Van Rompuy, whose short visit is already his sixth to Slovenia since he was appointed in 2009, said that he did not come to Slovenia to give lessons.

His message to all his hosts, which included President Borut Pahor and Parliament Speaker Janko Veber, was that Slovenia had done a good job in many areas, which has also been proven by the drop in the yield demanded for its bonds.

Van Rompuy however noted that reforms needed to continue and that measures are needed for more competitiveness. The entire EU needs to do the same, not only Slovenia, whose government is aware of what needs to be done also without his recommendations, the official said.

The former Belgian PM added that even if Slovenia was not a eurozone member, reforms of the pensions system, the labour market and the banking sector would be necessary.

Bratušek acquainted Van Rompuy with the latest reform developments and highlighted that all key players are aware that more work is necessary.

Rompuy is convinced the reforms Slovenia has committed to will pay dividends and rejected accusations that austerity policies were not working.

While admitting that the crisis was taking longer than expected, he argued in favour of speaking about sound fiscal policies rather than austerity.

He said excessive debt cannot be fought with more debt and mentioned the rapid growth of Slovenia's public debt in the crisis years.

Van Rompuy meanwhile also participated along with President Pahor in a panel debate at the Ljubljana Faculty of Law on the future of the EU, stressing the importance of strengthening the fiscal and economic union and allowing further enlargement.

The official, who hopes a final agreement on the banking union will be reached before a new European Parliament term this year, feels that the existential threat posed to the EU by the crisis is over, but economic problems and problems with unemployment persists.

Van Rompuy moreover noted that hope for a future within the EU is crucial for peace in the western Balkans. He also mentioned Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, saying there is no enlargement fatigue in Europe.

Pahor repeated his views on these issues, including his vision of a united states of Europe where national identities would be preserved.