12 ISSN 1854-0805 December 2011

The latest from Slovenia

A time of great expectations

• INTERVIEW: Aleš Zalar • OUR EXCELLENCE: Vanguard from under Karavanke • PEOPLE: UMC’s Gynaecological Clinic team • ART & CULTURE: Maribor 2012: Ready to start • SPORTS: A fresh wind in Slovenian football • SLOVENIAN DELIGHTS: Holidays are in the air contents 1 In focus 6 The year’s key events editorial 2 Interview 10 Aleš Zalar 3 Before and after 16 Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia 4 Art & culture 22 Vesna Žarkovič, Editor Reopening of the Slovene National A time of great expectations Theatre Opera and Ballet Ljubljana The outcome of the parliamentary elections held on 4 December will definitely go down in history as a stark contrast to pre-election forecasts. Zoran Janković, 5 Society 46 the most likely prime minister-designate, commented on the results of the 1 2 Traditional Slovenian Breakfast day opinion polls conducted on election day that turned the forecasts on their heads by saying that Slovenians want an efficient democratic state. However, changes 6 Heritage 48 in the top political posts are only one aspect of this outcome. It did not in it- »Comfortably at home« in Ivančna self end the period of uncertainty as urgent measures are required. Neverthe- Gorica less, such are the expectations of Slovenian businesses and Slovenian citizens – Slovenia must recover from the recession and strive for modest development with economic growth at 4 % and the fiscal deficit below 3 % of GDP by 2013; it MONTHLY COMMENTARY 4 should also accelerate growth and implement reforms to increase competitive- Startling election outcome with many unknowns ness. BUSINESS 14 We have to account for our deeds and take stock of the outgoing year. Which Self-sufficiency events in domestic politics, culture and sport first spring to mind? A LETTER 20 The end of December will mark the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of HM Ambassador Andrew Page, Iztok Jarc our constitution by the then Slovenian assembly. We asked the Minister of Jus- tice, Mr Aleš Zalar, about the views on this fundamental act twenty years on: ART & CULTURE 22 Does it still serve its purpose? Does it address the issues associated with modern Maribor 2012: Ready to start, Book fair a success, states or is it obsolete? Does it require partial amendment? If this is a Man ... Maribor is already counting down the hours until 13 January 2012, the day of the OUR EXCELLENCE 28 beginning of its undoubtedly historic project – the European Capital of Culture. Vanguard from under Karavanke Visitors passing through Maribor in these December days can already feel a cer- GREEN CORNER 32 tain ‘cultural vibration’ in the air, because among the numerous New Year ads 3 4 Bag on Bag project and decorations, it is impossible to overlook all the advertising announcing the Capital of Culture. Despite the considerable problems the city has been facing, it PEOPLE 34 is aware of its great opportunity and will try to take advantage of it as best it can. UMC’s Gynaecological Clinic team Two vanguard companies below the Karavanke mountains have also captured SPORTS 38 our attention this year as flagship manufacturers in their respective industries: A fresh wind in Slovenian football Elan has been one of the top five Slovenian trademarks for half a century and A sucessor to the Himalayan heroes maintains its position at the cutting edge of ski manufacturing with amfibia, and SLOVENIAN DELIGHTS 40 Seaway, a fast-growing company producing environmentally friendly Greenline Holidays are in the air Hybrid boats. The national opera and ballet house reopened after six years of renovation works. This great day for Slovenian culture saw the return of the theatre from Sinfo – Slovenian information years of exile. The occasion was marked by various celebrations joined under a Editorial: Government Communication Office, Director: Darijan Košir, Gregorčičeva 25, 1000 Ljubljana, common theme ‘Fusion of Centuries’ and also serving as an introduction to the tel. +386 (0) 1 478 2630, fax + 386 (0) 1 251 2312, www.ukom.gov.si theatre’s festive 120th season. Editor-in-Chief: Valerija Mencej Executive Editor: Vesna Žarkovič, [email protected] We also take pride in the achievement of the doctors from the Ljubljana Univer- Editorial Board: Mateja Malnar Štembal, Jože Osterman, Polona Prešeren, sity Medical Centre’s Gynaecological Clinic: following the radical removal of the Hana Souček Morača, Nataša Marvin, Manja Kostevc Photo Editor: Janez Vidrih patient’s uterine cervix and laparoscopic cerclage, they successfully delivered Production: Nuit d.o.o., Translation: Amidas, DZTPS, her baby. Only ten years ago, cervical cancer often led to hysterectomy, making Government Translation and Interpretation Division Printed by: DZS, d.d., Slovenia, Number of copies: 4600 it impossible for the patient to bear children. This team of top specialists has de- Available also at: www.ukom.gov.si/eng/slovenia/publication/sinfo veloped a combination of various methods enabling women to give birth even Cover photo: Borut Peterlin after the radical removal of the uterine cervix. Government Communication Office:www.slovenia.si December, as the longest and most festive month, is very special as it fills our Government Communication Office:www.ukom.gov.si Government of the Republic of Slovenia: www.vlada.si hearts with eager anticipation of something that we may not even be able to Slovenian Tourist Board: www.slovenia.info identify. Even more so now – when a new government is being formed, our Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: www.gzs.si Slovenian Chamber of Craft: www.ozs.si expectations run high and our hopes increase for a better tomorrow. May they Public Agency for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments: www.japti.si be fulfilled! Ljubljana Stock Exchange: www.ljse.si Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia:www.stat.si 5 6 State Portal of the Republic of Slovenia: http://e-uprava.gov.si

2 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 3 monthly commentary

Darijan Košir

Startling election even a constitutional majority (60+) in the National Assembly, This is actually a great pity, because ahead of Slovenia there are Sunday’s election turned everything upside down: the centre right certain challenges that need to be dealt with promptly. Following does not even come close to one half of the parliamentary votes. It the pension reform failure in the June 2011 referendum, the price is true, however, that it still has sufficient votes (30+) for all kinds to be paid by Slovenia for money obtained on foreign financial of constitutional blockades, both parliamentary and referendum. markets skyrocketed; the surcharges on our ten-year bonds are, This circumstance will additionally aggravate the situation of for example, by about five percent higher than the reference outcome with the new coalition team of prime minister designate Janković in German surcharges, whereas only half a year ago, they were running the country. barely above the German level. This is another proof that foreign Furthermore, his potential centre-left allies will not make the markets monitor the current public finance situation in Slovenia formation of a coalition any easier for the likely prime minister and its capacity to implement long-term structural change very either. However, considering the current state of affairs, the most attentively. In both segments, Slovenia is still behind schedule in natural coalition would, alongside Janković, consist of the Social adopting appropriate measures. It is true that the worst problems many unknowns Democrats of the former Prime Minister Pahor, the Civic List of were eliminated through the 2011 supplementary budget that, for Janša’s former minister for public administration, Gregor Virant, the first time in the country’s history, really made deep cuts in the and one of the potential ‘fourth’ partners, among whom the first growth of budget spending. Consequently, Slovenia will end 2011 Slovenia ended the 2011 political year — one of the most turbulent and complex years in two options are probably Desus, the pensioners’ party, and the with less than 5 % budget deficit, which is a ‘golden average’ at the country’s history — with parliamentary elections on 4 December that have thus far not aforementioned SLS. Together with the representatives of the the EU level, a phrase very much favoured by the current Prime national minorities who are traditionally inclined to support Minister Pahor, and the public debt will simultaneously stabilise provided any final answer about its future political organisation, but nevertheless indicated the government, this formation could have at least 55 votes at slightly more than 42 % of the GDP, thus being one of the lowest potential directions of development. Unless there is a really dramatic turn of events, which in the 90-member assembly, which could apparently ensure in the EU. is rather unlikely yet not impossible in politics, there is no doubt whatsoever that Zoran smooth governance. However, the strength and coherence of Nevertheless, just as Pahor’s government cut this year’s budget, such a government is at least as problematic as in the case of Janković and his government will have to reduce the 2012 Janković, currently holding the office of Mayor of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, since Pahor’s former four-party coalition. While such a government budget, which although adopted, was confirmed in a completely 2006, will probably be in charge of the future Slovenian government for the next four years, is indeed possible, it is nevertheless expected to have quite a lot unrealistic framework and will urgently need to be balanced by and that the new coalition’s political orientation will obviously be centre-left. Slovenia will of difficulties, considering the variety of demands put forward reducing expenditure by at least 5 %. Pahor’s government actually by individual partners and the relative weakness of the largest did make such an attempt: first, they proposed the adoption of a get a new national assembly at the end of this year, a new prime minister probably at the government political party. This seems increasingly likely to be the supplementary budget for 2012, but this proposal was rejected beginning of January 2012, and a new government perhaps as early as February next year. case if one also takes into account the aforementioned structural before the elections; later, they made an attempt to at least freeze blockades, which will obviously be impossible to eliminate due the major expenditure items of the national treasury (wages, to the new constellation of political powers and the demands of pensions and social transfers) by way of an intervention law. Again, Above all, the recent Slovenian parliamentary elections are quietness and shelter of the electoral silence, this advantage not the trade unions that are particularly unfavourable to the major most of the parliamentary deputies cast a negative vote on this historic because of the degree of surprise brought about by their only vanished, but Janković even outran him by more than two changes urgently needed. proposal. Therefore, these two tasks now wait to be accomplished final outcome. All (literally all) surveys and opinion polls, the percent. From that Wednesday evening to the election on Sunday, In this regard, the assessment given by the opposition leader by the new government. The situation with Pahor’s other structural results of which the media were allowed – for the first time in the the votes thus moved linearly. Convinced of his overwhelming Janez Janša immediately following the election defeat even reform measures (pensions, health, labour market, avoiding credit history of Slovenia’s elections – to announce publicly until the victory, Janša lost about six percent of his support in three days, seems reasonable. He suggested that the result of the vote did not crunch, etc.) is the same: they are waiting to be implemented, beginning of a two-day electoral silence, i.e. until Friday evening, whereas Janković gained the same share — enough for a truly provide a solution, one that was the very reason for Slovenia to since during his term of office, they were all rejected, either in 2 December, predicted a more or less smooth, overwhelming surprising turnabout. hold snap elections: a solid government having a majority, which referendums or within the social dialogue framework. Slovenia and convincing victory (by an approximately 10 % margin) of The question how anyone can squander such advantage in such a would facilitate the implementation of urgently required reform must nevertheless adopt all these measures in order to avoid being the Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) of Janez Janša, Slovenia’s short time — the political analysts are unanimous in the assessment and measures to overcome the crisis. However, it is also true that excluded from the group of euro area countries (the German- Prime Minister from 2004 to 2008. The only survey that predicted that the campaign, at first managed intelligently, collapsed in the on this point, the opposition contradicts itself: it would advocate French train) that it wants to be part of. the possibility of a turnabout, but did not dare to confirm it, was final few days, with the ‘old’ Janša once again settling accounts the broadest possible coalition, almost a government of national Finally, we should perhaps say that prime minister designate Zoran the online survey carried out by the weekly Mladina; on Friday with his political opponents, which on this occasion, he even salvation, as long as it could run it itself; yet in the present case, Janković has never been afraid of any difficulties or challenges, and, evening, just before the beginning of the electoral silence, it further upgraded with his evasive statements concerning his real when the government will be run by the centre-left coalition, the to his credit, always dealt with them successfully, as demonstrated announced a ‘possible turnabout’ in the voters’ deliberations. estate ‘portfolio’ — is less important than the fact that Janša’s defeat opposition’s willingness to cooperate in such salvation government by his previous career. However, the aforementioned challenges This proves that public opinion trends changed and moved in the has been followed by a complete rearrangement in the country’s is much lesser. This can be inferred from Janša’s statement that are greater in scope than ever before. Therefore, in order to be opposite direction during the last two days of the campaign. To be future political arena. While Janša, on the basis of highly favourable Slovenia can soon expect new snap elections. These will obviously successful, something ‘more’ will be required this time. While more precise: according to polls taken on Wednesday evening (30 poll forecasts, was already raising expectations of forming a 50+ only be absolutely necessary if the country is again faced with congratulating him on his election victory, allow us to wish him November) with results to be announced on Thursday and Friday, coalition, in which his political option (centre right, together with a political blockade, similar to the one that occurred in the first every success in dealing with the problems awaiting solutions — to Janša was still in the lead with a 10 % margin, but squandered half the Christian People’s Party, NSi, and the Slovenian People’s Party, half of 2011, and one which caused an early termination of Prime the benefit of Slovenia. of this advantage by Friday evening. Over the weekend, in the SLS) would have more than one half, i.e. at least 50 seats, or perhaps Minister Borut Pahor’s mandate.

4 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 5 : in focus

Albert Kos, photo: STA were against the closing down the aforementioned acts were However, the coalition was not minister of the interior, and last of some maternity wards or rejected – a painful blow for unsuccessful in all its legisla- but not least Borut Pahor as the against their merger, while the government as all its legis- tive initiatives as it managed to president of the Social Demo- the proposed cancellation of lative initiatives had now been establish a political consensus crats – should all resign from supplementary health insur- blocked. in its ranks as well as in part their positions in government ance and its integration into There was another apple of of the opposition on legislat- in order to give the coalition The year’s key events the compulsory health insur- discord, namely the new Fam- ing on the incompatibility be- more credibility; the coalition ance system met with greater ily Code by which the Govern- tween the functions of Member had been subject to different support, with the exception of ment attempted to make all of Parliament and mayor – an scandals and criticisms con- the insurance lobby, for which forms of family communities important achievement after cerning its competence, espe- NATIONAL POLICIES: 20 years of Slovenian independence it would not be beneficial. Nev- equal in the interest of the im- the numerous unsuccessful at- cially after the unsuccessful ertheless, the drive to upgrade proved and more equal protec- tempts made in previous years. pension referendum. Golobič’s the health care system, as it tion of children, which includ- other coalition partners, Ka- The year of 2011 will not be remembered fondly by Slovenians as it was the year when was called by the competent ed the legalisation of the right COALITION BREAKUP AND VOTE tarina Kresal and especially the pressures of the global financial, economic and debt crisis caused the escalation of minister, lost momentum and of same-sex partners to adopt OF NO CONFIDENCE TO THE Prime Minister Pahor, were not also died down, as a result of children. These interventions GOVERNMENT amenable to his proposal and many problems concerning the past development of the country, its social and economic the general disapproval of the in family law met strong re- But even Prime Minister Pa- Golobič’s party left the coali- structure, and the direction it should follow in the future to catch up with the pace of Government. sistance from a section of the hor’s ruling coalition, which tion. development in the western world. public and the political sphere, consisted of the Social Demo- After two parties had left the REFERENDUMS including the Church, so the crats, the Liberal Democracy coalition Prime Minister Pa- April saw the referendum re- government accepted some of of Slovenia, Zares and the hor was left with a minority more developed EU member jecting the Mini Job Act, by their objections and restricted Democratic Party of Pension- government without the sup- states and the most advanced which the Government at- the rights of same-sex couples ers of Slovenia, revealed con- port of a parliament major- countries in the world. The tempted to implement changes to adopt; nevertheless, the op- spicuous differences which ity, but remained adamant that aim of the government re- to student work, which enables ponents of same-sex parent- its members either could not the necessary majority for the form programme was to cover many students to earn extra hood also announced that a or would not overcome, while adoption of each law and re- mainly pension and health money, and on which many referendum would be held on their disagreements hindered form could be achieved on a care reforms, as well as labour students depend while study- the modified code, and began the functioning of the coalition project-by-project basis. Fur- market reform, but it soon en- ing, but as numerous abuses collecting the necessary sig- on many issues and decisions. thermore, he did not attempt countered obstacles as certain have occurred in this field, the natures, while the Government At the beginning of this year, to appoint new ministers for reform projects were opposed work of students and second- again addressed the Constitu- the four coalition parties made the posts vacated by the min- by the social groups affected, ary school students was, ac- tional Court with the argument another effort to find consen- isters of the Pensioners Party almost always supported by cording to the government’s that the possible rejection of sus about their priorities until and Zares, of which there were the opposition or at least by its idea, to be treated as a mini job the Family Code would consti- the end of the term of office, five in total, as Roko Žarnić, most influential component. which could also bring addi- tute an intervention with hu- but this attempt also turned minister of the environment, As consensus on individual tional income to unemployed man rights and that the cam- out to be short-lived. As soon did not resign but instead re- reforms usually could not be and retired people. paign against it would serve as as in the spring, the Pension- signed from the Pensioners reached through a social dia- The same fate was encountered an opportunity to kindle intol- ers Party left the coalition as a Party; as an alternative, Prime logue or negotiations with the by the pension reform or the erance towards gay people. At result of disagreements con- Minister Pahor entrusted some aforementioned social groups new Pension Act which was to the close of the year, the fate of cerning especially the pension other ministers with the lead- and their representatives, the raise the full pensionable age to the Family Code remains open reform and the urgent freezing ership of these ministries. Government focused its efforts 65 and introduce some other as the Constitutional Court of pensions; before summer, it Pavel Gantar, the president of on implementing some re- changes, but these were stren- has not yet issued its opinion was followed by Zares, who left the National Assembly, did not forms unilaterally, but was al- uously opposed by the trade on whether the referendum the coalition because of dis- immediately follow the resig- most invariably blocked by its unions who began collecting should be banned. agreements on the construc- nation of his colleagues from opponents through initiatives signatures for a referendum to It therefore became very ap- tion project for the new block Zares; in agreement with Borut German Chancellor Angela Merkel has arrived in Slovenia on 30 August and began her or referendums, both of which be held after negotiations with parent that the Government in Slovenia’s largest thermal Pahor, the president of the So- short visit to Ljubljana with a stroll around the capital in the company of PM Borut Pahor. are enabled under the legisla- the Government were unsuc- would not be able to implement power plant, in Šoštanj, whose cial Democrats and the prime tion in force. As a consequence, cessful; a majority in the Na- its reform plans and legislative justification, rationality, cost- minister, he kept his position This year was a celebration for a few days later, the Slovenian historical, cultural, economic the Government’s reform ini- tional Assembly tried to stop initiatives as the referendum effectiveness as well as envi- until 1 September, after which Slovenia as it marked 20 years and Croatian presidents, Dr and other ties, the countries tiatives in the pension and la- the referendum on the basis of arrangements in force had be- ronmental suitability had been he was surprisingly seamless- of its independence. Indepen- Danilo Türk and Ivo Josipović, also share the same date on bour market fields fell through, the requirement that the Con- come an insurmountable bar- severely disputed by Zares, in ly replaced by Ljubo Germič, dence was declared on 25 June attended a major music event which their independence was as the general opinion held by stitutional Court should ex- rier to the implementation of opposition to the Social Dem- deputy of the Liberal Democ- 1991, which the newly-seceded at which over a thousand mu- declared. most people, especially those amine the potential unconsti- any Act or reform; in response, ocrats, the coalition’s leading racy of Slovenia. country declared a national sicians from Slovenia and Cro- affected by changes, was un- tutional consequences of such the coalition proposed initia- party. The principal reason for holiday – Statehood Day. This atia performed Gustav Mahler’s REFORMS favourable in both fields. The a referendum; however, the tives for certain restrictions to Zares’s departure was, how- ECONOMIC AND FISCAL CRISIS important anniversary was Symphony No. 8 in E-flat Major. Right from the start, the coali- plans for health care reform at Court did not establish this. The be included in the referendum ever, the unconditional pro- This year’s economic news marked by a number of cele- This concert was another sign tion led by Prime Minister Pa- the beginning of the year were pension referendum and two arrangements, which would posal put forward by its leader, was less gratifying. Slovenia’s brations and memorial events, of the friendship between Slo- hor embarked upon an exten- slightly more promising; some other referendums – the ref- allow a referendum only if re- Gregor Golobič, that all three macroeconomic indicators the most significant of which venia and Croatia, which was sive programme of economic of the points of contention and erendum on the Prevention of quired by a sufficient number leaders of the remaining coali- did not improve considerably were the central state ceremo- further strengthened last year and social reforms for the pur- objections were directed only Illegal Work and Employment of citizens, and that the refer- tion parties – therefore him- and Slovenia continued to slip ny attended by the presidents after the conclusion of the ar- pose of leading Slovenia on the at the proposed streamlining Act and the referendum on the endum decisions should ex- self as the minister of higher down the rankings of interna- of all Slovenia’s neighbouring bitration agreement determin- path towards a comprehensive of the public health care net- amended Archives Act, both clude all laws with fiscal con- education, Katarina Kresal, tional economic success and countries upon the invitation of ing the border between the two overhaul and transformation work; this was because the required by opposition party sequences, as well as topics the president of the Liberal competitiveness charts, de- President Dr Danilo Türk; only countries; besides numerous in step with the dynamics of local communities affected SDS, were held in June and all concerning human rights. Democracy of Slovenia, as the spite a slight, but insufficiently

