Preamble
Ukraine and the Republic of Slovenia (hereinafter referred to as “the Participants”, or “Ukraine” and “Slovenia”), reiterate their condemnation in the strongest possible terms of the unprovoked, unjustified and illegal Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of international law, including the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris.
Slovenia reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders as of 1991, including the territorial sea, and acknowledges Ukraine’s inherent right of self-defence as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The Participants recognise that Ukraine and the whole of Europe will not be secure until there is a just and lasting peace that respects Ukraine’s rights under international law and the UN Charter.
The cooperation between the Participants is underpinned by a set of shared values, inter alia democracy, rule of law, respect for and safeguarding of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and gender equality.
The Participants recall that Ukraine will continue to implement an ambitious reform programme and that Slovenia is dedicated to supporting Ukraine's reforms efforts. These are essential for its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Slovenia supported the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine of July 12, 2023 (hereinafter the “G7 Declaration”), adopted by the Group of Seven (G7) and the EU on the margins of the NATO Summit in Vilnius.
Therefore, the Participants have jointly determined to strengthen their security cooperation by pursuing the following bilateral long-term security commitments and activities.
Part I. Security and defence
1. Slovenia will seek any possibilities and offer further security and defence-related support to Ukraine across all domains, with the focus on Ukraine’s most urgent needs by promoting increased interoperability with Euro-Atlantic partners. Slovenia supports Ukraine’s Future Force Concept and will continue to take part, bilaterally, multilaterally and with partners (e.g. within the European Union, NATO and the Ukraine Defence Contact Group) in the international endeavour to support the modernisation of the Defence Forces of Ukraine to ensure their greater interoperability with NATO.
2. Stating the importance of assistance to Ukraine, Slovenia is and remains a strong supporter of Ukraine through the established EU security and defence framework, including European Peace Facility, the newly established Ukraine Assistance Fund, joint procurement, and participation in CSDP missions.
3. Emphasising the purpose of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Support of Ukraine (EUMAM), Slovenia will continue its training support to Ukraine within the framework of EUMAM and bilateral support in any other form of training that may be agreed, including train-the-trainer programmes.
4. Slovenia reaffirms its continuous support to Ukraine through NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP).
5. Slovenia will remain engaged in multinational efforts to support, improve and strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities, as well as ensuring greater interoperability with NATO and its partners.
6. Recalling the significance of civil-military cooperation, Slovenia will search for any substantial opportunity to implement civil-military projects with civilian capabilities in support of Ukraine, with emphasis on assistance to civilian population.
7. The Participants will hold, if necessary, senior-level Strategic Defence and Security Policy Dialogue.
8. From the beginning of the war, Slovenia has comprehensively supported Ukraine with significant contributions in different areas, including humanitarian aid and health assistance, initial reconstruction of social service facilities, medical and psychosocial rehabilitation of war victims, humanitarian demining, and capacity building of municipalities in the field of decentralisation. Slovenia has provided assistance and support to Ukrainian temporary displaced persons in Slovenia. It has been among the largest donors to the Grain from Ukraine programme, considering its size, from the very beginning of the initiative.
9. Slovenia has made substantial military contributions to Ukraine, both bilaterally and via multilateral forums, and will continue addressing the most urgent and immediate needs of Ukraine to strengthen its security capabilities. Slovenia provided Ukraine with 13 packages of military aid in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and intends to maintain the same level of military support in 2024 and in the following years, which shall be determined in detail through consultations between the Participants and taking into account Ukraine’s urgent needs.
10. Slovenia will continue its support to Ukraine for the ten-year duration of this Agreement.
Defence Industry Cooperation
11. Slovenia welcomes Ukraine's endeavours to integrate defence industry into NATO and EU efforts for promotion and enhancement of defence production capacities.
12. Slovenia will promote Ukraine’s defence industry integration into the European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB), considering also the opportunities provided by the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) and European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP).
13. The Participants will seek further potential possibilities and opportunities for defence industry and its research, while developing efforts for the implementation of joint projects with common interest.
14. Slovenia will work with Ukraine to identify potential funding sources for support of Ukraine’s defence industry projects.
15. Slovenia will work with Ukraine to strengthen protection of the transferred technologies and intellectual property rights.
Intelligence and Counterintelligence
16. The Participants will continue to deepen their intelligence and counterintelligence cooperation, in accordance with the framework based on bilateral agreements, including the Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Slovenia on the Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information, signed in Ljubljana on 4 June 2008, in order to detect, prevent, and deter Russian or other hostile state or non-state actors’ subversive activities to secure Ukraine and Slovenia from such malign activities. This will be achieved through, but not limited to, intelligence and experience sharing, as well as cooperation between intelligence and security agencies of the Participants, including pursuing joint initiatives and trainings.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) safety and security
17. Recognizing the risks to CBRN safety and security, in particular in armed conflict situations, Ukraine and Slovenia are committed to sustain and strengthen the existing global nuclear security framework based on the IAEA principles, approaches, conventions, norms and standards as well as other relevant international legal norms and instruments.
18. Slovenia will support Ukraine's endeavours towards CBRN security, its sustainability and improvement, in particular through the sharing of good practices in strengthening the security of high-activity sealed radioactive sources (INFCIRC/910) and countering nuclear smuggling (INFCIRC/918), and exploring options to also address other challenges related to CBRN incidents.
Maritime Security
19. The Participants will seek to coordinate their efforts on strengthening international cooperation in the domain of maritime security in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international legal instruments.
Cyber security
20. Ukraine and Slovenia will aim to prevent, detect, deter and disrupt any cyber aggression, cyber espionage and hybrid warfare. The Participants will also aim to identify and deter the malicious use of cyber capabilities by any state and non-state actors against the Participants.
21. The Participants will support each other by sharing expertise and engaging in practical cooperation in the areas of cybersecurity and other advanced communications and information technologies (including, but not limited to, capacity building, norm development, legal frameworks, incident response and crisis management, critical infrastructure resilience, capacity building in emerging technologies, etc.).
22. Ukraine and Slovenia will continue the exchange of information, experience and cooperation in the development of cyber security and cyber defence capabilities, including through increased cooperation on cyber diplomacy, providing technical assistance to Ukraine, as well as to enhance its cyber resilience.
Countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference
23. The Participants will cooperate in the area of countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, including Russian or any other state-sponsored information manipulation, malign propaganda and disinformation campaigns affecting national security. They will regularly exchange experience and best practices in countering disinformation, strategic communication and public diplomacy.
Cooperation in the fight against crime
24. The Participants will continue their cooperation under the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on Cooperation in the Fight Against Crime, signed in Kyiv on 11 October 2011.
25. The Participants recognise that serious and organised crime (SOC) poses a threat to Ukrainian society.
26. In order to counter all types of activities of SOC and other crimes, competent authorities of the Participants shall, in accordance with the national legislation of the Participants, cooperate in combating and effectively preventing SOC and other crimes. To this end, the Participants will take measures to conduct joint operations, analyse the criminal situation in the countries and identify the main risks, create joint working groups for police cooperation, and facilitate the provision of training and sharing of best practices. The above measures are not intended to be exhaustive, and the Participants may pursue other forms of cooperation to achieve their goals in combating SOC.
Part II. Political cooperation and promoting accountability
Just Peace
27. Slovenia will continue to support Ukraine's efforts to establish a just and lasting peace based on the key principles and objectives set out in Ukraine’s Peace Formula. Slovenia will continue its diplomatic efforts to ensure broad global support for its implementation, including within international institutions.
Accountability
28. The Participants reaffirm their commitment to ensuring accountability for international crimes committed in or against Ukraine, including the crime of aggression.
29. The Participants will seek to hold to account those responsible for war crimes and other international crimes, committed in or against Ukraine in the context of Russian aggression, consistent with international law, including by supporting the work of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine and the International Criminal Court to ensure allegations of war crimes and other international crimes, including sexual violence in conflict, are fully and fairly investigated by independent, effective and robust legal mechanisms.
30. The Participants will continue their work, including in the "Core Group on options for the establishment of a tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine", to establish a tribunal to ensure accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
31. The Participants recall the adoption of the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of the crime of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes, and Other International Crimes, a major milestone in the fight against impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes and commit as signatories to the Convention to become Parties to the Convention in order to promote the Convention and encourage other states to sign and implement it.
32. The Participants recall that Ukraine will ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court including the Amendments on the crime of aggression adopted by the Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala, Uganda on 11th June 2010 by Resolution RC/Res.6 as mentioned in the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, on the way to its membership in the EU.
33. As members of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, the Participants commit to bolster their efforts for the safe return of all illegally deported and forcibly relocated Ukrainian children and the reunification with their families, as well as to support the international endeavours aimed at ensuring accountability of those responsible.
