Mengeš, 16 February – Today, the Centre for European Perspective – CEP hosted a high-level roundtable discussion, “TWO YEARS ON,” to mark the conclusion of the second year since the initiation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

The event, opened by the Executive Director of the Centre for European Perspective, Ms Nina Čepon, brought together the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, H. E Mrs Tanja Fajon, Dr Damir Črnčec, State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia, H. E. Mr Andrii Taran, Ambassador of the U.S to Slovenia, Ms Jamie L. Harpootlian, and Slovenian Member of the European Parliament, Dr Klemen Grošelj. It provided a platform to discuss the ongoing efforts of Slovenians, the EU, and the global community for Ukraine’s support and a look toward the future.

Minister Fajon, in her opening address, emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine, stating, “Slovenia, as a staunch supporter of the EU enlargement process, continues to stand by the Ukrainian side.”

CEP Executive Director Čepon expressed her gratitude to the speakers, partners and participants, stating, “CEP remains dedicated to promoting dialogue and supporting initiatives that contribute to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.”

Ambassador Taran acknowledged the significance of the local and regional authorities in the recovery and reconstruction process, pointing out that the concept of Ukraine’s restoration is wider than just reconstruction, stressing that assistance begins with ensuring the security of the country in a military sense, which will allow to focus efforts on reviving Ukraine’s economy and creating conditions for the return of Ukrainians to Ukraine.

Ambassador Harpootlian focused on the active role of the U.S. in supporting Ukraine, highlighting initiatives for Ukrainians living in Slovenia, remarking, “Don’t let our noisy politics distract you from our resolve to support Ukraine”.

State Secretary Črnčec pointed out the importance of support between EU countries, “It is important to support a country that is a victim of an aggressor. Our history teaches us that. It is a question of values, a question of democracy”.

In the continuation of the discussion, Dr Grošelj focused on the EU’s role in supporting Ukraine, stressing, “It is not only military support, it is also the support of the EU accession process; this is another sign of strength and not weakness of European Union. “

The roundtable focused on various aspects of cooperation in the recovery and reconstruction process, including the role of local authorities and the ongoing efforts for post-conflict reconstruction.

The discussion on the role of local communities in the reconstruction process was continued in the “Fireside Chat” with Mr Iaroslav Tsvirkun, Mayor of Pereschepyne municipality, who provided perspectives on the challenges and opportunities at the local level, highlighting the importance of international cooperation, pointing out that “The support of Slovenian and other European communities and cities is not measured in terms of money value, but creates working places and recreates the lives of Ukrainian citizens in our communities”.

The event, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs through the Slovenian Aid and Partnership project Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine, also offered an opportunity for the presentation of a new publication by the Centre for European Perspective “Slovenia supporting Ukrainian communities: Integrating reconstruction with local development”, by Dr Janez Šušteršič, Ms Jelka Klemenc and Mr Jurij Kobal. You can find the brochure here.

The link to the stream of the event can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/live/bcTBCVCaZts?si=86Dt_qgSka7l21Xh

The event is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana, alongside the Slovenian Aid and Partnerships project ‘Post-conflict reconstruction in Ukraine’, financed by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia.