Prime Minister Janez Janša: Support for Slovenians in the neighbouring countries must be based on concrete action

The main topics of discussion included preserving Slovenian national identity, the activities of Slovenian organisations abroad, funding for their activities and resolving outstanding issues in relations with neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister Janez Janša emphasised that preserving Slovenian identity and providing support to Slovenian national communities outside the borders of the Republic of Slovenia are a lasting responsibility of the Slovenian state. In this regard, he highlighted the importance of practical cooperation between the Government, the relevant ministries and representatives of Slovenians living in neighbouring countries.

"This Government is not one for empty rhetoric," the Prime Minister stressed, assuring those present of its readiness to address the concrete problems faced by Slovenian communities in neighbouring countries.

He pointed out that the situation of Slovenian national communities varies from country to country, meaning that the challenges they face and the possibilities for addressing them also differ. Although all four neighbouring countries are members of the European Union, a number of practical and systemic issues remain unresolved. Some can be addressed through direct cooperation between the competent institutions, while others require longer-term agreements at the intergovernmental level.

Regarding the situation of the Slovenian national community in Austria, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for more effective dialogue and progress in resolving long-standing issues. He stressed the Slovenian Government's willingness to seek solutions and continue discussions with the Austrian side.

With regard to Italy, he specifically drew attention to the issue of political representation of the Slovenian national community in the Italian Parliament. In this context, he emphasised the importance of reciprocity in ensuring minority rights and the need for continued efforts to secure appropriate representation of the Slovenian minority at the state level.

An important part of the discussion also focused on ensuring stable funding for Slovenian associations, organisations and institutions in neighbouring countries. The Prime Minister stressed that the funds allocated by the Republic of Slovenia to support their activities must be used for their intended purposes, primarily to preserve the Slovenian language, culture and national identity, and to strengthen the work of Slovenian communities.

The Prime Minister also noted that the ministries had appointed contact persons or designated contact points to facilitate direct communication and speed up the resolution of specific issues. The Government Office for Slovenians Abroad will continue to play an important role in this process by connecting Slovenian organisations in neighbouring countries with the relevant state institutions.

Through this approach, the Government aims to strengthen direct cooperation with Slovenians living in neighbouring countries and ensure that their proposals, initiatives and concerns receive appropriate consideration.

Today's session was the first in two and a half years. In accordance with the law, the Government will ensure that the Government Council for Slovenians in the Neighbouring Countries operates on a regular basis and meets at least twice a year.

Regular cooperation with representatives of Slovenian national communities, support for their organisations and institutions and efforts to ensure the exercise of minority rights are key elements of the Republic of Slovenia's commitment to preserving and developing Slovenian identity in neighbouring countries.