Macron’s first visit marks new phase in Franco-Slovenian relations

Slovenia and France signed several agreements, including a declaration on cooperation in nuclear energy, as President Emmanuel Macron paid his first visit to Slovenia.

In meetings with the country's senior officials he expressed interest in boosting bilateral relations, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

Macron began his visit on 20 October, attending the annual summit of the nine Mediterranean EU countries along with other leaders of the MED9 group.

Visit to port of Koper

Accompanied by Prime Minister Robert Golob, he visited the port of Koper, after the summit in the nearby coastal town of Portorož ended. His tour of Slovenia's sole maritime port coincided with the port operator Luka Koper and French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM signing a declaration to upgrade cooperation.

The two companies have had a strong business relationship for 20 years. They play a key role in connecting the Adriatic and Asia with global maritime routes and Slovenia and the wider Central European markets with rail solutions, the prime minister's office said.

"Today, Luka Koper and CMA CGM joined forces to strengthen Slovenia's role as a strategic gateway to Europe, particularly in light of the emerging India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor," the press release read.

Declaration on nuclear cooperation may play a part in Krško 2 plans

The main part of the visit followed on 21 October, when Golob held bilateral talks with Macron.

They committed to closer cooperation between Slovenia and France, particularly in the economy and energy. The countries signed an agreement on Slovenian-French cooperation in education in Slovenia and a declaration of intent to establish long-term cooperation in nuclear energy, which could affect Slovenia's decision on picking the supplier for the planned Krško 2 nuclear reactor.

French energy giant EDF remains in the running alongside US company Westinghouse to supply reactor technology for a possible second unit at the Krško nuclear power plant.

Describing France as a European nuclear power that is building its carbon-free future on the development of nuclear energy, Golob emphasized good cooperation between experts from both countries and told a joint press conference at Ljubljana Castle that the declaration left possibilities open.

He is confident that with the option of two equally qualified bidders, "we will be able to choose the solution that will be best for Slovenia in the long term and will also give this project a truly regional character".

Krško 1 was built using US technology, but Golob sees certain advantages of the French provider as well, noting that the potential new power plant is not planned just for Slovenia, but to enable SE Europe to meet a large part of its electricity needs.

Important role of car assembly plant Revoz

The pair also echoed one of the main messages of the MED9 summit as they underlined the importance of strengthening Europe's competitiveness and self-reliance.

In this context, Golob pointed to the upcoming start of production of the new electric Twingo at Revoz, the Slovenian subsidiary of the French car giant Renault, saying that the model would help Europe compete with cheaper rivals.

Macron also considers the production of the new Twingo important for the entire European automotive sector and industry. He attributed mythical status to Revoz due to the rich history of the models produced there to date. The pair also visited an exhibition of prototypes of the redesigned version of the electric Twingo model at the Rog Centre in Ljubljana.

Renault is the main French investor in Slovenia, with Revoz having some 1,500 employees.

Noting the agreements signed during his visit, Macron said that they further strengthened the strategic partnership established between Slovenia and France 14 years ago.

He was also received by President Nataša Pirc Musar, with whom he reaffirmed excellent relations between the countries. Touching on the geopolitical situation, they advocated a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and expressed support for the implementation of the US peace plan for Gaza.

They also welcomed efforts to strengthen economic cooperation, particularly in nuclear energy, logistics and space technologies.

France is Slovenia's ninth most important trade partner. Last year, bilateral trade reached €3.2 billion, with exports totalling €1.9 billion and imports €1.3 billion. Vehicles and vehicle parts accounted for the largest share on both sides.

Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA