Slobodan Šešum, Ambassador of Slovenia: Advancing Science Diplomacy

I am convinced that cooperation in the field of nuclear energy is in the interest of both countries, and I can confirm that we are already taking concrete steps in this direction. I visited the Vinča Institute recently and familiarised myself with Serbia’s plans for the potential construction of a nuclear power plant ~ Slobodan Šešum

Slovenia’s new ambassador to Serbia is well acquainted with the region and says that he “genuinely wishes for Serbia to make substantial progress on its European path” during his mandate. Speaking in his first interview for CorD Magazine, Ambassador Slobodan Šešum insists that Slovenia “remains strongly committed to the Western Balkans”.

Your Excellency, you last month took on the role of ambassador to Serbia, a country with which you’re certainly well acquainted. What have you identified as your priorities?

— I would like to emphasise that I have fond memories of Serbia, having worked here before. Alongside the priorities I have envisaged, I have many aspirations. I sincerely wish for Serbia to make substantial progress on its European path during my tenure. I am convinced that the EU accession process contributes to strengthening the rule of law, Serbia’s institutions and the economy, which in turn leads to the comprehensive modernisation of society and improved quality of life.

Enhancing cooperation in science diplomacy – specifically by connecting research institutes with innovative companies – will certainly be one of the priorities. We are already carrying out significant activities in this area.

Economic cooperation between Slovenia and Serbia is very good: 20% of Slovenian foreign investments are in Serbia, amounting to over €2 billion, with approximately 1,200 Slovenian companies registered in the country. The expansion of these companies’ successful operations benefits both Slovenia and Serbia.

The trade exchange between Serbia and Slovenia last year exceeded €2 billion. Data from the first quarter of this year shows a trade volume of over half a billion euros, representing a further increase compared to the same period of last year. Service exchange is also on the rise, reaching almost €600 million last year. The largest share of this relates to tourism, with Slovenia observing a significant increase in Serbian visitors interested in our tourist destinations. The reverse is, naturally, also true – with many Slovenians choosing to spend part of their holidays in Belgrade or other rapidly developing tourist centres in Serbia.

The Slovenian Embassy is very active in cultural affairs in Serbia, and we pride ourselves on the exceptional cooperation between our countries. Slovenian artists are present at all major cultural events in Serbia, proudly representing our rich culture across numerous fields – fine art, dance, photography, literature, film… When it comes to film, one of our most recognisable and important cultural events in Serbia is the Slovenian Film Days festival, which we’ve been organising for many years in cooperation with the Sava Association of Slovenians from Belgrade. It was a particular honour for me to open the 11th edition in Belgrade earlier this May. The Slovenian Film Days event also takes place in other Serbian cities, which we find particularly encouraging.

You are expected to continue promoting enhanced economic cooperation between our two countries. According to your predecessor, our bilateral economic cooperation is expanding into new areas such as energy efficiency, ecology, tourism and biotechnology. Do you believe Slovenia and Serbia can also develop cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, as has been suggested?

— Certainly. I am convinced that cooperation in nuclear energy is in the interest of both countries, and I can confirm that we are already taking concrete steps in that direction. I recently visited the Vinča Institute and familiarised myself with Serbia’s plans for the potential construction of a nuclear power plant, as well as ongoing related research. In late May, an expert delegation from the Vinča Institute visited the Krško Nuclear Power Plant and the Jožef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana, where possibilities for future cooperation were identified.

Economic cooperation between Slovenia and Serbia is very good: 20% of Slovenian foreign investments are in Serbia and are worth in excess of two billion euros, with approximately 1,200 Slovenian companies registered in the country

Innovation, research and development are crucial for the continued growth of both countries. Through collaboration among our research institutions, universities and the economy, we can create strong synergies for economic development. This precisely concerns the aforementioned science diplomacy, where we connect scientists and innovative companies and seek joint projects.

In your capacity as director of the Directorate for Economic and Public Diplomacy at the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, you closely monitored developments in the Western Balkans. Do you believe some countries in the region will realistically be able to join the EU before the end of the current European Commission’s term, as was suggested recently in Brussels?

— As a longstanding director of the Directorate for Economic and Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, I can say that Slovenia monitors developments in the Western Balkans with great attention and commitment. We believe the European perspective of the region is key to the stability, prosperity and democratic development of Europe as a whole.

Statements from Brussels suggesting the possibility of accession for certain countries in the region by the end of this European Commission’s mandate are certainly encouraging. However, ultimate progress depends primarily on fulfilling the reform conditions and criteria clearly established by the EU for candidate countries. Some countries have made significant strides, while others still face serious challenges. Slovenia remains a firm supporter of the enlargement policy and is ready to assist the countries of the region on their European path with its experience and political support. At the same time, we believe the EU must maintain the credibility of the enlargement process through clear and fair steps based on the merits of each individual country.

Slovenia is very present in the Western Balkans – not only economically, but also politically. What are Ljubljana’s further plans regarding the Brdo-Brijuni Process, which represents a platform for dialogue on relations between the region and the EU?

— Slovenia remains strongly committed to the Western Balkans, both through bilateral relations and regional initiatives like the Brdo-Brijuni Process. This platform is of great importance to us, as it facilitates an open dialogue among the region’s leaders and encourages a shared understanding of the key challenges and opportunities on the European path. Our further plans involve continuing and fortifying this initiative as a forum that promotes stability, cooperation and European integration. Particular focus will be placed on concrete political signals that can contribute to accelerating reforms and building trust among the countries of the region. The next meeting within the Brdo-Brijuni Process is planned for autumn this year.

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