Slovakia and Slovenia Align on Defence Spending and Infrastructure Development

Ljubljana, 19 June (TASR-correspondent) - We also find overlap with Slovenia in the arms industry, said Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in a joint statement with Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar at the port of Koper, Slovenia, where both agreed that defence spending should prioritise dual-use projects. “It's not easy to make a decision to sharply increase defence spending at a time when we must consolidate public finances, reduce debt, and lower the deficit. That is why it's important for us to answer the question ourselves whether our two countries are prepared to sufficiently defend the territorial integrity of our people in case of any threat. We need to strengthen our armed forces and, above all, our infrastructure because we need to, not because someone is forcing us to,” said Pellegrini. “For Slovakia, it's important now to invest in hospitals, new railways, new roads — simply infrastructure that can serve all Slovak citizens in peacetime — and only then consider further increases in defence spending,” Pellegrini noted. President Pirc Musar also recalled that the Slovenian parliament has committed to raising defence spending to three percent of GDP by 2030, while currently the country invests about 1.53 percent. Both leaders agreed that the port of Koper holds significant economic and defence-strategic value for the European region and NATO. They support its expansion and improved rail connections to boost capacity and logistics for Slovakia and the EU. Pirc Musar noted both countries have strong automotive and tech industries adapting to green and digital shifts, with Koper serving as Slovakia’s maritime gateway. Pellegrini praised Slovenia’s investment in a second railway track at Koper, which will improve Slovakia’s sea access and double the capacity for importing and exporting goods. According to the Slovenian president, cooperation between the countries can be strengthened through new logistics connections, smart solutions, and better integration of transport systems. Pellegrini explained that a new Volvo car factory is being completed in Slovakia, which could provide an opportunity for Slovenian companies to join the supply chain. He also sees significant bilateral cooperation in the paper industry, especially through the company Paloma, where a Slovak investor plans further substantial investments. lin