05 ISSN 1854-0805 October 2012

The latest from Slovenia

On the path to social and structural reforms

• INTERVIEW: Andrej Vizjak, M.Sc. • ART & CULTURE: European Capital of Culture • OUR EXCELLENCE: PoliMaT Centre of Excellence • PEOPLE: Boris Pahor • SPORTS: Remarkable Slovenian success at the Olympic Games in London contents editorial

5 In focus Fiscal sustainability – a fundamental principle on which we wish to build our country and our development 16 Interview Mr. ANDREJ VIZJAK, M.Sc. 20 Business 22 Vesna Žarkovič, Editor A letter Anunciada Fernández de Córdova, On the path to social, structural and ‘green’ reforms Pierre-François Mourier In focus Interview 24 The Bled Strategic Forum (BSF) featured many discussions about the Art & culture future of Europe in a constantly changing world. The discussants stated European Capital of Culture, that Europe needs more assertive leaders, that it has to follow the path of Shanghai Gypsy ... social, structural and ‘green’ reforms, continue the enlargement process 30 and open up to Chinese investments. Our excellence At the moment, Slovenia faces the great challenge of reforming pension legislation, the labour market and the Employment Relationship PoliMaT Centre of Excellence Act. Improved financial sustainability of the pension fund should 32 be ensured as soon as possible in order to enable decent pensions for Green corner present and future retirees in the long term. The main goal of the current Eco Civil Initiative economic policy is a sustainable structural balance of public finances 34 and the creation of conditions for stable economic growth. Green corner People Business opportunities in Slovenia are becoming scarce; therefore it is Boris Pahor necessary to look beyond the borders. Business diplomacy is not a suitable 36 institution for concluding contracts in the name of businesspeople, but Sports it can open many doors in the process of establishing new business Remarkable Slovenian success at the contacts. In the globalised world, many countries realise that they will contents Olympic Games in London have to connect with others if they wish to enter developing markets 40 successfully, including the BRIC markets (Brazil, Russia, India and China). The Slovenian economy must also be more open to investment. Slovenian delights Many countries with great financial potential are actually interested in People Istrian house investing in Slovenia, including the Arab Gulf States, Turkey, Russia and 44 the USA. Society Foreign experts claim that Slovenia ranks among the first in the world Culturalisation of space in terms of the number of patents and new technical solutions per capita. 47 With its breakthrough technological programmes, Slovenia is among Heritage the leaders and an example to others around the world. In November, The Land of Hay Racks the PoliMaT Centre of Excellence is opening an office in the USA, in the city of Akron in Ohio, at the Akron Global Business Accelerator, which will enable intensive and close cooperation on new research and development programmes and technology transfer; it will also serve for Art & culture testing the American market for existing industrial partners and start-up companies. SINFO – SLOVENIAN INFORMATION Editorial: Government Communication Office, Boris Pahor, the Slovenian author living in Italy, celebrated his recent Director: Anže Logar, Gregorčičeva 25, 1000 Ljubljana, 99th birthday with the presentation of his new book, a collection of tel. +386 (0) 1 478 2630, fax + 386 (0) 1 251 2312, www.ukom.gov.si Editor-in-Chief: Valerija Obu diaries, which he has dedicated to his wife. The writer stresses that love Executive Editor: Vesna Žarkovič, [email protected] is the only value which can liberate the individual in a personal sense Editorial Board: Mateja Malnar Štembal, Polona Prešeren, Nataša Marvin, Manja Kostevc and mankind in the social sense. He also constantly emphasises national Photo Editor: Janez Vidrih awareness, which is necessary for the survival of Slovenians in Italy and Production: Nuit d.o.o., Translation: Amidas, DZTPS, Government Translation and Interpretation Division for the survival of the individual and mankind in the world. Boris Pahor is Printed by: Collegium Graphicum d.o.o., Slovenia, Number of copies: 4600 undoubtedly a phenomenon of universal significance. Is it perhaps time Available also at: www.ukom.gov.si/eng/slovenia/publication/sinfo Cover photo: Darinka Mladenovič for one of the most frequently translated Slovenian authors to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature? Government Communication Office: www.slovenia.si Government Communication Office: www.ukom.gov.si This year’s Olympic Games in London will be fondly remembered by Government of the Republic of Slovenia: www.vlada.si all who respect the accomplishments and efforts of Slovenian sportsmen Slovenian Tourist Board: www.slovenia.info Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: www.gzs.si and women. Due to exceptional results of our team, Slovenia won a Slovenian Chamber of Craft: www.ozs.si respectable sixth place on the medals table in terms of medals per capita. Public Agency for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments: www.japti.si Ljubljana Stock Exchange: www.ljse.si This was a great success, which put Slovenia on the front pages of world Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia: www.stat.si newspapers and highlighted it among countries which are similar in State Portal of the Republic of Slovenia: http://e-uprava.gov.si population, but exceptional in their results. Society Sports Heritage Sinfo – Slovenian information 3 : in focus : monthly commentary UKOM, photo: Tamino Petelinšek/STA

Prime Minister Janez Janša awarded for his innovative efforts in the procees of independence and democracy in Slovenia

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, received an award for Innovation in Diplomacy at the World Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship that took place in Boston, USA from 26th to 28th September Anže Logar, Director of the Government Communication Office 2012. The award stands as recognition for a new diplomatic approach in the countries struggle for independence and for setting up democratic grounds that were essential for Slovenia’s successful development in the past two decades. THIRD TIME LUCKY

In the past, Slovenia was considered in international circles as a good student. It entered the EU well prepared, adopted the euro soon after, and was the first of the new Members States to hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU. At the moment when Slovenia had achieved its main goals, the world economic crisis began. Slovenia did not respond in time. It insisted on gradualism, believing the crisis would soon be over. Four years later, the crisis is still here, and Slovenia is no longer among the young stars. But again, it is a good student. In the three lost years, it has learnt that without hard work and structural reforms, it will not pull through.

The results of hard study will not be visible overnight. Series of the banks, the government has proposed the establishment of legal measures will have to be adopted which will produce of a company which will assume bad bank debts in return for results only when they are working together. Aware of this fact, the government bonds. This will strengthen the stability of the banks government immediately tackled the state financial consolidation. and thus accelerate lending to companies. A national holding is also Simultaneously, it adopted the first package of measures to stimulate being established which will manage state investments in one place the economy, by which it reduced corporate income tax and and thus improve the transparency and efficiency of state property abolished restrictions on investment in research and development. management. The basis for the holding will be a governance strategy The World Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (www. greater prosperity and progress of his social environment and beyond. In the second package, the government adopted 75 measures which is to be confirmed by the National Assembly. thewsie.org/prologue.html) was launched in 2006 under the support This year, the award for Innovation in Diplomacy was given to to stimulate investment, support a society of development and The proposed reforms of pension and labour law, which will of the United Nations, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Prime Minister Janša and has recognized his efforts and contribution knowledge, create a business-friendly environment and reduce be subject to negotiation with social partners, are based on the African Union and a partnership with the most prominent multina- for independence and democracy in Slovenia. By receiving this hon- administrative barriers. In this framework, it raised the takeover demographic situation and conditions in the labour market. The tional companies. Since then, the purpose of the summit is to connect ourable title he joined the group of amazing individuals that have ac- threshold from 25 to 33 per cent. new legislation will thus improve the flexibility of the labour market, and facilitate the creation of strategic alliances between the world’s cepted the award in the past. Some of the mot recognizable awardees Early this autumn, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia enhance the efficiency of labour law protection, reduce undeclared most innovative organisations and people who are actively trans- were Bill Gates, Founder and Chairman of Microsoft Corp., Stephen confirmed a third package of 155 measures to stimulate economic work, enable periodical and temporary work of pensioners and the forming and improving the social and economic development of the Hawking, Theoretical Physicist, Tarja Halonen, President of the Re- growth. The most important systemic and structural measures unemployed, adjust the labour market to the trend of the ageing world. public of Finland, Paul Kagame, Fighter for Peace and President of the are presented in this Sinfo edition. The proposed solutions in four population and ensure the financial sustainability of the pension From 2008 onward, the awards at the summit have been given Republic of Rwanda, and many more. legislative fields – the labour market and pension system, the fund. every year to the most innovative people and organisations making Prime Minister Janez Janša was hounoured to be the first Slove- banking system, the broader business environment, agriculture With regard to the extent of the reform package, many may significant contributions through their work to different areas such nian receiving this award. He believes that it is such a recognition that and the environment – are the result of a considerable degree of think that Slovenia is entering a period where it is better to be in the as art, environment, economy, technology, science, education and gives individual democratic actions a global meaning and promotes a consensus among the coalition partners. To cut the Gordian knot opposition. “Well, the world is never perfect...” politics. The award recognises the recipient’s unique contribution to future that the international community strives for.

