Development and European Affairs Minister Mitja Gaspari concluded a two-day visit to the UK yesterday, with his meetings focusing on the future of the Lisbon Strategy and the reform of the EU budget in the light of the talks on the 2014-2020 financial perspective.

Gaspari met leading government and opposition representatives, including Minister for the Cabinet Office Tessa Jowell, Shadow Minister of State for Europe Mark Francois and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne. He is also to meet Minister of State for Europe Chris Bryant.

Gaspari presented to his interlocutors Slovenia's positions and proposals for improving the implementation and management of the Lisbon Strategy after 2010.

An enhanced strategy would in the short run support the revival of the economy after the crisis and in the long run encourage economic growth and flexibility, while highlighting structural reforms. According to the Development Office, the main challenge will be balancing the economic, social and environmental development components.

Gaspari also presented Slovenia's positions regarding the reform of the EU budget, which was outlined in the non-paper Slovenia drafted in June. Slovenia is in favour of a comprehensive and thorough reform of the EU budget and its financing which currently does not answer the bloc's challenges. It also supports a more development-oriented EU budget.

Minister Gaspari also met the head of International Economic Affairs and Europe Jon Cunliffe and Minister of State at the Department of Energy and Climate Change Philip Hun. Their talks focused on climate change.
(Source: STA)

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