E-magazine Moja Slovenija December 2019

December 2019

Slovenian stories from home and abroad

25 Years of the Office for Slovenians Abroad Olga Belec:

Funding a key challenge Rudi Merljak:

The office's major achievement for Slovenia and my personal victory The Office connecting Slovenians abroad among themselves and with homeland 1

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25 YEARS OF THE OFFICE FOR SLOVENIANS ABROAD

RUDI MERLJAK: THE OFFICE’S MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT FOR SLOVENIA AND MY PERSONAL VICTORY

OLGA BELEC: FUNDING A KEY CHALLENGE

Moja Slovenija www.slovenci.si PUBLISHER

The Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad EDITORIAL BOARD, ADDRESS

Erjavčeva 15, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Blanka Markovič Kocen

CONTACTS TRANSLATED BY

STA DESIGN AND LAYOUT

STA PHOTO ON THE COVER

The Office for Slovenians Abroad

+386 1 230 80 00 +386 51 675 168 info@slovenci.si FOLLOW US ON

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Dear readers, dear countrymen at home and abroad!

I have chosen distant Australia, where I spent 36 years, as the destination of my first longer trip abroad as minister. It was a successful, informative and fruitful visit, enabling us to openly discuss with Slovenians clubs and other organisations, generations old and young, the problems and challenges of preserving their Slovenian identity. Half a century on, the clubs have ever fewer members, and the community is looking for new ways and ideas to continue its activities in Australia. Of course, looking for new ways of preserving Slovenian identity is a challenge you are also dealing with in various ways on other continents and in neighbouring countries.

With the relentless ageing of members of traditional clubs, new emigrants are coming to both Australia and other developed parts of the world. This group has quite different reasons for emigrating, a different lifestyle, education and ways of communication, so we cannot always expect them to join the clubs, but we can hope for new ways of preserving Slovenian identity which are already emerging (business clubs, academic associations, Facebook groups etc).

It is the very preservation of Slovenian identity in all of its forms that has been the main mission of the Office for Slovenians Abroad for the past 25 years, the anniversary we are celebrating in early December, even if we have unfortunately not worked out a magic formula yet. At the end of the day, it is the Slovenian communities that can do the most to that effect. On the occasion of the jubilee anniversary I would like to thank all of the Office's heads and workers as well as contributors and various institutions that have in any way helped the Office implement its mission.

I hope and believe that in the next 25 years the Office will generously and sincerely, and at least as successfully as so far, support fellow countrymen outside Slovenia's borders and help implement fresh and original solutions.

To all Slovenians at home and abroad, I wish a happy Christmas and a happy and successful New Year, which should bring new meetings with Slovenian communities abroad. Me personally and my co-workers are looking forward to these meetings. I would also like to congratulate you all on the Day of Independence and Unity of the Republic of Slovenia, which we celebrate on 26 December. The birth of a sovereign and independent Slovenian state made an almost 1,500-year dream of our nation come true. Best wishes to you all, and, as Father Ciril in Melbourne would say, God bless.

Peter ÄŒesnik, Minister

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Activities of the office in October and November  David Imperl

The Office for Slovenians Abroad has taken part in a number of interesting and important events in October and November, two exceptionally busy months. the end of the week, the minister attended a very popular cultural event in Resia; at a round-table discussion termed Fairy Tales from Resia we had an opportunity to learn more about the rich tradition of storytelling in Italy's Resia.

▲ Session of the Council for Slovenians in Neighbouring Countries. PHOTO: STA

Five major events took place at the start of October.

Minister Peter Česnik and State Secretary Olga Belec attended the opening of the Festival for Third Age, the biggest festival for the elderly in Europe, which was held on the International Day of Older Persons. The next day, both attended the 5th investment and development conference organised by AmCham Slovenija in Ljubljana, which also marked the chamber's 20th anniversary. The minister then travelled to Klagenfurt to take part in a debate marking the centenary of the Treaty of Saint-Germain and meet Carinhian Governor Peter Kaiser. On Friday and Saturday, Minister Česnik visited Croatia to join the Days of Slovenian Culture in Istria and attend a major meeting of Slovenian associations in Croatia.

The next week, was a bit less hectic. On 9 October, Minister Česnik chaired an important session of the Council for Slovenians in Neighbouring Countries, at which Slovenian representatives of all four neighbours presented their activities and the most pressing issues. At

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▲ A visit to the Udine region in Italy. PHOTO: The Office

On 16 October, the minister travelled to Italy to visit the area of Udine. He first visited the Pavel Petričič Primary and Secondary Public School, at which classes are given in Slovenian and Italian. Then he met the staff at the Dom and Novi Matajur newspapers, and visited the Ethnographic Museum in Bardo, which keeps valuable historical items saved in the 1976 earthquake. Minister Česnik visited two cultural societies in Val Canale. At the end of the month, he attended the Day of Remembrance of the Dead commemorations in Doberdo, Oseacco, Gonars and Cividale, at which he also addressed the participants, remembering the killed in World War Two. On the day when he was in Cividale, he also visited the SMO Museum in San Pietro al Natisone and the Museum of Resian People in Stolvizza.

In October, Minister Česnik attended four receptions

// IN FOCUS Slomšek and the Slovenian Catholic Mission in Eisden.

In November, the minister and a delegation embarked on a two-week visit to the Slovenian ethnic communities in Singapore and Australia. The first stop was

▲ A visit to the Udine region in Italy. PHOTO: The Office

marking Spanish, Hungarian, Czech and Austrian national holidays. At the end of the month, President Borut Pahor conferred the Order of Merit on former minority leaders Rudi Pavšič and Marjan Šturm.

Also in October, the state secretary visited the Slovenian ethnic community in Serbia, meeting members of the Sava Association and the National Council of

▲ Visit to Belgium. PHOTO: The Office

Singapore, where we attended a St. Martin's Day celebration. The trip to Australia was quite eventful and busy; the minister and the delegation visited, by plane, car and bus, Sydney, Wolongong, Canberra, Melbourne, Geelong, Balarat, Adelaide and Perth.

The minister started the visit by meeting Slovenians in Brisbane. In Sydney, he met representatives of the Slovenian-Australian Chamber of Commerce, visited the two Slovenian associations in the city and a Slovenian religious centre. He also met Tanya Pliberšek, deputy leader of the Labour Party and a former minister.