4 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 5 : in focus : The Government of the Republic of Slovenia intends to adopt a package of measures by the end of 2012. The key measures are presented in the following two articles. UKOM, photo:Tamino Petelinšek/STA

Ministry of Finance, photo: STA Prime Minister Janez Janša at the UN Convention for a world free of genocide Fiscal sustainability – a fundamental principle on which we wish to build our country and our development Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, on 27 September, addressed the 67th General Assembly of the United Nations, calling all Member States to support the initiative to strengthen the mechanisms of the Convention The key aim of economic policy is to achieve a sustainable structural fiscal balance and create conditions for stable on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. In his address, the Prime Minister reiterated the economic growth. The goals and commitments of the economic and fiscal policy to the end of 2015 are defined, in necessity for enhancing legal mechanisms for early action in preventing genocide and mass atrocities and stressed line with requirements and obligations assumed at EU level, in the Stability Programme and in the National Reform that 60 years after its adoption, the Convention needed to widen its scope and enhance its efficiency. Programme 2012–2013, which includes a proposal of structural reforms, measures for meeting the targets of the EU2020 Strategy and measures to boost growth and jobs. to play an active role in further development of this initia- tive, and pointed out that the initiative originates from in- ternational non-government organisations and civil society individuals and is gaining in support. Today it has several thousand supporters and their number is growing every day. He continued by saying that collaboration concerning the prosecution of alleged perpe- trators of such crimes should be enhanced, and that a genu- ine culture of prevention should be developed globally. In this context he strongly condemned acts of violence against diplo- matic and consular missions in the Arab world and stressed that freedom of speech is fun- Prime Minister Janez Janša a result of tireless, year-long ef- Janša also mentioned that the damental in democracy, and opened his address by recalling forts by Mr Raphael Lemkin, a UN Secretary-General, Mr. Ban violent response has never set that the main topic of this year’s Polish lawyer: »He stalked the Ki-moon, urged at the opening limits on that freedom. session is peaceful resolution of halls of the UN every day until of the 67th session of the UN, Prime Minister Janez Janša conflict. Furthermore he stresst- December 1948, when the Gen- that we should give the concept ended his intervention at this ed that all Heads of State in their eral Assembly finally adopted of the “responsibility to protect” year’s session of the General addresses underlined the neces- the Convention. We then waited a more tangible meaning. Assembly of the United Nations sity for increased awareness and half a century to see a first con- “Since the end of World War by the following words: » Each effective prevention of atroci- viction of an individual for the 2 more than 80 countries have and every nation as well as the ties that we are, unfortunately, crime of genocide. Establish- witnessed mass atrocities. At United Nations as a whole have still witnessing today. Prime ment of the criminal tribunals least 53 million innocent lives an enormous responsibility and BUDGET extremely difficult conditions, and taxes, which, however, will it is paramount to launch the Minister Janša mentioned the for Yugoslavia and Rwanda in have been lost. Behind these also the opportunity to prevent the public sector will have to not negatively affect the econ- recovery of economic growth case of Syria, where mediation the 90s was followed by the his- numbers there were actual men future atrocities. We cannot es- This autumn, the govern- match the capacities of the omy in general. and investments, in order to activities failed and higlighted toric creation of the permanent and women, and also children. cape our history but let us learn ment is drafting the budget for economy, and the current bud- In its session of 20 Sep- attain a comprehensive fiscal the need for strengthening pre- International Criminal Court. They had future but were not from it. I fully believe we do not the next two years, which will get expenditure will have to be tember 2012, the government balance. ventive capacities of the UN, its This was another milestone in allowed to live,” said the Prime want the mistakes of yesterday be (as the current one is) de- moderately restricted. At the defined the highest permis- Member States and international the humanisation of the inter- Minister and called for devel- to be repeated tomorrow. We voted to lowering the budget same time, the budgets envis- sible upper limit of expendi- FISCAL RULE organisations. national relations.« opment of a viable strategy to took over the responsibility for deficit. In the next two years, age an increase of development ture, thereby reducing the level Speaking to the delegates, The Prime Minister Janša prevent genocide and other the world from our forefathers the government is expecting and investment funds coming of public sector expenditure, Fiscal sustainability is a Prime Minister Janez Janša re- quoted the speech of the US mass atrocities, and added that and have the enormous respon- to see the first effects of the from the EU, as these measures however with the aim of re- fundamental principle on called that last year we cel- President Barack Obama’s at “a mechanism is needed to en- sibility to make it a better place planned reforms of the pension could have an important im- taining the quality level of ser- which we wish to build our ebrated 60 years since the the US Holocaust Memorial able a more rapid and effective for our children. I therefore in- system and of labour market pact on economic recovery. The vices and the implementation country and our development. Convention on the Prevention Museum last April where he response to acts of genocide and vite you to do so by joining all legislation; for this reason, the budgets for 2013 and 2014 also of key tasks. The most impor- The introduction of the fis- and Punishment of the Crime made the point that “national other mass atrocities”. our efforts for a world free from anticipated effects are already envisage certain measures to tant efforts, as far as reducing cal rule in the constitution is of Genocide has entered into sovereignty never is a license Prime Minister Janez Janša genocide and other mass atroc- included in the draft budgets increase the revenue side, such expenditure is concerned, have a restriction forcing both the force. As he described this was to slaughter your people”. Mr declared that Slovenia is ready ities.« for 2013 and 2014. Because of as increases of certain charges already been made, and now government and Parliament to

6 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 7 : in focus : : :