Compensation for damage, loss and injury caused by Russian aggression
34. The Participants reaffirm their commitment to holding the Russian Federation accountable for causing losses or damage to individuals and entities, as well as to the state of Ukraine, as a result of its internationally wrongful acts in or against Ukraine, including its aggression in violation of the UN Charter, and that the Russian Federation bears financial responsibility for the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine.
35. Russian sovereign assets should remain immobilised until the Russian Federation has paid for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. Slovenia, working with its partners in the European Union, will continue to explore lawful routes consistent with applicable contractual obligations and in accordance with EU and international law through which Russian assets could be used for the benefit of Ukraine.
36. The Participants will continue to work together with other partners towards the establishment of an international compensation mechanism to provide compensation for damage, loss or injury caused by Russian aggression, as envisaged by the Statute of the Register of Damage Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine adopted by the Resolution of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe CM/Res(2023)3. In this regard, the Participants will explore appropriate options for the financing of an international compensation mechanism to provide prompt and adequate compensation to victims of aggression.
Restrictive measures (sanctions)
37. The Participants recognise the value of restrictive measures (sanctions) in restricting the Russian Federation's access to the finance, goods, technology and services it is utilising in its aggression, in bearing down on Russia's revenue streams, and to deter future attacks.
38. The Participants recall that the European Union has imposed unprecedented restrictive measures (sanctions) against the Russian Federation in response to the war of aggression against Ukraine and aimed at imposing severe consequences on the Russian Federation for its actions and thwarting Russian abilities to continue the aggression.
39. The Participants will continue working to ensure that the costs to Russia for its aggression continue to rise, including through restrictive measures (sanctions) and export controls. Slovenia will remain committed, in the European framework, to pursuing robust restrictive measures (sanctions) against sectors of the Russian economy and those who are supporting or profiting from the war, or assisting in sanctions circumvention in third countries. Slovenia will also take determined action with partners to tackle all forms of sanctions circumvention.
40. Ukraine and Slovenia will provide each other with up-to-date information on the grounds for restrictive measures (sanctions) and other relevant information, in compliance with relevant obligations taking into account national legislation.
Support to Ukraine's reform agenda, European and Euro-Atlantic Integration
41. The Participants reaffirm that inclusive reform is indispensable for Ukraine's future security, prosperity, its democracy and the resilience of its institutions and society as well as for its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
42. The Participants reaffirm that Ukraine is part of the European family and has a future within the EU. The Participants recall the merit-based nature of the EU accession process. Slovenia, in cooperation with the EU and its Member States, will continue to support Ukraine in its reforms and accession path.
43. Ukraine commits to continue to implement the necessary reforms with particular focus on areas such as justice, law enforcement, fight against corruption, preventing illegal trafficking, decentralisation, public administration, business environment, security and defence sector that underscore Ukraine's commitments to democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and media freedoms.
44. Slovenia will support Ukraine's efforts to integrate into the EU and adopt EU standards and norms by extending expert technical assistance to Ukraine through its ministries, associated agencies, government offices, and foundations.
45. The Participants reaffirm their positions that Ukraine's future is in NATO. Slovenia supports Ukraine’s efforts to implement the necessary reforms on its path to future NATO membership.
46. Slovenia will continue to support Ukraine politically and practically also through NATO – Ukraine Council, Multiyear Comprehensive Assistance Package and through Annual National Programme and other formats. Ukraine commits to continue to implement the necessary reforms in line with its Annual National Programme.
47. Slovenia will support Ukraine's endeavours towards the empowerment of women and their full, equal and meaningful participation in the efforts for peace and security.
Part III. Humanitarian Assistance, Development Cooperation and Reconstruction
Humanitarian Assistance and Development Cooperation
48. Slovenia will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine as it has done since the first day of the war, and will explore further possibilities to provide support to Ukraine, ranging from established projects to building new partnerships, including by attracting the private sector and institutions. In 2024 Slovenia pledged additional five million euros for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Ukraine, as well as for the "Grain from Ukraine" programme and for mitigating the effects of the war in Ukraine on food security.
49. To meet the immediate needs of the Ukrainian population, Slovenia will continue to provide humanitarian aid delivered through its trusted Slovenian and international partners along with in-kind assistance.
50. In the field of development partnership, Slovenia will seek to strengthen the support underway for Ukraine, including in the areas of decentralisation, transport, energy, agriculture, water, critical infrastructure, housing and the health sectors.
Humanitarian Mine Action
51. Slovenia has been contributing to humanitarian demining in Ukraine through the Slovenian-based ITF Enhancing Human Security and with direct budgetary support. The Participants recognise the need to unite efforts aimed at protecting the Ukrainian population from the devastating consequences of mines. Demining and clearing Ukraine of explosive devices, victim assistance and mine risk education are the basis for reconstruction and development.