6 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 7 : in focus prominent revival of economic more after the block following aggravated by the collapse of could turn into the sale of ‘state The question as to what extent social commitment perspective, An interesting fact is that the in- bljana Biennial of Graphic Arts activity and the perceptible attempts made to adopt in a most civil engineering compa- silver’ for less than its real val- film and theatre, in particular, in comparison with Croatian, creasingly dark period yielded a was modest, elegant and espe- economic growth in the first timely fashion the intervention nies. The crisis in the Slovenian ue. but also literature, deal with Serbian and other theatres (as few downright excellent shows cially reflective, as it was obvi- half of the year that had al- act intended to freeze govern- economy is also demonstrated The solution for Slovenia and current social topics and wheth- well as films), whereas literature and events striking a rather viv- ous that the focus of its attention ready started decreasing in ment expenditure in the field by the sales of some Slovenian the way out of the crisis is er they remain restricted to the is more responsive. The Ex Pon- id contrast to the state of society. – graphics – was dying because the third quarter, which raised of salaries in the public sec- companies to foreign buyers: through asceticism and tight- intimate sphere of individuals, to theatre festival was especially The Ljubljana Summer Festival of different new painting tech- new threats of a double-dip re- tor, social assistance and pen- Fructal, a manufacturer of soft ening its belt, a fact which was was responsibly and seriously unambiguous in this respect. In opened with a concert featuring nologies, which requires new cession. Pessimistic economic sions, was the lowered credit drinks from Ajdovščina, was pointed out in the recently posed by the theatre, the first light of the fact that the younger 1 000 participants and director orientations to be found. An- conditions and an increas- rating first of some Slovenian sold to Serbian company Nek- concluded election campaign time this has happened in the population in particular is wak- Tomaž Pandur staged a grandi- other important topic is a com- ingly troubling fiscal situation, banks and, more recently, of tar, while plans are afoot for by almost every politician; long years since Slovenia’s in- ing up, smashing the windows ose premiere of Tolstoy’s War mitted interest in the fate of Ed- particularly the unstoppable Slovenia as a country, which the sale of leading Slovenian there was almost unanimous dependence. This is not a nega- of parliament and camping on and Peace in Zagreb, which will vard Kocbek, which yielded an growth in government borrow- mostly implies more expen- company, Mercator, to the Cro- consensus that Slovenia must tive thing as it indicates that the the square in front of the Stock be one of the most spectacu- excellent work of Andrej Inkret ing, raised numerous warnings sive loans from abroad. But atian company, Agrokor. This board the ‘German and French social crisis has grown into a Market, it would be a surprise lar events of the ECC Maribor far exceeding numerous politi- that Slovenia may face a ‘Greek even without these fiscal as- autumn witnessed especially train’ as soon as possible, a cultural question. The answer is if there is no active response on 2012. Unfortunately, the critics cal attempts of Kocbek’s evalu- scenario’ if it continues in this pects, the state’s inauspicious heated discussions about the suggestion often made by the complex: critics declared Slove- the part of Slovenian artists in were not too enamoured. Un- ation witnessed (again) in recent way and does not immediately economic position was evident urgent need to sell the rest of departing prime minister, nian theatres rather weak from a the years ahead. like these trends, this year’s Lju- years. adopt and implement the nec- from the number of bankrupt- the state assets, which could Borut Pahor. There do not seem essary reforms. A sign of alarm, cies and the increase in the of- slightly alleviate Slovenia’s fis- to be any other adequate alter- Andrej Stare, photo: STA especially after the failure of ficially registered unemploy- cal problems, as well as on the natives. the pension reform and even ment rate, which was further reservations that such a sale SPORT: Outstanding achievements of Slovenian Athlets Jože Osterman, photo: STA Slovenian athletes have once again successfully demonstrated their skills. In almost 40 CULTURE: 2011 as the year of expectations in culture different sports, they have achieved results that rank them among the best in both Europe and around the world. Some superb achievements in winter sports were recorded at the The expectations, of course, concern the most important cultural project - European beginning of 2011. Capital of Culture Maribor 2012 – which will show our organisational capacities and level of sophistication in Maribor and five partner towns. The preparations encountered Upon bidding farewell to her manage to retain their position the next term, our national team career as a professional ski run- among the best teams at the will be coached by a promising many problems and the economic crisis upset investment plans especially, meaning the ner, Petra Majdič won the bronze World Championship in Slo- expert, Slaviša Stojanović. number of new facilities and spaces in Maribor will be much lower than initially planned. medal in sprint at the Oslo vakia. After a sensational 5-2 Among summer sports, an ex- World Championship, and was victory over Latvia, they were cellent achievement and bronze buildings and facilities, mention number one in the special World defeated by the Austrian and medal in hammer throw won must be made of the new Muse- Cup sprint sum total for the third Belarusian teams. Our ‘lynxes’ at the world championship in um of Contemporary Art which time in a row. In the future, the will thus again compete in the Korea by Primož Kozmus, who has opened in the Metelkova queen of the ski-running tracks second quality group (Division returned to the athletic grounds, Street areas under the auspices will assist the next generation of One). Ljubljana will be the host should be emphasised. This is a of the Modern Gallery. These Slovenian female ski runners. of this World Championship highly promising result before interesting attempts at cultural We were also cheered by the tournament running from 15 to the forthcoming London 2012 socialisation in this part of the achievements of ski jumpers. 21 April 2012 in the new Stožice Olympic Games. Tennis player city centre, south of Masarykova At the team competition on the sports hall. Katarina Srebotnik ended the Street, therefore enrichen Lju- famous Holmenkollenbakken In team sports, our basketball season ranking first among dou- bljana with a new cultural quar- ski jumping hill, the Slovenian players eventually took seventh bles, her greatest success be- ter. team, with Kranjec, Prevc, Tepeš place at the European champi- ing the victory on the hallowed Although there were no ground- and Damjan, won the bronze of onship in Lithuania. Some were courts of Wimbledon together breaking achievements this the Nordic World Ski Champi- satisfied, some not. However, with Kveta Paschke of the Czech year, we should not overlook onships in Oslo. Moreover, at the one should consider the fact that Republic. Slovenian film presented at its The unrivalled athletes of the end of the season, they achieved Slovenia played without five festival in Portorož to the extent winter season were Tina Maze outstanding results in ski flying players of the first team squad yet unseen. As many as 17 fea- and Petra Majdič. At the World in Planica, where Robert Kran- who did not take part in the ture length films, 8 medium- Championship in Garmisch- jec took second and the national tournament for health or per- length films, 17 short and ani- Partenkirchen, Maze became team third place. Robert Kran- sonal reasons. mated films as well as 25 student the giant slalom world champi- jec — undoubtedly the leading The volleyball players of the ACH films constitute a body of work on, and she won the silver in the name in our team — also set a Volley Club were excellent again, which may soon bear valuable super combination. After Mate- new ski flying national record slightly less so the national team, Another year of expectation, much longer and the costs were for the last half century. Kolizej fruit. We could say that this year ja Svet, she has now become (232 metres) in Vikersund. The whereas the football players did now passed, was also experi- considerably higher than first thus fell victim to the new times has brought us about five good the second Slovenian skier to best Slovenian ski jumper of all not manage to qualify for the enced by the ensemble of the expected. Two hundred me- and the capital, which will erect and interesting films, but no ex- win the title of women’s world times, Primož Peterka, retired European championship, which Opera and Ballet in Ljubljana, tres away, the old Kolizej was a building with new cultural fa- traordinary achievements. We champion. In the World Cup, she from professional sport, and is will be held in Ukraine and Po- who witnessed the construction pulled down to loud protests cilities in its stead but which had have, however, noticed two new stood on the winners’ podium now coaching the women’s na- land next year. The 1-2 defeat of the new Opera House set- from the public; however, this previously never made an effort directors: Nejc Gazvoda and Mit- seven times, twice as the win- tional team. against Estonia at home was fa- ting new foundations for their well-known cultural monu- to unite the old and the new in ja Okorn, who successfully rein- ner (Trbiž – super combination, Our ice hockey players were tal, and after five years, a new activities. Construction took ment had not been maintained some way. And talking about vented himself in Poland. Lenzerheide – slalom). less successful, as they did not selector was appointed. During

8 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 9 INTERVIEW

Investigation, prosecutors and Vesna Žarkovič Aleš Zalar, Minister of Justice in the departing Government is con- courts, and that the path from Photo: Mateja J. Potočnik vinced that the results of the criminal justice reform will soon charge to judgment is consid- erably shorter now. This is one be seen and that the best prosecutors and judges will handle the gain, the other being that we most demanding cases, which are now foreseen to be concluded succeeded in attracting the most experienced experts within the considerably faster. system to deal with these cases. Namely, we wish to emphasise quality that relates to efficiency. How would you comment on venia is becoming a role model their judicial conclusion yet. Besides, we also added some the fact that our country’s cur- for other EU Member States. In All of these cases are in phase amendments to the Criminal rent situation is being blamed the area of extrajudicial settle- of judicial proceedings that are Procedure Act, increasing pros- entirely on the police, the pros- ment of disputes by the media- very complicated and require a ecutors’ empowerments and in- ecution and judicial bodies, and tion, we are absolutely among certain amount of time. People troducing negotiations between on the statement that it is espe- the top European countries, would prefer that the proceed- the prosecutor and the defen- cially wrong that people have with only the Netherlands and ings be concluded as quickly dant and his/her counsel, allow- no trust in law? perhaps Great Britain that can as possible. They feel that these ing reduced penalty in exchange I see the problem in the fact that be compared to Slovenia. We open cases represent a huge in- for the admission of fault (‘plea people themselves often disre- are implementing the principle justice, which has greatly influ- bargain’). We concentrated the gard the law, which can be seen that, as opposed to being the first enced the loss of trust in the rule criminal procedure consider- particularly in business relations and only possibility, as has been of law. As regards this issue, I am ably and allowed confiscation and in breaching of fundamen- the case until now, the judicial a moderate optimist. We fully of property acquired illegally tal rules of co-existence in so- proceedings should be the last implemented the great reform of even in cases in which it did not ciety. This is where the criminal resort in a dispute settlement. criminal justice. The results will derive directly from a criminal offences occur. People expect In this way, people’s attitude be seen very soon, especially be- offence. We also enabled the es- the judicial system to miracu- towards the judicial system will cause the capacity of the system tablishment of special investiga- lously solve all their problems, improve accordingly, which is has now been enhanced, com- tion groups and adopted a series which, of course, is not possible. also proved by the positive re- bining our best prosecutors and of measures, or ‘criminal justice We would definitely have fewer sponses of people who are in- judges, who will now be able reform’. All these measures will economic disputes if, when en- terviewed after leaving the me- to handle the most demanding show results gradually, while tering business relations, com- diation at the court. They express cases. I am convinced that these their first effects are already vis- pany owners and managers were extreme satisfaction with the proceedings will be concluded ible. I am convinced that we will to more thoroughly consider the proceedings. They are satisfied considerably faster in the future. be able to talk about positive re- risks emanating from contrac- with honesty and qualification sults of the prosecution and the tual relationships. In short, they of the mediators; they are even This government doubtlessly courts soon. should foresee ways of resolv- satisfied in cases in which they committed its mandate to rein- ing disagreements or disputes do not reach an agreement but forcing the rule of law and com- Did prosecuting and judicial occurring in these relationships finally understand the essence bating white-collar and organ- authorities succeed in rejecting instead of forgetting that prob- of their dispute. In the continu- ised crime. How did you, during the common belief that we live lems can occur and leaving their ation of our efforts to reinforce your service as a Minister, react in a country with two separate resolution entirely to the courts. trust in the legal system, these to misconceptions of transition, rules of law? We also have numerous disputes are the changes we gradually large scale white-collar crime, I have said time and again that taking place between individu- try to further enhance. Namely, unrestrained greed and corrup- we have only one rule of law. It als – over a million judicial pro- various ways to achieve justice tion? is not ideal, but all our efforts are ceedings are continuously rotat- exist: mediation, arbitration, In the area of internal affairs and directed toward reinforcing peo- Aleš Zalar: ing in the courts; therefore, our reconciliation and others. justice, we were aware that it is ple’s trust in the rule of law. We Government has enabled our necessary to reinforce the sys- are aware that the relationship courts to develop new manage- Where and why did trust in law tem’s competence and through- of people towards the rule of law We have fully implemented the ment functions. start to decline and how can we put so that the cases represent- and the justice administration is get it back? Is there a possibility ing a serious threat to the state’s built on the performance of our Which functions? to regain trust by reducing the economy are processed quickly criminal justice. It is like this ev- great reform of criminal justice Among others is mediation, i.e., duration of judicial proceed- through procedures and with erywhere; this recognition is old searching for a compromise ings? just decisions. For this purpose, and our government has invest- in all kinds of disputes: family In the past, Slovenia was a coun- the National Bureau of Investi- ed a lot in the functioning of our disputes in which spouses are try strongly regulated by law. gation was established as a spe- criminal justice. As a politician, I separating, labour and indem- After gaining the independence, cial organisational unit within am sorry that I have no time to nity disputes, etc. The media- transition processes were initi- the Police. This was followed by conclude my regular mandate; if tion is directed toward resolving ated, triggering a series of prob- the establishment of four spe- I had it, I would be able to show disputes in a way that the role lems: denationalisation, renewal cialised departments at District concrete results with judicial of parties in disputes is consid- of tenancy relationships, priva- Courts to deal with these cases conclusions, but these results erably more active than in the tisation, etc. Some of these pro- and the establishment of the will come eventually and people past. This is a great change that, cesses still remain incomplete specialised 12th prosecutor’s will then recognise that our rule of course, requires time for so- and the main source of dissatis- office. It is important that the of law is functioning after all. It is ciety to accept it completely, but faction lies in the fact that large, priority matters are uniformly true that by nature, judicial mills the results show that we are on notorious cases in the area of defined for all of the bodies: the grind slowly but nevertheless, a good course; in this area, Slo- white-collar crime haven’t seen Police, the National Bureau of they work confidently. The slow