economy. A straightforward nancial system. The aim of the Company (SOD) and/or its le- SSB’s investments and their and clearly outlined list of state establishment of the DUTB and gal successor (SDH); management, proceeds from investments will facilitate ac- the SSB is to reduce to a mini- debtors’ bankruptcy estate and cess of foreign investment to mum the expenses of measures 2) The measures envis- bonds issued by SSB and ben- Slovenia’s market. Further- implemented in compliance aged by the draft act are the efiting from the government more, a list of companies in with this act, to expand loan following: guarantees. Another possible need of restructuring will be portfolios to the non-financial a. Purchase or acquisition source of financing are funds drafted. As a result, the with- sector, to privatise banks, and against payment of bank’s from recovery of unlawfully drawal of the state from the to establish responsibility for assets and management obtained proceeds, as finally economy will be facilitated, in banks’ bad debts. of such assets within the established in criminal pro- due consideration, of course, of DUTB; ceedings against debtors of the market conditions. The most important solu- b. Government guaranties for banks subject to the measures. tions proposed by the draft act strengthening the stability BANKING SYSTEM STABILITY are the following: of banks, concerning: 4) The application of the i. Obligations taken by the measures may be proposed With the aim of reaching a 1) The DUTB will be es- DUBT; either by the DUBT at its own long-term consolidation of the tablished to carry out measures ii. Obligations of the spe- initiative, by the bank itself or banking system, the Ministry provided for by the act; specif- cial-purpose company by the Bank of Slovenia. The of Finance has prepared a draft ic-purpose assets will be gath- that will take over bad application of the measures act on measures to strength- ered, and the records of such debts from banks (here- under the draft act will be de- en the stability of banks. The assets will be kept under the inafter: special-purpose cided by the government on measures envisaged by the SSB; the DUTB will be a public company); the proposal of an inter-min- draft will be supplementary to limited company with a one- iii. Obligations of individ- isterial commission composed the existing system of control tier system of management, a ual bank units established of seven members (of which measures already applied by general assembly (the Govern- by banks to manage cer- three from the Ministry of Fi- the Bank of Slovenia as the na- ment of the Republic of Slove- tain risk items; nance, one from the Office of tional control authority. nia) and a management board c. Increasing the banks’ share the Prime Minister, one from The act will regulate the consisting of seven members capital; the Ministry of Economic De- Družba za upravljanje terjatev (three of which will be execu- d. Measures to ensure the nec- velopment and Technology bank (Company for Manag- tive directors); the liability for essary liquidity of banks in and two from the Bank of Slo- ing Bank Debts (DUTB)) and the DUTB’s obligations will be cases of extreme urgency. venia). the Sklad za stabilnost bank with the Republic of Slovenia, (Fund for the Stability of Banks and control over the DUTB will 3) The measures provid- 5) Any bank eligible for (SSB)), and measures for be carried out by the Minis- ed for by the draft act and car- such measures will have to adopt measures to stop uncon- national level. Moreover, the secretary-general of the OECD, aged by several legal persons strengthening of the stability of try of Finance; the DUTB will ried out by SSB will be financed implement a solid and rational trolled government borrow- credibility of any rule included and the governor of the Bank of with diverging business ob- banks in the Republic of Slove- cease to exist on 31 December from repayments from banks business policy and prepare a ing and rise of the structural in a constitution is largely en- Slovenia. jectives. The assets are, there- nia, with the aim of preserving 2017; its legal successor will be subject to the abovementioned new business strategy. deficit. By signing the Treaty hanced. Again, this would be fore, sometimes managed in a the stability of the whole fi- the Slovenian Compensation measures, income from the on Stability, Coordination and a clear signal that our inten- SLOVENIAN SOVEREIGN less-than-optimal way, so that Governance in the Economic tion is to solve this issue in a HOLDING the owner’s profit depends on and Monetary Union, Slovenia serious and continuing way. the business objectives of such assumed the commitment to Furthermore, this has already The government haspersons and is, often, quite be- include the rule in the consti- been done by Germany and prepared a draft act on the low the maximum possible. tution. In December 2011, such Switzerland, both of which are Slovenian Sovereign Holding The draft act envisages trans- a commitment was also made countries Slovenia wishes to and presented it to the forming the current Slovenska by all political parties in the resemble. Parliament in order to correct odškodninska družba (Slove- Parliament. The fiscal rule is but one of the lack of transparency of the nian Compensation Company The introduction of the fis- the measures to be taken by current system of managing (SOD)) into a new company, cal rule in the constitution is a the government, which may, in companies with state capital the Slovenski državni holding much more powerful commit- general, be divided into mea- investment, and the loss of (Slovenian Sovereign Holding ment than its introduction in sures aimed at lowering the Slovenia’s credibility abroad, (SDH)) that will unite all com- an act, as any act may be rap- extent of borrowing and mea- and to put the management panies with state investments idly and quite easily amended, sures aimed at stimulating the of all state capital investments under one roof, and manage while any modification of the economy and boosting growth. under one roof. them centrally. The aim of the constitution requires more The introduction of the fiscal The aim of the proposal draft act is to simplify the man- than a simple majority of votes. rule in the constitution will concerning the management of agement structure, to clearly The government is well have overall beneficial effects state investments is to increase define the scope and criteria aware that the mere introduc- both in the short and the long their value through active gov- for management of state in- tion of the fiscal rule in the term, while the refusal to do so ernance and a consistent sys- vestments, and to create com- constitution does not solve our would cause extensive and im- tem of corporate management. mon state reserve assets. The problems; it will be, however, mediate damage. This may only be achieved by establishment of the SDH is, at a strong signal to the interna- The introduction of the fis- concentrating all state invest- the same time, an institutional tional community, proving our cal rule in the constitution has ments under a single manager. and systemic solution that will determination and capacity in also been recommended by Currently, the assets of the Re- enable the transparent with- addressing difficulties at the prominent experts such as the public of Slovenia are man- drawal of the state from the

8 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 9 : in focus :

Martin Kerin, Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs, photo: STA OLD AGE DEPENDENCY RATIO ratio 80 The ageing of the population is clearly shown in the chart which illustrates the age struc- Only the adoption of the necessary reforms will enable 60 ture of the population in 2008 Slovenia to achieve economic growth and exit the crisis and 2060. It shows the increase in the share of the elderly in the 40 total population in Slovenia. The Slovenia currently faces a significant challenge: the adoption of pension legislation, labour market reforms and a new share of the younger popula- tion will gradually give way to employment relationships act. The fact is that the financial sustainability of the pension fund needs to be improved 20 the share of the elderly. Intense as soon as possible in order to provide decent and adequate pensions for the current and future generations. At the population ageing and its direct impact on public finances is al- same time, it should not be overlooked that, according to domestic and foreign institutions such as the Institute 0 of Macroeconomic Analysis and Development, the European Commission and the OECD, the Slovenian labour ready a reality. The decline in LU UK DK IE CY FX BE SE NL FI AT PT EE GR HU ES MT DE IT CZ SI BG LV RO LT SK PL NO CH the number of insured persons, EU-27 states market is characterised by a rigidity of permanent employment and high labour costs. i.e. the decrease in the working- 2008 2060 age and employed population, exerts a major impact on the

fiscal sustainability of the pen- age (years) sion system. men 100 women 90 AGE STRUCTURE OF THE 80

POPULATION 90 80 In December 2011, the 70 Slovenian average retirement age was only 58 years and 8 60 months for women and 61 50 years and 9 months for men, 40 well below the planned full re- 30 tirement ages of 61 and 63 for 20 women and men respectively. 10 Despite a gradual increase in the actual retirement age due 0 to pension reform since 2000, 2 1,5 1 0,5 0 0 0,5 1 1,5 2 this increase has slowed down % % and practically came to a halt 2008 2060 2008 2060 in the past few years. Source: Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Affairs

All the relevant facts high- why the Government is taking measures for faster economic This has resulted in an increase light the need for adapting measures for stimulating eco- growth. At the same time, it in the share of fixed-term con- pension system to a less fa- nomic growth, rehabilitating should be borne in mind that tracts. vourable demographic struc- the economic situation and while changes to labour leg- It should also be stressed ture; moreover, fiscal policy creating new jobs in addition islation are urgent, they are that the problem of labour should be adapted in order to to the package of other mea- merely an essential compo- segmentation is much more respond to demographic chal- sures proposed for this au- nent of labour market reform. long-term than it appears at lenges. Long-term solutions tumn. In this regard, it should The most important feature first glance. Temporary em- should be found, particularly be noted that the pension re- of the current labour mar- ployment particularly in- with a view to improving the form alone will not resolve ket conditions in Slovenia is volves the more vulnerable ratio between the insured and the key problems unless the a pronounced dualism, i.e. a population groups, and the In addition to improved schemes. The third important averting the negative pension of the Republic of Slovenia and the retired. country succeeds in stimulat- segmentation revealing the consequences of temporary sustainability of the pension message of the pension reform fund trends. After all, it should EUROSTAT data on Slovenia The key change is that the ing economic growth to exit difference between the status employment are reflected in fund, the adoption of the draft is that it puts the length of the be noted that this proposal for the next fifty years, these new draft pension legislation the crisis. of employees with permanent lower level of social insurance pension and disability insur- contribution period at the fore- provides for a financial stabi- projections are relatively unfa- is based on the assumption contracts and that of those rights, poorer access to credit ance act will prevent further front. lisation of the pension system vourable. The population age- that 40 years of service and THERE WILL BE NO ECONOMIC with fixed-term contracts. and education, and so on. This pension reductions, and the All three components of the until 2020. ing process is a trend that is 60 years of age is a sufficient GROWTH WITHOUT LABOUR An insight into the history why it is essential to ensure a introduction of informative new draft pension legislation The pension legislation re- characteristic of all EU Member criterion for a full pension. The MARKET REFORM of labour legislation changes greater flexibility in the labour personal pension accounts will offer a compromise between form is also urgently needed States; however, it is particu- aforementioned grounds for shows that progress has been market, increase the effective- provide better transparency the new proposed concept and in terms of projections of de- larly intense and more mark- adopting a pension reform are This year, the social part- made in the direction of en- ness of labour security and and stimulate people to par- the old concept, which was re- mographic trends in popula- edly present in Slovenia. crucial for the success of this ners face a complex task of suring flexibility, although reduce illegal employment ticipate in the basic and sup- jected in a referendum. They tion ageing. According to the project, which will also cre- adopting labour market re- considerably less in perma- by occasional and temporary plementary pension insurance provide the opportunity for data from the Statistical Office ate new jobs. This is the reason form that must accompany the nent employment contracts. hiring of pensioners and of

