough High Street
London
SE1 1JA
+44 (0)203 805 7770
Company number: 3936157