The Congress marked a historic transition for the organisation. After nearly 30 years of dedicated leadership, Lidija Jerkič stepped down from all union functions, closing an important chapter in SKEI's history. Delegates paid tribute to her long-standing commitment to workers and trade unionism in Slovenia and wished her a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement.

At the opening of the Congress, international guests highlighted SKEI's important role in Slovenia and within the wider European trade union movement.
Reinhold Binder, President of PRO-GE Austria, praised the long-standing cooperation between the Austrian and Slovenian unions and stressed the importance of solidarity across borders. He reaffirmed that the strong bilateral partnership and exchange of experiences would continue in the future. He also highlighted the role of the Wiener Memorandum Group as an important platform for regional trade union cooperation.

Siniša Kosić, President of SMH-IS Croatia, emphasised the importance of trade union unity and solidarity in a rapidly changing industrial environment. He stressed that workers and trade unions are strongest when they stand together and continue to defend their common interests.

Speaking on behalf of industriAll Europe, Ildikó Krén stressed that strong workplace organisation remains the foundation of trade union power. Active members, workplace representatives, and strong local union structures are essential for defending workers' interests. At a time of profound industrial transformation, European trade unions must work together to ensure that industrial policy delivers quality jobs, investment and a just transition. Strong unions at workplace, national and European level are needed to ensure that workers have a real voice in shaping the future of industry.

Following the Congress proceedings, delegates elected Mateja Gerečnik as the new President of SKEI.

In her first address, Gerečnik stressed that SKEI is building on the strong foundations laid by previous generations of trade unionists. She underlined that SKEI's priorities remain clear: staying strong, united, and close to its members.

She called on all members and structures of the organisation to remain united and continue building SKEI's strength together. She emphasised that SKEI will continue to be an important voice for workers and a reliable social partner in the years ahead. Unity, solidarity, and workplace representation will remain at the heart of the union's work as the organisation continues to strengthen its presence in workplaces and represent workers' interests across Slovenia.

IndustriAll Europe congratulates Mateja Gerečnik and the newly elected leadership team on their election and wishes them every success in the years ahead. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with SKEI in defending workers' interests, strengthening trade union power and shaping a fair industrial future. We also extend our sincere thanks to Lidija Jerkič and the outgoing leadership for their many years of commitment, partnership and contribution to the trade union movement in Slovenia and across Europe.