10 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 11 : in focus : the unemployed, and ensure ees with permanent contracts spective national legislations. forms take into consideration Vesna Žarkovič, photo: STA consistency with national and and those with fixed-term The method of introducing the key elements which I con- international regulations and contracts, employees work- the proposal into the national sider to be correct,” stressed policies. ing through agencies provid- regulations requires a further, the European Commissioner The key starting point for ing part-time employment thorough and professional for Employment, Social Affairs amending the Employment and self-employed persons. discussion, with due regard to and Inclusion, László Andor, at THIS YEAR’S STRATEGIC FORUM BLED Relationships Act is the in- The Member States are re- national legislation and cir- the international conference troduction of the concept of quired to discuss the proposal cumstances. titled “Labour Market Reform, ON EUROPE AND THE RESHAPED a uniform permanent em- to examine the possibilities The EU still sees light at the New Opportunities for a Bet- ployment contract, which is of appropriately incorporat- end of the Slovenian tunnel, ter Tomorrow”, which was or- GLOBAL ORDER discussed in the European ing the concept of a uniform and through its high represen- ganised by the Ministry of La- Commission documents. The permanent employment con- tatives urges Slovenia to adopt bour, Family and Social Affairs purpose of these documents is tract, with gradually increas- the aforementioned reforms in September this year. The The main two issues at Seventh Strategic Forum, which took place from 2 to 3 September 2012 in Bled, were the to identify the problem of la- ing rights of employees during within the shortest possible adoption of these reforms thus following: the role Europe should play in the new, multipolar world in which the centres of power of influence and bour market segmentation in the initial period (the trial and time: “Both reforms follow requires the consent of the so- decision-making are spreading to new countries and players, and how the EU should be regenerated internally in order the EU Member States and to adjustment period) and the the direction proposed by the cial partners if we want to see find a solution for reducing the transition to a stable employ- European Commission. It is the light at the end of the tun- to play a role in such a world. At one of the largest international conferences organised by Slovenia, these and similar differences between employ- ment period, into their re- very important that both re- nel as early as 2013. questions were dealt with by over 450 politicians, business representatives and experts from more than 40 countries. The forum was organised by the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Centre for European Perspective (CEP). The Bled Strategic Forum was established in 2006 and over the previous seven years has proved to be one of the most important international conferences in the region, attracting participants from all over the world.

The strong participation EUROPE IN A CHANGING must take steps towards social, as we all ask ourselves about the proves that the Bled Strategic INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY structural and ‘green’ reforms, position of Europe in this reshaped Forum has been recognised not continue with the enlargement global order, where the centres of only in this region but also be- The Bled Strategic Forum process, and open itself up to power are moving from north to yond. Although it is a relatively (BSF) offered a series of discus- Chinese investments. south and west to east. Following young forum, it has succeeded sions on the future of Europe Slovenian Foreign Minister the two-day discussion, the mes- in becoming popular and in be- in a changing international Karl Erjavec: ‘The main topic of sage of the Forum could be that the coming prominent among such community. The participants this year’s Bled Strategic Forum, world has changed and therefore forums in the region. pointed out that Europe needs “Europe and the Reshaped Global also Europe must keep up with these more decisive leaders, that it Order”, proved to be highly relevant, changes.’

12 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 13 - Slovenian diplomacy -

José Ángel Gurría, Secre- to invest. ‘If you want to re- The participants of the Bled the so-called Arab Spring took Vesna Žarkovič, photo: STA tary-General of the Organisa- ceive help from China, you Strategic Forum, who focused place, the participants came to tion for Economic Coopera- must change your attitude to- in particular on seeking the the conclusion that Europe had tion and Development (OECD) ward this country,’ emphasised way out of the crisis in Europe, not done enough to support the highlighted in particular the Deputy Director-General of also discussed issues relating to Arab Spring. Slovenia must strive for economic cooperation with other countries importance of reforms: ‘In seek- the World Trade Organisation other parts of the world. In the Other participants pointed ing solutions to overcome the crisis (WTO), Alejandro Jara. debate about Afghanistan, they out that the Old Continent is no Slovenia’s foreign policy has responded to the changed international environment. At the 17th Consultations of Slovenian Diplomats, and to restore economic growth, the Experts ensured that China’s agreed that cooperation, in par- longer the only area that could which took place on 4 September 2012 at Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenian Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec called on the diplomats to give strategic quality of these solutions also needs attitude towards Europe is very ticular economic cooperation, offer help. In respect to the consideration to the priorities of Slovenian foreign policy and the mechanisms for its implementation. to be taken into account. We need positive and that China is will- is very important for the coun- role which the EU should play, structural reforms, social reforms ing to help tackle the crisis in try stretching along the Hindu the President of the Republic and “green” reforms. The implemen- Europe. With the aim of ensur- Kush mountain range, as well of Slovenia, Danilo Türk, high- tation of reforms requires the cour- ing international stability, it also as for all of Central Asia. During lighted that the EU should first age of our leaders to deal with long- supports a strong euro and the Sunday’s discussion on the sit- put its own house in order, re- term matters, although these might further enlargement of the Eu- uation in Syria and other North frain from preaching, and re- be problematic from the aspect of ropean Union, which has long African countries in which consider its priorities. government popularity.’ been one of the main topics of The President of the Euro- the European political arena. pean Bank for Reconstruction The European Union is fac- and Development, Sir Suma ing a severe economic crisis, Chakrabarti, also believes that which, however, should not courageous leaders are needed. have an impact on its enlarge- According to him, the crisis will ment process. The political rep- continue next year. resentatives of the countries of ‘We need to reconsider our Prior to the discussion on the multilateral diplomacy, in par- conclude contracts on behalf The panellists highlighted South-Eastern Europe strongly present and former orientations proposals for the future, accord- ticular with regard to human of businessmen; it is, however, that one possibility for Europe believe that their countries, and traditional partnerships, ing to President Türk, it should rights, humanitarian aid and in- clear that it can open many a to restore economic growth still in the waiting room of EU and then take a step forward on be emphasised again that the ternational law.’ door in establishing new busi- would be to open up to invest- membership, could bring fresh the basis of a critical analysis,’ situation in the country has a key ‘Prior to starting with the de- ness contacts. ments from China, India and energy into the European Union noted Minister Erjavec. He also impact on foreign policy. ‘In this tails, a wider political consensus He called on the business- other countries with capital and actually strengthen it. emphasised that ‘only a modern respect, it is obviously clear that and a political decision must be men to jointly participate on for- and substantive foreign policy Slovenia must improve its situ- reached. In policy, the rule ap- eign markets and noted that the can strengthen Slovenia’s image ation at the national level – the plies that political will and a countries of the globalised world Minster Žerjav and Secretary-General Gurría on the measures to in the international community.’ economic as well as the political sense of healthy ambition are have realised that they will have Alongside the setting of new one. Because only a successful of key importance in deciding to cooperate with some other increase competitiveness of Slovenian economy priorities and contents, the min- country, i.e. a country that suc- between the different choices,’ countries to successfully pen- istry has been undergoing cer- cessfully resolves its economic emphasised President Türk. etrate the emerging markets, tain changes to make its work problems and successfully con- among them the markets of the The Minister of Economic mentation of many important According to Minister petitiveness of the economy. more economical and rational, ducts its internal political dis- DIPLOMACY TO HELP BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, Development and Technology, projects aimed at promoting the Žerjav, Slovenia supports the During a working lunch, the while still enabling the effective course, can lead a successful MANAGERS FIND NEW MARKET India and China). Radovan Žerjav, and the Secre- economy and resolving the crisis work of the OECD related to prime minister and the sec- performance of foreign policy foreign policy,’ he stressed. OPPORTUNITIES Minister Erjavec strongly tary- General of the OECD, José in Slovenia, it is encouraging to the identification of the best retary-general analysed in tasks. ‘Slovenia must have a more believes that Slovenian econo- Ángel Gurría, discussed mea- hear confirmation from “such an practices and the promotion detail the economic situa- According to the minister, active role, in particular an ac- On 5 September 2012, Mari- my can be given new impetus sures aimed at increasing the authority” as Mr Gurría that the of international cooperation in tion of Slovenia, which has the decision to close six diplo- tive role in the European Union; bor hosted a business confer- if the state opens up to foreign competitiveness of Slovenia’s course of action taken to solve the the key policy areas, the search been severely affected by the matic and consular representa- it needs ingenuity in its relations ence at which more than 170 investment. In his opinion, the economy. According to the situation in Slovenia is the right for ways to improve competi- global economic crisis. They tions was not at all easy; howev- to major powers, a high-profile business representatives met countries with a high financial minister, it was encouraging to one. The purpose of Mr Gurría’s tiveness in the OECD member discussed the key short-term er, this provides an opportunity foreign policy and, of course, with 38 representatives of the potential, among them the Gulf hear that the course of action visit to Slovenia is also to offer the countries and the OECD part- and long-term development to begin a reconfiguration of the constant progress in its relations Slovenian diplomatic corps in countries, Turkey, Russia and taken to solve the situation in support of the OECD in the urgent ners, and the promotion of in- measures including, in par- diplomatic network. with neighbouring countries,’ order to jointly look for new the USA, are very much inter- Slovenia is the right one. implementation of structural re- clusive growth creating new ticular, the measures for the ‘As soon as material condi- added President Türk. business opportunities on for- ested in investing into Slovenia. The Ministry of Economic forms and measures giving new job opportunities. rehabilitation of the banking tions allow, we must focus on the In his view, Slovenia will also eign markets. The President of The minister believes that Development and Technology impetus to the economy, and to In his words, the participa- system, the implementation of regions and countries becom- have to decide which path to the Chamber of Commerce and we first have to change our way strives to improve the eco- present the OECD as a partner tion of Slovenia in the OECD the pension and labour market ing new political and economic take in the future. There are two Industry of Štajerska, Roman of thinking and open up to the nomic situation and the com- thereof.’ helps reveal the weaknesses reforms. Prime Minister Janša power centres,’ emphasised the options: ‘We can simply choose Glaser, sees the future of the globalised world. ‘When we petitiveness of the economy. At the working meeting, of the state in some eco- emphasised that the Slove- minister, urging the diplomats a conservative view and focus economy in the penetration of talk about foreign investments, In a very short period of time, the minister also expressed his nomic policy areas; therefore, nian Government had already to continue to draw on their rich on the most direct tasks that new markets; Foreign Minister we all support them; however, it has prepared – in coopera- satisfaction that Slovenia had the OECD recommendations adopted a number of fiscal experience and perform their include good neighbourly rela- Karl Erjavec promised that the when real investors appear, we tion with other ministries – become member of the OECD. based on individual reviews of consolidation measures and work in a creative and respon- tions, economic diplomacy and state would provide the neces- all have strong reservations,’ the most urgent measures to Since doing so two years ago, the OECD referring to Slovenia measures aimed at stimulat- sible manner. our role in the Balkans; Slovenia sary support. he noted critically.Roman Gla- promote economy and ease Slovenia can participate in the are very useful. ing lending and improving the The diplomats were also ad- could also choose a more am- In Slovenia, there are fewer ser, who is also President of the its burden, Minister Žerjav ex- development of internation- At the meeting with Prime business environment to boost dressed by President Türk, who bitious path, leading to a more and fewer business opportuni- Management Board and Direc- plained to his guest. al solutions for tackling the Minister Janez Janša in Lju- economic recovery. Mr Gurría (similarly to Minister Erjavec) active role in the development ties, we therefore need to look tor-General of Perutnina Ptuj, The Slovenian Minister of global economic and financial bljana, Mr Gurría commended expressed his support to the highlighted that ‘the current in- of foreign and security policy in for them beyond our borders, believes that such meetings are Economic Development and crisis and other changes that Slovenia’s efforts to design Prime Minister and the entire ternational situation requires the European Union, a more in- highlighted Minister Erjavec in a good opportunity to take ad- Technology: ‘Considering the the world economy has been measures and structural re- Slovenian government. careful consideration and ma- ventive role in the relations with Maribor, adding that the task of vantage of Slovenia’s export po- strong opposition to the imple- facing. forms to improve the com- ture decisions.’ major powers and a high-profile economic diplomacy is not to tential.

