Thewesternbalkans
Slovenia’s former President Borut Pahor has confirmed that he aims to inherit the position of the special envoy of the European Union in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, Miroslav Lajčak, whose term ends in August.
The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Tanja Fajon, a former party colleague, has voiced its support for Pahor, considering him a fitting candidate for this prestigious and significant position.
The Prime Minister Robert Golob also expressed support for his bid. He has already held numerous talks with EU stakeholders on the topic in the past month. “Former President Pahor, with his work and previous political experience, has proven to be a great friend of the countries of the Western Balkans and his efforts, as well as the efforts of Slovenia, are aimed at the inclusion of the countries of the Western Balkans in the Union European, ensuring peace and stability in the Western Balkans and all of Europe”, says Prime Minister’s Golob’s office.
For Pahor to officially vie for this position, he must submit a personal application to the European External Action Service, overseen by Josep Borrell.
Comment: This development comes after the establishment of Pahor’s private institute, Friends of the Western Balkans, in December last year, following the conclusion of his tenure as president. The institute’s mission focuses on promoting dialogue, reconciliation, peaceful resolution of open issues, economic development and integration of the countries of the Western Balkans into the European Union.
The lobbying efforts for Pahor’s candidacy are currently in a phase, with support from the advisory committee of its Institute. Notable figures such as Catherine Ashton, former EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Carl Bildt, former Swedish Prime Minister, Jadranka Kosor, former Croatian Prime Minister, along with former presidents Atifete Jahjaga of Kosovo and Boris Tadić of Serbia, are part of this concerted effort to endorse Pahor’s appointment.
If Pahor’s candidacy is approved, it will confirm Slovenia’s ambitions to increase its role in the processes of the Western Balkans, which minister Fajon defines as an area of strategic interest for Slovenia.
