Prime Minister Robert Golob: "The raising of the Slovenian flag is a moment of deep national pride"

The ceremony took place in the presence of the Slovenian delegation, CERN leadership, invited guests and the community of Slovenian scientists working at CERN.

On 21 June 2025, Slovenia officially became the 25th full member of CERN, thereby becoming a co-owner of one of the world’s most important scientific research infrastructures. By this, Slovenia successfully concluded years-long procedures for full membership, which represents an exceptional recognition of Slovenian science and its researchers. It also opens new opportunities for research work and employment at CERN, as well as business prospects for the Slovenian economy. At the same time, full membership confirms and further strengthens Slovenia’s reputation as a country building its future on knowledge and science. At today’s ceremony, the Slovenian flag was officially raised by the CERN honour guard.

Prime Minister Golob met with CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti and attended a presentation of the ATLAS project and the control rooms. He also signed the CERN guestbook and met with the community of Slovenian scientists working at CERN.

During the ceremony marking Slovenia’s accession to full CERN membership, Director-General Fabiola Gianotti welcomed Slovenia as the 25th member state of the organisation. "Slovenian scientists have participated in CERN’s scientific programme for several decades and have made significant contributions to the development of detector technologies, computing, data analysis and theoretical physics. This broad collaboration reflects the vitality of Slovenia's scientific community," said Gianotti. She added that the main field of activity is currently the Large Hadron Collider experiment.

CERN Council President Costas Fountas, in his address, highlighted the state-of-the-art technology available at CERN and the exceptional international teams of scientists working there. "Today, we welcome Slovenian scientists – CERN is now also their laboratory. Slovenia is part of our story," he said. He recalled Slovenian physicists, including Jožef Stefan – one of the most renowned – and their contributions to science, highlighting the role of the Jožef Stefan Institute.

In his ceremonial address, Prime Minister Golob emphasised the power of knowledge. He described the raising of the Slovenian flag at CERN as a moment of deep national pride and an even deeper commitment, which is recognition of Slovenia within the global scientific community.

"Slovenia has a clear vision: from nurturing curiosity in preschool to fostering global innovations through high-quality public education, research and investment. In just a few years, we have doubled funding for knowledge. This speaks volumes about our commitment, as only through knowledge can a small country think globally," said Prime Minister Golob. He also highlighted the importance of CERN, describing it as the best that Europe can showcase and contribute to humanity. "Our scientists have long played an important role in projects such as ATLAS. Our companies provide cutting-edge technologies. Our supercomputing infrastructure is ready to serve international science," the Prime Minister said.

He went on to say that Slovenia is joining CERN at a crucial moment with the aim of jointly shaping a future in which science is a promise of peace – not just progress. "At a time when too many build walls, we are building knowledge. At a time of widening divides, we invest in what brings us together," the Prime Minister said. He added: "This is what the Slovenian flag symbolises: a nation proud to think beyond itself; a country that believes science can connect where politics divides; and people ready to co-create not only discoveries but, above all, a more peaceful world."

During the remainder of his visit to Geneva, Prime Minister Golob will also meet with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.