▲ Wrath laying in Doberdob. PHOTO: The Office

Slovenian Ethnic Minority in Belgrade, as well as the Kredarica Association in Novi Sad. The minister went on two longer trips. He first visited the Slovenian ethnic community in Belgium, where he also met Ambassador Rado Genorio, Honorary Consul Erik Luts, Mayor of Maasmechelen Raf Terwingen and several Slovenian associations. He attended Mass at St. Barbara's Cathedral in Eisden - Maasmechelen to mark the 70th anniversary of the Slovenian Catholic Mission in the Belgian and Dutch provinces of Limburg. He was the speaker of honour at the 59th Slovenian Day and conferred five honours. To conclude the trip, he visited the Museum of Mining and the Miner's House, as well as the SKD

▲ Visit to Belgium. PHOTO: The Office

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Slovenian community. The minister completed the Australia visit in the western-most part of the country, in Perth, where a relatively small Slovenian community has been very active lately.

In spite of Minister Česnik's absence, the office has been very busy too. In early November, State Secretary Olga Belec visited the Slovenian Home cultural association in Zagreb, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year. Then she flew to North Macedonia to visit the Slovenian community, attending a ceremony marking ▲ Visit to Australia. PHOTO: The Office

En route to the capital Canberra, the minister visited the Planica Association in Wollongong. Once in Canberra, he laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial, dedicated to Australian soldiers who died in numerous wars around the world, and met Slovenian Ambassador to Australia Jurij Rifelj and the Slovenian community.

Visiting the Ivan Cankar Slovenian Association in Geelong, he met representatives of all Slovenian organisa▲ Visit to Australia. PHOTO: The Office

the 25th anniversary of the France Prešeren Association. She also attended a session of the Slovenia - Friuli Venezia-Giulia committee, the closing event of the MAJ - Alps-Adriatic Network at Cankarjev Dom in Ljubljana, and the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the National Council of Carinthian Slovenians in Bleiburg.

▲ Visit to Australia. PHOTO: The Office

tions from Melbourn area and Honorary Consul Eddy Kontelj. He visited the Immigration Museum, and the State Library Victoria, which keeps a precious donation of the Republic of Slovenia - the Iconotheca Valvasoriana collection. The minister met the Slovenian-Australian Academic Club and briefly stopped at the Kew Slovenian religious centre.

In Adelaide, Minister Česnik was received by Governor of South Australia Hieu Van Le, and visited the National Wine Centre, where he had an interesting discussion about the importance of the Old Vine from Maribor. He also visited the Slovenian church and met the

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The Office for Slovenians Abroad celebrates its 25th anniversary in early December. This has been a quarter of a century of pleasant cooperation. There will be somewhat fewer visits and events in December as Christmas and New Year's festivities are approaching. We will use this period to reflect on all the wonderful events and experiences we have been honoured to attend and gain this year.

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Long-serving minority leaders decorated with Order of Merit President Borut Pahor decorated Rudi Pavšič and Marjan Šturm, two former long-serving leaders of Slovenian minority umbrella organisations in Italy and Austria, respectively with the Order of Merit on 25 October.

Pavšič, a journalist and politician, and Šturm, a historian and politician, were honoured for outstanding efforts to promote and assert the rights of the Slovenian minority in Italy and Austria, and for their invaluable contribution to inter-cultural dialogue.

The president's office said that Pavšič has undoubtedly been one of the main figures of the Slovenian ethnic minority in Italy since Slovenia gained independence. He

had already tackled on the most demanding issue related to the Slovenians in Italy as a journalist: overcoming the tragic history and effecting a shift towards the future.

He was an active advocate of Slovenia's independence efforts and the country's international recognition.

He led the Slovenian Cultural and Economic Association, one of the umbrella organisations of the Slovenian autochthonous minority in Italy, between 1997 and March 2019.

Marjan Šturm became secretary of the Association of Slovenian Organisations, a Slovenian minority organisation in Austria, in 1992 and then soon its president. He was also president of the council for the Slovenian ethnic minority at the Austrian chancellor's office. The president's office said that as a man of consensus and dialogue, Šturm had never shut the door to people of different political affiliations. He is also a member of the consensus group - a group of Slovenian

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minority members and members of the Austrian majority in Carinthia, which has been awarded on several occasions. In 2012, it received an Austrian state decoration for efforts to find a compromise solution to the issue of bilingual place names in Carinthia.

features »which will make us proud and for which we will stand firmly in this border area for decades to come«. He is also happy that as a minority leader he has managed to bring to the same table Slovenians from Austria's Carinthia, Hungary and Croatia.

Pavšič: Slovenians in Italy represent added value Thanking for the Order of Merit, Pavšič said the honour meant a lot to him. He said the status of the Slovenian ethnic minority in Italy was now better than ever. »This is because we have proudly accepted and welcomed an independent Slovenia. Because we have welcomed the fall of walls in Europe and because the Italian democratic society started to take democracy seriously and started to realize that Slovenians in Italy are not something negative but an added value,« he said.

»These are the things that stay with you. I'll cherish this honour as an expression of gratitude for this tiny thing I've done for our community,« he concluded his acceptance speech.

Pavšič believes that efforts of the Slovenian minority's new leadership in Italy should be based on the

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Šturm: Dialogue is no one-way road Šturm admitted that his approach to politics had not always been accepted approvingly in Slovenia or within the entire Slovenian minority in Carinthia, but he is convinced it had been followed by a vast majority. He believes that European integration is built by us all, and that we are all responsible »for creating peace, co-existence and cooperation«.

»The Alpine-Adriatic area is an area of linguistic and cultural diversity. If we overcome old grudges and traumas, this place could become a role model for Europe, which would also benefit ethnic minorities. The European idea is being built on a small scale here,« he said, noting that dialogue was no one-way road, as it required willingness for dialogue on both sides. He admitted dialogue »can be hard at times, but there is no alternative«. Šturm also announced that to mark the centenary of the Carinthia plebiscite in 2020 in the spirit of dialogue, a monument would be unveiled in Carinthia with the names of the fallen on both sides listed, following the example of France, by alphabetical order rather than by ethnicity.  STA, Moja Slovenija editorial board  STA

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Ribnica to host tenth gettogether of all Slovenians The main get-together of Slovenians from home and abroad, the tenth in a row, will be organised in 2020 by the Slovenian World Congress (SSK) under the sponsorship of the Office for Slovenians Abroad in collaboration with three Slovenian emigrants' associations, St. Raphael Society, Slovenians in the World and the Slovenian Emigrant Association.

