The relations with Slovenia were "very, very good", said Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel following her working lunch with the new Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec. This can be clearly seen by the trading volume of 12 billion Euros between the partners, which is very high relative to the size of the country. Slovenia is a secure investment location for German companies. "There are a lot of common interests," said Merkel.

Driving the EU forward together

In terms of migration, there are "very similar assessments" by both countries, emphasised the Chancellor. No individual EU member should go it alone, but rather focus on the joint protection of the external borders and internal solidarity.

According to Merkel, another important topic of conversation between the two heads of state was the preparation for the next European Councils. Here, particular emphasis is on preparation for the withdrawal of Great Britain from the European Union.

Brexit is due in March 2019, and key issues must still be negotiated between the EU-27 and the United Kingdom.

In addition, Germany and Slovenia - in a troika together with Portugal - want to prepare for the EU presidency of the respective countries in the years 2019 and 2020.

Towards peaceful development in the Western Balkans 

Slovenia has much to offer the EU, emphasised Prime Minister Šarec. He mentioned in particular the experiences of his country with the Western Balkan states. Here, there are still some hurdles to overcome for the peaceful development of the successor states of the former Yugoslavia.

Federal Chancellor Merkel urged the settlement of border disputes along the Adriatic between the two EU members Slovenia and Croatia. Germany could assist here by mediating. However, the two states concerned remain primarily responsible.