"Your appointment comes at a challenging time for Slovenia and the European Union as a whole. I am confident that you will make a valuable contribution to our joint efforts to successfully craft a new deal for Europe and its citizens and strengthen our Union," Barroso stated in his congratulatory message.
In what was the first time that Barroso sent a dedicated congratulatory message on the appointment of a Slovenian government, he wished Bratušek success in her term and said he was looking forward to working with her in "building a prosperous and strong Europe, which is our joint responsibility".
The congratulation was, however, coupled with a warning that Slovenia faces numerous economic challenges, which it will have to tackle immediately. "The Commission looks forward to learning about the new government economic programme. It is too early for any further comment at this stage", spokesman Cezary Lewanowicz said.
Bratušek was also congratulated by European Parliament President Martin Schulz, who noted that she was Slovenia's first female prime minister. "I wish you all the success in challenging times for Slovenia and the EU," Schulz tweeted.
President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy also responded through Twitter, posting in Slovenian that he was looking forward to working with Bratušek.
Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanović sent a congratulatory cable in which he affirmed Croatia's "firm commitment to continue good neighbourly cooperation and development of partnership with a view to furthering our countries' shared interests".
Milanović, who expects to meet Bratušek soon, noted that the countries had recently signed a memorandum on the LB savings deposits issue, and that the conclusion of ratification of Croatia's EU Accession Treaty in the Slovenian parliament would enable Croatia to join the EU, where the countries would share a common future.
Bratušek took over from her predecessor Janez Janša on Thursday, after her cabinet was appointed in parliament on Wednesday evening.
Source: SloveniaTimes
