Bled forum calls for common stand on security, migration

The annual Bled Strategic Forum (BSF) opened here Monday with a call for common visions and solutions against the backdrop of growing uncertainty in the global arena.

With the theme of safeguarding the future, Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar stressed in his opening speech that "unless we efficiently solve the problems of security and migration, we will not be able to focus our efforts on development issues like economy ... and on our future as such."

"Contemporary challenges are growing. They are more complex and more frequent ... Our response in dealing with them must be better managed. And above all, it must be global," Cerar was quoted by Slovenian Press Agency.

The premier also noted the EU had been facing growing populism, scepticism, and even isolationism, which required serious reflection and regaining trust to continue building "an even stronger and more efficient EU."

Despite all the problems it faced, the bloc had become a synonym for peace, security, democracy, welfare and development, he said.

His speech was echoed by Slovenian Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec, who highlighted the need for a common vision and solidarity, expressing hope the BSF would help achieve this.

All the different topics the forum will address this year, be it migration, the future of the EU, energy geopolitics, or global water issues, "these elements are closely connected, and if the international community fails in tackling one, all will be affected."

Over 700 participants from over 70 countries and regions are attending the BSF, which concludes Tuesday. Endit