Prime Minister Janez Janša at the session of the Government Council for Slovenians Abroad: The Government strengthens its support for Slovenians abroad

SLOVENIA, July 10 - According to the Prime Minister, much has changed since the last meeting in July 2024. The meeting therefore focused on identifying practical solutions to more effectively support Slovenians abroad. One of the most important challenges remains preserving the Slovenian language, culture and national identity. In this context, the Prime Minister announced that, as of today, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia is stepping up its efforts to support Slovenians abroad.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the 16th Government of the Republic of Slovenia understands the Slovenian space more broadly – ​​not only within the country's borders, but also abroad and around the world. The aim is to adopt specific measures and implement the agreed activities at the shortest possible notice.

Future activities will be focused significantly on more regular dialogue with the representatives of the Slovenian communities abroad. The regular session of the Council will be followed by video conference sessions in order to facilitate information sharing and resolving topical issues.

The Government aims to strengthen ties between the local economic environment and Slovenian businesses operating abroad. According to the Prime Minister, the newly established of the Strategic Economic Council has been established, will also involve the participation of Slovenian businesses operating abroad, incorporating their views into the strategic planning of Slovenia's business development.

The session was attended by representatives of Slovenian communities and organisations responsible for preserving Slovenian identity around the world, as well as ministers whose competencies include addressing the challenges of Slovenians outside Slovenia's borders: Minister of Culture Ignacija Fridl Jarc; Minister of the Economy, Labour and Sport Anže Logar; Minister of the Interior and Public Administration Franci Matoz; Minister of Education, Science and Youth Borut Rončević; and Minister for Slovenians Abroad Suzana Lep Šimenko, who is also Vice-President of the Council for Slovenians Abroad.

At the end of the session, the Council members adopted four key decisions to improve cooperation between the Government and Slovenian communities abroad, marking a significant step towards closer cooperation between Slovenia and compatriots abroad and setting the foundations for providing Slovenian communities with more systematic and efficient support in the years to come.