The main event will take place at Ribnica Castle on Saturday, 4 July 2020, when fellow countrymen from Slovenia's neighbouring countries and other parts of the world present their artistic and cultural activities which help them keep their Slovenian identity alive.

The event will be accompanied by exhibitions, book launches, workshops for children, and other cultural and trade events. Accompanying events will take place at various locations in the days leading to the festival.

Participants will also have an opportunity to watch how Ribnica woodenware and local pottery are made, leaning more about Ribnica handicrafts. As part of organised guided tours, they will be able to visit some of the cultural sights in the region of Dolenjska.

Local handicrafts The Ribnica Valley is best known for woodenware making that goes by the name »Ribniška Suha Roba« and for pottery, both of which boast a tradition of several hundred years. »Ribnica woodenware« is one of the

oldest crafts and also a very unique cottage industry, stemming from the locals' close contact with nature, an abundance of forests, and the people's resourcefulness. The craft of woodenware making has survived by constantly adapting to the market and to new technologies, developing new, high-quality usable products which Ribnica craftsmen still proudly sell outside the valley. Pottery is known mainly in the south of the valley, with the Ribnica pipe or »a horse whistling from the rear« being its best known product.

The Ribnica Handicraft Centre is in charge of preserving and promoting woodenware and pottery traditions and of disseminating knowledge about them. It features an exhibition on contemporary woodenware, pottery and other handicrafts from the region.

About the town and its surroundings Ribnica emerged around a castle which was built circa 1080. The castle has changed several owners and lords, who have left their mark on the castle and the town.

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The castle as it is now was renovated in 1958-1961 and now serves as a venue for cultural events. It hosts the Ribnica Museum, the Park of Cultural Figures, which is dedicated to the people who have contributed to Ribnica and Slovenia's development, and an outdoor exhibition of sculptures made by acclaimed Slovenian sculptors in the 1980s. It also features a wedding hall and an open-air theatre.

St. Stephen's Church, one of the last buildings designed by architect Jože Plečnik, is situated in the very centre of Ribnica. The main altar with the image of St. Stephen was made by Ivan Grohar. At the turn of the 20th century, the Mikl House hosted a reading room, a pub and a bakery, providing a meeting point for the locals.

Now it is home to a library and a gallery. The nearby village of Hrovača is the birthplace of Father Stanislav Škrabec, one of the most important 19th-century linguists; Škrabec Homestead is now a museum, and the renovated barn brings together artists and businesses.

A pilgrims' church in Nova Štifta lies in pristine nature

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above the Ribnica Valley. Just outside the church there is a giant linden, an 18th century chapel of St. Joseph and a Franciscan monastery.

Taking part in Welcome Home 2020 The programme is still in the making. Groups from Slovenia's neighbouring countries and other parts of the world will be invited to take part in the festival, which will also feature a range of accompanying events and opportunities for relaxed socialising. Updates will be published on out website, and all queries can be addressed to dobrodoslidoma@slokongres.com or at +386-1-24-28-550.

We are looking forward to working and socialising with you.

Sonja Avguštin Čampa SSK General Secretary

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Rudi Merljak: The office's major achievement for Slovenia and my personal victory “After I served as secretary general at the Defence Ministry during independence efforts, the war for Slovenia and during enhanced efforts to build the Slovenian defence system, and later as adviser at the office of Deputy Prime Minister Jože Pučnik, I started working for the Sector for Slovenians Abroad at the Foreign Ministry on 1 March 1993, still as an advisor to the government - the highest title for a civil servant,” explains Rudi Merljak, who gave the initiative to establish the Office for Slovenians Abroad. As a dedicated patriot, a believer in Sloveneness, Merljak saw this job as one of his lifetime goals come true. “For many years it had been my deepest wish for my career to be dedicated to Slovenian culture, particularly where it is at its most precarious, that is in the country’s neighbours. I was further led to believe that the area in which I had wanted to be active was truly special, important and noble by virtue of the fact that the Republic of Slovenia, a newly-established state of the Slovenian nation and the homeland of all Slovenians, recognised the care for Slovenians outside its borders as one of its raisons d’etre by writing it down in the introduction to and fundamental principles of its constitution.”

Once in his new job, Merljak quickly realised that even if led by a state secretary, such a small sector, marginalised in terms of staff, was just an internal organisational unit at the ministry, which is focussed on other priorities that diplomats consider important, so it could not be a serious player in carrying out the task the young Slovenian state set itself as one of its basic missions. »I quite quickly realised the existing organisation was inappropriate, and, symbolically and in terms of values, almost degrading.«

Merljak immediately asked his superior, State Secretary Peter Vencelj, for a reorganisation proposal. »This was no big deal for me, having been busy with internal organisation in two previous jobs (defence, government); on the contrary, drawing up the blueprint for a new state institution gave me great pleasure and a special sense of purpose.« »Of course, I did daydream at first a bit about having a separate, an entirely independent state institution - into which the office developed,

almost spontaneously, in 2004 - but I soon figured out that such a proposal would not be approved considering how things stood back then,« explains Merljak. He realised the only feasible option would be a body within the Foreign Ministry. »I held on to that idea and within days improved my proposal, and gave it to the state secretary on 5 March 1993. He accepted it with pleasure and without any doubts. The first goal was achieved.« In the weeks to come, Minister Lojze Peterle had to be brought on board, which paved

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▲ At the opening of the exhibition of art by slovenian artists from Italy in Brestanica, 19.10.2019. PHOTO: R.M.

the way for the emerging office. Yet not everything went smoothly, since a law was needed to change the internal structure of government, recalls Merljak. Following a number of demanding meetings to provide arguments for the new office, the government put the proposal into an emerging bill on the organisation of ministries, which was passed in the National Assembly on 26 October 1994. This was the day when a new body within the Foreign Ministry - the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad - came into being.

Did the proposed establishment of the new body have any opponents?