52. Slovenia aims to continue providing support for humanitarian demining through the ITF Enhanced Human Security and alongside other partners.
Recovery, Reconstruction, Sustainable Development
53. Slovenia is committed to support Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and its modernisation in particular in the areas of green transition, digitalization, telecommunications, energy efficiency, technical assistance, education and knowledge sharing, public financial management and central banking, waste processing, water treatment, restoration of natural environment, construction, planning and infrastructure, using innovative and gender sensitive based approaches.
54. Ukraine and Slovenia acknowledge that the non-governmental actors will play a fundamental role in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. This includes the engagement of the private sector, civil society and local governments as drivers of ambitious processes.
55. With this in mind, Ukraine and Slovenia will promote business-to-business and civil society approaches. Slovenia will use the economic and financial instruments at its disposal in cooperation with all relevant international organisations and partners.
56. Slovenia will work together with Ukraine to encourage Slovenian enterprises, foundations and institutions to actively participate in projects aimed at rebuilding the Ukrainian economy, as strengthening the private sector is one of the priorities of its recovery.
57. Ukraine recognizes that the recovery process should be transparent and accountable to the people of Ukraine and to the international community.
Resilience of Critical Infrastructure
58. The Participants intend to explore possibilities for enhancing resilience, restoration, and improving the protection of the critical infrastructure by sharing knowledge and best practices.
Culture, art, and cultural heritage
59. Slovenia, acknowledging the significance of culture and art for democratic societies and the preservation of Ukrainian identity and traditions, will continue collaborating with Ukraine in supporting artists and cultural professionals.
60. With a shared commitment to upholding freedom of expression as a fundamental European value, Slovenia endeavours to assist in restoring and strengthening cultural and artistic activities in Ukraine, pledging support to initiatives within UNESCO, the European Union, and the Council of Europe aimed at addressing the impact of Russia's aggression against Ukraine on its cultural and creative sectors, and accompanying Ukraine in its recovery.
Part IV. Cooperation in the event of a future Russian armed attack
61. In the event of future Russian armed attack against Ukraine by the Russian Federation, at the request of either Participant, the Participants will consult bilaterally or through other mutually acceptable channels within 24 hours to determine appropriate next steps.
62. In those circumstances and acting within its means and capabilities, in accordance with its respective legal, constitutional requirements and with international and European Union's rules and law, Slovenia would provide Ukraine, as appropriate, with swift and sustained political, security, military, humanitarian and economic assistance; seek agreement in the European Union to impose economic and other costs on the Russian Federation and consult with Ukraine on its needs as it exercises its inherent right of individual self-defence enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.
63. In order to ensure the widest and most effective collective response to future armed attack, the Participants may amend these provisions so as to align them with any mechanism that they may subsequently agree with other international partners, including the participants in the G7 Joint Declaration of 12 July 2023.
Part V. Final Provisions
64. The cooperation between the Participants within the framework of this Agreement will be implemented in accordance with the national laws, regulations and international obligations and standards.
65. The Participants will, if necessary, designate authorised bodies for the development and implementation of bilateral agreements in accordance with the areas of cooperation specified in this Agreement.
66. This Agreement may be amended and supplemented, including by adding annexes thereto, at any time through mutual written arrangement between the Participants.
67. Any differences between the Participants arising from the interpretation and/or implementation of this Agreement will be settled amicably through negotiation or consultation between the Participants.
68. This Agreement will come into effect on the date of its signature and will remain in effect for a period of ten years.
69. The Participants can jointly decide to extend this Agreement through notification no later than 6 months prior to the lapse of the ten-year period.
70. At the same time and in accordance with the G7 Declaration, the Participants share the opinion that this Agreement is without prejudice to Ukraine pursuing a pathway toward future membership in the Euro-Atlantic Community.
71. In the event that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO before the expiry of this Agreement, the Participants will decide on its future status.
72. This Agreement may be terminated by either Participant by giving written notice to the other Participant. This Agreement will be terminated 6 months from the date of receipt of such notice. The termination will not affect the implementation of ongoing activities or projects, which have been decided prior to the date of its termination, unless the Participants decide otherwise.
Signed in Woodstock on 18 July 2024 in duplicate in the Ukrainian, Slovenian and English language, all texts being equally authentic. The English text shall prevail in the event of any discrepancy.
For Ukraine: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President
For the Republic of Slovenia: Robert Golob, Prime Minister