The Director of the Defense Industry Cluster of Slovenia, g.i.z. (GIZ-GOIS, g.i.z.), Boštjan Skalar, attended one of the most important financial and economic conferences in Slovenia – the traditional banking conference of the Association of Banks of Slovenia, which took place on June 11, 2025 in Brdo pri Kranju under the title Navigation into the Future.

This year, the conference brought together top experts from the banking sector, economy, European institutions and state administration, who discussed geopolitical challenges, the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy and the strategic position of the financial sector in the changed world order.

Director Skalar actively participated in the roundtable entitled “Strengthening Defence Sovereignty – Investment Opportunities and Instruments”, together with Dr. Simon Savšek from the European Investment Bank (Ljubljana Office). The discussion touched on key strategic issues at the intersection of defence policy, industry and finance.

The speakers highlighted, among other things, that European defence and security policy is increasingly becoming an industrial, technological, and investment opportunity – both for companies and the financial sector. Particular attention was given to the role of smaller countries, such as Slovenia, in European defence value chains and to specific areas where the Slovenian economy has recognizable competitive advantages. They also discussed the evolving role of the European Investment Bank in financing defence projects and strengthening European strategic autonomy, as well as how the financial sector’s attitude towards the defence industry is gradually transforming – also in light of the revision of ESG frameworks. The concluding part of the discussion was devoted to the development of dual-use technologies and the necessity of closer cooperation between the state, industry, and financial institutions in building long-term resilience.

Participation in such events reflects the commitment of GIZ-GOIS, g.i.z. to active dialogue with key stakeholders from the financial and economic sectors and to seeking synergies that will strengthen the competitiveness and strategic development of the Slovenian defence industry.