Slovenian government blocks Tanja Fajon's EU appointment for Sahel role

Tanja Fajon, Slovenia's former foreign minister, will not take on the role of the EU's special representative for the Sahel after the Slovenian government blocked her appointment. Prime Minister Janez Janša declared the "saga of Fajon's appointment is over," a statement confirmed by Fajon herself to N1.

Fajon explained that Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, withdrew her nomination due to pressure from the Slovenian government and the European People's Party (EPP). "Unfortunately, everyday politics prevailed over national and European interests," Fajon stated, expressing her disappointment.

The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs questioned the legitimacy of Fajon's nomination. The ministry's statement, shared by Janša, argued that the nomination was questionable not because it came from an unauthorized body, but because the competent authority never officially decided on the candidacy. The ministry assessed that the nomination's validity was uncertain, with unofficial reports indicating Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer had informed Kallas of this stance.

According to the ministry's report, Fajon's nomination was not executed by the caretaker government of Robert Golob but by Barbara Žvokelj, the then-secretary-general of the Foreign Ministry, who was directly subordinate to Fajon. The ministry deemed this a "clear act outside legal powers." Unofficial information suggests Kajzer also informed Kallas that Fajon lacked support from the Slovenian government and that the member state most concerned with the issue should have its position considered by the EU Council.

Kallas had selected Fajon for the Sahel post in late June, pending confirmation by EU member states in the Council. The confirmation process became complicated two weeks prior when Slovenia reportedly voiced its opposition. Fajon's appointment was removed from the agenda of the EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives twice, most recently last week. With the committee's final meeting before the summer break approaching, Kallas is expected to propose another candidate for the Sahel representative position.