“Despite all the crises that hit the continent, the EU succeeded to stay the course” – Dr. Jerneja Jug Jerše – Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovenia

The 20^th anniversary of the “big enlargement” has given the EU the opportunity to pause and reflect on the huge advantages this process had brought to the “new” and the “old” members

One of the impressions about Dr. Jerneja Jug Jerše – Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovenia during our talk is that regardless of her high position, she is “one of us”; a common European citizen who together with her team  admirably and passionately promoted the EU Elections so that the complexities of the Brussels bureaucratic language could be easily translated into the language that general public in Slovenia understands.

1. Having worked as the Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Slovenia since April 2021, how do you as professional but also as a citizen see Europe 20 years after Slovenia joined the EU?  On 9 May, we celebrated Europe day. This year, the day was particularly emotional for me. I remembered how it was, more than 20 years ago. I grew up at the border with Italy. And already at that time I refused to accept and I refused to understand the purpose of that border; the fact that that border defined our lives and our future and that it divided us. I remembered how we had to “smuggle” jeans across the border. I still recall how the domestic currency was losing value much faster than the neighbouring one. When I finally got an opportunity to study in the EU, my scholarship was three times as high as “the EU one”, as I was, technically, in the “foreign” students section. When I finished the internship in Brussels, there was no way for me to stay a bit longer and I was forced to pack my bags and return home.And then, on 1 May 2004 Slovenia joined the European Union and a sea of opportunities opened up. We joined the EU in which you can be everything you want to be. By understanding life outside the EU and in the EU, I have decided to dedicate my life to the great European idea.I became one of 335 Slovenians working for the European Commission of 30 000 employees. And I started building the EU in my own way.

   Today we see that 20 years ago it was not only the borders between countries that fell – with the freedom to travel, study and work across Europe, the borders in our minds began to shift too.

   

2. Which are the most important pillars of the Slovenia – EU cooperation?Slovenia actively contributes to all the European Union’s objectives by co-deciding and participating in the European institutions and by implementing EU policies at the national level. Slovenia is especially active in the implementation of EU enlargement policies to the Western Balkans. It supports reform processes in the region and promotes stability and cooperation between countries in its vicinity.
3. The plans and achievements of the European Commission in the period 2019- 2024 are many – Could you reflect on the most important ones like the Green Deal, Digitisation and The NextGenEU and the Slovenian part in them?In the past five years, many extraordinary challenges hit Europe. When we look back at them, they seem as science fiction films: from facing the global pandemic to dealing with climate change’s extreme weather events, from responding to Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine to managing the worst energy crisis in decades. And the European Commission responded. It responded fast and it responded united. Let’s look at Covid. Could a small country like Slovenia develop vaccines as fast as the EU was able to? Furthermore, learning from past economic crises, the Commission knew that a very restrictive fiscal policy during the pandemics would hurt the European economy too severely. So, the Commission proposed NextGenerationEU initiative, in order to give the necessary boost to the economy when it most needed it. Since the EU budget is very restricted, the Commission proposed to borrow over €800 billion on the financial market, to ensure Europe’s economic recovery after the pandemic, focusing on clean and digital transitions. Slovenia’s recovery and resilience plan aims to strengthen the nation’s ability for future challenges, through reforms and investment in the realms of climate change, digitisation, and social welfare. The investment amounts to a total of €2.7 billion, with nearly half of the funds allocated to climate-related goals. The investment includes, for example, modernisation of railway tracks (e.g. Gorenjska line and Borovnica – Brezovica line) and railway stations (e.g. Domžale, Grosuplje, Ljubljana); new campus of the Faculty of Medicine in Ljubljana; construction of public rental housing in Maribor; investments in digital empowerment of companies and industry, etc. Many works are underway and all reforms and investments need to be completed by August 2026. Despite all the crises that hit the continent, the EU succeeded to stay the course. With the European Green Deal the EU has committed to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. With the” Fit For 55” package we presented a concrete plan how to achieve this goal. In the realm of digital transformation, the EU has emerged as a global leader, introducing landmark legislation such as the Digital Services Act, the Digital Markets Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act. On the global stage, the Commission has promoted peace, stability, and human rights. It provided humanitarian support in the face of crises such as the war in Ukraine.

