Today, 16 March 2009, Minister for Development and European Affairs, Mr Mitja Gaspari, attended the "General Affairs" part of the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC), which is held in Brussels. The central items of today's General Affairs session were preparations for the European Council and the European Commission’s initiative aimed at providing, under the European Economic Recovery Plan, additional 5 billion euros for financing priority energy and broadband projects and other measures in the field of rural development.

Minister Mitja Gaspari at today's GAERC meeting (Photo: STA / Tierry Monasse)

The Council discussed a compromise proposal presented by the Czech Presidency on 11 March. The proposal modifies the list of projects to some extent, and proposes a method for their financing. "We attracted adequate projects, our net position is favourable, therefore we support the proposal by the European Commission" explained Minister Gaspari. The proposal foresees 40 million euros for Slovenia, which have been earmarked for a gas connection between the Austrian border and Ljubljana, which is important for the security of natural gas supply. Slovenia will be eligible also for the funds invested in broadband internet and new projects in the field of rural development. “Slovenia will use these funds, among other things, for the development of broadband networks in disadvantaged areas” stated the Minister. The Czech Presidency plans that the proposal shall be approved at the European Council on 19 and 20 March.

Within the preparations for the European Council, the ministers held the final discussion on the draft conclusions prior to the upcoming session of the European Council. The EU summit will be dedicated particularly to a response to the economic and financial crisis and energy security. Heads of State and Government of the EU Member States will also discuss the climate change issue and Eastern partnership, and they will be informed about efforts for the enforcement of the Treaty of Lisbon.

Javier Solana, High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Secretary-General of the Council, and Mitja Gaspari, Minister for Development and European Affairs, at today's meeting (Photo: STA / Tierry Monasse)