EPP Group to send fact-finding mission to Slovenia

In response to growing concerns about the separation of powers, the independence of state institutions, and media freedom in Slovenia, the EPP Group in the European Parliament will send a high-level fact-finding mission to Ljubljana on Monday, 7 April.  

The mission aims to gain a first-hand understanding of the situation in Slovenia. 

The mission, initiated by the EPP Group Presidency, includes five MEPs who will meet with representatives from Slovenian institutions, the media, and civil society.

"To assess concerns about democracy, media freedom, and the rule of law, the EPP Group is sending a high-level fact-finding mission to Slovenia. If the government, which consists of far-left parties, threatens the country’s democracy or fundamental freedoms, the EPP Group will take action at the European level. The rule of law is non-negotiable," says EPP Group Chairman Manfred Weber MEP.

"Democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom in Slovenia are in free fall under Robert Golob's government. Pressure on independent institutions, nepotism, and corruption have become the modus operandi of the ruling coalition. This must stop — not only is Slovenia at risk, but so are the fundamental values of the EU," adds EPP group Vice-Chairwoman Romana Tomc MEP.

The fact-finding mission is an initiative of the Presidency of the EPP Group. The following MEPs will participate:

• Tomas Tobé MEP (Sweden, Moderate Party), Vice-President of the EPP Group for Legal and Home Affairs,
• Dolors Montserrat MEP (Spain, Partido Popular), Vice-President of the EPP Group for Economy and Environment,
• Romana Tomc MEP (Slovenia, SDS), Vice-President of the EPP Group for Outreach, Head of the Slovenian delegation in the EPP Group
• Lena Düpont MEP (Germany, CDU), Spokeswoman of the EPP Group in the Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE),
• Michał Wawrykiewicz MEP (Poland, Civic Coalition), a Polish lawyer, known for his fight for free courts and against the authoritarianism of the previous Polish Government

At the end of the mission, a short press point will be held at the European Parliament's representative office in Ljubljana on Monday evening (time to be confirmed).