14 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 15 INTERVIEW The raising of the retirement age by three years up of Labour, Family and Social Affairs. The proposal Vesna Žarkovič, photo: MDDSZ archives until 2020, EUR 150 million in savings in the com- for the new pension legislation also envisages the ing year and EUR 240 million in 2014, 40 years of adaptation of the existing pension system to the pensionable service without the option of buying new demographic and economic circumstances, additional pensionable service, halting the nega- and further ensures its long-term fiscal sustain- tive trend of reducing pensions and stopping the ability and stability, as well as decent pensions for ANDREJ VIZJAK, M.Sc. growth in the number of pensioners in the period current and future generations of pensioners. Re- up to 2020 are the main highlights of the pension form of labour legislation is being prepared simul- FAIRNESS, SOLIDARITY AND RESPECT MUST GOVERN OUR reform underscored by Andrej Vizjak, the Minister taneously with pension system reform. ACTIONS WHEN DEALING WITH OUR FELLOW MEN AND WOMEN

Minister, is the new pen- we will have to reach some sort and do not intend to make con- additional pensionable service sion reform proposed by the of compromise between what cessions. I have presented these as a condition for retirement Government really new, or is it is possible and what is desir- foundations, or the core of the and sixty years of age upon re- more of a compromise between able. Turning to the labour mar- reform, to our negotiation part- tirement. The aim of the reform the new direction and the doc- ket in Slovenia for a moment, I ners, i.e. areas where it will be is for us to stop the further re- ument rejected in the referen- can say that employers want to difficult for us to give way, as to ductions in pensions and adjust dum last year? have the right to dismiss em- do so would make the reform them. We also wish to arrange The solutions are a compro- ployees without cause and with pointless. We respect our social occupational insurance and in- mise between what we would minimum costs to themselves, partners and we can find com- troduce greater flexibility in the like and what can be achieved and also want to further lower mon ground on many of their system. We would like to en- in practice. We must be aware the wages of workers in order proposals. At the same time, we courage people to take out sup- of the complexity of the field we to lower taxes on labour costs. have attempted from the very plementary insurance, as they are dealing with, as well as the But this is not possible. Even in outset to tailor our proposals to would thus ensure greater se- difficulties in the negotiations comparisons with other coun- their principles. That is, we wish curity for themselves. With this with social partners, whose ex- tries, we must always look at to establish a negotiating dia- reform, we wish to reconcile the pectations and positions differ the broader context. We must be logue based on mutual respect. ratio of those who pay into the greatly. The Government side is aware of the power wielded by Therefore, we expect the other pension fund and those who re- well aware of this. Our proposal the referendum-related regula- side to understand us and our ceive payments from it. for reform of the pension system tions which are available in our fundamental solutions. differs from previous ones in the country, as well as the real pow- And what are the real ob- fundamental principle of what er of trade unions, which could What is the basis of the pro- jectives? a pension is. We started from easily come together to form a posed pension reform that you The raising of the retirement the assumption that it is insur- united front and thus a major- would specifically like to high- age by three years until 2020; ance for old age and not a kind ity if we intervene in workers’ light? EUR 150 million in savings in of benefit. rights more radically. We have based our efforts the coming year and EUR 240 The pension system needs But when we talk about the on the assumption that pen- million in 2014. If we are able to to be changed because of de- pension reform, employers are sion is an insurance for old age go from the current compulsory mographic conditions, because mostly in favour of changes. Of and not a kind of benefit. In our 35 years of pensionable service expenditure on pensions is con- course, they have certain ad- proposal to change the pension to a compulsory pensionable stantly growing and because ditional proposals that we will system, the basic premise was service of 38 years, we will have there were many early retire- certainly take into consider- the balancing of the pension done a lot. ments in previous periods. The ation, like the proposals of oth- system between pension re- economic and financial crises ers. The same applies to the ceipts and entitlements arising The long-term sustainabil- have also played their part in trade union side, which has cer- from the system. Our key ob- ity of the pension system is one making matters worse. If we do tain reservations. However, the jective is, therefore, the finan- of the main goals of the reform. not change the system, pension negotiations are underway, and cial sustainability of the system, What is the current financial costs will start to rise steeply as I believe that we will be able to with decent pensions coupled situation of the pension fund? early as in 2016. find common ground. to the transparency of the sys- Between 2005 and last year, tem through the introduction the ratio of insured persons and The proposed reforms in- What is the current status of of informative personal pension retirees deteriorated signifi- troduce extensive changes the negotiations? accounts. We wish to establish cantly, falling from 1.67 to 1.53 that will have important con- We are currently in the initial a principle of dependence be- insured persons per retiree. The sequences for citizens. Will a phase of negotiations with so- tween contributions and pay- reform is urgently needed, as compromise between social cial partners. Some trade unions outs, while at the same time the pension fund is becoming partners be crucial in the re- are making the negotiations on maintaining intergenerational financially unsustainable, and form process? this issue conditional upon so- solidarity and increasing the if this happens, it is only a mat- It certainly will. In com- lutions to other matters. This is share of active persons insured. ter of time before the binding parison with arrangements in quite normal. But it is crucial in The key changes proposed payouts of pensions are brought other countries, we rank very such negotiations that we state within the scope of the reform into question. high in terms of permanent at the beginning the fundamen- is a forty-year insurance period The financial stability of the employment. And this is where tal issues on which we cannot without the option of buying fund is critical if we take into

