In addition to the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad, Dr Helena Jaklitsch, the session of the Council was also attended by the representatives of the indigenous Slovenian communities in Austria, Italy, Croatia, and Hungary, as well as the Slovenian ministers whose authority is linked with the operation and position of Slovenians in the neighbouring countries. The participants discussed the future of Slovenians in the neighbouring countries, and the strategic relationship and role of the Republic of Slovenia. The representatives of the indigenous national communities in the neighbouring countries thanked the Prime Minister for his activities in the mandate of this government, which strengthen the relationships with the neighbouring countries and their position in the community.

In his opening address, Prime Minister Janez Janša stressed the importance of good relations with the neighbouring countries, and gave an assurance that the government will focus on these matters in the future as well. He said that the country, regardless of its relations with the neighbouring countries, must carry out some core activities which are key to preserve the Slovenian identity, where Slovenians live. The language and identity were at the forefront, and are vital. An identity is what you are and what you wish to be, said the Prime Minister, and cited the deceased Justin Stanovnik.

He continued to talk about the importance of cooperation between cultural institutions on both sides of the state border, in preserving identity. “Several cultural institutions, especially amateur cultural associations, are a precious resource, both in Slovenia as well as in the neighbouring countries.” The Prime Minister believes that presence in the media is also necessary, to strengthen the Slovenian identity in the neighbouring countries. “This is an encouraging presence in the media, especially on essential and core matters, such as language and identity.”

In his opening address, the Prime Minister stated that to preserve the Slovenian identity in the neighbouring countries, it is very important to respect mutual agreements that need to be followed, as well as the obligations which the neighbouring countries have towards minorities. Obligations also need to be respected towards minorities from other countries in Slovenia. “We need to be aware that this area is always seen as a reciprocity.” He also said that identity is something that is visible. It is therefore important to have ceremonies, signs, the option of using the language in public life, and using the language in official proceedings. “These are the core things, much more important than statistics.” He believes that the interests to protect the minorities have increased since Slovenia and all its neighbouring countries entered the European Union. He said that Slovenia’s options after 2004 have not been fully utilised yet, and that this area may be better rewarded with synergy between the neighbouring municipalities at state borders. “Young people must have priority in the area of cooperation. They are the ones who will live the Slovenian identity in the future.”

In his opening address, he also stated that the church space should not be ignored. “It is largely due to the Slovenian priests that the Slovenian identity in the neighbouring countries was preserved throughout history.”

Regarding the strategy of the Republic of Slovenia’s relations with Slovenians abroad, which was adopted in 2008 and amended several times afterwards, the Prime Minister said that it will need to be updated and adopted again. He called on the Council members to think about proposals for a new strategy which will meet the requirements of time for the next ten years. He also proposed the formation of a fund which would support and promote cultural institutions on both sides of the border, and gave an assurance that the government will do everything in its power to accelerate the procedures of acquiring citizenship for all the interested Slovenians in the neighbouring countries and abroad. The session of the Government Council for Slovenians in Neighbouring Countries was concluded with the Prime Minister thanking the participants of the Council for the good cooperation so far, and he expressed the wish to continue the successful cooperation in the future as well.