Iztok Seljak, head of the Manager Association and managing director of Hidria Holding, noted that the EU lags behind China in the electric vehicle transition, with China producing longer-range, cheaper electric cars and maintaining a technological lead of five to seven years.
Benjamin Krieger, secretary general of the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, highlighted the need for EU cooperation to meet electrification goals, particularly in funding charging infrastructure. Despite significant investments in R&D, he stressed that current funding levels are inadequate to achieve the EU’s ambitious targets.
Jean-Luc di Paola-Galloni, co-chairman of the European Road Transport Advisory Council, called the shift to electric vehicles one of the industry’s most critical paths, urging for EU financial support and regulatory easing.
Rok Capl, head of the SPIRIT agency, presented Slovenia’s economic strengths to French business representatives, focusing on sectors like sustainable mobility and robotics
Slovenia’s Ambassador to France, Metka Ipavic, emphasized the strong economic ties between Slovenia and France, particularly in the automotive sector, noting that Renault is the largest investor in Slovenia.
The Slovenia House at the Olympics, a hub for promoting Slovenian culture, business, and tourism, hosted events to strengthen international cooperation. Tomaž Jontes of the Slovenian Olympic Committee underscored the synergy between sports and the economy. Meanwhile, Minister Matej Arčon hosted a reception for the Slovenian diaspora in France, emphasizing the importance of cultural and economic connections.