16 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 17 account the budgetary pos- In the last ten years, the pe- I believe we can find construc- In this regard, we must realise The key objective of the pro- We wish to loosen the ri- tecting a particular category of procedures and the termination sibilities and the state of the riod in which women receive tive solutions. Fairness, solidar- that a pension is by no means posed labour legislation reform gidity of labour legislation. We people too much, we harm them of the employment relationship, economy. Nearly a third of the pensions has been extended by ity and respect must govern our a social transfer for the socially is also to decrease segmentation are lowering severance pay and as well as help them. This has whereby case law will play a key money for pensions is allocated four months per year, which actions when dealing with our threatened. We have monetary in the labour market, as Slove- shortening notice periods. An also proven to be true for dis- role. The proposals further in- from the budget, which is also means by a quarter. Within this fellow men and women. social relief for this purpose, as nia currently enjoys a relatively employee facing termination of abled people. A few years ago, troduce certain enhancements, encumbered by rising liabilities same period, the period for re- We must also take into ac- well as other measures provided high level of job security for their employment relationship when we relaxed the system of i.e. that in the event of a con- from borrowing. The story of the ceiving a pension has been ex- count the specifics of the Slo- by the welfare state. people on permanent employ- could thus start actively looking employment of the disabled, we sensual termination, a worker budget is also problematic, be- tended by four years for women venian mindset: we would like ment contracts on the one hand for new employment as soon saw numerous positive effects. may claim unemployment ben- cause we borrowed significantly and by only 1.7 years for men. to retire as soon as possible, How many such cases do we and a sort of ‘wild flexibility’ as possible. We are striving for It is true that we are at the efit (in a slightly reduced form). in the past, which entails higher This means that positive dis- but work for as long as pos- have in financial terms? in the form of fixed-term em- stability of employment, not job very top in terms of the share of This will apply to cases when interest. We also have more le- crimination is not warranted sible. We experience the work- These cases account for ap- ployment on the other. security. the elderly who are unemployed, the employer and employee find gal commitments from the past; and that it would be difficult place as stressful, but do not find proximately EUR 440 million We do have two extremes and their employability is highly that they can no longer work to- and we would like to revive the to argue in its favour. We are work itself to be so. In short, we annually. in the area of employment. On The reform also introduces problematic. This is why we are gether constructively. I believe economy and encourage foreign retaining the frequently over- would like to work until we die, the one hand, we have the high- a uniform employment con- proposing that the long-service this involves a high level of flex- investment. We have limited looked principle that mothers but leave our workplace as soon The reform also introduces a est level of fixed-term employ- tract, which is an important in- bonus be replaced by a bonus ibility. room for manoeuvre…When we enjoy the right to claim materni- as possible. We are also arrang- high-profile novelty, so-called ment contracts among young novation. for permanent service. We have The next very important ele- take all of these facts into con- ty allowance and parental com- ing this relationship between informative personal pension people in Europe, meaning that That is true. We wish to en- also envisaged specially tendered ment of flexibility is the reduc- sideration, we see that the prob- pensation. We must come to un- the educated and less educated accounts, through which each employers – including the state force the principle that a per- funds for the employment of the tion of severance pay and the lem is intensifying. Therefore, derstand that these periods are people with the new legislation. person will be able to “monitor – are no longer employing peo- manent employment contract is elderly. The concept of a uniform shortening of notice periods. A we just have to do whatever is longer in Slovenia than they are the paid in contributions and ple in permanent positions. On the norm. It is primarily young permanent employment con- notice period begins to overlap necessary to stabilise the system abroad. Additionally, each child The reform also deals with their amounts, whereby the ac- the other hand, we have one of people that find it difficult to tract is also favourable for the with the period when a person in a very short time, as the pay- enables them to lower their re- all of the pensions paid from the counts will also feature a simu- the highest job security indices secure a permanent employ- elderly and limits the chances of receives unemployment benefit, ments of pensions may other- tirement age threshold. We also pension fund that are not based lation of the pension amount for people on permanent em- ment contract today. Most of them being employed for a fixed meaning that despite severance wise be threatened. have several instruments avail- on payments of social security upon retirement”. What is this ployment contracts. We wish to them have had to sign a fixed- term, which prolongs their un- pay, employers enjoy lower costs able that further facilitate this. contributions. all about? reduce these two extremes by term employment contract. If certainty. associated with a worker in the Are we aware of this? At the same time, we are think- In the past, we granted a It is a transparent system loosening the index and lim- the worker and employer come notice period, as the employ- No, because pensions have ing about other options in the myriad of rights and exceptions that will enable access to paid- iting fixed-term employment to the adjustment period that These elements will enable ment service refunds them for been paid out regularly until form of various bonuses. That is, to certain social groups that of- up contributions. Each insured contracts. To me, the logic be- follows the five-month proba- you to achieve greater flexibil- the time that the worker spends now, as have the salaries of pub- we must realise that it is families ten have no relation to solidar- person will have access to in- hind fixed-term employment is tionary period and then on to ity in the labour market. How as a job seeker within the time lic servants. The average citizen that make the people who con- ity. The rights were granted to formation on whether their incomprehensible, as it is clear the stable period that is the most will this affect the competitive- of the notice period. A further has not fully felt the crisis yet. tribute to the pension fund. Of people who were not entitled to employer is paying their con- that a worker on a permanent binding on the employer, there ness of the Slovenian economy? measure is the introduction of People feel cheated if you take course, it is problematic to make them for social security reasons. tributions, and they will thus employment contract is more must be an actual cause or an The country’s competitive- internal flexibility. This means away rights that they gained in differentiations and selections We are not making any changes be able to control their pen- loyal to their employer, as well operational reason for contract ness depends on several factors, that an employer may tempo- the past, even though it is highly between those who have chil- to these rights and the benefi- sion account themselves. Each as more motivated. I have spo- termination. The proposed re- including the labour market. The rarily reassign a worker to a new questionable whether this is dren and those who do not. ciaries with the amendments to insured person will receive a ken to various employers, all of form, therefore, envisages a uni- proposed measures are intend- post, provided this is required truly so. We must realise that the legislation. However, we password enabling them access whom are aware that they can form permanent employment ed to improve competitiveness by the market. We are also in- some entitlements have to be The proposal also intro- believe that it is not good for a to an information system that only write a success story with contract, the aim of which is to in this segment of the labour troducing occasional and tem- adjusted to the possibilities and duces changes in the area of pension system that we view as has an application enabling cal- people and a team that are dedi- provide primarily young people market. The reform introduces porary work. Therefore, we are sustainability of the system. education-related relief. What a classic insurance system to be culations and holds data on the cated to them. with stable employment, so that numerous elements of flex- introducing a whole range of el- will the new arrangement for encumbered by these expendi- insurance period, the amount Many employers were afraid they can plan their futures, take ibility. The first element is the ements that will certainly affect The new pension act also the lowering of the age thresh- tures as well. of paid-up contributions, the of employing a worker per- out loans and think about start- simplification of employment the competitiveness index. introduces several changes for old be like? We wish to make this area conditions for retirement and manently, as the rigidity of the ing a family. women, one of these being that We will find solutions for more transparent and just and the option of calculating the in- procedures simply did not leave educated women will not be this as well, because the exist- thereby motivate contributors. If sured person’s pension. The in- them any room for manoeuvre The proposed reform also able to claim child benefits. ing system is unfair in certain a pension depends on the con- sured person will thus be able if there was too little work or if enhances the security of the el- Even educated men will not respects. It is primarily tied to tributions paid in, the contribu- to choose to pay more into the they were not satisfied with the derly. Under the new arrange- be able to claim benefits for the education of insured per- tor or the insured person has insurance fund, which primar- worker. By simplifying the pro- ment, the current protection military service. We are in the sons. That is, educated people a greater motive to make such ily applies to those who choose cedures for dismissal and mak- for employees who are over same boat in this regard. We are have a certain career model of payments. However, we must be the amount of their contribution ing the actual cause for dismiss- fifty-five years of age will apply actually still retaining the posi- advancement, whereas some- careful and just in this regard, as to the pension fund themselves. al clearer, we wish to embolden to those who are missing five tive discrimination of women one who does a job for which such pension recipients include employers to take on people years in age and up to five years through the pension assessment they do not require an educa- patients with asbestos-related When can we expect this under permanent employment in pensionable service to meet quotient. This means that under tion somehow does not have diseases, veterans from all the new pension legislation to contracts. We wish to convince the conditions for retirement equal retirement conditions, this opportunity and does not wars, as well as people who come into force? employers that the procedures based on age (which means it women’s assessment quotient advance. Workers with a lower worked for forty years, but were I hope that it will come into will enable the adjustment of will no longer be linked to age). will be four percentage points education achieve only min- employed at the age of fifteen. force as early as in January 2013. the number of employees even An employer will not be al- higher. We proposed these so- iscule advancement, which is It is also true that many re- The new labour legislation is ex- in cases when there is not much lowed to dismiss them without lutions for several reasons. The why I think it would be right ceive monthly receipts from pected to come into force at the work available, when they are their consent. first is the general trend in Eu- to find a better solution. Such the pension fund and the bud- same time. With such compre- not satisfied with a worker and That is right. Demographic rope to equalise conditions, as people start working earlier, get even though they have not hensive reform, we would stop in the event that they are forced trends show that we are in- there is no reason not be equal while those who have an educa- paid into the pension system. the further negative trend of to adapt to market conditions. creasingly becoming an aging in this respect. The statistical tion are employed relatively late. The Slovenian pension system pension reductions and some- We are thus sending a message society, which is why this is a data also show this: for example, Both groups thus achieve the has a high level of solidarity be- what mitigate the trend of the to both workers and employers very important area to consid- women receive pensions for five full insurance period without tween and within generations. growing number of retirees in not to create reasons for dis- er. The proposed changes are a years more than men because the option of buying additional The fundamental question at the period leading up to 2020. missal. This creates an equitable slight loosening of the employ- they live longer and also retire pensionable service in different this point is whether a pension This is currently our key objec- relationship between the work- ment conditions for the elderly. sooner. periods of life, and this is where is insurance or a social transfer. tive. er and employer. We are convinced that by pro-