No. But as I said, it took a while before Foreign Minister Lojze Peterle was convinced of the necessity of establishing a special state body in charge of Slovenians in neighbouring countries. Given that the change affected his ministry, he had the final say. As I

“I don’t regret all the efforts at work. I was young, and I had a lot of good will and enthusiasm and faith in the future of Slovenia and Slovenians. A young man has to do his best for his ideals!”

said, the proposal entailed transforming a sector which was an ordinary organisational unit at the ministry into a new body within the ministry. Mr. Peterle eventually agreed, but under the condition that an Office for European Affairs is also set up within the ministry. (And I'll always be grateful to him, being aware that many in his shoes would not have approved such a change, which in fact meant the minister's direct powers over the activities of the new body would be diminished.) Slovenia's foreign policy (as well as other policies) fully focussed on EU integration, for which we (naively!) believed it would bring Slovenia eternal prosperity, security and democracy. Later on, the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for European Affairs also became an independent government body led by a minister, being a predecessor of today's Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Development and European Cohesion

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Policy. Personally, I was happy with the minister's condition, because I realised it would facilitate reaching the goal.

How had Slovenians abroad been covered before?

From the appointment of the first democratically-elected government in May 1990 until the end of 1992, there was a minister in charge of Slovenians abroad, but apart from a secretary he had no staff to rely on. Later he was assigned an aide, who was however busy with developing his own special projects. Until May 1992, the minister was Janez Dular, followed by Janko Prunk until the end of 1992. But it needs to be said that there is absolutely no connection between the two ministers and the establishment of the Office for Slovenians Abroad! On the contrary, they are two completely separate chapters of the country's policy on Slovenians abroad, two unrelated stories.

What goals in mind was the office established and who were its first employees?

To summarise it briefly: the state is obligated to take care for Slovenians abroad, and especially those in neighbouring countries - an obligation stemming from the constitution - in all of its activities, which means that all of its institutions must be involved. It is also true that for every area in responsibility of the state, a special body is needed where the state's responsibilities are concentrated and implemented. If the state is truly committed to implementing its responsibilities, it needs a special state body. There is no other way!

Our government has had such a state body for Slovenians abroad since 1994. It's a shame that in 2004, when it became independent from the Foreign Ministry, it did not get more foreign policy powers. Of course, there could not be two foreign policies,

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two foreign ministers or two foreign ministries, but I nevertheless think the office's powers in this respect are too limited; it is too dependent on the Foreign Ministry.

The office was incredibly modest in terms of staff numbers at first. As far as neighbouring countries go, I did most of the things myself. I was also in charge of the majority of the office's day-to-day affairs, correspondence, financial assistance for Slovenian organisations in neighbouring countries and beyond (financial aid was provided as needed, because there

As I mentioned before, the office was formally established with the law on the organisation of ministries, which was adopted in a regular procedure without any problems. But it took 20 months for the bill to be passed after I presented my proposal to State Secretary Vencelj. During this period, we took part in various activities related to the bill, from working with the government and parliament's legal services to cooperating with deputy groups, which were interested in the idea about a state body dedicated to Slovenians. It also took quite some time to come up with the right

“Of course, I did daydream at first a bit about having a separate, an entirely independent state institution - into which the office developed, almost spontaneously, in 2004.”

were no annual or any other calls for applications or commissions), I was also in charge of PR and liaisons with the National Assembly. I was in a way a 'dogsbody'. And let me say I did not receive any payment whatsoever for overtime or take any days off on that account! I remember once attending a week-long all-day language course when instead of going for lunch I drove to the office to check new mail and do other urgent things. But I don't regret all the efforts at work. I was young, and I had a lot of good will and enthusiasm and faith in the future of Slovenia and Slovenians. A young man has to do his best for his ideals!

Could you describe the run--up to the bill establishing the office?

name. I had a few ideas, but the most »striking« proposal was to name it the State Secretariat for Slovenians Abroad. Half-jokingly, this name sounded fine, and my argument was that it would be led by a state secretary, whereas practically all the other bodies within ministries were led by directors. The Justice Ministry, which was in charge of the administration, insisted on the name Service of the Republic of Slovenia for ... Well, eventually it was the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad, a proposal I formed towards the end of the negotiating process and was supported by all, that prevailed.

What was the reaction of Slovenians abroad, and how did you experience it personally?

// IN FOCUS Well, now I could pretend to be modest, but I'll tell you the truth. For me the establishment of the office was a major achievement for Slovenia, Slovenians outside its borders, for Slovenians in general, and also my personal achievement, which would not have happened if State Secretary Vencelj and Minister Peterle had not endorsed my proposal. I was happy.

Just as happy as I was eleven years later when, at one of the sessions of the first Janez Janša government, I successfully presented arguments in favour of an umbrella bill on Slovenia's relations with Slovenians outside its borders, which the government adopted at the same session and the parliament passed a few months later. Just as happy as when, thanks to my perseverance, a decision was made that the names of the towns abroad which also have a Slovenian name are written strictly in both languages, in Slovenian first. (When you next drive towards any neighbouring country and you see first the Slovenian and then the foreign name of a town on signs along the Slovenian motorways, you should know that it took incredible stubbornness of an enthusiast to push for such a solution against a group of legal experts, who claimed - how typically Slovenian! - that this is not in line with international law.)

Slovenians in neighbouring countries had a positive reaction to the establishment of the office, feeling that the status of the government unit in charge of Slovenians abroad was raised in terms of organisation and symbolically.

How do you remember the moment when a minister became in charge of the office after it had been led by state secretaries for 15 years?

The minister in charge of administration was strongly against Article

14 of the bill on the organisation of ministries, which said the office is led by a minister (without portfolio).

So at that government session I had to push for this provision even more strongly than some other »debatable« ones (some other ministers unfortunately agreed with the finance minister to strike out a provision which said that 0.15% of the annual national budget would go for Slovenians outside the Republic of Slovenia). For the administration minister, Article 14 was not systemic and it was illogical. Nevertheless, it was his solution that eventually prevailed.

“For me the establishment of the office was a major achievement for Slovenia, Slovenians outside its borders, for Slovenians in general, and also my personal achievement, which would not have happened if State Secretary Vencelj and Minister Peterle had not endorsed my proposal.”

Almost three years later, Borut Pahor government had to appoint a minister under changed legislation. It picked Boštjan Žekš to become the first minister at the helm of the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad. I attended his hearing in parliament. For me, the day when the office got a minister was incredibly festive.

For a relatively small government office to have a fully-fledged member of the cabinet is something extraordinary! It has a great symbolic as well as practical value! It is something that only we managed to achieve!

It is true that the Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy is also led by a minister, but only because in the past Slovenia had to have a minister for European affairs because the majority of neighbouring countries had one.

The office has had its premises at various locations over the past 25 years. Where was it seated until it moved to its current address?

