Slovenia thankful for aid, expecting visit from von der Leyen on Wednesday
Ljubljana, 7 August - Slovenia is grateful to all the countries, especially those nearby, that have offered aid and support in the face of disastrous floods, Prime Minister Robert Golob's office said on Monday. The office also confirmed that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will arrive in Slovenia on Wednesday to visit areas affected by the floods.
Brussels, Belgium
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Photo: Thierry Monasse/STA
File photo
The prime minister's office is most grateful to foreign leaders, especially to heads of the countries in the Western Balkans, and to heads of EU institutions that have expressed support and solidarity with Slovenia in the hard times and sent much needed aid.
"Slovenia is not alone in these difficult times, we have many friends and international support, including the EU, NATO and the US," the office wrote.
Many countries have offered aid, including Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Germany, Montenegro, Serbia, Greece, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, the Netherlands, Israel, Great Britain, the US and Armenia.
Heads of states and EU institutions took to social media to express solidarity, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, European Council President Charles Michel and von der Leyen.
"Heartbreaking to follow the devastation caused by colossal floods in Slovenia. The EU is by the side of the Slovenian people. We will mobilise support as needed," von der Leyen wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
She will be accompanied on her visit to Slovenia by EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič.
Slovenia has already requested aid through EU and NATO mechanisms. Golob will discuss NATO aid with Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday over the phone, the prime minister's office wrote.