Slovenia hosts meetings with EC

Meetings between the Slovenian government and the European Commission have started in Brdo near Kranj. On January 1, Slovenia took over the rotating six-month presidency over the 27-nation union. Slovenia hosts meetings with EC Vice President of the European Commission Margot Wallstrom said Monday that the former Yugoslav republic's presidency marks the end of divisions between the new and old EU member states. The summit is the first EU event since Ljubljana took over. Wallstrom is replacing EC President Jose Manuel Barroso, who has been taken ill. At the start of the meetings today, she praised Slovenia's work to prepare in order to fulfilling obligations as it took over the EU presidency. Kosovo will be one of the topics on the agenda in Brdo. Wallstrom voiced hope that Slovenia, with its experience and knowledge of the region, will contribute to the solving of the province's status crisis. Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa today held a separate meeting with Wallstrom, while the EU commissioners meet in working groups. A plenary meeting is scheduled to follow these activities. This meeting is planned to look at a number of priorities set for the Slovenian presidency, with the Western Balkans high on the agenda, reports say. Wallstrom, Jansa meet today (Beta)

Slovenia hosts meetings with EC

Vice President of the European Commission Margot Wallstrom said Monday that the former Yugoslav republic's presidency marks the end of divisions between the new and old EU member states.

The summit is the first EU event since Ljubljana took over. Wallstrom is replacing EC President Jose Manuel Barroso, who has been taken ill.

At the start of the meetings today, she praised Slovenia's work to prepare in order to fulfilling obligations as it took over the EU presidency.

Kosovo will be one of the topics on the agenda in Brdo. Wallstrom voiced hope that Slovenia, with its experience and knowledge of the region, will contribute to the solving of the province's status crisis.

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša today held a separate meeting with Wallstrom, while the EU commissioners meet in working groups. A plenary meeting is scheduled to follow these activities.

This meeting is planned to look at a number of priorities set for the Slovenian presidency, with the Western Balkans high on the agenda, reports say.