It all started in three rooms at Gregorčičeva 27, continued at the then premises of the Foreign Ministry at Gregorčičeva 25, then the office moved to Prešernova or Šubičeva at the current location of the Foreign

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Ministry, then further on to Železna in Župančičeva Jama borough on the other side of the railway station, then Komenskega, and finally, after almost 20 years after its establishment, it moved to the current location, which was negotiated by then Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mrs. Ljudmila Novak. The office is now seated in a large 1920s villa in the city centre. The premises, which are at a prime location, are extremely convenient for an institution such as our office. Personally, I am totally convinced that it is ideal and that there is practically no better location!

How do you see the office's achievements throughout its 25-year history, which you have helped to make? Has your initiative achieved its purpose, does the office, in your view, carry out its mission?

I'm still proud that Slovenians have an institution dedicated to our fellow countrymen outside the borders of our nation state. If anyone thinks that not enough has been done over the 25 years, they should ask themselves what and how much would have been done without the office. I am deeply convinced that much less would have been achieved, which however does not mean the office could not have done even more.

The initiative I gave in those times, which now seem a rather distant past, has definitely achieved its purpose. This gives me a sense of accomplishment and makes me feel that my career was meaningful.

The office definitely carries out its NOBLE mission, which could however be improved if its good team was less burdened with red tape, which contributes practically nothing to the prosperity in the broadest sense of the Slovenians outside Slovenia.

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▲ Naborjet in Kanal valley, 6. 11. 2015 PHOTO: R.M.

It makes my heart ache when at my age, I would still like to do something good and lasting for the community which was entrusted to me, but then the tasks in which I see almost no sense and value take a lot of time, energy and effort. This makes me very sad sometimes.

What is the office's future?

Our office is not a kind of a detached or isolated oasis, although we like to joke that it is the only state institution for Slovenians in the universe. Whatever good or bad happens in Slovenian society and the state is faithfully reflected at the office.

I was very active and prominent when our stated was being formed, so its future and the future of the Slovenian nation definitely matter to me. I used to be very optimistic about both of them, but this optimism is slowly waning, being replaced by worries.

However, I still want to believe that

there is a future - for the nation, the state and also for our office!

The office has not only survived, it has expanded and its clout is growing, which can only mean that it was needed in the past, that it is needed in the present and that it will be needed in the future. That is, if a responsible staffing policy provides for the office employing capable, motivated and hard-working people who will be guided by the love of Sloveneness and devotion to the interests of the Slovenian state and the Slovenian nation in Slovenia and outside its borders. If these people are freed of petty things and directed towards key tasks, the office will definitely have a bright future, which will be long, beautiful and successful.  Blanka Markovič Kocen

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State Secretary Olga Belec: Funding a key challenge

One of the key tasks of the Office for Slovenians Abroad is providing financial assistance for the Slovenian ethnic minority in neighbouring countries and for the diaspora, State Secretary Olga Belec said in an interview for the jubilee edition of Moja Slovenija

»The office is making efforts to increase funding. Compared to 2019, we have managed to increase funds in the budgets for 2020 and 2021. But unfortunately, we have not yet reached the pre-crisis level. Given the needs, funding is a particular challenge for the office,« said Belec, who has extensive experience in business, which is useful in her new job. Another area calling for special attention is the media, both print and electronic media, and providing radio and TV programmes. »Of course, the office is also faced with staffing issues, being in charge of a wide range of regular tasks as well as special additional tasks; this year, for instance, it

was repatriation of Slovenians from Venezuela. It took several months to complete the repatriation action plan,« said Belec. Another challenge is to better connect the Slovenian minority in neighbouring countries and the diaspora living around the globe with their homeland, and to make them better known in Slovenia.

The office supports Slovenian communities, associations, media and projects in neighbouring countries with the funds distributed through open calls.

How many times a year is funding available and who can apply?

The office usually publishes three

open calls for funds once a year. This year was no exception: Public call A for financial assistance for the autochthonous Slovenian ethnic community in neighbouring countries is about supporting the activities of Slovenians living in neighbouring countries and their links with the Republic of Slovenia. Public call B for financial assistance for Slovenians abroad is about supporting the activities of Slovenians living around the globe and their links with the Republic of Slovenia. Both are open to legal and physical persons from abroad as well as for individuals, institutions, associations,

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organisations and business entities located in the Republic of Slovenia which are active in connecting Slovenians in neighbouring countries and elsewhere abroad and in cooperating with them.

The public call for NGOs located in the Republic of Slovenia co-finances activities of NGOs which are focussed on the Slovenian ethnic communities outside the Republic of Slovenia, encouraging diverse activities of Slovenians outside the Republic of Slovenia and their links with the Republic of Slovenia.

Would you like to cooperate more closely with ministries such as the ministry of foreign affairs or education?

Of course I would like to have closer and more constructive cooperation with the ministries in charge of individual fields concerning Slovenians in neighbouring countries and around the world. Even good cooperation can always be further improved.

This year we managed to complete a joint report on the work of individual ministries in the field of Slovenians around the globe to highlight activities and cooperation in an comprehensive manner.

The Office for Slovenians Abroad is the main state institution in charge of relations between the Republic of Slovenia and its autochthonous ethnic minority in neighbouring countries and between the Republic of Slovenia and Slovenians around the globe. It has access to the information network of the Foreign Ministry, which enables it to give Slovenian diplomatic and consular missions initiatives from its field of expertise.

Other ministries develop cooperation with Slovenian organisations outside the Republic of Slovenia as

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part of their own activities, which are however coordinated by the office. The ministries and other state institutions must inform the office about their activities concerning cooperation with Slovenians outside of Slovenia.

attend business events, co-financing businesses focusing on the youth through open calls for funds, with the MOBILITY project and the MAY Alps Adriatic Network two of such examples. We will continue to passionately work in this field.

We have established good cooperation with other ministries. We cooperate especially closely, by the very nature of things, with the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport. Cooperation with the Economy Ministry and the Office for Regional Development and European Cohesion Policy is also very important. Cross-border projects are of utmost importance for organisations of the Slovenian ethnic minority in neighbouring countries. Slovenian organisations from neighbouring countries have successfully competed for funds in this financial perspective, not only with their standard proposals but also with strategic projects such as PRIMIS.

What else could be done in this respect?