10 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 11 INTERVIEW speed is due to the fact that the preparation of amendments took had been as little intervention have been engaged so far, but three branches of power more of the future National Assem- judges have to make decisions a long time. It was an example of into the normative framework in the near future, their num- easily. You find yourself in situ- blies would adopt the document, with their eyes closed in order to how the state should approach as possible and if we had had ber will be increased to 21. Be- ations in which you wish that reinstate the Constitution revi- make unbiased judgments. They larger, systemic interventions in a firm legal framework and a sides, we have also enabled, by some things would improve in sion procedure and enable the have to take time to consider law in cases in which extremely stable judicial practice. If the lat- amending the Criminal Proce- the judiciary but you must not Constitutional Court to deal only whether a person has committed sensitive criminal, material law ter is not stable and if decisions dure Act, prosecutors to form act because you would cross with essential constitutional a crime, whether one is obliged is involved. Namely, the proce- are not uniform, no one can be multidisciplinary research the boundaries of your empow- law issues. Until this happens, I to pay indemnity, etc. It is in the dure reflects fundamental values certain of what awaits him/her groups in which experts from erment and interfere with the doubt that the interest of candi- nature of judicial proceedings that are deemed so important by in the end, which results in an other areas are included. By that, independent judicial author- dates for the office of Constitu- that this weighing is carried out the society that it also wishes to inflation of judicial proceedings we have enabled prosecutors to ity. Sometimes the limitation in tional Court Judge will increase. within reasonable time. I am protect them with mechanisms because attorneys also cannot decide, themselves, on what ad- operation and action is a painful satisfied that the length of pro- of coercion in relation to indi- tell their clients what to expect ditional knowledge they need realisation. At the presentation of the mis- ceedings in Slovenian courts is viduals. We have to be extremely with any certainty. and whom to include in the in- cellany Constitutional Reform being reduced – currently, the careful in weighing how far the vestigation and prosecution of What are the reasons for the of the Constitutional Justice, average length is less than six state should go without exces- Is it possible to assume that the a criminal offence. In this way, decreasing interest of candi- you said that amendments to months. Problems in the EU are sively interfering with an in- functioning of the coercive ap- we have made the system very dates for the position of Consti- the Constitution in the direc- very similar to our problems; the dividual’s freedom and which paratus of the state alone will flexible and considerably more tutional Court Judge? One of the tion of modified competences entire EU feels the impact of the values we should protect more create people’s awareness of responsive. I am convinced that reasons why legal experts are of the Constitutional Court did economic crisis through their – such as children’s rights or what responsible action means? the results will soon be evident. deterred from the candidature not take place, but the project judicial proceedings, which can copyright, etc. I am proud that Responsible behaviour needs to includes the excessive com- retains hope that in the future, be felt not only in the increased we have succeeded in adopt- be reinforced at all levels, start- There also seems to be a great petences of the Constitutional Slovenia will find a way to rein- number of bankruptcies and ing changes in such a way. The ing in educational programmes need for politics to be taken out Court, which is the reason they force the role and the position of economic disputes, but also in dissolved National Assembly where a lot of unused potential of the judicial administration; have to deal with trivial cases. the Constitutional Court. What the increase of violence. People has reassembled; in this way, it exists. Responsibility has to be namely, it is extremely inappro- These reasons were blatantly are the core and the contents of react to the crisis inappropriately made the decision about the Pe- established and enforced in the priate that judges are still elect- revealed when one of the re- the miscellany? and more and more people seek nal Code twice over, i.e. before management of companies in ed by the National Assembly, nowned constitutional law ex- Two things are crucial; namely, state assistance in the form of and after it disassembled. Dur- which the fundamental princi- although we do have a Judicial perts, Constitutional Court Judge how the entire procedure was free legal aid, which the state is ing the second round of voting, ple of benefit for all, not only the Council, which is “substantially Franci Grad, PhD, resigned. In carried out – it was inclusive, obliged to provide to those who it supported the Code with an managers but also the employ- less politically infested”. his resignation statement, he open; it was carried out at sever- cannot afford an attorney. These even greater majority. The future ees, will not be neglected. While The greatest interference of poli- pointed out that he no longer al levels, from working groups to trends are being recorded in all Governments should take this ethical dimension is still not tics with the judicial administra- by their presidents. If this hap- their mandates at the proposal of wished to perform this func- consultation sessions, the Con- countries. Certain differences procedure as an example. fully established, it will be hard tion was related to the appoint- pens, a president’s mandate is the Judicial Council. This, how- tion because the Constitutional stitutional Commission and the exist related to the tradition and to assume that we will all behave ment of presidents of courts. terminated. By that, we tried to ever, is certainly not the main Court was not sufficiently deal- expert group. It was conducted level of developed legal culture Do you think constant changes as the most responsible citizens. During the mandates of previous balance greater independence of problem of the judicial adminis- ing with important constitu- in a way that I hope will eventu- in a certain society, but, in this of legislation are good? Should Every human must respect the Governments, we had quite a presidents of courts with their tration at this moment. tional law issues or the issues ally become the norm for every field, Slovenia does not deviate the Government and the Parlia- code of personal ethics. If we few scandals in relation to this, responsibility for the results of fundamental importance for intervention in the Constitu- from the European average. ment be more thoughtful and build on it, there are substantial- so as a new Minister, I set myself they create. A lawyer is also supposed to the protection of human rights. tion, which should be amended reserved in amending legisla- ly fewer possibilities that a crim- a priority task to relieve myself create clear boundaries in his/ We took this warning seriously only in truly urgent cases. This What about the new Penal tion? inal offence will occur, including of the competence of appoint- Does it ever happen that the Na- her conscience, defining the and immediately started with is why a lot of time is required Code, potential amendments to No, not all changes in legisla- those unpleasantly surprising ing presidents of courts, which I tional Assembly elects a judge point to which his/her engage- the preparation of constitutional to consider every amendment, the Constitution and new le- tion are good, of course. In this us, such as corruption. In this have also carried out in practice. candidate for political reasons? ment means professional work amendments that would rein- no matter how small. The other gal solutions? Reproaches have mandate there were a few quick area, Slovenia has not used all The National Assembly adopted Honestly, it has to be admit- and from which he/she is acting force the competences of the positive experience from this been heard that the Penal Code interventions in our regula- its available resources. We have this amendment, thus in Slove- ted that in last 10 years I don’t politically. It is probably a chal- Constitutional Court. The pro- process has a substantial nature. was adopted hurriedly and tions because we had to re- professions in the area of jus- nia the presidents of courts are remember a case in which the lenge for every individual. cess lasted three years. It was We came to a solution that made without due consideration, but spond promptly to unexpected tice that have highly developed no longer appointed by the poli- National Assembly, for political Yes, this is true for the lawyers well-structured, and all consti- use of the positive selection it nevertheless brings positive circumstances that nobody codes of professional ethics, ticians, but by the Judicial Coun- reasons, rejected election of a working in politics and far less tutional law and other law ex- principle in having the Constitu- and much-needed solutions. had foreseen, e.g. bankruptcies such as judges. The problem oc- cil, which is an independent judge candidate proposed by the for others, although we all are perts available in Slovenia were tional Court deal with important The reproach that it was adopted due to economic crisis, which curs when a professional group body. It is composed of 11 mem- Judicial Council. A constitutional political beings. We vote in elec- included. If we had had a higher constitutional issues and issues hastily should be addressed to brought along many problems, does not deal with the breach bers – six judges and five non- custom has been established tions, we take political posi- level of trust in the current po- related to interfering with hu- the previous Government, not from non-payment of insurance of ethics or code of conduct in law experts; it is a non-political that the National Assembly must tions, we have our world view. litical authority at the end of the man rights with negative conse- ours. The previous Government contributions to having a rigid accordance with the strictest body that assesses the fulfilment strictly follow the Judicial Coun- The boundary between law and procedure, these constitutional quences. really carried out the legal pro- system for saving healthy cores criteria. In the absence of such of criteria for appointment or cil’s decision. However, such politics can sometimes be much amendments would have been cedure in relation to the new Pe- of companies. It was very diffi- practice, a black sheep is left in dismissal of presidents of courts an arrangement is not optimal more challenging for lawyers adopted. Unfortunately, all the New Government is coming. In nal Code overnight. The current cult to bring fresh capital into a a system, stigmatising the whole exclusively on the basis of ob- in case of appointing Supreme working in politics. I am a law- debates revolved around early case you leave your current po- Government, however, has been firm that had been declared in- system; therefore, a determined jective criteria. I consider taking Court Judges, since they have yer and at the same time a poli- elections, when the constitu- sition, do you know where you correcting and amending the solvent. It showed that we have a response is urgent in such cases. politics out of the judiciary to to go back to the National As- tician, my personal experience tional amendments came to the might go? Code for three years. Therefore, few weak points in holding those be one of my greater achieve- sembly for the approval of their is interesting because I have desks of the National Assembly I don’t know yet. At the moment we talk about two entirely dif- who bring a company to the How did you improve the lack ments. Presidents of courts have mandate if they wish to become been a judge and a president of Deputies and when the Consti- I am only just starting to think ferent approaches - ours is open: brink of bankruptcy responsible. of prosecution personnel? important empowerments, not Supreme Court Judges. Here, the court for a long time, so I know tutional Commission supported about what I might do; there will legal experts from legal theory We had to react quickly, and that We have already improved this only with regard to the manage- risk of the National Assembly where the boundaries are in re- (not with a two-third major- be quite a few possibilities, and as well as judicial practice were forced us to amend the same with the State Prosecutor Act, ment of courts, but also in guid- succumbing to political temp- lation to judicial administration ity) constitutional amendments. my past professional career en- included in it, the work was car- act several times. As a Minister, which establishes the new, 12th ing and supervising judges. We tation is considerably higher, that should not be crossed by Therefore, the political moment ables me a successful path that I ried out in wide working groups I did not want this to happen, specialised State Prosecutor’s have also introduced the direct but, so far, it has not happened; politics. I was careful not to do was highly inappropriate, which hope will present me with pro- and the wider public was invited but the situation made us do it Office for dealing with the most professional responsibility of therefore, it would make sense it. I benefitted greatly from the was why we were short of votes. fessional challenges. I have al- to participate in the consider- and when you hurry, you make demanding cases, for prosecu- presidents of courts in cases in to correct the procedure so that experience, since it is in this way As a result of the whole process, ways engaged in things I found ation and discussing of solutions. mistakes, of course. In principle, tion of white-collar crime and which courts fail to achieve the the President of the Republic that I am able to discern sensi- we recently issued a special mis- pleasurable and I wish to con- As a result, the procedure of the it would have been ideal if there corruption. Seven prosecutors management results defined would be the one to give judges tive relationships between the cellany, hoping that perhaps one tinue to do so in the future.

12 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 13 ENERGY RICH SLOVENIANS

Vesna Bertoncelj Popit, Delo, photo: STA Solar plants The wealthiest are Sandi Češko and Igor Lah Business Energy efficiency in Slovenia In the past the Government managerial buyouts, and are has increased considerably re- supported both gas and solar unable to service their debts. cently. In the past two years, plants, while subventions will Sandi Češko, owner and CEO of FOREIGN INVESTMENT 800 plants were built, most be mostly earmarked for so- Studio Moderna, is at the top of of which were solar plants. In lar plants in the future. How- the list; this company has been Slovenia’s most important foreign investors are Austria, Germany and Italy 2010, the combined capacity ever, some experts consider steadily increasing its sales over panies – not only in the con- However, foreign investment is of these plants was 25 mega- that the number of solar plants recent years. Češko’s fortune is struction sector – serious dif- a necessity, as domestic capi- watts, and has since tripled to has been growing rapidly, and estimated at EUR 205 million. ficulties and even bankruptcy. tal has been wasted on loans to reach 80 megawatts this year. should be slowed. The following are among the On the other hand, one of the the nouveaux riches. Svetličič wealthiest people in Slovenia: Slovenian credit rating agen- also commented on Slovenia’s Igor Lah, the owner of Ampe- cies has recently published an tenth place in the Economic lus Holding, Kalantia Limited, assessment that foreign invest- Complexity Index. He believes Aluber and other companies, ment in Slovenia is much more that this high ranking is due, is ranked second; Albin and risky than domestic investment. in particular, to the efforts of Tatjana Dobršek of Engineer- Sandi Češko, owner and CEO of Studio Zoran Stomatovski of the Public the car parts industrial sector, Moderna ing Dobršek are ranked third; Agency of the Republic of Slo- an example of which would be Mirko Tuš, who took first place venia for Entrepreneurship and Revoz, and the pharmaceuti- The Slovenian magazine, Man- last year, is ranked fourth; and Foreign Investments (JAPTI) cal sector, an example of which ager, has listed the wealthiest Samo and Iza Login, the owners disagrees and assures that for- would be Lek. people in Slovenia for 2011. As of Outfit 7 and whose fortune is eign capital is less expensive for An opportunity for the devel- a result of the crisis, this year’s estimated at EUR 78 million are new technologies and new jobs, opment and inflow of foreign list reveals major changes, as ranked fifth. The wealthiest one Dr Marjan Svetličič of the Faculty of Social Sciences since, in his words ‘a foreigner capital is represented by the some people who have tradi- hundred Slovenians have a total Interest in foreign investments Slovenia is said to be unattract- brings in the money and as- large industrial zones that have tionally been ranked at the top fortune of over EUR 2.5 billion, in our country is growing de- ive for foreign investors. Land, sumes all the risk’. This is even already been established in SELF-SUFFICIENCY have seen their property dimin- which is high for Slovenia, but spite the crisis, and is now more in particular, is considered too more important if we consider numerous municipalities and ished, particularly those who not particularly high in compar- intense than in recent years. The expensive, and there is the that, in Slovenia, a workplace several others that are current- Enough milk and apples for home are heavily in debt because of ison with the world’s wealthiest. companies most interested hail feeling that Slovenians gener- costs around EUR 50 000, a ly under construction. Some from Italy and Austria, which is ally do not approve of foreign consumption EDUCATION sum which is beyond the reach industrial zones have already the largest foreign investor in Slo- capital. This sentiment has been of several smaller businesses in reached the limit of their capac- Slovenia grows and produces etables account for only 38 per venia. Important foreign inves- strengthened further because the current economic climate. ity, such as the Šenčur zone in too little food and, as a result, cent of total consumption. On Awards for best trainers and employers tors also come from the south of of some notorious manage- ‘Slovenians are biased towards Gorenjska and the Tezno zone has to import it. For instance, the other hand, local producers In cooperation with the Sofos At the recent Employment Fair Germany and from France. How- rial buyouts where the owners foreign investment because of in Štajerska, whereas in other it needs to import 40 per cent meet and even exceed local de- Institute, Planet GV selected and in Ljubljana, the award for best ever, there is a lack of interest in under crisis conditions were the small size of our country,’ zones there is still enough room of its cereal as local produc- mand for milk and apples. presented awards to those com- employer was conferred, for the Russia, Scandinavian countries unable to service their debts, explained Dr Marjan Svetličič of for both domestic and foreign tion covers less than half of the Nevertheless, husbandry con- panies which have been doing third time in succession, to the and the United Kingdom. which brought some large com- the Faculty of Social Sciences. investors. wheat required, a little over 60 tinues to be Slovenia’s most the most in adult education in pharmaceutical company, Krka. per cent of its potatoes, 84 per important agricultural sector. the most systematic way. Awards Krka scored best in the research cent of it meat, but only 50 per Last year, 520 tonnes of milk UNEMPLOYMENT were received by the following conducted by the employment cent of its pork; only 75 per cent were purchased, more than 300 companies: the banks, NLB and web portal, Moje-delo.com. This of its honey is produced by lo- tonnes were exported and 230 Unicredit; the auditors, Ernst year, the fair brought together 61 Young graduates also facing long-term cal bees, and home grown veg- tonnes imported. & Young; the manufacturer of exhibitors and attracted over 12 paints and coatings, Helios; Iskra 000 visitors. The employment unemployment ECONOMIC GROWTH Mr Ivan Svetlik, the Slovenian Employment opportunities re- Mehanizmi; the pharmaceuti- fair, which is already in its ninth cal companies, Krka and Lek, year, also organised conferences minister of labour, estimates main weak, and should the cri- At the brink of a new recession that, by the end of 2011, the sis deepen, companies will tend the accountant firm, Unija; the on employment opportunities number of unemployed in Slo- to be even more prudent in their After five quarters of 2 per cent growth during this period – was insurers, Zavarovalnica Triglav; in the European Union and lec- venia will be between 111 000 employment plans. Among the economic growth, the third unable to surmount them. and Zavod za zdravstveno zava- tures delivered by the best em- and 112 000. Unemployment sectors that have been hardest quarter of this year witnessed For Slovenia, the OECD predicts a rovanje (the Health Insurance ployers on their experiences. has been rising due to certain hit during the last period is the Slovenian GDP falling by half a 1 per cent increase in GDP growth Institute of Slovenia). per cent. The economic forecasts for 2011, and only 0.3 per cent for larger companies facing bank- construction sector, which has ECOLOGY ruptcy, mostly in the construc- been shrinking by 25 per cent made until the end of the year 2012. A slightly higher growth tion sector. According to Svetlik, quarter-on-quarter. are not optimistic, and Slovenia in GDP is forecast for 2013. This Slovenia will be able to avoid However, the increasing num- faces a new period of recession, slow down in GDP growth will More and more waste the worst-case crisis scenario ber of young people who en- on top of the current downturn always, according to the OECD, In terms of the annual amount per person in comparison with and prevent a major increase in counter difficulties in finding from which the country has not be accompanied by a moderate of waste generated, with 450 the EU average, which is 200 unemployment. However, there work remains a point of major yet recovered. These negative rise in inflation, whereas the fis- kg per person Slovenia is be- kg per person. Each year the is no consensus on estimates as concern; this is partly due to economic trends are mostly due cal deficit in 2013 is expected to low the EU average of 520 kg amount of dangerous waste to the possible increase in the the discrepancy between what to modest domestic demand and be close to the Maastricht criteria per person. However, Slovenia generated increases – from number of unemployed over the these young people have stud- limited investment in fixed as- of 3 per cent of GDP. EU forecasts is well above average in terms 863 tonnes of dangerous waste coming years, as there are signs ied and what is needed by the sets, while the export sector – the for Slovenia are, unfortunately, of waste collected per person; generated in 2002 to over 3 500 of a new crisis on the horizon. economy. Dr Ivan Svetlik, Labour minister only sector fuelling economic much less optimistic. in Slovenia 350 kg are collected tonnes in 2009.