1. Where do you see room for improvement, for the citizens of Slovenia and its economy in terms of future integration of Slovenia into the EU? I hope that Slovenia will continue its pro-European stance and that it will continue to play an active role in the European community. The EU provides for a lot. I wish that the Slovenians were able to recognise a wealth of opportunities given by the EU and used them to the fullest. We, namely, too often hear that green transformation is costly. The EU is striving to pay attention that no one is left behind, but we need to adopt the winning mindset and grasp the opportunities that it brings us.For example, Slovenian companies have not yet fully seized the opportunities offered by the European Innovation Fund and the European Modernisation Fund to decarbonise and modernise their business models.But we need to emphasise that the EU is not just about funds, it is so much more. It is a single market of over 400 million people and one of the world’s largest democracies with high standards of fundamental rights. EU offers many opportunities for co-operation, peaceful dialogue, knowledge transfer and support. Slovenia has a lot to offer as well. So, it is also about being curious and bold.
2. You have certainly been asked this question many times before – what are the benefits of EU membership for Slovenia. We now have a benefit of 20 years of Slovenia’s experience in the club, so it might be a good time to reflect on this issue.        There are many benefits. Some can be measured in Euros, others not. Opportunities, values, better living conditions.We often link the benefits to the four freedoms of the internal market – free movement of goods, services, capital and people.Slovenia’s integration into the Schengen Area has facilitated greater mobility for its citizens, enabling them to travel and work freely across borders within the EU. In the 20 years of the EU membership, more than 46,000 Slovenian students have participated in an Erasmus+ study exchange. Slovenia was the first country from the Eastern enlargement that adopted the euro, which has streamlined trade and financial transactions, providing stability and facilitating economic growth. Slovenia has benefited significantly from the 8 billion euros allocated through EU Cohesion Policy funding, which have financed crucial infrastructure upgrades, productivity enhancements, and social programs. One cannot travel through Slovenia without witnessing several billboards labelling EU-funded projects.

   We should also not forget that Slovenia’s influence within the European community has also grown. Since becoming an EU member state in 2004, Slovenia has enjoyed an equal seat at the EU table. Even though Slovenia is relatively small, it can have a loud voice in shaping policies and decisions on a wide range of international issues.

3. EU is united in peace and open to all countries that share EU values such as peaceful coexistence, respect for the rule of law and human rights. In which phase is the enlargement of the EU in terms of new members? The 20^th anniversary of the “big enlargement”, has given the EU the opportunity to pause and reflect on the huge advantages that it brought to the “new” and the “old” members. The future enlargement is not anymore a mission impossible, but it is a reality. The only question is when. The new EU Strategic agenda and the next European Commission Political guidelines are clear about this.Slovenia is a true advocate of the Western Balkans enlargement within the EU. Slovenians know well the enlargement process, the EU, the region and all these experiences are priceless.

   

   The importance of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans cannot be overstated. It is not only a matter of economic integration, but it is also also crucial for stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the region.

   In November 2023, the European Commission adopted a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, supporting the region’s economic growth and socio-economic convergence with the EU. The Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans will provide up to €6 billion over the 2024-2027 period. With the Growth Plan the EU is trying to ensure the economic convergence before the accession in order to make the enlargement easier.

   In the wake of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the EU has shown commitment and solidarity with Ukraine. Ukraine is now a candidate to join the EU and accession negotiations have begun (June 2024). In June 2024, accession negotiations with Moldova have started as well. In March 2024, the European Commission recommended to open EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina acknowledging the country’s progress, and proving the EU’s commitment to the region’s accession process.

