Von der Leyen and Pirc Musar talk aid, climate change
Ljubljana, 9 August - President Nataša Pirc Musar met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as the latter visited flood-struck areas in Slovenia on Wednesday. The pair exchanged information about the situation and about plans for EU assistance in relief efforts. Both emphasised the need to strengthen the fight against climate change.
Ljubljana
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar meeting at the National Assembly.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Von der Leyen expressed deep sympathy with the people of Slovenia whose lives have been impacted by the floods. She was impressed by the solidarity seen and praised the rapid response of the national protection and rescue system.
Pirc Musar thanked von der Leyen for the Commission's swift response and the expressed solidarity. She also highlighted the importance of close cooperation among EU members to protect against natural disasters.
"I express my gratitude to all the statesmen and citizens of neighbouring countries, states in the region, and the EU who responded immediately and sent help to Slovenia. Kindness begets kindness, Slovenia is grateful," Pirc Musar said.
The meeting between the two presidents was primarily focused on recovery aid possibilities for the affected areas. Von der Leyen reiterated that the EU will provide assistance through various mechanisms.
The pair dedicated special attention to the impact of climate change. They emphasised the need for a further laying down of measures to combat climate change in order to adapt to the new circumstances.
Accompanied by Prime Minister Robert Golob and European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič, the Commission president visited by helicopter today some of the areas hit worst by the floods last weekend.
Von der Leyen, who also addressed parliament and met with locals in Črna na Koroškem, announced Slovenia will get EUR 400 million from the EU Solidarity Fund, EUR 100 million this year and EUR 300 million in 2024.