14 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 15 BEFORE AND AFTER

Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia, photo: Borut Peršolja and court archives On 23 December 1991, the As- the organisation of the state, of the Convention for the Pro- lic of Slovenia and that the le- sembly of the Republic of Slo- economic and social relations, tection of Human Rights and gal system is just and modern, venia adopted the Constitution public finance, constitutional- Fundamental Freedoms that which is of paramount impor- of the Republic of Slovenia, its ity and legality, and the proce- followed, and the accession to tance for further economic, The constitutional court first constitution as an inde- dure for amending the Consti- the European Union in 2004 all scientific, social and cultural pendent and democratic state. tution. affirmed Slovenia’s commit- development. As the country’s primary le- ment to comply with modern gal document, the Constitu- 23 DECEMBER – European legal principles and WHAT IS THE POSITION OF THE and constitutionality day tion stipulates the founda- CONSTITUTIONALITY DAY to guarantee the protection of SLOVENIAN CONSTITUTIONAL tions of state authority and the Each year, the Constitutional human dignity. COURT? position of individuals in the Court celebrates Constitution- Since the establishment of the In order to be able to perform The 20th anniversary of Slovenia’s primary Republic of Slovenia. It guar- ality Day on 23 December to Constitutional Court, its work its duties, the Constitutional antees a democratic political commemorate the day when has been marked by efforts to Court must have an appropri- legal document system with a parliamentary the Constitution of the Repub- establish the rule of law and ate position within the organi- form of state authority, a state lic of Slovenia was adopted and to ensure that all authorities sation of state authority. What governed by the rule of law, declared. This year, the Consti- comply with the constitutional is the position of the Slovenian and a social state based on re- tution celebrates its twentieth order. The Constitution ac- Constitutional Court? It is to ‘This year, constitutional democracy in the Republic of Slovenia celebrates its 20th spect for human dignity. Some anniversary. quires its significance through some degree determined by anniversary. […] In compliance with the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia, all state of the more important con- The Constitutional Court, how- the decisions of the Constitu- the Constitution, which lays stitutional principles are the ever, was not established in tional Court and has a direct down its composition and all authorities are obliged to protect the values of the rule of law and strive towards this goal. The sovereignty of the people, the 1991. Its history dates back to influence on the actions of the its most important powers, role of the Constitutional Court is of vital importance in this respect. As the highest judicial separation of powers, the right the time of the former Socialist holders of legislative, executive underlining its particular im- body for the protection of constitutionality, human rights and fundamental freedoms, the to self-determination, the pro- Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and judicial powers, directing portance by including the pro- tection of human rights and in which it has functioned as them towards the protection of visions on the Constitutional court is the pillar of the rule of law. With its strong powers and independent standing, it can the special rights of the Italian the constitutional court of the fundamental legal values and Court in a separate, eighth significantly contribute to respect for human dignity and other foundations of the law.’ and Hungarian national mi- Socialist Republic of Slovenia the values of civilisation, and chapter rather than the chapter norities, the separation of the since 1963. Yet it was the very constraining them when they on the organisation of the state. These were the words spoken at the beginning of 2011 by the President of state and religious communi- Constitution of the Republic of exceed the limits of what is This in itself reflects the fact the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Ernest Petrič, at the ties, and the guarantee of local Slovenia that has strengthened constitutionally allowed. This that the court is independent self-government. Furthermore, its powers and position. Slove- consolidation of the rule of law of all other state authorities in launch of the Constitutional Court Annual Report for 2010. the Constitution also regulates nia’s accession to the Council of strengthens citizens’ trust in its work. The Constitutional the protection of human rights, Europe in 1993, the ratification the institutions of the Repub- Court Act, on the other hand,

The constitutional court is composed of nine judges, each of whom is elected on the proposal of the President of the Republic by the National Assembly for a nine- year term.

16 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 17 BEFORE AND AFTER is more specific and detailed; decisions with inter partes ef- lay the foundations of our local and ethnically sensitive issues. with the Constitution during its stitutional complaints arising OVER 19700 CONSTITUTIONAL the status of ‘the erased’ may Article 1 of the Act stipulates ficacy), or everyone, includ- self-government and estab- The President of the Constitu- ratification process. Under cer- from violations of the human COMPLAINTS AND give rise to unconstitutional that the court is the highest ju- ing the legislator (for decisions lished standards for assessing tional Court is elected by the tain conditions, it also reviews rights or fundamental free- 6300 CONSTITUTIONAL consequences. The court came dicial body for the protection with erga omnes efficacy) have the restriction of the freedom judges from among themselves the conformity of implement- doms of natural or legal per- REQUIREMENTS AND to similar conclusions on the of constitutionality, legality, an obligation and responsi- of expression, the right to own- for a three-year term. The first ing regulations with the Con- sons because of acts commit- INITIATIVES content of the request to call human rights, and fundamen- bility to comply with them. It ership, and the rights of per- President of the Constitutional stitution and laws. ted by holders of power. This Many of the applications lodged a local referendum on the or- tal freedoms, and highlights its is also important that regular sons in criminal proceedings. Court was Dr Peter Jambrek (25 is a legal remedy primarily in- with the Constitutional Court dinance regulating the spatial position as an independent and courts respect the positions By consistently and decisively April 1991–24 April 1994). The JURISDICTIONAL DISPUTES tended for violations of human demonstrate that the court, as planning of the Municipality autonomous state authority. of the Constitutional Court in advancing the most important current President of the Con- The Constitutional Court also rights or fundamental free- the guardian of the Constitu- of Ljubljana since the decision The Constitutional Court is the their case-law as this is the constitutional principles, the stitutional Court is Dr Ernest decides on jurisdictional dis- doms and cannot be used sole- tion and constitutional human that would be taken in the case guardian of the Constitution only way to ensure the primary Constitutional Court will go Petrič, who took office in- No putes (e.g. between the high- ly to act on the misapplication rights and fundamental free- in question could encroach on and, on the basis of its powers role of constitutional princi- down in Slovenian legal cul- vember 2010. est state authorities), the im- of substantive or procedural doms, is an important institu- the right of the Islamic com- and responsibilities, interprets ples, human rights and funda- ture as one of the key factors The Constitutional Court has peachment of the President law or incorrectly established tion, which, in its twenty years munity to construct a religious constitutional provisions. In so mental freedoms. The level of determining the development a broad range of powers, most of the Republic, the Prime facts in court proceedings. A of work, has earned the trust building where it is gener- doing, it defines the limits of compliance with the decisions and implementation of the rule of which are expressly stated Minister, and other ministers, constitutional complaint may, and respect of citizens and ally acceptable and customary what is acceptable conduct for of the Constitutional Court re- of law. in the Constitution, which, the unconstitutionality of the as a rule, be lodged only against others seeking legal protection. to profess Islamic beliefs and the holders of power, and pro- flects how well-developed and however, allows for additional documents and activities of a court decision after all the le- In the twenty years since the perform religious ceremonies. tects individuals from the ar- sound a society’s culture is, or, THE COURT IS COMPOSED OF powers to be determined by political parties, the consti- gal remedies in the Republic of adoption of the Constitution, On the other hand, the court bitrariness of authorities, and in other words, the Constitu- NINE JUDGES law. tutionality of a request to call Slovenia (regular and extraor- the Constitutional Court has has established that the refer- from violations of their consti- tional Court, of course, cannot Each of them is elected on the The fundamental powers of the a referendum, disputes con- dinary) provided to the party adjudicated on over 19 700 con- endum on the proposed law on tutional rights resulting from have the first or only say in in- proposal of the President of the Constitutional Court are relat- cerning the confirmation of by law have been exhausted. stitutional complaints and over pension and disability insur- the conduct of state authori- terpreting the Constitution, but Republic by the National As- ed to the protection of consti- deputies’ terms of office and A constitutional complaint 6 300 constitutional require- ance will not result in uncon- ties, local self-government au- it should have the final word. sembly for a nine-year term. tutionality and to taking action other similar disputes, the aim may exceptionally be lodged ments and initiatives. Among stitutional consequences. thorities and other bearers of The decisions of the Consti- The judges are elected from if any branch of authority – of which is to protect the con- before all the extraordinary other things, it reviewed cer- To mark the twentieth an- public authority. Considering tutional Court contribute to a among legal experts, and an legislative, executive or judicial stitutional arrangement with legal remedies have been ex- tain international legal docu- niversary of the Constitution the above, the decisions of the uniform application of the law, additional condition for elec- – exercises its powers in con- regard to the mutual relations hausted if two conditions are ments that were crucial to Slo- – one of the most important Constitutional Court must be the highest possible level of tion is a minimum age of 40 travention of the Constitution. between the various holders of met: 1) the alleged violation is venia. The Europe Agreement milestones in Slovenia’s his- binding as this is the only way legal certainty, and the protec- years. By imposing this limit, The Constitutional Court there- power within the democratic manifestly obvious; and 2) ir- establishing an association tory, the Constitutional Court, the court can perform its du- tion of human rights and fun- the country seeks to attract fore decides on the conformity system. reparable consequences for the between the European Com- in cooperation with the Fac- ties. Due to its importance, this damental freedoms. With its experienced lawyers to join of laws and other regulations One of the more important complainant would result from munities and the Republic of ulty of Law of the University principle is also highlighted in decisions, the Constitutional its rank of judges. They must, with the Constitution, ratified powers of the Constitutional the implementation of the in- Slovenia, the Agreement be- of Ljubljana, held an interna- Article 1 of the Constitutional Court has defined in more de- of course, also demonstrate a treaties and the general prin- Court is also deciding on con- dividual act. tween the Republic of Slovenia tional conference on 21 and Court Act. tail the concept of the rule of broadness of spirit and person- ciples of international law. The and the Holy See on legal issues 22 December 2011. The event The parties to whom the court’s law and a social state, and the al integrity to assist them when Constitutional Court decides (better known as the Vatican brought together many do- decisions are addressed (for principle of equality, helped adjudicating on important legal on the conformity of a treaty Agreement), and the Arbitra- mestic and foreign experts in tion Agreement between the constitutional law, including Government of the Republic the authors of the Constitution, of Slovenia and the Govern- who discussed modern Slove- ment of the Republic of Croatia nian constitutionalism from should be highlighted in this the perspective of the original regard. Requests to review the conceptual, legal and theoreti- constitutionality of requests cal application of the Constitu- to call a referendum are also tion, and its interpretation. This an important indicator of trust year, the Constitutional Court in the Constitutional Court at celebrated Constitutionality both the local and national lev- Day in a ceremonial but work- els. In this context, the Consti- ing atmosphere, providing an tutional Court has established, overview of the most impor- for example, that the content tant views on this subject in of the request to call a prelimi- theory and practice and outlin- nary legislative referendum on ing unresolved issues and the the proposed law regulating challenges that lie ahead.

An exhibition on the Slovenian Constitution opened at the National Assembly to mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of Slovenia’s fundamental document. The exhibition, which is set up in two parts, highlights the main events in the drawing-up process, displays all the editions of the document since 1991, including those in Italian and Hungarian, the languages of national minorities in Slovenia. The Constitutional Court.

18 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 19 Photo: STA Photo: STA

Andrew Page, HM Ambassador Iztok Jarc, Slovenia’s Ambassador to United Kingdom

Is Britain now out in the cold in Europe? Letter from London That’s not how it feels to me in Slovenia.

“Europe leaves Britain” was my favourite UK newspaper headline this regulatory action to sort out our banking system. But such a safeguard was We live in a time of great pressure, where routine performance of tasks for a comprehensive presentation of sports, the economy, culture and month. Sometimes I envy the journalists their editorial freedom. It’s deemed “unacceptable”. does not suffice. This is also true of Slovenian diplomacy, which,- be tourism. The Slovenian House in London should itself be a reflection a rare pleasure for a diplomat to shed the shackles of instructions from So is there a risk that policies will be made by the Eurozone that will harm sides carrying out its usual duties, is paying special attention to eco- of Slovenian construction engineering and design skills and Slovenian capitals, take time out and write an op-ed piece reflecting on fast-moving British interests? Our Government’s view is that the institutions of the EU nomic diplomacy, the promotion of Slovenian tourism, the mainte- creativeness. events around the globe. (Commission, ECJ etc) belong to the 27, to do things set out in the treaties nance of contacts with emigrants and environmental diplomacy. And We believe that the Slovenian Olympic House can become a ‘real My good friend US Ambassador Joe Mussomeli set the bar high last month that all 27 are signed up to – which cover extending the Single Market, what news on these topics can we communicate from London? home’ for our economic achievements, culture, tourist offer, and of with an admirably honest critique, urging Slovenia to open up its economy including financial services – and that this will provide protection for THE ECONOMY course cuisine and wine. more to foreign investment. This month, I’m the lucky one: a European Britain. During the current crisis, which has spared neither the UK nor Slove- During the Olympic Games, the Slovenian Embassy will also be re- Summit where Britain’s PM refuses agreement at 27, a break-through David Cameron’s decision cannot be analysed in isolation from the politics nia, it is all the more important that the current bilateral trade data still sponsible for a series of other tasks, including those particularly focus- in Durban paving the way to a global agreement on climate change, the in Britain. Any Prime Minister will seek to act in the national interest, but demonstrate dynamic economic relations between the two countries. ing on providing assistance to Slovenian nationals. biggest demonstrations in Russia for 20 years, and most important of all – as a politician will also be mindful of what is deliverable back at home. for me, if not for the world – elections in Slovenia resulting in a remarkable The closest parallel in Slovenia, in terms of strength of feeling among Compared to 2009, Slovenian exports, imports and the overall trade in For quite some time, we have also had a desire to effectively integrate victory (from 0% to 28% in six weeks) for a newcomer to the national Parliament and people, is the dispute over the Piran Bay, touching on goods increased by 19% in 2010, and these trends have continued to be the ‘European Capital of Culture – Maribor 2012’ programmes into the stage. A momentous month – just as good a time to be a diplomat as a visceral sensitivities for the nation. Many commentators have pointed out similarly favourable this year. We can only hope that such solid per- Cultural Olympiads that will take place next year as an additional pro- journalist in lovely Ljubljana. that amendment of the Treaty at 27 would have had to be presented to formance by the companies involved will also be recorded next year. gramme of the Olympic Games. In this context, we can count on coop- Let me start with Europe, where we British diplomats have some explaining the House of Commons, where Eurosceptics’ demand for a referendum on British investments in Slovenia have also increased: at the end of 2010, eration between the twinned towns of Greenwich and Maribor. to do to gain understanding at least, if not sympathy, for our Government’s Britain’s membership of the EU could have become unstoppable. they amounted to over €314 million, which represents an almost 150% TOURISM approach. Why did David Cameron block agreement at 27 to amending Despite our stance in the EU, as an Ambassador of an EU Member State increase on the previous year. The British are important and traditional guests in Slovenia. The Slove- the EU Treaty to strengthen the Eurozone? in Ljubljana I feel in no way isolated – on the contrary, contacts with Regarding the EU economic policies, Slovenia and the UK often have nian Tourist Board has acknowledged this fact by opening a bureau in There have always been different groups within Europe. Britain is a pivotal Ministers, officials, businesses, journalists, NGOs, academics and students identical views when competitiveness and economic growth are at is- London in 2010, operating under the auspices of the Embassy. member of NATO (we led with France over Libya), and is at the heart of on topics integral to the EU continue to be my meat and drink. I don’t sue. They closely cooperate within the group of countries with simi- Next year, we may expect an increase in travel in both directions. These the EU’s Single Market – indeed we are often the ones driving hardest expect that to change. Nor do I expect EU-related work to reduce – lar views to try to give fresh impetus to a series of initiatives intended expectations, however, much depend on the quality of airline connec- for protecting and completing the Single Market in energy and services, quite the reverse. The EU will remain central to the way Britain pursues to boost economic growth in the EU. These range from a single digital tions that, in our view, are presently insufficient. including financial services. We benefit greatly from it (50% of our trade its foreign policy and security interests. With EU partners we will take market to the elimination of the remaining obstacles to a single ser- Culture, the Media, Emigrants and Environment-Friendly Diplomacy is with the EU), and have consistently argued for bold structural reforms a robust stance with Iran over its nuclear ambitions (and exact a price vices market. Recently, the Slovenian Embassy has organised or co-organised a and a comprehensive growth plan for a more dynamic, outward-looking for the outrageous attack on our compounds in violation of the Vienna Slovenia and the UK have, of course, very different starting points (the number of targeted events. Europe. But we are not in Schengen, and we are not in the Euro. Nor will Convention); strengthen partnerships between the EU and countries on UK is not member of the euro area) regarding the most topical issue, We are paying special attention to the presentation of Slovenian art- we join the Euro – certainly not under this Government. Moreover, we its periphery (including Croatia); use EU assistance, conditionality and have legislated this year to guarantee that we will not give up powers (on trade measures to promote reforms in the Arab world; build prosperity via i.e. the resolution of the euro area-related problems. However, on one ists, guests at the apartment in London that the Slovenian Ministry of anything that involves Parliament or Government) without asking the strategic relationships between the EU and the BRICS; enhance Europe’s point they fully agree: a rapid and systemic resolution of these prob- Culture rented for this purpose. Guest artists recently performing in British people first in a referendum. This brings us to the crux – sovereignty. energy security; work with Slovenia and other progressive countries to lems is in the direct interest of all European economies. London have included Almira Sadar, Jani Virk, Urška Vidic, Lidija Dim- The Eurozone agreed this month to create a new “fiscal compact”, with ensure that the EU goes on giving a lead on climate change, as in Durban; Together with other stakeholders, the Slovenian Embassy makes ev- kovska and Maja Malus. During the last few months, round tables and stronger co-ordination of economic policy, obligations for Member in short, enable a strong EU to act as a magnet and an example to others, ery effort to consolidate the image of a creative and dynamic Slovenian presentations were also attended by Drago Jan?ar, Iztok Osojnik and States to enshrine a 3% budget deficit ceiling into national constitutions and to develop a rule-based international order that can deal with global economy among the British, an economy which through its achieve- many other men and women of letters. verified by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), and automatic sanctions threats, including terrorism, crime, corruption and cyber-security. ments and supply can be an interesting partner for entrepreneurs and Moreover, in the previous year, we organised two exhibitions by the for violating this. This move to a fiscal union involves surrendering of Looking ahead to 2012, I predict that Slovenian politics will be spiced up by investors. In so doing, we closely cooperate with a group of young and world-renowned Slovenian painter Zoran Muši? and a painter of the sovereignty of a kind that is unimaginable in Britain. We have our own the amazing shift in the political kaleidoscope. The new Government will highly successful Slovenians seeking their professional challenges in younger generation, Anže Gallus Petelin, and a photographic exhibi- currency, our own interest rates and our own economic policy – and face big economic challenges, not least the new fiscal strait-jacket imposed the UK. Their experience, contacts and advice are extremely useful. tion by Matjaž Tan?i?. During the same period, we also organised a very prefer it that way. We had our own emergency budget in summer 2010 on by the Eurozone agreement. The existential threat to the Eurozone may This has, for example, been demonstrated by the exhibition of contem- successful concert featuring Zoran Predin and supported the appear- our own terms – not in summer 2011 on the financial markets’ terms. The not go away for quite a few months, but I fully expect the Euro to survive. porary Slovenian design entitled Silent Resolution, which received a ance of the opera singer Sabina Cvilak. actions our Government is taking to reduce our budget deficit from 11% For Britain in Slovenia, 2012 will be a bumper year. We are gearing up very good response on its presentation in London. Information about our activities and those carried out by Slovenians to 0% by 2015 helped secure record low interest rates for businesses and now – in all parts of the “British House” (Embassy, Council, Chamber THE OLYMPIC GAMES living in the UK is regularly published on our website or communi- consumers. The Government has lent £150 billion to banks to get credit of Commerce, British School). We will be putting the GREAT back into Next year, Slovenia will have an entirely new opportunity to present cated through social networks and by way of a monthly bulletin. In so flowing again to business, financing projects and jobs. Britain as we celebrate HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and host the itself in London, dressed in Olympic colours. Considering the previous doing, we provide for the interconnection of Slovenes living in the UK. When I first arrived in Ljubljana in early 2009, people used to ask me London 2012 Games. Working closely with my friend Iztok Jarc and his why Britain does not join the Euro – just as they used to ask me in Paris team at the Slovenian Embassy, we want to welcome all Slovenes to Britain achievements of Slovenian Olympic sportsmen and women, we may Our Embassy also pays special attention to green diplomacy in order in 2000-04. They don’t ask me that any more. Many envy the British our to witness the explosion of sporting events and experience our unique certainly hope that we will have every reason to be proud of our ath- to reduce the Embassy’s carbon footprint and takes part in the London freedom of manoeuvre – and our retention of sovereignty. blend of the old and the new: from our history and heritage to cutting- letes in London. Green Diplomacy Network, which strives for the environment-friend- The area where there is least understanding of Britain’s position is financial edge culture and creative industries – in which Slovenes themselves excel. The recent meeting held at our Embassy between the Chairman of the ly operation of embassies. services. The demands Britain made were not for repatriation of powers We will be rolling out the red carpet for the world’s statesmen, just as we London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, Lord Sebastian from Brussels, nor for unilateral exemption for The City or British financial will for the world’s entrepreneurs by offering low tax rates and incentives Coe, and the Slovenian delegation, including the reigning Olympic The Embassy would like to thank the editorial office of SINFO maga- services. What we sought, we sought for all EU Member States: to maintain to develop business in Britain. Isolated from Europe? Out in the cold? Not hammer throw champion Primož Kozmus, has confirmed that Slove- zine for inviting us to contribute this text, and wishes a very peaceful a level playing-field in financial services and the Single Market as a in 2012, for sure – and in my view, Britain never will be. nia enjoys a high reputation in the sports world. Christmas and a Happy New Year to all its readers! whole. This would have retained our ability to take tougher – not looser – It would be welcome if Slovenia also used the Olympic opportunity

