On 1 July 2021, Slovenia assumed the EU Council Presidency for the next six months. The motto: “Together. Resilient. Europe.” In general, priority topics will be post-pandemic economic recovery, the Conference on the Future of Europe and the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans.

In the area of justice, Slovenia will focus on the protection of human rights in light of challenges posed by new technologies and the use of internet. Priorities will include combatting hate speech and hate crime, discussions on ethical aspects and the potential impact of the use of AI on fundamental freedoms. Work will continue on e-evidence, e-CODEX and the EU’s accession to the European Convention on Human Rights. The Presidency will also prepare a comprehensive response to the EU strategy on rights of children.

In the area of home affairs, the country will strive for ensuring a fully functioning Schengen area and building up more robust Schengen rules. The Presidency intends to make progress in the negotiations on key files in the areas of asylum and migration. Another important priority will be to ensure a high level of security in the EU through enhanced police cooperation between Member States and neighbouring regions such as the Western Balkans. In this context, the proposal to amend the Europol Regulation will be particularly relevant.