One of the key challenges is direct investments in the area inhabited by the autochthonous Slovenian ethnic minority, which would be particularly important for the youth, giving them a future. Given natural and geographic features there, agriculture and tourism are definitely two key areas. A Slovenian model farm in Porabje is definitely a case of best practice which shows what possibilities and opportunities lie head. There are also special challenges in Benečija, where Slovenian institutions such as the Ethnographic Museum in Bardo (Lusevera) or the Museum of Resian Cultures in Solbica (Stolvizza) have increasing numbers of visitors every year. We are making efforts for Slovenians in neighbouring countries to be even better known in, and connected with, the homeland because they cherish rich cultural and natural heritage, which is a good basis for economic development.

Let me also say that the implementation of minority rights and the existence of the autochthonous ethnic minority in neighbouring countries as well as of Slovenians around the world, can only be achieved through joint efforts, which provide for a common Slovenian cultural area.

What is your take on economic cooperation with Slovenians abroad?

We are strengthening economic cooperation with Slovenians abroad.

In this effort, cooperation with business associations, foremost the SGZ in Klagenfurt, the SDGZ in Trieste, the RASK in Szentgotthard and with the EU Step in Rijeka, is of utmost importance. Just as important are business clubs and individual companies. We have been organising business conferences for several years and we

The office has also started drafting a new economic strategy for the autochthonous Slovenian ethnic minority in neighbouring countries in a bid to enhance economic cooperation and provide for a comprehensive approach to addressing challenges by involving various ministries.

 Blanka Markovič Kocen  Personal archive of O.B.

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Dear Minister Peter J. ÄŒesnik, On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Office for Slovenians Abroad, I would like to congratulate you Minister and all of your colleagues, wishing you all the best in your future work.

Allow me also to take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped shape the Office's policies since its establishment and all of the Office's former employees for having established ties with our fellow countrymen around the world with care and heartfelt enthusiasm. The Office for Slovenians Abroad carries out a noble mission.

With sincere congratulations and thanks for your work, Borut Pahor, President of the Republic of Slovenia

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Office's contribution to quality of living of Slovenians in neighbouring countries invaluable Moja Slovenija has asked some of the leading representatives of Slovenians living in neighbouring countries to look back on the Office’s work over the 25 years and outline their expectations. Some believe that it is time for a change in relations between the Republic of Slovenia and Slovenians outside its borders, but they unanimously highlighted the role of language and the care for younger generations.

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Rudi Pavšič, Slovenian Cultural and Economic Association It is my view that relations between the Republic of Slovenia and Slovenians living in neighbouring countries should be thoroughly reconsidered. Social realities within our communities have undergone considerable change, so I find it hard to imagine that future relations would be based on old models, some of which have already become outdated. We need a fresh approach, an all-Slovenian approach based foremost on the language and the care for younger generations which will bring a new vision and substance to the border areas. For Slovenians living in neighbouring countries, language means everything in terms of their active presence in the area. This multi-layered challenge, which has no uniform solution, should be addressed with utmost seriousness. The quality of Slovenian language should be enhanced and the language spread to those who are not its native speakers. We should be aware that our community is shrinking at an alarming rate to the point of being almost negligible in some border areas. One such case is Benečija in Italy. The issue should be primarily addressed by focussing on the youth, who are increasingly bi- or multi-lingual, with their attitude to Slovenian being different than it was 20 or more years ago.

The other issue related to the youth is their attitude towards relations between the country in which they live and Slovenia. There is a growing distance between the communities in neighbouring countries, which are becoming increasingly integrated into the majority population, and the community in central Slovenia, which is increasingly disinterested in issues concerning Slovenian minority issues.

Finally, there are border areas as such; paradoxically, Slovenians in these areas used to be much more active and creative at the time of the former Yugoslavia, when there were many interesting initiatives and ties. Border areas are areas of cooperation, friends and family ties, places of common interests.

Marjan Šturm, Association of Slovenian Organisations Transition from one system to another was not easy. For some, the former system was a catastrophe, for others, it had some positive features. This dualism also affected Slovenians living in neighbouring countries. Some were criticised for having been too close to the »former regime«, while others were »repressed«. Well, the truth is probably somewhere in between. It is true that the post-war system was not in favour of centre-right forces in Carinthia.

However, this changed quite quickly and the former SZDL, an organisation which was also in charge of Slovenians living in neighbouring countries, began to consider the entire Slovenian ethnic minority, thus respecting political pluralism within the minority. I have followed relations between Slovenia and the minority since the 1970s, and it struck me that the SZDL was very careful to avoid any serious tensions within the minority. It tried to transform the differences, which were present and which have to be present in a democratic society, into cooperation based on action plans.

This concept collapsed after Slovenia became independent. As a result of Slovenia's pluralisation, some thought that the minority should also »democratise«, although it had already lived for a while in a democratic and pluralist country governed by the rule of law and enjoyed the fundamental right to the freedom of expression. With such a policy by Slovenia, differences within the minority only deepened. Delays in the implementation of Article 7 of the Austrian State Treaty have to do with with the lack of action by its signatories, four superpowers, whom Article 35 of the Austrian State Treaty gives the right to dictate Austria how to implement Article 7, but have failed to do so to this very day. As a co-signatory, Yugoslavia did not have this right, but of course, Austria could have also provided for more generous minority protection at its own initiative.

Time heals all wounds. I am convinced that we are well on

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our way towards a time when standards of minority protection as framed by the Council of Europe and its Venice Commission will also be implemented in relations between Austria and Slovenia.

Ivan Peterlin, Association of Slovenian Sport Societies in Italy

Jože Hirnök, Association of Slovenians in Hungary We founded the Association of Slovenians in Hungary in Porabje in 1990 as the first umbrella organisation of Slovenians in Hungary, a historical event for us and I also hope for Slovenia. With independent Slovenia, we rejoiced when the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad was formed. It has became our partner, an institution which also takes care of us, the Slovenians in Hungary. We are working together to preserve the Slovenian language and culture and to strengthen the patriotism of Slovenians in Hungary.

Despite a relatively difficult recent period, we have managed, with the help of the Office, to considerably improve the livelihood of our small community across all areas. We are sincerely grateful to the Office and Slovenia for their moral support and financial assistance. At the same time we would like to ask the Office and other ministries to heed the resolutions made by our organisation.

We wish you a lot of success in your future work, and we are deeply grateful for all your support.