4. To quote Slovenia’s president Ms. Pirc Musar: “Euro is the common currency of the EU but the true currency is the acceptance of the diversity and this message is more important at the time of the rising populism that feeds on the hatred towards others.” What do you think – Can the current wind of populism affect the harmony in the EU?In a world increasingly marked by conflict and tension, the EU remains a pillar of peace, solidarity and respect for human dignity. These values cannot be taken for granted, but must be defended every day. This is what we do. A united stand of the EU in support of Ukraine is the strongest example.Upholding the European values, such as democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights will be also one of the priorities for the next European Commission 2024-2029 according to the political guidelines presented by the President-elect Ursula von der Leyen.Responding to the everyday concerns of citizens is key to building trust. I want to be optimistic, as the latest Eurobarometer published in July shows that the Europeans see democracy, human rights and economic power as the key strength of the EU. They cherish the fundamental values and the majority remains optimistic about the future of the EU.
5. In the light of the EU elections, Slovenia was noticed and praised in the EU as one of the countries experiencing a significant rise in voter turnout? People in Slovenia noticed the campaigns organised by the EU Office which highlighted the benefits of Slovenia’s EU membership. Do you think that Slovenians understand properly the benefits of being in the EU? What do you think was the reason for the high turnout of the voters at the EU elections and what are your comments with regard to the EU elections and the results in Slovenia?                                                                                                                                                                  The turnout in Slovenia was at 41.35%, up from 28.89% five years ago and the highest on record for an EU vote. At the House of the EU both the European Commission Representation and the European Parliament Liaison Office worked hard to mobilise as many voters as we could. We have tried to talk to as many people as we managed to. I always said: if we manage to have one person change their mind and vote, an important job is done.Slovenians are committed to Europe. However, many Slovenians take Europe for granted. Especially the young generation does not know Slovenia outside the EU. They only see the improvements needed, which is important, but they should also see the practicalities. For example, before Euro and Schengen any travel was much more complicated, with changing of several currencies and long waiting times at the borders. Erasmus, also, is nowadays something that the young see as their right. It was not always like this. What about roaming? The EU also keeps you safer on social media, and we also suggested one common mobile phone charger. Sounds good? All this is EU and not only the “complicated and dry regulations and directives”.
6.  Which are the 3 EU projects related to Slovenia that you and your team are most proud of? At the Commission Representation in Slovenia we have a small team that has a representation and communication role. We are very proud that we are present – on social media and in person – in the capital, in the regions, at round tables and talking to authorities, youngsters and other citizens. We are the eyes, ears and voice of the European Commission in Slovenia. But looking more widely, we are proud of the permanent seal that the EU is keeping in Slovenia. Let me name a few occasions that have made us most proud: Following the devastating floods in August 2023, the EU immediately came to Slovenia – with civil protection, heavy machinery, experts, political support and also money (e.g. from the European Union Solidarity Fund).At the beginning of the Slovenian Presidency of the EU in 2021, the amazing cooperation between the Commission and Slovenia managed to make this presidency a true success, due to the competency and dedication of all the actors.For the local team, the organisation of the celebration of the 20^th anniversary of Slovenia’s accession to the EU was also something to be proud of.

   And then there are several EU-funded projects that we witness – such as the financing of the second track of the Divača-Koper railway, Cukrarna, Supercomputer Vega in Maribor, and many more.

7. What are the major priorities for the European Commission during the next 5 years? On 18 July 2024, the new and also current European Commission president, European Commission President-Elect Ursula von der Leyen presented the political guidelines for the next European Commission 2024−2029. When reading those guidelines, we see that the Commission has observed the situation in the world, and it listened attentively to the concerns of our citizens and consequently has presented a vision for a more competitive, resilient and unified European Union. The new Commission will focus on sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, backed by strong impetus to investing in digital and clean technologies. It will also increase the collaboration and solidarity among member states in the field of security and defence. The Commission will continue to promote European values in the EU and on a global scale, ensuring a strategic approach to EU’s neighbourhood. On enlargement, political guidelines state that it is a moral, political and geostrategic imperative to further complete our Union.
8. The celebration of the 20 years of the Slovenian membership in the EU was organised in Nova Gorica this May. What are your impressions of this amazing event? We, at the European Commission Representation are extremely proud of this state celebration, which we jointly organised with the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. The celebration took place on 9 May, which is Europe Day, and we celebrated the values of peace, solidarity and democracy on which the European Union is founded.

   

    

   The symbolism of having the celebration in Nova Gorica was also special, as the 2004 celebration took place there. The once divided cities symbolise the true European spirit which was present in the air.

   High-level guests from Slovenia and abroad attended the event as well as the local community, the children, the elderly and others that passed by the outside venue. The former President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, and the former Prime Minister of Slovenia, Anton Rop, joined us to celebrate the enlargement anniversary. This commemorative event was characterised by inspiring performances by renowned artists from Slovenia (Vlado Kreslin, Alexander Gadjiev) and abroad. The celebration was very special also for me personally, as I felt literally at home. It was on that border where I grew up and where I fell in love with Europe. And the celebration confirmed that, by joining the EU, Slovenia did return home where it belonged, to the heart of Europe.

9. Is Jerneja Jug Jerše a typical Slovenian? What are your hobbies and interests? Which is your favourite Slovenian dish, song, hiking track? What are the plans for the future? I see my heart half green (Slovenian) and half blue (European). I grew up in Slovenia, but my ambitions went beyond national borders. I spent two decades abroad, mostly in Brussels, where I have been successfully fulfilling my professional ambitions. But with the return to Slovenia I have noticed how much I also love the life here.My favourite hiking destination is Šmarna gora, but I am a typical Slovenian also when it comes to my love of skiing, Slovenian food, singing and strongly cheering for Slovenian sportsmen and women. My plans for the future are many. My mandate finishes in 2026 and I am open to many interesting challenges that life will bring.