Miha Mlakar is a former captain of the Slovenian Davis Cup team, and a Doctor of Science specialising in algorithms and artificial intelligence, a researcher linking artificial intelligence, data and sport.

It had been ten days since 9 January 1991, when the Yugoslav Presidency adopted the order regarding the disarmament and disbandment of all armed units that were not part of the armed forces of the Yugoslav People's Army. A deadline of ten days was specified for the surrender of weapons.

On Friday, 18 January 1991, international political developments were marked by the escalation of the war in the Gulf that had started several days previously. A surprise Iraqi attack on Israel triggered fears that the conflict would turn into a "holy war".

As elsewhere in the world, the outbreak of the Gulf War was the main topic in Slovenia on 17 January 1991. The war began at 2:30 a.m. when the Americans, together with their allies, bombed Baghdad. The war, which was the result of the Iraqi invasion of neighbouring Kuwait, also triggered great fear and concern in Slovenia.

Slovenian industry in crisis

On Wednesday, 16 January 1991, the Slovenian Statistical Office presented the data on the situation in Slovenian industry. In 1990, Slovenian industrial production was down by as much as 10.5 per cent in comparison to 1989.

A proposal to issue the Military Service Act was discussed at the session of the Commission for Defence at the Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia. The proposed Act introduced innovations made necessary due to changes in the political and defence systems: the duration of military service was shortened, conscientious objection to military service for religious, philosophical and moral reasons was recognised, and the obligations relating to reserve service were reduced.

As the custodian of the "I feel Slovenia" national brand, we are pleased that a series of "I feel Slovenia" vehicles has been placed on the market which represents the best the Slovenian automotive industry has to offer.

14 January 1991 was greatly marked by the Soviet military intervention in Lithuania that had ended the day before. The prominent Soviets led by Mikhail Gorbachev had shied away from their responsibility for the bloodshed that killed 14 people, and which turned into a fiasco for the Soviets.

Over 90 deputies of DEMOS, government ministers and prominent representatives of the ruling coalition parties met in Poljče on the second weekend in January 1991. Behind closed doors, they discussed the new Slovenian Constitution arising from the plebiscite decision.

Slovenia is a small country, but remarkably diverse and dynamic. Its colourfulness is also reflected in the Slovenian language, which prides itself on its many dialects. The dialects reflect the specific features of individual Slovenian regions, their culture, as well as linguistic and ethnographic heritage.

“When we remember our unity 30 years ago, we rejoice at the rebirth and countless opportunities brought forward every year,” said Prime Minister Janez Janša in his ceremonial address at the state celebration of the independence and unity day. This year’s ceremony was organised in the form of a television show, due to the epidemiological situation. The speaker was the prime minister and the ceremony also included a remarkable historical collage.

On 20 May we celebrate World Bee Day. This date marks the birth, more than 270 years ago, of Anton Janša, a pioneer of modern beekeeping, an academy-trained painter and beekeper, and the first teacher of beekeping in imperial Vienna.

The year 1991 was a turning point for Slovenia and Slovenians. In that year, Slovenia appeared on the world political map as an independent country. The year 2004 was an important milestone for Slovenia, as in that year it joined the European Union and NATO. On 1 January 2007, Slovenia became the first of the new Member States to adopt the EU's common currency. It was also the first new Member State to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, during the first half of 2008.

Monasteries seem to be a remnant of some distant past, but there are quite a few that are still very much alive. Slovenia has 42 operating monasteries, 14 that have been closed down, and some monasteries that have fallen into ruin.

We also show our respect for the country through respect for its symbols. The coat of arms, flag and national anthem of the Republic of Slovenia are symbols that indicate affiliation with the country.

Slovenia seems to be globally known only thanks to its extraordinary athletes and magnificent nature. Are we really simply the country of sport heroes, the Planica giants ski jumping hill, Bled Island and wonderful Piran? Certainly not. Slovenia is a country of many talents. Whatever we undertake, we make a difference. We triumph, we are the first to ascend peaks, we make scientific breakthroughs.

On 8 May 2020, the 7th Student Company Fair took place. This year, it was held online. At the concluding event the panel presented prizes and awards to the best student companies.

Slovenians are hard-working and motivated people. Work is an important value and we strive to be good at what we do. We see creativity as a source of encouragement for the development of society, and it comes as no surprise that the Slovenian business environment is based on the following approach: green, creative and smart.

Statistics show Slovenians to be among the top mountaineering powers in the Himalayas Eighteen Slovenians have already reached the peak of Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, following three different routes. Slovenians can boast many achievements on Everest: tracing a new route on the mountain, a women’s ascent, an ascent without supplemental oxygen, and the first integral ski descent down the mountain’s south face.

A Slovenian Christmas tree, a spruce from the Kočevsko forests, has been lit up in all its beauty today in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican. The tree is decorated with handmade ethnographic ornaments. The keynote speaker at the event was Dr Anže Logar, Minister of Foreign Affairs.