20 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 21 art&culture

Jože Osterman, photo: Marjo Pigac, Goran Blaganjac MARIBOR 2012: READY TO START

Maribor is already counting down the hours remaining until 13 Jan- ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TERMINAL uary 2012, the day of the beginning of its undoubtedly historic proj- Within Terminal 12, the most ‘classical programme section’, offer- ect: being ‘the European Capital of Culture’. Visitors passing through ing performances and productions of famous art companies and Maribor in these December days can already feel a certain ‘cultural individual artists, we can expect some interesting guest perfor- vibration’ in the air, because among the numerous New Year ads mances by theatres such as the Les Ballets C de la B of Alain Pla- and decorations, it is impossible to overlook all the advertising an- tel (Belgium), the Cabaret New Burlesque (United States), the Radu nouncing the Capital of Culture. Despite some considerable prob- Stanca National Theatre (Romania) of Slivio Purcarete, the Bartabas lems the city has been facing, it is aware of its great opportunity and Horse Performance Academy from Versailles, the Forman Brothers Programme team of project: young and courageous. will try to take advantage of it as well as it possibly can. Theatre (Czech Republic) and the Jan Fabre Theatre (Troubleyn/Jan An even stronger sense of this can be felt in the yard of the Vetrinjski Fabre VZW, Belgium) with its world premiere of ‘The Saint Gang- Dvorec Mansion, which currently hosts the Maribor 2012 Institute, ster’. The Slovene National Theatre from Maribor will perform Slo- the operational manager of the project, in its beautifully refurbished vene productions based on the cooperation between Slovenian premises. The halls in the ground floor, where craftsmen once had and foreign artists; the Anton Podbevšek Theatre from Novo mesto, their workshops, are occupied by young people in front of their named after a Slovenian avant-garde poet, will prepare the project computers, preparing every detail of the project and its logistics. ‘Man with Bombs’; the collaboration between Slovenian, Austrian, There is not much time left, but the team, which started to work Japanese, Croatian and American artists will be the basis for the only a year ago, is quite used to acting under pressure. They have productions of the theatre companies En Knap and Superamas, the taken this fact for granted, although they are not responsible for it. Pandur Theatres and the Croatian National Theatre from Zagreb (the performance ‘War and Peace’ based on the authorial manuscript by PROGRAMME MIRACLE Tomaž Pandur), and Bunker Betontanc and Original Tempo. Among In the previous year, programme director Mitja Čander performed the most interesting projects are also ‘The Tailors of the World’ by a near miracle. While the previous organisational teams developed Dušan Jovanović and Büchner’s drama ‘Danton’s Death’ performed an overly grand concept consisting of as many as 16 programme by Jernej Lorenci, the Slovene Youth Theatre and the Ptuj Theatre. In sections, the costs of which could not possibly be covered in the this section, the project Twelve is also extremely important. current financial situation, Čander succeeded in shrinking the pro- Within this project, Maribor will host notable, internationally re- Tognetti, a violinist and chamber musician, the Mars Festival will a football match between the Maribor Football Club and the Gui- gramme so as to preserve the projects that are considered to be most nowned and leading personalities from various creative fields, be organised. This festival is a special Slovenian-Croatian event, first marães Football Club at Ljudski Vrt Stadium. innovative and could bring the city permanent accolades. ranging from artistic genres to philosophy. Maribor and its partner taking place in a Slovene town and then in a Croatian town. In 2012, In this respect, two programme sections — Urban Furrows and towns expect to be visited by Charles Simic, Boris Groys, Jan Fabre, the towns will be Maribor and Zagreb. HISTORY AND THE PRESENT TownKeys — have remained almost unchanged. They are based on Rebecca Horn, Laurie Anderson, Goran Bregović, Tzvetan Todorov, The programme section TownKeys highlights the history of Mari- the establishment of a completely new relationship between the Garry Kasparov, Mario Vargas Llosa and Peter Zumthor. They should INTERNATIONAL DIMENSIONS bor and sets it in the context of the present. The leader of this pro- city and its inhabitants that would develop at a level of human con- present to the public their visions of the future with an essay and The innovative programme section called Cultural Embassies will gramme section and the oldest member of the team, Boris Cizej, nections, mutual assistance and solidarity, through which urban life with lectures. These important events should attract interest of the cover the presentation of cultures from various European Union will reawaken the medieval town walls of Maribor as the borders could be cultivated without any major financial resources. Čander domestic and international public. member states, such as Finland, Estonia, Hungary, Spain, Italy, of the new creative town core. Over hundred events, including sensitively considered the prevailing trends that have been signifi- Renowned auteurs from the region will start shooting an interest- France, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Latvia exhibitions and the projects of national and international authors cant for the European Capitals of Culture in the past few years: to ing project — a feature omnibus film. This project will also be car- and Cyprus, and many other countries, among them Israel, Japan, related the history of Maribor — such as the dialogue with the reduce the number of glamorous projects and performances of fa- ried out in cooperation with auteurs from Slovenia’s neighbouring the Russian Federation, Serbia, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Mexico past, the discovery of the roots in the national struggles of the 19th mous art companies and individuals that attract great audiences but countries: Croatia, Hungary, Austria and Italy. The artistic manager and India. century and during the two world wars, the industrial character do not leave any permanent traces behind, in exchange for some- of the project is the Slovenian film director and Palme d’Or winner Particular attention will be devoted to the cooperation between the of the city by the Drava River, its obsession with football and its thing that can create a new identity of the city and activate its ener- Jan Cvitkovič. He will work with other, internationally renowned two Capitals of Culture, Maribor and Guimarães, Portugal: the youth infatuation with the Golden Fox Ski World Cup — will pump fresh gy. In a time of economic crisis, this model is especially appropriate film creators, including director Roberto Dordit and producer Igor exchange programmes ‘Feeling the Future of Europe’ and ‘Letters of blood into the city centre and quicken its pulse. for the implementation of projects that do not require major funds, Prinčič from Italy, director Michael Glawogger from Austria, director the World’ are planned to connect school-age youth and encourage The programme section Urban Furrows is led by one of the most but nevertheless deeply affect the spiritual life of a community. And Antonio Nuić and producer Boris T. Matić from Croatia and director a quality cultural dialogue between Portugal and Slovenia through incisive sociologists and social activists, Dr Marta Gregorič, and a Maribor, as one of the cities with the highest rates of people moving Georgy Palfi and producer Peter Miskolczi from Hungary. contests, while the purpose of the project ‘History of the Future’ is group of highly qualified experts from different areas. They have out, is really in need of and eager for new incentives! The three most important fine art exhibitions to be held are ‘La belle to connect secondary school pupils and help them establish a per- based their research work on the theory of social ecology, which The members of Čander’s team, young and mostly educated people peinture est derrière nous’, showing great works of Picasso, Miró, manent dialogue. In this project, two philosophers and lecturers, explains why environmental questions ‘cannot be analysed and and doctoral students who have already obtained experience in in- Cezanne and Degas; ‘Following the Taste’, an exhibition of draw- Mladen Dolar and Moisés Lemos Martins, will also participate. resolved without first confronting the fundamental contradictions dividual projects, but have not yet been given a proper opportunity ings with approximately 300 drawings from the London Tate Gal- In cooperation with the Portuguese Pen Club and the Programme in the mechanisms behind the modern society that are ripping in public institutions, institutes and similar organisations, are anx- lery; and in autumn 2012 also an exhibition of works from the Otto for the Slovene Language and Culture at the Faculdade de Letras in apart the fabric of society and, consequently, destroying the natu- ious to prove themselves, and have introduced a completely new Mauer Collection. This collection includes over 3000 works encom- Lisbon, two bilingual anthologies of renowned poets from the two ral environment’, as stated on the ECOC Website. In their work, approach to the projects. The entire European Capital of Culture passing a wide spectrum of modern art and Otto Mauer’s heritage. countries, entitled the ‘Anthology of Twentieth-Century Portuguese they use the method of militant research, which characteristically project has been divided into four major programme sections. On This exhibition will be organised in cooperation with the Austrian Poetry’ and the ‘Anthology of Twentieth-Century Slovenian Poetry’ takes on a creative, affirmative and dynamic role typical for -po the basis of invitations to tenders and the team members’ own ideas, Cultural Forum in Ljubljana and will show around 50 works from will be published. tentia (creative power), which is the reason the researchers work around the 412 different events and happenings have been incorpo- the collection. The focus will be on graphic arts, including works of The major sports project of the European Capital of Culture will be directly ‘with’ people not ‘for’ them. The introduction of food rated in these programme sections, some of which will take place important Austrian and European artists of the 20th century, such ‘Maribor Football Culture’, which will start with the premiere of production in the immediate vicinity of the town with the pos- throughout the entire year. With a budget of approximately €15 as Otto Dix, Marc Chagall, Oskar Kokoschka, Maria Lassnig, Alfred the documentary film about the Slovenian football player Zlatko sibility of achieving a high level of self-sufficiency, the introduc- million (which is said to be the lowest in history for such projects), Kubin, Arnulf Rainer and others. Zahovič, continue with friendly football matches between the team tion of models of mutual assistance and new social networks will a relatively innovative programme has been created. As already Among the guest musical performances, the highlight will be the of artists and the team of co-creators of the Capital of Culture proj- probably significantly contribute to the entire project of the Capital mentioned, an important part of the project events, even some of performance by Ivo Pogorelić with the Zagreb Philharmonic Or- ects from Maribor and Guimarães, accompanied by a concert by of Culture by providing one of the most interesting and relatively the most attractive ones, will also take place in the partner towns chestra conducted by Russian conductor Dimitrij Kitajenko. Within Zoran Predin, a singer and songwriter from Maribor, and a concert innovative attempts of how to improve the lives of citizens with Ptuj, Murska Sobota, Novo mesto, Velenje and Slovenj Gradec. the framework of Festival Maribor, whose artistic director is Richard by a singer of the popular Portuguese fado music, and peak with minimum measures.

22 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 23 art&culture

Hana Souček Morača, photo: Slovene National Theatre and Government Communication Office archives REOPENING OF THE SLOVENE NATIONAL THEATRE OPERA AND BALLET LJUBLJANA WELCOME BACK, WE MISSED YOU!

extended and connected with Cankarjeva Street on the one side and by the touches of visitors. We are surprised by frescoes revealed OPERA AND BALLET LJUBLJANA Mitja Bervar, principal manager of the Slovene National Theatre Op- Tomšičeva Street on the other, where the entry atriums are locat- under the white ceiling in the hall, which is intended for the visitors On 10 December, the Slovene National Theatre Opera and Ballet era and Ballet Ljubljana: ed, functioning as an additional entrance to the opera theatre. The to meet, and once walled-in windows at the staircase. The renova- Ljubljana, solemnly returned to its original residence accompanied The opening of the renovated opera and ballet house is a momentous overall renovation project of the Ljubljana opera and ballet house tion improved working and creative conditions, while providing the by the sounds of the opening fanfare trumpets, as the construction event for Slovenia A national opera and ballet house is a must for each amounted to EUR 42 million. Of this, approximately EUR 28 million spectators with a better and more varied programme and enhancing works had been concluded, giving the building a fresh image. We EU Member State capital, as it symbolises the national cultural identity, was allocated to the Ministry for construction and craftsmen works, well-being in the renovated house. Therefore, welcome back opera can again walk along the corridors, accompanied with sounds, sit nationality, and represents a big responsibility. Regardless of the vari- installations and refurbishment; the rest of the costs were spent on house – the doors to the top artistic institutions of the twenty-first on chairs of colour 200 Paeltane, while waiting impatiently for the ous opinions held, I believe that only after some time will we realise just preliminary works, stage mechanical equipment, stage lighting, au- century have opened for you. red velvet curtain that hides so many stories to rise again. how much we have missed it and how very important its reopening is. dio visual equipment, general equipment, restoration works, super- As the central Slovene repertoire music theatre company, the Slo- vision and contributions. As early as in the beginning of November, the chamber opera had vene National Theatre Opera and Ballet Ljubljana has been staging The renovation included a new extension containing rehearsal ar- The national opera and ballet house reopened and showed a new its premier with a three-act opera “Dido and Aeneas” in a concert performances since 1892; the building was originally a provincial eas for bands, the orchestra, the chorus, ballet and solo performers, overall identity, a new web portal was launched for its visitors and performance by Henry Purcell. In the second act, the opera soloists, theatre, built in a neo-renaissance style and designed by Czech ar- storage space, dressing rooms, and administration premises. The a monograph ‘Zlitje stoletij’ (Fusion of Centuries) about the SNG chorus and orchestra performed pieces from Mozart’s operas. In chitects Jan V. Hrasky and Anton Hruby – it has been closed to the old part of the opera underwent renovation works with individual Opera in ballet Ljubljana was published. This was also the title of February, a premiere of Verdi’s opera, Nabucco, will be held, which public for the last six years. functional modernisations of particular elements, with the excep- the opening ceremony, which was broadcast live by RTV Slovenia, will take a new direction. According to the artistic director, Milivoj The opera house renovation project started mainly because of its tion of the stage tower which underwent a thorough reconstruc- and the slogan of all events and activities within the opening event, Šurbek, the premiere will feature entirely domestic performers. acoustic and spatial problems. A public tender was held for the tion. The ceiling again regained its original image containing several moving and 120-year anniversary of its activities that will be cel- Marij Kogoj’s ‘Black Masks’ is being prepared in cooperation with overall renovation of the Ljubljana SNG Opera and ballet and the colour shades as seen before the renovation. The stencil paintings ebrated next year under the under the auspices of the Slovenian SNG Maribor. The premiere will open in January next year in SNG contract was awarded to Jurij Kobe and Marjan Zupanc in 1998. In between the ribs were totally reconstructed; coloured glasses in oil president, Dr Danilo Türk. Maribor at the beginning of the year of the European Capital of Cul- 2006, the Ministry of Culture listed the cultural house of the stage techniques were cleaned. Because of the monument-protection Artistic bands performing all this time in extremely difficult con- ture. In Ljubljana, ‘Black Masks’ will be staged in Cankarjev Dom’s art queen as a priority in the field of investments and, a year later, a requirements, the stage opening and the hall remained the same, ditions, dispersed in eight locations all over the capital, finally ob- Gallus Hall in March. The re-runs of the programme include Verdi’s contract was signed between the Ministry of Culture, and SCT and whereas the renovated stage is wider, higher, deeper and technically tained their home. However, the spectators were not robbed of the Traviata, Antonin Dvorak’s ‘Rusalka’, Peter Šavli’s opera for the Vegrad, the construction companies, with which the then Minister enhanced. With its technological capabilities and capacity, which primary glow of the Ljubljana opera house which, despite having young ‘Shepherd’, and Franz Joseph Haydn’s comic opera ‘Apoth- of Culture, Vasko Simoniti signed an annex for the implementation holds up to 500 performers, it stands comparison with the most re- second thoughts on the fusion of modern and neo-renaissance ecary’. In the 2011/12 season there will be two new ballet premieres. of the second phase of the extension and renovation of the opera nowned opera houses in the world. The hall preserved the original styles, respects the tradition and discovers in it even something new. At the end of March next year, the ballet premiere ‘Giselle’ will be house. The final reopening of the opera house was announced for number of seats, with a capacity between 526 and 605 visitors. Therefore, among other things, we can proudly admire the chairs staged, while in June the project ‘Ples poezije’ (Poetry Dance) will last year; however, the works were extended because groundwater After the removal of secondary paintwork, the auditorium revealed from the time before the renovation took place, which were kept open at the city’s Congress Square in Ljubljana. had flooded the sub-stage. a much richer image. The unused space under the auditorium was with love in theatre boxes and with a wooden frame, smoothened

