(PHOTO) Presidents of European countries in Slovenia: What kind of Europe do they want for the future?

On October 16, 2026, Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar hosted leaders of several European Union member states at Brdo pri Kranju, including Austria, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Estonia, Portugal, Greece, Latvia, Hungary, Malta, and Slovakia. The meeting was part of the Arraiolos format, which allows for open discussions among heads of state. The leaders emphasized the need for a stronger, more united, competitive, and secure Europe. They discussed challenges such as economic strength versus political unity, normalization of war and genocide, climate change threats, and the importance of fundamental values like freedom, independence, dignity, and respect for individuals. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised the Arraiolos format for enabling open dialogue on national and European issues. Irish President Catherine Connolly highlighted the need to reaffirm commitment to the United Nations and EU principles, while Portuguese President Antonio José Seguro called for building a better Europe for future generations.

Twelve European heads of state gathered at Brdo near Kranj on Thursday for the annual meeting of the Arraiolos group, focusing on strengthening, uniting, and making Europe more competitive and secure. The leaders of twelve EU member states convened at the venue known for hosting the first Arraiolos meeting in 2003. Slovenia's president, Nataša Pirc Musar, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing the need to address questions about Europe's current position and future direction. She noted that while the European Union is the third-largest economic power globally, its political influence does not reflect this strength. The meeting included presidents from Austria, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Hungary, Malta, Germany, Portugal, Slovakia, and others. Some members, including Bulgaria, Finland, Croatia, and Poland’s president Karol Nawrocki, had previously excused themselves from attending due to other commitments. Nawrocki initially confirmed his attendance but later withdrew due to domestic disputes with constitutional judges. During the gathering, discussions centered around Europe's role in a changing world, maintaining an effective international system, the importance of multilateralism, and the future of institutions. President Pirc Musar will hold separate meetings with Irish President Catherine Connolly and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Steinmeier praised the Arraiolos format for allowing open dialogue on political situations within individual countries and the challenges facing Europe. He emphasized the need for unity among European nations during difficult times. Irish President Catherine Connolly highlighted the normalization of war and genocide, as well as the threat posed by climate change. She reaffirmed commitment to the United Nations and fundamental principles of the EU project: freedom, independence, dignity, and respect for individuals. Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro called for a stronger, more connected Europe capable of fulfilling promises through actions, not just responses. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevičs advocated for a powerful, competitive, and efficient Europe, stressing the importance of reinforcing European defense while keeping diplomacy and dialogue as primary instruments. Slovak President Peter Pellegrini expressed a desire for a competitive, safe, and modern Europe able to meet obligations and address real issues faced by citizens. He emphasized the need for EU leaders to resolve practical problems affecting Europeans. The meeting, hosted for the first time in Slovenia, concluded with a press conference by President Pirc Musar in the afternoon. Topics discussed included Europe's placement in the world, preserving an effective international system, and the significance of multilateralism and institutional futures. President Pirc Musar met with Steinmeier earlier in the week, discussing bilateral relations and current international issues. They emphasized support for Ukraine in its fight against the "unacceptable Russian invasion." Both leaders stressed the importance of close cooperation within the EU, NATO, and the United Nations, highlighting the necessity of upholding international law and strengthening trust in global institutions. They focused on economic collaboration and new opportunities in innovation, artificial intelligence, digitalization, advanced technologies, and space industry. Pirc Musar acknowledged successful joint efforts such as launching the Slovenian satellite Trisat-S using a German rocket Spectrum and outlined plans for a joint action plan between the two countries for 2025–2028. Steinmeier, whose term ends in March 2027, was thanked for his contributions to strengthening friendly relations between Slovenia and Germany. Their meeting held symbolic significance, as Steinmeier attended a ministerial meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Ljubljana in December 2005, one of his first international appearances in the role of Germany's foreign minister. Pirc Musar, who last visited Steinmeier in February, continued her engagements with European leaders throughout the weekend. Twelve heads of state arrived in Slovenia, with discussions expected to focus heavily on Europe's future and its positioning in the world.

12 reports

N1 SlovenijaIndependentCenter4 hr. ago

After the European Presidents' Summit: 'Europe cannot afford to become hostage to its own divisions'

The heads of state from 12 European countries met at Mount Kranj in Slovenia, hosted by Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar, as part of the Arraiolos Group. The meeting focused on challenges facing the European Union amid multiple crises, including maintaining unity, competitiveness, youth issues, multilateralism, and uncertainty. Pirc Musar emphasized that Europe cannot afford to become a 'talk shop' of its own divisions and stressed the importance of shared values such as democracy, human rights, and solidarity in preserving the EU’s strength. Discussions included the need for greater economic and defense unity within the EU, investment in young people through education and healthcare, and the future of international institutions.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the summit discussions, quoting Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar and outlining the main topics discussed by the group. There is no evident ideological framing, loaded language, or one-sided emphasis. The content reflects the consensus among leaders on

DeloIndependent🔒Center4 hr. ago

Natasha Pirc Musar: The AI is a psychopath

The article discusses a meeting of twelve European heads of state and government from the Arraiolos group, held in Ljubljana and Kranj, Slovenia. The main focus was on the future of the European Union, emphasizing the need to maintain unity, political strength, and operational capacity amid geopolitical, security, economic, and social changes. Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar highlighted the importance of preserving European values while addressing challenges such as maintaining political influence and economic resilience. The discussion centered on ensuring the EU remains a cohesive force capable of responding effectively to global crises.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of a political summit discussing the future of the European Union. It does not exhibit clear bias toward any particular political ideology, focusing instead on the collective concerns of European leaders regarding the EU's stability and cohesion.