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The Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad is celebrating an important anniversary, 25 years since it was established. I cannot imagine how difficult it would be without it. The Office is an indispensable tower of strength for all Slovenians whom history has placed outside their homeland. Like watching a film, I can see the faces of all the ministers and other heads of the office that have led it over these years. To be honest: I see only relaxed and smiling faces of these understanding people who have done their best to make our lives more beautiful, easier. The same goes for the other staff, who are the driving force behind the Office. They are all good at what they do, they are willing to take on even the most pressing of issues we stumble across in neighbouring countries. I can say without exaggeration that these people have always been »ours« and that we have always been »theirs«.

So, all the best to all the staff at the Office. It is our wish for you to continue to support us just as faithfully as you have so far. Without your help, all our efforts and endeavours would have been less productive, which neither Slovenians in the homeland nor Slovenians in neighbouring countries could be proud of. Let's be optimistic and foremost united, because as the slogan of the Association of Slovenian Sports Societies in Italy goes, »Together, We Can Do It«!

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The Office connecting Slovenians abroad among themselves and with homeland ď € Blanka MarkoviÄ? Kocen

Some of the members of the Council of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad have provided some thoughts about the Office and the Council for the festive edition of Moja Slovenija.

Jure L. Komar, president of the United Slovenia from Argentina Every group of people sharing the same origin comes together naturally, because it feels that it shares the language, traditions, culture and the past. These is deeply rooted in the native land of predecessors, this is a nation.

And even if, due to various historical reasons, part of this nation leaves its native land, it still shares the same roots.

So whoever leads a nation is obliged to take care of these fellow countrymen because they are part of the nation.

I believe that the purpose of the Office for Slovenians Abroad and the Council for Slovenians Abroad is preserving national identity and connecting Slovenians with their homeland. The Slovenians community in Argentina is a vibrant part of the Slovenian nation here under the Crux.

Many Slovenians in Argentina have been active for more than 50 years and continue to consciously hand down Slovenian heritage from generation to generation. This is why this link between the Office and the Council and the community is crucial for the existence of the Slovenian community around the world. The community, for its part, must keep them up to date with its reality, problems and guidelines for future action. We expect the Office to understand our situation and provide assistance for our community to survive. But the goal of all of us is to preserve and intensify Slovenian identity, language and culture.

Links between various Slovenian communities around the globe will be very important in the future, which was also highlighted at the latest sessions of the Council. On behalf of the Slovenian community in Argentina, we congratulate the Office for Slovenians Abroad on its 25 years of activities and wish it many more years to come.

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Prof. Dr. Maja Ä?ukanović, National Council of Slovenian Minority in Serbia and the Sava Association of Slovenians from Belgrade The existence and activities of the Office for Slovenians Abroad and of the Council for Slovenians Abroad largely depend on voluntary work and efforts by Slovenians living abroad who dedicate their spare time and professional know-how to the promotion of Slovenia and the Slovenian language. Over the past 25 years, a course of further development has been charted for both the Office and the Council on the basis of a new understanding of what a Slovenian living abroad actually means. The majority of Slovenians living abroad are third- or fourth-generation Slovenians who have been raised in linguistically and culturally diverse environments. With new know-how, views, needs and lifestyles, they see the country of their predecessors in a different way and need a fresh impetus and new forms of support to preserve and promote Slovenian culture and Slovenia around the globe.

Dr. Jure Leskovec, associate professor at Stanford University, president of the board of directors of ASEF The world is smaller than ever, and thus more globalised.

Technology enables people around the globe to get more easily connected, the flow of information is faster and simpler. As a result, mobility has never been so simple, so people are moving around the world much more. In this respect Slovenia is in a particularly difficult situation - unfortunately its best educated young citizens are emigrating. A whole generation of young people has left Slovenia over the past five years. The Office for Slovenians Abroad has, and will continue to have, an increasingly important role in helping shape policies on maintaining contacts with Slovenians living abroad and helping them return home. The Office has a very important strategic role, connecting Slovenians abroad and connecting them with the homeland, at the same time making efforts for Slovenia to leverage the entire potential of its people at home and abroad. The Office for Slovenians Abroad has proved its importance by supporting Slovenian identity around the globe, preserving the Slovenian language and culture, and helping Slovenians return to their homeland, which is one and given to everyone of us.

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// IN FOCUS

Representatives of NGOs about the role of the Office and future expectations On the occasion of the Office’s 25th anniversary, we asked the presidents of four NGOs involved in Slovenian emigrants and Slovenians living in neighbouring countries about the office’s activities and the mission as well as about expectations.

Lenart Rihar, St Raphael's Society

Uroš Zorn, president of the Slovenia in the World Emigrants' Association

»The founding of the Office coincided with democratisation and the birth of the independent state. That was a time full of new beginnings. Back them we could feel what a burst of energy emerges when the hope from France Prešeren's Wreath of Sonnets comes true in the majority of the people: »... when the brothers settle enmities, and reunite the whole Slovenian race«.

»I believe that the most important mission of the Office for Slovenians Abroad is acting as a link and coordinator between the Slovenian state and Slovenians abroad, and in promoting the interests of Slovenians scattered around the world before state institutions and the international community.

In this sense the establishment of the Office represents a major quality leap in the state's care for Slovenians in neighbouring countries and for the diaspora. A major leap is also the fact that, except for a few years in between, the office has been led by a member of the Slovenian government, a minister, from the start. This has made it possible to implement a number of positive initiatives and enlivened many a Slovenian community in neighbouring countries and further abroad over the past 25 years.

Over the past 25 years the Office has managed to create a very strong network of ties with the help of NGOs in Slovenia.

We expect that the Office continue to promote the needs of our fellow countrymen scattered around the world and support the versatile efforts of the NGOs, which have kept the office up to date on the needs of Slovenians abroad and implemented various projects for 25 years to the benefit of Slovenians in neighbouring countries and abroad.

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We also expect that the office continues to advocate, in the spirit of democracy and pluralism, the needs of our fellow countrymen.«

Boris Pleskovič, president of the Slovenian World Congress Sergij Pelhan, president of the Slovenian Emigrant Association

»The Office for Slovenians Abroad is a fully-fledged member of the government of the Republic of Slovenia. I believe that in its 25-year history, the office has enhanced the ties of the diaspora and Slovenians living in neighbouring countries with their homeland, which is its mission. I expect the office to focus even more on staff training and on more intense cultural links, including by preserving Slovenian culture through our heritage and by transferring knowledge onto younger generations to preserve the Slovenian language. We know that language is one of the most important links holding together a nation and one of the most important signs of its identity.