24 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 25 art&culture

Jože Osterman, photo: STA Government Communication Office, photo: GCO archives BOOK FAIR A SUCCESS IF THIS IS A MAN The 27th Slovenian Book Fair, which was held in Cankarjev dom for cussion was not limited to the technical details of laying the founda- Exhibition of the works of Zoran Mušič to serve as an introduction to an extensive presentation five days at the end of November, is undoubtedly one of the most tions for proper web publishing in Slovenia, but also dealt with the of Slovenia in Italy popular cultural events in Slovenia. This year, like other years, the fair consequences that the new manner of (digital) reading will have for was jam packed with book lovers of all ages, proving that books still the understanding and acceptance of books in general. Several distin- Between 19 November 2011 and 19 February 2012, the Leone da Zoran Mušič (1909–2005), a distinguished painter belonging to the feature frequently on a Slovenian’s wish list. guished foreign experts shared their experiences – apparently more Perego Palace in Legnano, near Milan, will host an anthological École de Paris, lived in Venice for many years. In 2009, on the oc- For the first time in recent years, the record for the number of pub- of it bad than good – at the Publishing Academy Forum. It seems that exhibition of the works of Zoran Mušič entitled If this is a Man. The casion of the centenary of his birth, numerous events in Slovenia lished titles was not beaten; this number had been steadily growing the depth of reading, which is crucial for reading literature (and other exhibition is to serve as an introduction to an extensive cultural, proved his influence on the creation of fine arts in our country, and over the last decade and reached the impressive number of 6 500 new demanding books), will suffer the most. The opinion of the majority tourist, economic and political presentation of Slovenia, which is in particular his artistic relevance and quality. We can observe in titles in the previous year. This year about 100 publishers published is that Slovenia is far from being ready for web publishing, so for now scheduled to take place in Milan in February 2012. his paintings the reflections of the barren Karst land and the sway- approximately 6 000 new titles. These are, nevertheless, enviable only Študentska založba will offer some of its editions on a trial basis. This anthological exhibition of the works of Mušič, one of the most ing movement of his domestic Brda hills at the same time and the numbers that lead us to presume that Slovenia remains the world However, Mladinska knjiga, the biggest publishing house in Slove- important Slovenian painters of the second half of the twentieth constantly present distinctive message of humanity. Zoran Mušič’s champion in the number of new books published per citizen. nia, has a systematic approach and devotes the most attention to this century, will go by the evocative title, If this is a Man. influence on Slovenian painting could already be felt in the years Therefore, the reaction to this fall in numbers was not particularly matter. The exhibition on the famous exhibition premises of the S.A.Le before World War II; after the War had concluded, he played an strong, as there was no need. Traditional publishing around the world The fair is also a prize-giving occasion. The main award, named -af (Spazi Espositivi della cittá di Legnano), which last year hosted important role in the development of the Biennial of Graphic Arts is in much more serious trouble and the future for bookstores is es- ter the printer, Schwentner, was presented to Marij Maver, an editor, the Auguste Rodin exhibition, features more than 90 paintings by and opened many doors for Slovenian artists to win recognition pecially grim, owing to the growth of web publishing. Slovenian pub- publicist and publisher from Trieste. The award for best literary debut Mušič, most of which are paintings on canvas. There are also some in Venice and particularly in Paris. He left a lasting impression on lishers have not yet felt the effects of the crisis, but they are expecting went to Katja Perat for her collection of poems Najboljši so padli, and examples of his drawings and watercolours. us all with his Dalmatian landscapes, the processions of his little it and are already making plans to limit its consequences. Not even Stana Anželj was conferred the award for best young translator. The The exhibition is another tribute to one of the most distinctive horses, the views of the façades and the canals in Venice, and with the director of the Slovenian Book Agency, Slavko Pregl, who was awards for the most aesthetically pleasing books were conferred on painters and figurists of his time. Of topical interest are his cycles his refined graphics and drawings. once a publisher, showed any concern over the fall in the number of the book of poems Obleci me v poljub written by Saša Pavček and Nismo poslednji (We are not the Last), which is the highlight of The highlight of the exhibition, complemented by texts of the new books. He laconically concluded that this does not pose a threat designed by Petra Černe Oven in the literature category; Čudežni the exhibition. On this occasion, a special catalogue with texts by writer, Boris Pahor, will be the shocking cycles of dead bodies of to the pluralism of book production; furthermore, it can improve the prstan written by Peter Svetina and designed by Damijan Stepančič various Italian and Slovenian fine art critics was also published. prisoners in the concentration camp in Dachau, an eternal symbol editors’ selection process and, as a result, the quality of published and Janez Turkin in the category of books for children and young At the same time, the exhibition is an event announcing the Slo- of all those around him who became victims. With these paintings works. adults; and Mojstrovine s kranjsko klobaso written by Janez Bogataj venian Days to take place in Milan in 2012, where Slovenia will Mušič became famous worldwide and in his old age he comple- The subject of this year’s panel discussion was the digital book – a and designed by Žare Kerin in the monograph category. The award for present itself under its national brand ‘I Feel Slovenia’. The events mented them with images of philosophers in meditation, crooked new challenge that influenced book publishing in 2011 that has de- best produced book was received by the printing company, Gorenjski organised within the Slovenian Days will include exhibitions and old men and with self-portraits. The timing of the opening of the veloped an ever stronger presence in the publishing world. The dis- tisk, for the book Julijske Alpe. concerts of recognised authors and performers, the presentation exhibition is particularly well-chosen in connection with the city of Slovenian cuisine and tourism as well as an economic forum of Maribor, since it has been designated the European Capital of and some political meetings. The presentation’s main events will Culture for 2012. To the present, Mušič has namely also been the be held between 13 February and 19 February 2012, while further most distinguished painter in the capital of the Štajerska region, events upgrading the Slovenian Days will be organised all year because he had lived in Maribor for 20 years (between 1920 and round. 1940), almost until the beginning of World War II.

Slavko Pregl, Director of Slovenian Book Agency

26 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 27 The Upper Carniolan town of Begunje and rapidly changing the entire industry and ten values which the company considers OUR EXCELLENCE the neighbouring village of Zgoša have manufacture in general. The conversion to the best for its operation. Three of these around 2 000 inhabitants. Nevertheless, the manufacture which strictly observes will catch the eye immediately: modesty they are known throughout Slovenia and environmental standards as one of the is listed as first, a look to the future paying Jože Osterman, photo: Seaway and Elan archives in most of the Alpine and Adriatic region. main criteria for its launching increasingly respect to tradition and humour. These This is thanks to two of the companies penetrates the human conscience. The are the values that inspire respect for the based there. Both manufacture sports same criteria are beginning to apply to environment; they are a mental heritage equipment. The first is Elan, a factory industrial products and the consequences and a true starting point for playfulness for skis, nautical vessels and sports of their use, as this is the only way to as the foundation of true creativity. The equipment, which has been one of the avoid the imminent transformation of values closely binding the collective of now five best-known trademarks of Slovenia’s our environment into a simmering threat about 250 workers, of which 60, mostly industry for half a century; the second disabling quality life on Earth. The idea engineers, are from abroad. The values is Seaway, a rapidly growing company about Greenline ecologically friendly summarised through his own experience Vanguard which started as a nautical engineering vessels is the fruit of this awareness and by the owner, one of the best known and service, designing and implementing of the important belief that one should not most interesting Slovenians, Japec Jakopin, logistical tasks for all the major European fully give up pleasures such as nautics, but a cardiologist by education. Despite an manufacturers of vessels and which today instead adapt to the nature and to its self- impressive medical career he listened to builds its own vessels, having become a cleansing abilities. Typical motor yachts his heart, took to nautics and succeeded. recognised Slovenian trademark in a few frequently impersonate human vanity. When you see his colleagues, from pretty from under years. Sinfo has featured both companies Many a wealthy person of the new era young public relations adviser Eva Jenstrle, several times, but as they develop products demonstrates this by the roaring engines who told me all about the company, to bestowed with globally renowned prizes of more than one thousand horse power, everybody else you meet, you cannot every year, they deserve our attention which swallow incredible quantities of fuel overlook the importance of Seaway in their again. This year, too, both companies and emit foul-smelling fumes. lives and the contribution made to this by are the focus of attention in their lines of The different orientation of Seaway their unconventional boss. Of course, I am Karavanke business. is perceptible right from the outset. telling all this because Seaway is a living The reception makes an impression of proof that innovation and breakthroughs IT IS HYBRID TIME an entrance to a house of arts where of the new industrial philosophy may arise Elan with amfibia ski and Seaway with its series of Greenline Hybrid ecological vessels – both The undisputable fact that man and everything is in a state of transition from only in those environments which believe innovations have helped these two companies maintain their reputation as progressive – almost his actions have caused planetary one condition to another. People greet one in themselves and draw on conventionality vanguard – manufacturers. consequences manifested especially another cordially as they rush up and down only so as to avoid inventing everything in climate change is more and more the stairs. A board in the reception displays anew.

Hybrid 33 on Bled lake. Hybrid 40.

28 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 29 OUR EXCELLENCE

POWER-OPERATED NAVIGATION Slovenia which will produce hybrids. In triumphs to Ingemar Stenmark, who still he sceptically remarked that tests are not Their first product, the Greenline Hybrid, addition, Seaway managed to acquire about holds the crown for the most successful everything and that they sometimes focus which was launched in 2009, is, of course, 12 million euro of European and other skier with his 85 world cup victories; on what you promise or provide to the the embodiment of this newness. Its resources which will help it launch new at the turn of the century, it was the first testers; finally, however, he admitted that low silhouette with a dominant body, a production next year. Last spring, namely, carving skis, SCX, that determined the the product really had passed with flying somehow ascetically straight prow and a larger model, Greenline Hybrid 40, raised further course of alpine skis; five years ago colours. What pleased him most was the a low superstructure deck is in a striking a wave of admiration while Hybrid 70, it was the fusion system uniting skis and fact than despite doubts and even scorn contrast with motor boats of muscular a hybrid ocean class yacht of over 21 m, their bindings in one; and finally, along he had sometimes experienced when bodies and sometimes almost baroque is being launched these days. Moreover, came waveflex technology allowing for launching the presentation of these skis superstructure decks, which cut deep Seaway is the only global company an excellent flexibility along the length he has practically proved that they really furrows through the sea plains. Its shape currently manufacturing hybrid vessels. As as well as great transverse stability. With do work! If I think of the havoc probably grows on you gradually. Its elegance is I wondered why this market niche had not the amphibio ski, Elan now presents raised by an Austrian or Italian head hidden in its extraordinary details, in the been snapped up by others, Jakopin only a technology uniting the capability of of development over a product such as proportion of the body and the discreet smiled: ‘I think this is because we have skis of a light pass to a curve (called amphibio, I have to bow before Avguštin: superstructure, in the beautifully executed worked with all the major manufacturers, rocker technology) and the capability of his modesty and sensibility guarantee that flat roof covered by sun cells manufactured and they want to maintain good relations.’ firmly keeping the direction and stability the development department will come up by the Slovenian company, Bisol, in Fair play in the business world? Yes, this is (camber). These two characteristics with many more inventions and not rest on outstanding lines of the interior decoration; possible – even among sailors! generally exclude each other. its laurels. in short, we are practically talking about Elan’s head of development, Vinko a work of art. The form is in conformity ASYMMETRY ON SNOW Avguštin, is truly ascetic when it comes COLUMBUS’ EGG FROM ELAN with the new view of the efficiency of Elan is a factory which has surprised to self-praise and expression of joy over a What is amphibio all about? Nowadays product: the newly designed hull called the global ski market by several radical wok well done. While I radiated with joy skis are produced with a view to the needs Superdisplacement displaces water almost innovations which have had a decisive that the ski got excellent marks on several of individual groups of skiers, i.e. from without any resistance, as it makes almost impact on ski manufacturing. A good three tests of the most prestigious ski magazines, beginners who may ski for only one week no waves up to a speed of around five decades ago those skis brought countless some of which are also published online, per season to the best recreational skiers knots (approximately 8.5 km/h), which, who spend a lot of time on skis. (Professional of course, contributes to a considerable skiers are a class in themselves as their reduction in the use of fuel. As the basic skis are adapted to specific characteristics condition, the boat uses an Audi diesel which cannot be used by ordinary skiers engine, which develops 75 horse power in as they require enormous strength and the weaker version and 165 horse power in knowledge.) The essential requirement the stronger version and is considered one of undemanding skiers is that skis are of the most economic in the car industry. easy to guide as their speed is not high So far, the model is classical, as the true and keeping direction and stability is value is added only by the hybrid system not a problem, so softer skis are more consisting of lithium batteries and solar appropriate for them. As the requirements cells fuelling the electric hybrid system. This for keeping the line and stability strongly system enables the operation of all electric increase in more demanding and faster appliances (refrigerators, TV, navigation skiers, these need harder skis which machines and other electric appliances) make curves much more difficult. Elan as well as independent propulsion as the succeeded in something which nobody hybrid may, when its batteries are full and has thought about: by partial modification when it is charged simultaneously, cover of skis on which they slightly shortened up to 25 nautical miles at the speed of 6 the bending part, they extended the part knots (almost 10 km/h). In view of the fact important for curving, thus making the that the emissions of Audi engines are four ski more responsive to curving in which times lower than in average motor yachts, the bending part still performs its task of the electric propulsion runs without any excellent direction keeping. The ski has emissions and is, in this respect, even become asymmetrical, which makes the cleaner than in sailing boats which need essential difference between the left ski generators for their electric appliances. and the right ski as easier curving depends Even those familiar with nautics only especially on the outer ski where most of superficially will know what this means. the skier’s weight is centred. And since there are quite a few such people As many a sceptic, one would think that around the world, Seaway sold as many as it is more about theory than about the 220 Hybrids 33 in 2010, which was the first working practice. The proof against it is year of sales, thus snatching an absolute simple: a skier only changes skis and he or victory in the category of vessels up to ten she will immediately notice the different metres long. (poorer) qualities of skis in this case. Thus Of course, Seaway goes on. By slightly the testers could only praise the flexibility reducing the production of its carbon of the skis in making curves while keeping sailboats Shipman and large yachts Skagen stability and direction. Despite its steep manufactured in Monfalcone, Italy, it is price (ranking among the most expensive now preparing for the construction of a skis on the market), sales of amphibio are large plant in Puconci in north-eastern excellent.

