During a joint visit to the Slovenian port of Koper on Wednesday, Presidents Peter Pellegrini and Nataša Pirc Musar affirmed their countries’ common ground in the defence sector. They emphasised a shared commitment to dual-use investments, serving both civilian and military applications.
Pellegrini stressed that increased defence spending must be balanced against domestic priorities such as fiscal consolidation and infrastructural development. Pirc Musar too agreed that despite Slovenia’s plans to raise its defence spending, this must not come at the expense of the welfare state.
Both leaders also praised the port of Koper’s growing strategic role for the EU and NATO. They voiced support for its further expansion and rail upgrades, which Pellegrini said would improve Slovakia’s maritime access and double its trade capacity. Pirc Musar added that both countries’ strong automotive and tech sectors are well-positioned to benefit from deeper economic integration amid green and digital transitions.
Pellegrini further pointed to Slovakia’s new Volvo plant as a potential entry point for Slovenian firms into the supply chain, while also noting opportunities in the paper industry for bilateral cooperation.
Source: TASR
