Von der Leyen visiting Slovenia after devastating floods

Ursula von der Leyen visited Slovenia and together with Prime Minister Robert Golob, she visited some of the areas affected by the floods. She announced a substantial package of aid to eliminate the consequences of the floods. Together with the PM Robert Golob she also visited the town of Črna na Koroškem, which has been severely affected by the floods and has been cut off from the rest of Slovenia.

In Črna na Koroškem, they met with locals and others who are helping to eliminate the consequences of the weather. On of them is also Tina Maze, our all-time best alpine skier, by chance. Tina is from Črna na Koroškem and has joined the locals in rebuilding the town and helping to restore her hometown.

Later von der Leyen also addressed the member of National Assembly, where she once again assured that the EU and its member states stand by Slovenia in these difficult times. She emotionally summarized the impressions from the helicopter tour and from Črna.

"It is a national and European tragedy," she emphasized, recalling the infrastructural and economic damage as ell as the lost lives and affected families. She highlighted the activities of volunteers, neighbours and friends in protecting people and property and eliminating the consequences. She also praised the work of the civil defence and state and local authorities, which showed excellent coordination and cooperation.

"In response to the raging nature, Slovenians have responded with courage and kindness, and your response has been remarkable," said Ursula von der Leyen during her address at the National Assembly.