30 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 31 GREEN CORNER

The voluntary Bag on Bag project, which was held for the second competition, which started on 3 October and concluded on 15 year in a row, warns of the excessive use of plastic bags by November 2011. A total of 448 photographs were entered in Polonca Štritof, photo: Žiga Šmidovnik and authors of the winning photographs combining art and environmental protection, and at the same the photo competition. Of the ten that garnered the most votes time offers creative and simple solutions for the prevention of on the web, the three-member jury were swayed most by the this type of waste. According to some data, an adult resident in following: Andrej Marenčič with I Wanna Spin (But I Cant), Anja Bag on Bag project – a tough battle Slovenia uses between 130 and 150 plastic bags a year on average. Burnik with Smetovec (Garbage Tree), and Nataša Pezdir with After use, which usually does not last more than 30 minutes, ‘Okraski’ Koritnice (Koritnica ‘Decorations’). Sašo Papp, the these bags usually end up with mixed waste, where they do not radio presenter and photo competition ambassador, presented against the eternal Lady of Plastic belong as they can be recycled (only 4 % are recycled at present). them with their awards at the final event. Plastic bags decompose after as long as 1 000 years has elapsed, Many guest artists put their creations made of waste materials and pose a threat to nature and to human and animal health on display and thus proved that, with some creative flair, the life (especially the health of sea animals). It should also be stressed of products, including waste, can be prolonged: that bags are made from non-renewable resources, such as oil Anselma, izdelovalnica vsega (ne)mogočega (Anselma, and natural gas. workshop for everything (im)possible), put on a fashion show Between 19 and 26 November 2011, old plastic bags were featuring the rain ponchos that were entered in Anselma’s collected and exchanged for textile equivalents at special stalls first competition Moja pelerina (My rain poncho). There is a (Stojnice idej – Idea Stalls) in various locations throughout story behind each of these rain ponchos and they are all made Ljubljana. Around 150 kilograms of plastic bags were collected of recycled materials such as bags, oilcloth, pillows, shower over six days. Throughout the week, artworks and various useful curtains, etc. items were made from the bags and plastic bottles collected. The The architect, Tjaša Mavrič, made a nice collection of hand-made project organisers will use the rest of the collected bags for future unique fashion accessories, which she presents under the name projects, workshops and creations. TM priboljški (TM treats). These include recycled handbags, At the final event, the organisers displayed the art and products wallets and pouches suitable for everyone and every occasion. made out of waste packaging and presented awards to the Rompom is a group of four industrial designers: Nuša Jelenec, winners of the photo competition Vrečka na veji (A Bag on a Tilen Sepič, Andraž Tarman and Jurij Lozić. At the final street Branch), which was held in October and November, the aim event, they presented their Kanta-bins product, which is used of which was to warn of the problem of plastic in the aquatic for the separate collection of waste. environment. Artists, musicians, improvisers and dancers Nata Esku is an art designer who paints, takes photos, illustrates participated at the event and made it a real mini-street dance- and designs. At the final street event, he presented some of his music-art show. works made of waste. On 26 November 2011 Pogačarjev trg in Ljubljana was dedicated By combining art, ecology, design and acting, Kulturno ekološko to the eternal Lady of Plastic. The event was staged next to a huge društvo Smetumet exposes the problems with our attitudes dead tree, decorated with plastic bags (by The Miha Artnak, in towards nature, consumerism, waste and the modern way of cooperation with Andraž Tarman (Rompom) and Erik Vidmar life. At the final street event, they presented the products they (Tisa d.o.o.)) and towering over Travnik (Meadow) scattered had made out of plastic bags and coffee packaging. with colourful and completely non-biodegradable flowers The event was accompanied by the lively rhythms of DJs Žakpižon made from plastic bottles (by Luka Mancini and Katarina Mrvar and Felis Catus, the Improleptika theatre group provided from Lukatarina design studio). laughter and unexpected situations, and the rapper Kosta gave The artist, The Miha Artnak, named his art piece Pomlad je the event some soul with his deep and strong lyrics. Three sen zime/The Rise of the Fall (Spring is the Dream of Winter/ loud urban boys, Simpl, Perro and Rudstah (Datura, Nedelaz), The Rise of the Fall). He commented on it: ‘Along with the last showed what they have created during their years of practice in year’s snow came a new type of monster. It has adapted to the bomb shelters. They threw chopped syllables at the rhythm with ecosystem, but since we have significantly limited the use of great precision. The final street event was masterfully presented plastic bags, it died of hunger this August. The nature of waste is by the sports commentator and journalist, Luka Štucin. persistent and cannot be managed smoothly. It adapts to us with Project partners: the Ecologist Without Borders society, the Eco ease, particularly when we are not consistent in our handling Vitae ecological society, the artist, The Miha Artnak, Lukatarina of waste. It adapts to us in all seasons and every day tries to design studio, and project co-organisers, Nataša Zuljan, Marko spread over an even greater space under the sun with its non- Orel and the SRCe Student House. The Vrečka na veji (A bag on a degradable fruit.’ Branch) photo competition’s partner was Ekomagazin.si. During EWWR week (the European Week for Waste Reduction), the fashion designer Barbara Živčić (Ecologists without borders) Winning photographs: in cooperation with Kralji ulice (Kings of the Street) led two 1st prize: Andrej Marenčič for I Wanna Spin (But I workshops on how to make sleeping bags, at which 15 homeless Cant): http://www.ekomagazin.si/natecajfoto/index. people learned how to make a sleeping bag out of plastic bags. php?option=com_joomgallery&func=detail&id=2745 On Sunday Barbara Živčić brought the sleeping bags with her for &Itemid=300#joomimg display. 2nd prize: Anja Burnik for Smetovec (Garbage tree): Barging in on the event uninvited came a plastic being going by http://www.ekomagazin.si/natecajfoto/index. the name of Bagfoot. It performed a dance entitled Who’s Bag to php?option=com_joomgallery&func=detail&id=2692 show that shopping is a holiday. Bagfoot reinforced its dance act &Itemid=300#joomimg with his clones – the dancers from the Šola za nastopanje Bast – 3rd prize: Nataša Pezdir for ‘Okraski’ Koritnice and volunteers. (Koritnica ‘Decorations’): http://www.ekomagazin.si/ An important part of the introductory part of the project in natecajfoto/index.php?option=com_joomgallery&fu autumn was the Vrečka na veji (A Bag on a Branch) photo nc=detail&id=2664&Itemid=300#joomimg

32 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 33 PEOPLE

The team taking part in the surgical treatment of gynaecological cancer at the Department of Gynaecology. Left to right: Prof. Tomaž Tomaževič, MD, PhD (laparoscopic cerclage); Head Physician Andrej Možina, MD; Head Physician Milan Čavič, MD; Asst. Prof. Leon Meglič, MD, PhD; Asst. Prof. Borut Kobal, MD, PhD, Head of the Department of Gynaecology; Head Physician Branko Cvjetičanin, MD; Asst. Prof. Adolf Lukanovič, MD, PhD, Medical Director of the Department of Gynaecology.

Vesna Žarkovič, photo: Mateja J.Potočnik The team of doctors at Ljubljana Universi- this kind of pregnancy requires birth by the inception of the pregnancy, the vagi- ty Medical Centre’s Gynaecological Clinic Caesarean section. nal cone (cervix) is sewn closed during can be rightly proud of their achieve- This means that the possibility of getting pregnancy in order to prevent any pos- ments: following the radical removal pregnant via preservation of uterus with sible infection or related complications. of the uterine cervix, they successfully women who have recovered from cervical The Ljubljana team currently involved in delivered a baby. The participants who cancer – only in cases of an early detec- treating gynaecological cancer consists of took part in this achievement were Leon tion of a disease – is the same as that with 10 specialists. Meglič, MD, PhD; head physician Milan healthy women. Complications usually UMC’s Čavič, MD, MSc; Prof. Tomaž Tomaževič, arise after the inception, somewhere in REAFFIRMATION OF GYNAECOLOGICAL MD, PhD; Borut Kobal, MD, PhD; Andrej the middle of pregnancy, since the uterus SURGERY IN LJUBLJANA Možina, MD, MSc; Prof. Matija Barbič, MD, after such surgical intervention is no lon- In fact, the above mentioned success by PhD; and Branko Cvjetićanin, MD, MSc. ger protected from vaginal bacteria, all of UMC’s Gynaecological Clinic is not the Childbirth by the first woman who in 2007 which may result in miscarriage or pre- only example. Already in former Yugosla- had her cervix radically removed through mature birth. Due to such sad episodes, via, during the period following the Sec- Gynaecological a new method used in this part of Europe, gynaecological specialists have developed ond World War, this clinic was famous for was welcomed with great satisfaction and a combination of various surgical tech- its successful treatment of gynaecological pride. The team of doctors at UMC’s Gyn- niques, including laparoscopic cerclage; cancer. The early states of treatment under aecological Clinic achieved their success in fact, these are not new techniques but this method hark back to the time pre- through the use of original combination constitute an original solution on a global ceding the 60s, which is when the then of methods. Only ten years ago, a woman scale. Such an approach, following a radi- head of the gynaecological clinic, Prof. subject to cervical cancer surgery also lost cal vaginal tracheotomy (uterine cervix Franc Novak, first put forward the idea Clinic team her uterus and, consequently, had no pos- removal), is not an ordinary one. The new of a radical surgical intervention aimed sibility of giving birth to a child. But now, method consists of laparoscopic placing a at preserving a woman’s capacity to give Achievement in medicine: successful childbirth after the victorious team of doctors devel- tape around the lower part of uterus (cer- birth. Professor Novak has become world oped an original combination of methods clage) thereby allowing a woman to have renowned for having developed a special laparoscopic cerclage and the radical removal of the uterine which even after radical surgical treat- normal termination of pregnancy; else- technique for the treatment of cervical cervix ment of uterine cervix enables a woman where (only seven such centres left in the cancer, which inter alia helped reduce to have successful pregnancy. However, world), a method is used when, following urological complications. At the time,

34 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 35 PEOPLE

this was considered a highly innovative approach which put Ljubljana’s gynae- cological school on the world map. Later on, many foreign specialists were trained here, while Slovenian doctors promot- ed these new cervical cancer treatment techniques throughout the world. Among those who studied the technique of radical uterus removal with Prof. Novak was the French surgeon, Daniel D’Argent. In late 80s, when the laparoscopic removal of pelvic lymph nodes was first introduced, Prof. D’Argent developed a technique for the radical removal of the uterine cervix. Constant innovation at the gynaecological clinic is proved by its latest achievements. This helps the doctors to maintain high level of expert knowledge and an innova- tive approach. This is mostly demonstrat- ed by the fact that, prior to the described method, women affected by cervical cancer could not have regular pregnancy and give timely birth, since they had their uterus removed or either their pregnancy was interrupted by a miscarriage. At a given stage of cervical cancer, the incep- tion of pregnancy is facilitated through a combination of new methods, which was previously impossible; in addition, the regular course of pregnancy until child- birth is provided by a surgical procedure called cerclage. This breakthrough will undoubtedly make the UMC’s Gynaeco- logical Clinic a referential institution for South-East Europe and the territory of the former Yugoslavia. The technique of uterine cervix removal found its home in Canada and France; in the meantime, the oncological and reproduction related results over a 20-year period were dis- closed to the public. In medicine, there is a rule providing that the results of a treat- ment can only be objectively assessed af- a woman to bear a child. The issue con- knowledge is at stake, and that this is not ter a certain period of time has elapsed. cerns combining oncologically based cri- an invention of ours but a combination of The publication of the results concerned teria with the possibility of preserving the those methods which are already known revealed that among 582 patients, who uterus and the capacity for reproduction. into one successful method. I can hon- were subject to the radical removal of the ‘In the first place, this refers to oncologi- estly say that there are very few centres in uterine cervix technique, there were 257 cal hospitals, since our primary duty is to the world capable of combining so many pregnancies, 23 repetitions of the disease cure people of cancer’, points out Dr Borut different factors into one single operation. and 12 cases of death related to disease. Kobal. ‘Therefore, the hospital selection This allows us to keep pace with the devel- The first objective of the new method is criteria are very strict, and such treatment opment of contemporary surgical tech- to cure cancer and the second is to enable cannot be offered to every patient suffer- nology and to offer the chosen women the ing from cervical cancer. To this end, four opportunity to bear children despite their basic criteria must be fulfilled: that the cervical cancer diagnosis. However, prac- patient wishes to preserve her capacity to tising our combination of methods is only bear children, that she is willing to par- possible when the disease has been de- ticipate in the tracking of the disease, that tected in its early stages. This type of sur- she has a curable type of cancer, and that gical intervention will be used only with the size of the cancerous tumour does not a limited number of women. In addition, exceed 2 cm. Over a period of three years, we hope that the number of patients with we carried out 10 such operations and this type of cancer will decrease, owing to helped with the birth of two children. In- measures aimed at reducing the incidence novation usually manifests itself through of cervical cancer; we may freely say that enhancing good ideas. I would like to these measures have had positive results stress that the synthesis of international in Slovenia.’

36 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 37 SPORTS Andrej Stare, photo: STA Cup finals in Brazil, a football homeland. The path will be long and treacherous, since our rivals in this qualification cycle A SUCCESSOR TO THE HIMALAYAN HEROES are Switzerland, Norway, Cyprus, Albania A FRESH WIND IN SLOVENIAN and Iceland. None of them should be Markovič defends her world champion title by winning in underestimated, since the differences between once superior and inferior teams Barcelona have been significantly reduced. Albania FOOTBALL or perhaps Iceland may spring a surprise, while Norway and Switzerland are well- once; her poorest(!) result was still an Aim: Qualification for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil. established teams with excellent track outstanding fifth position in Valence, records. First of all, I have to get to know France. Mina Markovič has undoubtedly the players I have not yet met personally; I left her mark on this year’s sports was coach to many players at Domžale and climbing season. Celje; I have to find adequate substitutions In Kranj, the home audience saw her win for the older players who are about to a title in the zlato polje sport hall, which retire from the national team’. hosted the best of the world’s climbers for Recently, the national team’s play has the sixteenth time. Mina finished second been based on experience, a fixed roster and won the prestigious World Cup trophy. with few replacements and consistency Her team trainer, Simon Margon, laid out backed up with a strong spine. ‘That’s a climbing route for this competition, true’, he agrees ‘but there are limits to which was the most difficult for Markovič. the performance of particular players. She also competed in other important Some can endure ten seasons, few can sports climbing events. This year’s world go further than that. As a matter of fact, championship was held in Arco in Lake we have some excellent young players Garda, Italy, on the most difficult artificial coming through; we have an excellent wall in the world. Mina excelled and goalkeeper in Samir Handanović – won a bronze medal in the combination currently one of the best goalies in the competition. In addition to this success, world – we have Tim Matavž, who is on Maja Vidmar, a seasoned climber, finished the way to becoming one of Europe’s best the competition in fifth place. strikers; our national U21 team is full of Sports climbing is very popular in an exceptionally talented generation of Slovenia; young people build their own players. Remember the names of Krhin, artificial walls and gyms, and sport Lazarević, Jović, Kampl, Črnčič, Mitrović, Mina Markovič finished the IFSC Lead centres throughout Slovenia offer indoor Oblak, and many more. I think that, in a World Cup the same way she started it climbing. Climbing difficult natural walls year or two, these youngsters will be the – by winning. She thus kept her leading is also extremely popular; a spring or protagonists of a new Slovenian football position in the women’s overall standings summer weekend can attract as many as renaissance’. and came first in the women’s world 1 000 climbers eager to tackle the well- A new year is approaching, which appears rankings. known Osp wall in Primorska. to be lively and multifaceted for you as a Sports climbing is a discipline that will Slovenian sports climbing is also selector; what are your wishes for 2012? gain Olympic status. Slovenia has already successful in other ways and boasts ‘I would like to clearly mark out the road achieved outstanding results in this several very talented young male to the World Cup finals; in autumn, we fledgling sport. Its women are ranked and female climbers. Nineteen-year- Slaviša Stojanović, National football team coach. have four qualification matches preceded among the world’s best sports climbers. old Urban Primožič from Škofja Loka Ten years ago, Peter Božič, one of the competitions. The failure to qualify for Slaviša became the coach of Slovan, Livar by several friendlies, where we will try Maja Vidmar won the World Cup as early deserves special mention; sports experts greatest contemporary Slovenian the forthcoming European championship (national second division) from Ivančna to ensure the players are well-rehearsed as in 2007; this year, this prestigious expect him to see similar successes as playwrights and an ex-vice president next year in Poland and Ukraine resulted in gorica, and Domžale football club, where and possess the true team spirit needed trophy was won by 23-year-old Mina those achieved in 2011 by Mina Markovič, of Olimpija football club, said to me that a change to the national team selector. As he spent six years. With the latter, he won for the hard qualification matches ahead. Markovič from Kranj. She finished first a Slovenian sports champion. it was his wish to see the young Slaviša a consequence, Matjaž Kek was replaced two national championship titles (2007 Personally, I hope to stay in good health in the women’s overall and combination Slovenia is a country of great natural Stojanović as coach of his team. Many, by 41-year-old Slaviša Stojanović. and 2008). His path then led him to Celje and to be successful in my work’. competitions. beauty, with its Alps and the Karavanke upon hearing these words, just shook He is remembered by many as a good and then on to the United Arab Emirates, These climbing competitions are mountains. The Alpine Association of their heads. Today, ten years later, Peter football club player who played for where he assisted Srečko Katanec as the 2014 BRAZIL WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION organised throughout the year. This year, Slovenia has over 150 000 members Božič, regretfully, passed away while Slovenian national first division teams UAE national team selector. ‘I’ve learned MATCHES FOR SLOVENIA: the climbers competed in nine World and hundreds of thousands of them Slaviša Stojanović was elected the national such as Slovan, Ljubljana and Celje. In a lot from Katanec. The UAE national Group E Cup events. Besides winning five World visit the low and high mountain ranges 7 September 2012 – Slovenia: Switzerland football team selector. addition to time spent on the pitch, team was unknown to us both; it was Cup contests, Mina Markovič was ranked every weekend. Slovenians are a true 11 September 2012 – Norway: Slovenia The past ten years represent a period Slaviša finished his studies at the Faculty there that I actually became acquainted among the best in eight events. She mountaineering nation, ranging from 12 October 2012 – Slovenia: Cyprus marked by unbelievable success in of Sports and obtained the football coach with professional coaching methods and scaled artificial climbing walls marked by recreational mountaineers to ‘Himalayan 16 October 2012 – Albania: Slovenia Slovenian football. The national team’s PRO licence. where I enhanced my knowledge on the arêtes, overhangs and the most difficult heroes’. More than 30 Slovenians have 22 March 2013 – Slovenia: Iceland rather modest performance over the ‘Obtaining a degree was a great incentive preparation of a national football team.’ combinations, and scored victories in conquered 14 Himalayan and Karakoram 7 June 2013 – Iceland: Slovenia last decade of the previous century for my future. I dedicated all my free time What new ideas is he likely to introduce Xining (China), Munich (Germany), eight-thousand-metre peaks; Viki Grošelj 6 September 2013 – Slovenia: Albania was followed by big results, such as the to football and to working with football to the national team’s system of play and Amman (Jordan), Olympic Chamonix has conquered ten of these. Slovenian 10 September 2013 – Cyprus: Slovenia successful qualification for the Euro 2000 players, which is where I always found what are his objectives? ‘Without any (France) and Barcelona (Spain). In Himalayan expeditions have become 11 October 2013 – Slovenia: Norway football championship and for the South true meaning in my life.’ In 1997, following doubt, my objective, as the national team addition to these victories, she attained legendary; regrettably, their death tolls 15 October 2013 – Switzerland: Slovenia Korea/Japan and South Africa World Cup his playing career (at just 28 years of age), selector, is to qualify for the 2014 World second place three times and third place have been quite high.

38 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 39 Slovenian Delights

Bogi Pretnar, photo: Darinka Mladenovič and Tomo Jeseničnik Holidays are in the air There is nothing more delicious than the aroma in Slovenian homes in the days of December: hot milk poured on ground walnuts, poppy seeds, rum, butter, vanilla sugar, almonds, carob, chocolate and even coconuts, yeast and sugar flour. This is the smell of potica, which promises the imminent arrival of the holidays. This national pastry, which is made of leavened dough spread with a rich filling that dates back to the mid-sixteenth century, should be served on every table, although many working women do not have the time to make it, but instead buy it in the shops.