18 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 19 company, which is battling the marks and is currently pro- THE ECONOMY Nataša Bušljeta, photo: STA economic crisis by accelerat- ducing gear for Adidas sailing BusinessBusiness ing investment in the devel- team. Thus, Sandiline wishes The third economic stimulus package opment of its own sportswear to find a way to a wider circle trademark, Sandiline. In ad- of buyers in a market niche, In September, the government income tax relief, to encour- dition to the efforts to develop which is intended solely for adopted its third economic stim- age invoicing and the payment its trademark, Sandiline also world champions in white ulus package. The package con- of services by non-cash means, cooperates with major trade- water sports and sailing. sists of fifty measures in four sets and plans to publish the names of legislation covering the labour of tax debtors. market and pension system, the The last set of measures regards banking system, the wider busi- agriculture and the environ- ness environment, as well as ag- ment, and brings amendments riculture and the environment. to some acts and implementing The first set, the labour legisla- regulations that will accelerate tion, brings amendments to the and simplify administrative pro- acts governing employment cedures. relationships, pension and dis- Other incentives planned by the FDI Summit 2012 in Ljubljana ability insurance schemes, the government include two public labour market and the preven- tenders for the co-financing of FOREIGN INVESTMENT S tion of undeclared work and university incubators and the employment. services of the network of VEM FDI Summit 2012 in Ljubljana The second legislation set in the entry points; a microloans in- package is related to the reha- strument for small and micro- At the FDI Summit 2012, the solidate the ownership and bilitation of Slovenian banks. It sized enterprises; an energy international conference on unify the management of Slo- includes, among others, an act contracting instrument for the the importance of foreign venia’s investments, as well aiming to strengthen the stabil- inclusion of private investors in investment for Slovenia’s as increase the transparency 45th International Trade Fair in Celje ity of banks, which provides for a the implementation of measures development, many busi- of procedures. new fund for addressing the bad for efficient energy use; and the TH Aljoša Tušek realised his childhood dream. 45 MOS IN CELJE ness people, chairpersons of Following the minister’s investments of banks, and will be possibility of insuring loans for the boards of Slovenian and speech, the President of Ring MOTORSPORT accompanied by a banking act. export preparation. Good vibrations for the future foreign companies, heads International Holding AG, The third set is intended to im- The government plans to imple- of educational, expert and Ralph Martens, assessed that prove the business environ- ment the measures by the end At the 45th International try is preparing a new Slove- Slovenian race car of surpluses other institutions, ministers many necessary measures are ment and consists mostly of acts of the year, although it is aware Trade Fair (MOS) in Septem- nian industrial policy for the The Renovatio T500 of Tushek totype. Tušek and his team and Slovenia’s president dis- immanent, especially in the governing the financial sector. that important changes in legis- ber in Celje, more than 1600 new financial outlook in the Supercars has raced from Slo- then devoted their efforts to cussed the current economic banking system sector. With regard to tax measures, the lation are related to negotiations exhibitors from 34 countries second half of this decade. venia onto the global sports the development of their own situation in Slovenia and in The Managing Director of government intends, through between social partners. presented themselves in 16 He said that Slovenia has to the wider region, and the ur- Hella Saturnus, Christof car scene, and was noticed at sports car, and in 2011 the first halls and on outdoor exhibi- act fast by promoting invest- gent measures Slovenia must Droste, added that it is good its premier presentation at the Renovatio T500 prototype was tion stands of the Celje Show- ments, removing obstacles take to end several years of to hear that the government car show in Monaco, 19–22 ready. In order to facilitate pro- ground. There were also eight and, most importantly, by economic stagnation and to is making decisions, however, April 2012. An invitation to motion, the Tushek Supercars group presentations of coun- saving the banking sector, as prevent financial collapse in merely to offer information the great drivers’ parade in Le trademark was designed. tries that see potential for eco- without that we will achieve the coming months. at a single point in Slovenia Mans, taking place on the eve The Renovatio T500 boasts a nomic cooperation in Slovenia nothing. The Minister of Finance, Janez would be a passive approach. of the 24 Hours race, followed stronger, 4.2-litre Audi engine and the wider region. Events Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec Šušteršič, had an opportunity The holding will also have to in June. In a 2-km long drive V8 FSI with 450 horsepower; it within the fair included the presented economic diploma- to present the government’s actively seek investors. through city streets, the Ren- has ceramic brakes and is built LOANS TO COMPANIES business conferences Business cy activities to the representa- decision to establish a bank The concluding thought of the ovatio T500 was admired by from extremely light materi- Opportunities in Slovenia with tives of Slovenian companies to take over bad bank loans, conference was that a change 160 thousant spectators, and als, such as aluminium, carbon a meeting of craftspeople and and exchanged with them so as to make the cleaned- is needed in the thinking and tested by a seasoned journalist and polyester. Owing to this, Slovenian Export and Development Bank entrepreneurs from the EU proposals for the improve- up banks more attractive to acting of those who still doubt of the British motorsport show it is ranked among the light- finances 500 companies in the first and South-East Europe, Slo- ment of mutual cooperation, investors. He also touched that we need foreign inves- Top Gear, Peter Hall. Every- est sports cars and in its design half of the year venian Companies and Invest- because in the circumstances on the Slovenian Sovereign tors. We do need them! body was enthusiastic about is very close to the race cars ment Opportunities in Serbia, of decreasing economic activ- Holding, which would con- the Renovatio T500 and it was of the GT series. It is distin- In the first half of 2012, the Slo- One half of these enterprises and Introduction to Ecuador’s ity and a decline in exports, it ranked alongside Bugatti, Fer- guished from other race cars venian Export and Develop- obtained loans for the purpose Economy and Possibilities for is important to open new pos- ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SPORT rari, Koenisegg and Lambo- by being comfortable for the ment Bank (hereinafter: the of entrepreneurship promotion, Cooperation. Even though the sibilities, to diversify exports rghini cars. driver, as well as the passenger, SID Bank) financed about 500 and the other half for develop- fair was shorter, the atten- and to seek new business op- With the Renovatio T 500 (the as only high quality materials Slovenian companies with EUR ment, export, environmental, dance figures are similar to portunities in distant markets 11 Olympic medals from London name means ‘rebirth’), Aljoša and state-of-the-art electron- 433 million. The priority was energy and other purposes. those in 2011, with the number that were not so affected by Sandiline from Koper, a com- Among them are ‘Big Ben’, as Tušek, once a race driver now ics were used for its interior. given to business projects bring- The new programme for the of visitors exceeding 137 000. the crisis. pany producing water sport British call the best sailor in an entrepreneur, realised his Tushek Supercars will only ing higher added value, creating direct financing of technology Several Slovenian ministers At the conclusion of the fair, gear, has 20 years of expe- the world, Ben Ainslie, and childhood dream. In 2004 he build 30 Renovatio T500 cars new jobs and contributing to and development projects has also attended the fair. At the the best of the entrepreneurs rience in top level compe- kayakers, the majority of started, in cooperation with and market them at the price the sustainable development of proved to be very successful. opening ceremony, Minister and craftspeople were pre- titions. Athletes wearing which compete in Sandiline the Slovak company K1, to up- of EUR 300 000 each. At the the Slovenian economy. There was a great increase in -fi Žerjav explained that a strate- sented with awards of the sportswear made by Sandi- sportswear. grade the K1 Attack sports car; same time, enterprising Aljoša There were 412 (84 %) small nancing in this area, as the SID gic reflection on the develop- Celje Fair to reward them for line have won more than 250 Regarding promotion, the in 2005, he and his team had Tušek is already developing a and medium-size enterprises Bank approved 18 development ment vision of the country is their innovativeness, courage medals, as many as 11 at the Olympic Games were an im- developed a more advanced, new model with the help of his among the companies that re- loans amounting to EUR 95 mil- needed; therefore, the minis- and daring. Summer Olympics in London. portant opportunity for the technologically improved pro- excellent team. ceived loans from the SID Bank. lion.

