Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the European Union
The Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the European Union in Brussels plays a key role during the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Like every other EU member state, Slovenia has its own diplomatic mission or permanent representation in Brussels, which represents and promotes the interests of Slovenia, its citizens and its legal entities in the EU institutions. The representation employs advisors and diplomats from all the ministries, government offices and bodies within the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, who are experts on specific policy areas.
During the sixth-month Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU, Slovenian diplomats will chair more than 150 preparatory bodies of the Council. Their main task is to coordinate positions of 27 member states in the Council of the EU regarding legislative proposals and other matters.
The Slovenian Permanent Representation, which is located at Boulevard du Régent close to European institutions, is headed by Ambassador Iztok Jarc. While the representation usually employs around 70 diplomats, the team has been temporarily reinforced to 220 employees due to the presidency. In addition to the diplomats, its smooth operation is ensured by the administrative and technical personnel.
Work organisation
At the technical level, the content of the acts adopted at the highest level by the heads of state and government as well as ministers is prepared by working groups of advisors for specific fields of expertise. The permanent representatives in Coreper II and deputy permanent representatives in Coreper I coordinate the work of these working groups and prepare meetings of different Council configurations at the level of ambassadors.
Coreper II: prepares the work of the Council configurations for economic and financial affairs, general affairs, foreign affairs as well as for justice and home affairs. During the Slovenian Presidency, Coreper II is chaired by the Slovenian permanent representative, Ambassador Iztok Jarc.
Coreper I: prepares the work of the Council configurations for competitiveness; agriculture and fisheries; education, youth, culture and sport; employment, social policy, health and consumer affairs; environment; and transport, telecommunications and energy. During the Slovenian Presidency, Coreper I is chaired by the Slovenian deputy permanent representative, Ambassador Tamara Weingerl Požar.
The Political and Security Committee (PSC): is responsible for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CSFP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The ambassadors of the 27 member states monitor the international situation, recommend strategic approaches and policy options to the Council, and ensure political control and strategic direction of EU's crisis management operations. During the Slovenian Presidency, the PSC is chaired by Ambassador Veronika Bošković-Pohar.
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