I wish for NGOs working with our emigrants and the Slovenian minority to gain even more ground in joint efforts for the benefit of all who find such efforts important and useful. Let me highlight Rodna Gruda, a newspaper which has for decades brought literary contributions and news from the homeland and Slovenian associations abroad to the homes of our emigrants. I think that enough funds should be provided to relaunch the magazine, which is now online-only, as a joint effort of NGOs. What is important now and for the future is sincere cooperation of all stakeholders who are here to make sure that our fellow countrymen living abroad are in constant contact with the homeland, regardless of our differences.«

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»On my behalf and on behalf of the Slovenian World Congress, I would like to warmly congratulate the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad upon its 25th anniversary. Its activities significantly contribute to the preservation of Slovenian identity and national awareness in neighbouring countries and further afield. The Office plays a particularly important role as a financial supporter of associations and organisations which bring together Slovenians from around the world, which has the added effect of connecting fellow countrymen and strengthening ties with them. It also plays an important role in selecting the most suitable projects for Slovenian countrymen to achieve the most with the funds it has at its disposal. I would also like to take this opportunity to urge the Slovenian government to give the office, which is led by minister for Slovenians abroad, more powers and more funds, since it is greatly underappreciated in Slovenia. We are also happy and grateful that the office supports projects which the Slovenian World Congress produces with a considerable amount of voluntary work by its leadership as well as friends at home and abroad.

As for the future, we would welcome more support for youth programmes and conferences. We wish that the office continues to promote, with heartfelt enthusiasm, the deepening of ties with Slovenians which live outside the borders of the Republic of Slovenia.«

 Blanka Markovič Kocen

// AMONG US

»Around Slovenia By Train« opens at Railway Museum in Belgrade

“Around Slovenia By Train”, an exhibition put on by Blaž Kavčič and Josip Veber in collaboration with the Logarska Dolina Association of Slovenians from Pančevo, opened on 9 October at the Gallery of the Railway Museum in Belgrade.

Representatives of the Slovenian Embassy in Belgrade, the diplomatic corps, the Serbian Foreign Ministry, the National Council of the Slovenian Minority in Serbia, a delegation of the management of the Slovenian rail company Slovenske Železnice, members of the Slovenian associations from Belgrade, Pančevo, Zrenjanin and Smederevo as well as a number of rail workers were on hand for the launch.

Director general of the Serbian rail company Železnice Srbije Goran Adžić, who welcomed the guests from Slovenia, noted that in 2019 a number of railway anniversaries were being marked in Serbia and that the Railway Museum would soon celebrate its 70th anniversary.

“With this exhibition, we wanted to show the Serbian

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railway’s activities and highlight that apart from investing in infrastructure, the railways can invest in the museum and in cultural heritage, which belongs to all of us and which needs to be preserved and cherished for future generations,” said Adžić. He also thanked friends from Slovenia for choosing the Railway Museum as the venue of their exhibition.

The president of the National Council of the Slovenian Minority in Serbia, Saša Verbič, said that the National Council as well as the Sava Association of Slovenians from Belgrade and the Logarska Dolina Association from Pančevo wanted to preserve the diverse cooperation between Serbia and Slovenia. He noted that the railways served as a symbol of cooperation and a bridge between countries, languages and cultures.

The exhibition was opened by Deputy Slovenian Ambassador in Belgrade Roman Weixler, who stressed that this was a good opportunity to show Slovenia’s beautiful nature and towns traversed by railways, at the same time presenting the activities of the Slovenian communities in Belgrade and Pančevo.

“One of the reasons for putting on the exhibition was a wish to take you all on a special journey through Slovenia, to use artistic photos to bring Slovenia’s

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picturesque landscape closer to people and to invite you to visit the places you have already visited and you now remember with nostalgia. I’m so glad the exhibition has already made stops at Pančevo and Vršac, where it attracted ten thousand visitors,” said Josip Veber, one of its initiators and authors.

The organisers’ wish is for this special journey by train around Slovenia in the company of both authors of the exhibition to show the authors’ fascination with and love of trains. The aim is not just to encourage people to visit Slovenia by train, but to connect people, make them make new friends and enjoy in cultural exchange.

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Pančevo: Annual culinary event attracts numerous visitors

The Serbian city of Pančevo hosted on 12 October the 5th international culinary event “Our Slovenian Specialities”, which was held at the Petofi Šandor Hungarian Cultural Society. It featured 120 participants and guests from Pančevo, Belgrade, Kovin, Vršac, Smederevo and Sremska Mitrovica, as well as guests from the Biotechnical School from Slovenia’s Ptuj.

Representatives of the city of Pančevo, including its cultural councillor Nemanja Rotar and Deputy Mayor Marija Đukanović, were also on hand for the opening.

Rotar, addressing the participants on behalf of the city administration, stressed that the event expanded multiculturality in the city, where members of 24 ethnic communities live side by side in friendship. Even if the Slovenian community in Pančevo is small, it is very active, making an important contribution to the city with its various events, the goal of which is to promote Slovenian cultural heritage, history and tradition.

The president of the National Council of the Slovenian Minority in Serbia, Saša Verbič, stressed the event was

important for the Slovenian community in Serbia; apart from bringing Slovenians together and promoting Slovenian cuisine, it also encourages socialising and cooperation of secondary school students and their teachers from Serbia and Slovenia, further strengthening the traditionally good relations between the two nations.

Siniša Naumović, the teacher at the Pančevno Secondary School of Economics who supervised the cooks, said this year’s culinary competition focussed on the Slovenian region of Gorenjska. The cooks prepared an interesting menu: a traditional Gorenjska chicken noodle soup, Kranjska sausage with sautéed potato with onions, cabbage salad with red beans, and pancakes

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with a filling made of milk, walnuts and raisins soaked in rum and honey, and sprinkled with vanilla sugar.

Dolina Association of Slovenians and the organiser of the event, the participants were very happy with the

The food was served by students of the cooking school at the Pančevo Secondary School of Economics, with their teachers and guests thrilled at their truly professional service. The teachers and students of the Ptuj Biotechnological School took the opportunity to exchange information and experience with their peers from Pančevo and Kovin.

event, which will next year feature students and teachers of the Secondary Cooking School from Belgrade.

According to Josip Veber, the president of the Logarska

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The culinary event was supported by the Slovenian Government Office for Slovenians Abroad, the National Council of the Slovenian Minority in Serbia, the Municipality of Pančevo, as well as a number of local firms and the Petofi Šandor Hungarian Cultural Society.