Potica Fine biscuits

40 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 41 Blood sausage or farmer’s feast with cabbage Poprtnik bread

before festivities commence. Regardless of whether we are talking about a three-hundred-kilogram pig belonging to a rich farmer or just a one-hundred-kilogram fattened pig belonging to a poor farmer: they both end their lives before Christmas. Koline used to be a festival in itself! They didn’t need to economise with meat and sausages; both had to be consumed in good company with sau- erkraut and potato with fresh crackling. Blood sausages, pečenice (grilled sausages), especially liver sausages and a pork roast are an obligatory constituent part of festive tables loaded with food dur- ing winter festivals; the koline season is also profitable for inn- keepers since they attract guests who enthusiastically discuss the quality of home-made sausages. Roasted duck, goose or turkey According to tradition, the whole family gathers around the table since cocoa is added to the dough to darken it, and dark walnut or on Christmas Eve, whereas on New Year’s Eve every family mem- chocolate filling is replaced by a filling made from cream, sugar ber chooses his own way of welcoming in the New Year. A more and coconut flour. The nicest kind of potica is baked in a ring cake demanding middle-class family eats a Christmas carp, which is Fruit bread mould so that a housewife can put a festive pastry in the form of a soaked in milk to lose its muddy smell; it is then prepared with smelling garland on the table; this is reminiscent of an even older cream, seasoned properly, and baked in the oven with thin slic- festive bread, poprtnik, which takes the form of a ring decorated es of potato. Another Christmas dish served on Slovenian tables with plaits and birds made of dough. Poprtnik bread is a Christ- is netted pork roast with red cabbage in wine; however, Dr Boris mas blessing – it brings health to the family and cattle; therefore, Kuhar also refers to his recipe according to which the koline (pork it is broken into pieces and even taken to the stall after midnight. meat and sausages) is served with red cabbage and sparkling wine. Poparnik bread, which is made out of buckwheat flour, used to be Some people bake smoked pork neck in dough; however, pork baked instead of poprtnik bread in the Dolenjska region’s Gorjanci roast with dried plums can also be prepared. It is almost obliga- range; this traditional bread is also known as božičnik or župnik. tory to prepare potato as a side dish – often sautéed potato – since Roasted pig Slovenians have also established a society for sautéed potato lovers Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and the Twelfth Day are gourmet who try to eat it every day – just for kicks! As an officially protected Slovenian specialty, potica has taken tens holidays, as asserted by the ethnologist, Dr Boris Kuhar – the au- of different forms in the past, whether baked in metal or clay bak- thor of the book Festivals and Festive Food in Slovenia. Especially On New Year’s Eve, roasted stuffed turkey, or duck with red cab- ing trays, in the oven in a black farmhouse kitchen, or in the elec- on New Year’s Eve, the meat of animals that ‘move forward’ to the bage, lamb cutlets, and capon are served on the table, whilst on tric stoves of the middle classes. As it is made by rolling and wrap- future must be served on the table and not, for example, chick- middle-class tables, different types of fish are served –roasted ping dough spread with filling, it used to be known as povitica, a ens who ‘scratch backwards’. A table must be so full of treats that young pig with potato and other salads is particularly popular. wrapped festive pastry. Some ethnologists aver that its name origi- there is hardly any space for a glass. Those who eat well on the last French salad – a vegetable salad with potato and mayonnaise nates from the Latin potissimus, which means ‘the best of all’ and day of the year will also eat well in the year to come. Therefore, that the French refer to as Macedonian – has recently become was prepared in monastery kitchens centuries ago; from there, food is brought to the table that we could not otherwise afford. very sought after. After midnight, some drunken heads need to be potica – of which there are fifty types – first spread among the And what would be on Dr Boris Kuhar’s personal festive menu? brought down to earth with good sour soup prepared from differ- nobility, to the lower classes, and then on to the humblest farm. ‘Bakalar al bianco, with a good measure of cognac, available in ent parts of a pig’s head and pettitoes, and as the remnant of the It is also well known across the border, such as in places like the sufficient quantities to wet the mouths of those who take the time former common Balkan country, sarme, rolled leaves of sour cab- Friuli region in Italy, Croatia and in Viennese haute cuisine, and and effort to beat codfish and soften it with their own hands. This bage stuffed with rice and minced meat. was already mentioned as far back as in the eighteenth century. is followed by pheasant soup, Christmas carp with potato, or New Year’s stuffed roasted duck, a piece of koline (pork meat and sau- In addition to the acclaimed potica, fine biscuits baked by a The most classic potica is the walnut variety; walnuts are also sages) or netted pork roast made from pork tenderloin, salads, and housewife a few days before the onset of festivities are also served served on every festive table. When cracking them, we crack life’s rolled dumplings with cottage cheese or walnuts – certainly one or – these are hidden from the sweet-toothed in a closed tin box; fruit problems. Besides walnut potica, a range of nut and carob poticas two kinds of potica.’ bread with cut and dried pieces of fruit such as figs, apricots, dates are also popular; almond and chocolate poticas can also be found and raisins are also served, especially on middle-class tables, on middle-class tables, as well as coconut potica – a consequence In many places nowadays, pigs are slaughtered where there is a where traditional Viennese cooking is appreciated;, the sponge of recent times, which has seen exotic food products being brought need to do so; in times gone by, this process was called koline– in cake called chocolate stem is also popular. . The tables will be suf- to our shelves. At first sight, it is the opposite of a classic potica, some places, this is known as furež, which is the main event held ficiently full to ensure a happy New Year. Fine biscuits

42 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 43 society

Ministry of agriculture, forestry and food Hana Souček Morača; photographs: LU Institute Archives Traditional Slovenian Love is Universal (LU)

Breakfast day in ‘We need to start with ourselves. You must be the change you want to see in the world’. kindergartens and primary schools

On 18 November the Traditional Slovenian Breakfast project was carried out in kindergartens and primary schools throughout Slovenia. During the first hour of school, children breakfasted on brown bread, honey, butter, milk and apples, all of which were of Slovenian origin. Many well-known faces joined them for this meal, which acquainted them with a healthy way of eating.

Chamber of Agricultural and Food Enter- prises of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia; and the Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Slovenia. The main goal of the project, which is to be a recurring event, is to educate, inform and raise the awareness of the youngest children and children of school age, and to some extent also the general public, on the importance of breakfast for our eat- ing habits, on the importance and advan- tages of locally produced food, and on the importance of agriculture and beekeep- ing. The Institute of Public Health of the Re- public of Slovenia warns that balanced nutrition is very important whilst grow- ing up. Breakfast has beneficial effects on our health, even if we only eat it four or five times a week. It should consist of complete cereal products (wholemeal bread, porridge, etc.), protein foods (milk The Love is Universal Institute was Tina says that she has always felt a strong edies – two of her friends died of can- Farmers, agricultural companies, food- ing primary schools and kindergartens, and dairy products), vegetables and fruit. founded by Tina Gams for the purpose of need to help powerless social groups. ‘I cer. This has – as she explains – finally processing companies and beekeepers including the President of the Republic The project is in line with nutrition - de promoting tolerance, integration and so- responded spontaneously and also at- awakened her. ‘I became aware that our contributed 19 165 kilograms of bread, 2 of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, the President velopment in Slovenia and, from an ag- cial inclusion. The Institute is a non-gov- tempted to persuade the people around time here is limited and that we should 683 kilograms of butter, 53 663 litres of of the National Assembly, Ljubo Germič, ricultural point of view, is particularly ernmental and independent organisation me to help others.’ The Institute was es- not let our lives pass by. I have recently milk, 3 220 kilograms of honey and 32 several ministers, mayors, as well as ath- important because it informs children on focused on humanitarian aid. It unites tablished in 2010. Its members encour- realised that the world is at a crossroads,’ 040 kilograms of apples. A total of 828 letes such as the skier, Mitja Valenčič, how food is grown and processed, and of individuals whose aim is to increase soli- age people to love themselves and others she added. ‘We should encourage com- primary schools and 707 kindergartens and the gymnast, Adela Šajn. The Tradi- the importance of locally produced food. darity in society and reduce economic more, and to try to spread this love to the passion between people, because we all participated in the project. A list of all tional Slovenian Breakfast project was The project was very well received by differences between people. One of their young in particular. ‘I think that it is wis- share the same planet,’ emphasised Tina. the farmers and companies contributing initiated by the Slovenian Beekeepers’ the children. At some schools and kin- objectives is to actively participate at the est to invest in education because, in the In the campaign ‘From children for their products and participating in the Association, later joined by the Minis- dergartens, children enhanced the event national and global levels for the pur- long term, only through education will children’, young children from all over project is published at www.tradiciona- try of Agriculture, Forestry and Food; with various art and cultural activities. pose of exchanging experiences in the children learn how to help themselves Slovenia helped collect toys, school es- lni-zajtrk.si. the Ministry of Education and Sport; the They have responded in great numbers to good practices and solutions that could and transfer their knowledge to others.’ sentials, baby equipment and books. Many people from the world of politics Ministry of Health; the Chamber of Ag- the competition published in the Tradi- contribute to reducing poverty and social At the time the Institute was established, They added letters of good wishes to the and sport supported the project by visit- riculture and Forestry of Slovenia; the tional Slovenian Breakfast newsletter. exclusion. Tina also experienced two personal trag- items collected and participated in soli-

44 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 45 ally diverse areas of the world and to ex- perience moments such as when I open a package sent from Kenya, made by Marcus Ferrar with contributions from dr. Mihael Glavan, Katarina Groznik Zeiler and Pavel Groznik women from Kenyan villages, contain- ing plenty of hand-knit scarves made for children in Slovenia as a sign of their gratitude.’ There are currently three campaigns underway, two of which are organised within the Artish Project, through which clothes for children and the homeless are collected. A 2012 calendar entitled ‘Children of the World’ has also been published. The funds earned with this calendar will be earmarked for building the Piali Ashar Alo School run by Mojca Gayen. The Institute also wishes to help Luka, a seven year old boy with cerebral palsy who attends a special programme at a primary school where there is no toi- let adjusted to his needs. Through their activities, the Institute’s members prove that hearts know no bor- ders. ‘Each of us has the power to change the world for the better. Can you imagine how much could be done by those who have the power in the current system! Much more could be done, emphasised Tina, who then cited the English proverb: ‘A man who wants to do something, will find a way; a man who doesn’t will find an excuse.’ »COMFORTABLY AT HOME« HOW CAN WE HELP? Take a look in your wardrobes for an item of clothing you don’t wear any IN IVANČNA GORICA more. Give it to your neighbour to- gether with a unique product made by Slovene artists for the purpose of collecting funds for the LU Institute – a calendar or a T-shirt. Visit the www.loveisuniversal.si website and get involved, because as Tina says: darity workshops. ‘The items collected match organised by two members of the ‘Take action to make your dreams travelled over long distances. They were Slovenian national football team – Tim come true!’ all sent to the Piali Ashar Alo School in Matavž and Valter Birsa – says Tina. These India, which is run by Mojca Gayen, to funds have been allocated for the educa- orphanages in Kenya, to schools in the tion of children in Slovenia. Masai Mara region, to some schools in The founder of the Institute explains that Sarajevo and Zenica, and to Montenegro, her work inspires her when she sees the Kosovo and Zambia.’ The Institute also happy eyes and the smile of children donated toys and other items to cheer up who have poignant life stories, but whose the children from Gaza who had under- hopes have finally been rewarded. ‘I am gone rehabilitation at the Soča University inspired by those moments in which I Rehabilitation Institute, and the children realise that the fruits of my labour have in the Asylum Centre in Ljubljana. The turned out beautifully. Situations when toys were also distributed to safe hous- the life paths of generation of children es throughout Slovenia, Tina explained, who would otherwise have remained il- adding that children from socially dis- literate and exploited have just been di- advantaged families in Slovenia also re- rected towards a better future.’ Tina is ceived some. encouraged by the thought that the chil- The Institute has recently collected suffi- dren who have received help will one day cient funds to purchase 80 schoolbags for become parents and become aware of the children from the Piali Ashar Alo School. importance of education for their own They are still waiting to receive some of children. ‘I am happy to see friendships the funds collected at the charity football created between children from cultur-

46 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 47 Entrance to Ivančna Gorica region

Just a quarter of an hour after leaving the ring road of Ljubljana, travelling on the motorway south-east, you come upon a region which could hardly be more authentically Slovene – Ivančna Gorica. You’ve only just left the bustle of the capital, and you’re already moving smoothly through a landscape of rolling hills, green woods, rippling streams and historical monuments. Even the weather’s better. You’ve left behind the mists of Ljubljana’s marshlands.

Few foreigners have ever heard of this re- a remote valley nearby lies Stična, with gion of just 16,000 souls, and it’s hardly a majestic edifice that is Slovenia’s only a household name in Slovenia either. But still-functioning Cistercian monastery. it’s a place where people carefully nurture Founded in 1136, it was a foremost cen- their natural heritage. They sing in choirs, tre of religious culture in the Middle Ages. keep bees, farm the valleys in the old way, Visitors are free to roam around the mon- make teas out of a rich variety of mead- astery, where white-robed monks have ow flowers, and run a few small, modern been tending medicinal herbs for centu- industries (such as Akrapovič, maker of ries. You can buy Pater Ašič’s herbal teas high-performance exhaust systems). as well as the monks’ other specialities – In the main town of Ivančna Gorica, Stična cheese and honey-based sparkling which gives its name to the region, stands wine. At Šentvid down the road, singers a Roman milestone with a mediaeval Lat- from all over country gather in June for in inscription. It’s the heart of the area. In Slovenia’s biggest choir festival. Višnja Gora

Muljava, Jurčič’s birth house Krjavelj’s Shack

48 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 49 Višnja Gora, the smallest town in Slove- nia, has a sterner history. It was one of the first Slovene settlements to gain rights as a town (in 1478) and became the centre of the local Counts’ secular power. Sur- rounded by ancient ramparts, with a for- tified watch-tower, it was the home of Slovene nobles who fought and died long ago for the Habsburg Empire against the Turks. Its symbol is a snail with a golden chain. This commemorates a gilded snail shell studded with diamonds that the wife of a Venetian Doge gave to the local Countess in the 16th century for saving the life of her wounded son – or so the legend goes. In the nearby Podsmreka Castle, Emil Roschütz bred large quantities of the so- called Carniolan Bees in the 19th century. They are particurly hard-working and docile, and as one of Europe’s first bee en- trepreneurs Roschütz exported them all over the world as far as New Zealand. The village of Muljava further south is the birthplace of Josip Jurčič (1844-1881), the first Slovene to write a novel in the- Slo vene language. Before his time, German was generally the literary language, since the Slovene Lands were in the Austrian Stična monastery part of the Habsburg Empire. Visitors can go into the house where he was born, a quiet, pristine waterway depositing po- European Union Presidency in 2008. home on an Ivančna Gorica hillside and which is now a museum, and his works rous limestone rocks as it flows through a The two of them got together with the lo- sees Slovenia’s mighty Triglav mountain are dramatized in a nearby amphitheatre. mosaic of carefully-husbanded country- cal community to work out what’s special 80 kilometres to the north, wraithed in au- From a cave full of stalactites and stalag- side. Bees buzz among rare flowers such about Ivančna Gorica – what makes it at- tumn mists. His children go to school in the mites just outside Muljava bubbles forth as wild orchids. It’s a healthy environ- tractive. It should persuade people to come little town down the hill where the Counts the spring of the Krka, one of Slovenia’s ment. there, rather than somewhere else. Their once held sway. He is less than half an hour most charming rivers, still offering a place The countryside of Ivančna Gorica is best aim was to create an identity which harmo- from his office and clients in the Slovenian to live to rare animal species such as the explored by bicycle, on foot, on horseback nises the region’s diversity, makes the locals capital. otter and the danubian salmon. This is a or in a kayak. Marked trails including E6, proud, and offers an attractive prospect to “I’m here for the quality of life,” he says. karst area where streams run deep under- part of the European hiking network, outsiders. It would embrace the values of ”You can find that in other parts of Slovenia ground. In the subterranean caves one can criss-cross its 227 square kilometres. It’s the past, so that inhabitants could move to- too. But I chose the Ivančna Gorica region.” find a rare blind amphibian known as the easy going, but when you reach the crest gether into the future. “human fish” because of its light pink skin of a gradual incline, you may find yourself Ivančna Gorica has heritage, history, un- colour. It was discovered for the first time gazing far and wide over much of Slove- spoilt natural beauty, small-scale spe- in the 18th century near here. The Krka is Višnja Gora aerial view nia. cialised industry and above all, gently un- This is not a place for extreme sports, such dulating hills which convey a comfortable as rock-climbing in Slovenia’s Julian Alps, feeling. The new visual symbol for the re- or wind-surfing in fierce burja winds off gion evoked these smoothly rolling shapes. the Adriatic coast. Ivančna Gorica, right in The existing insignia of the region’s 12 towns the heart of the country, is a place to relax, and villages were adapted to give a homo- enjoy, and taste a natural, authentic way geneous look. of life. “Comfortably at Home” was the slogan they created to encapsulate what Ivančna Gorica »COMFORTABLY AT HOME« - HOW A represents. Or “Welcome to the world of SMALL PLACE FOUND ITS IDENTITY your youth,” as they put it in the welcom- How can a modest-sized territory in a ing message. The region got a smart new small country ever make itself known out- web site http://ivancna.gremo.net focusing side its borders? Mayor Dušan Strnad de- on this new image, with an easy guide to all cided that Ivančna Gorica must establish its interests and attractions. a unifying identity. The region needed its “This new visual identity, with its unifying own “brand,” as other cities, regions and sign and slogan, has created a brand which countries are doing all over the world. As it sets a foundation for the holistic develop- happens, one of the local residents is Rob- ment of our region,” said Mayor Strnad as ert Kuhar, a Slovenian designer who creat- he presented it to the media. Krka River ed the logo and visual design for Slovenia’s As for Robert Kuhar, he looks out from his

50 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 51 Ljubljana Photo: Governmet Communication Office archives