20 Government Communication Office 21 Photo: personal archive Photo: personal archive

Pierre-François Mourier, Ambassador of France to Slovenia

France: in response to the crisis, a balanced public Anunciada Fernández de Córdova, Ambassador of Spain to Slovenia finance policy enabling a balanced budget by 2017 Spain: combating the crisis with determination and preserving growth

Since the Economic and Monetary to the latest revision authorized by the Union so as to progress towards greater Union (EMU) was established, Spain – European Commission. To this end, Spain integration capable of restoring the the fourth-largest economy in the euro has committed itself to budget cuts worth principles of stability, growth, solidarity zone and fifth-largest in Europe – has more than 90 bn euro between 2012 and and cohesion that inspired its creation in systematically met all the economic 2014 to bring the public deficit down to the first place. commitments it assumed under the 4.5% in 2013 and 2.8% by 2014. Spain is a reliable economic actor, Stability and Growth Pact. Nevertheless, Secondly, the current economic which is reflected in the global leader- the first symptoms of an international situation has established a need to ship of Spanish companies in several key financial crisis began to appear in Spain in undertake structural reforms that will sectors. Who could have predicted 15 2008 due to a significant financial exposure combat the unemployment rate (now at years ago that Spanish companies today to the real estate sector. 24.6%) and turn the Spanish economy would own, in the UK, for example, the From 2009 to the present, the increased into an even more competitive market. largest mobile telephone company (O2), need for finance in the Spanish economy The labour reform implemented by the or an important power company (Scot- has led to difficulties in the debt market, government is laying the groundwork tish Power)? Or that Spanish companies following an increase in the risk premium for a new model of labour relations. In a would operate several lines of the London associated with Spanish sovereign debt. nutshell, the reform seeks to increase the underground and some of the country’s Together with Italy, Hungary and Slo- of the GDP and well over the threshold of sistance to youth employment, designed Moreover, the shortcomings of EMU and employability of workers, to foster more largest airports, including Heathrow, the venia, France is considered by the Euro- 60% required by the EU. As far as employ- to meet the challenge of unemployment the doubts cast about the future of the euro hiring and to encourage internal flexibility. busiest airport in the world? Or that they pean Commission as a State Member ex- ment is concerned, the situation is exac- of young people without qualification, is have highlighted two main issues: first, Finally, Spain has promoted a financial would control 12% of the British banking periencing “microeconomic imbalances, erbated by the slowing down of economic based on two schemes, the “jobs of the fu- the urgent need to implement an intensive sector restructuring process whose main system, or that a third of the world’s air which are not excessive but need to be activity, in particular among young people ture” and the “generation contracts”. The agenda of reforms at the Member State actions have consisted of cleaning up and traffic would be managed through sys- addressed”. Of course, the reasons behind without qualifications, a group too numer- total cost is estimated at €3.8 billion (less level; second, the imperative necessity protecting the balance sheets of financial tems developed and installed by a Span- this common assessment are not the same ous and often living in the same areas of than 1% of the state budget) and is part the to gradually deepen the EMU. In this entities, conducting a transparency ish company? for each of the above countries. As far as urban peripheries or coming from overseas above policy of public finances. respect, the ‘decisive deal’ presented exercise by external assessment reports, In renewable energy, Spain is the first France is concerned, they refer primarily territories, with potentially dangerous so- From a legislative standpoint, all these by Commission’s President Barroso at which revealed that, in the best case country in Europe in the production of to concerns linked, externally, to losses in cial consequences. provisions will be included in a set of pa- his latest State of the Union address can scenario, the banking recapitalization wind power, and the fourth worldwide in export world market shares and, internally, To counter this situation, the French pers proposed to the Parliament by the end be considered a milestone in the right requirements in Spain would be up to 26 terms of installed capacity; the Spanish to the increase in public debt. The making Government has opted for a policy of bal- of the year. As far as budgetary aspects are direction. bn euro, while in the worst case it would high speed railway has become the Eu- good of the first imbalance will result in anced public finances: after the deficit is concerned, the Government should pres- The efforts made so far by the be up to 62 bn euro. Consequently, the ropean standard, and Spanish companies increased competitiveness of the overall reduced to 3% in 2013, the weight of the ent its draft finance act for 2013 and a draft government of Prime Minister Mariano Memorandum of Understanding signed by set the standards in building and manag- French economy, the strengths and weak- debt will gradually decrease from 2014 on programme of public finances from 2013 to Rajoy have followed the principles of Spain with the support of the Eurogroup ing railway infrastructure, participating nesses of which are not the subject of this and in 2017 the deficit will be balanced, 2017 by the end of September. These papers austerity, rigour in economic management, established a credit line of up to 100 bn in the world’s most important projects in article. Presently the first concern of the without, for all that, slowing down growth. will be based on a series of conservative and transparency set by the EU. Thus, the euro as an additional safety margin to more than 90 countries. In biotechnology, French Government is to harness public Within this process of balancing public fi- assumptions of growth, in line with the objectives being accomplished, through a cover capital needs in the Spanish financial Spain ranks first in Europe, third in the debt in order to able to keep its commit- nances, yearly public spending will rise consensus of economists (0.5% in 2012, large list of laws and initiatives, affecting sector. world in the field of agro-biotechnology, ments towards the EU while maintaining by about 0.8% until 2017, which means a 1.2% in 2013, 2% over the period 2014– every sector of the economy, taken since the Financing the Spanish economy at and fifth in biochemistry and molecular economic growth and mitigating social stabilisation of the value of Government 2017) and strengthening the credibility of government took office only a few months stable and acceptable interest rates within a biology. sufferings caused by the crisis, in particu- spending, apart from debt and pensions. the adopted strategy: the idea is to combine ago, are twofold: reducing public spending framework of a coherent EMU is inexorably And I could go on and on. There is so lar youth unemployment. On the other side, the overall tax burden public finance austerity and maintenance and stimulating growth by improving linked to the stability of the euro. Spain is much Slovenia could gain from Spanish In the last five years French public (contributions and charges) will be in- of growth, particularly of household con- competitiveness. The scopes of the reforms combating the economic crisis with strong know-how, at comparatively very advan- debt has increased by €600 billion, due creased in 2012 and 2013 on a fair basis, sumption, which, in France, is traditionally include budgetary adjustments and determination and will continue to adopt tageous costs, including in such prior- mainly to the cumulated structural defi- which means that all economic actors will the main element of growth.. Thus both the fiscal consolidation measures, structural those internal decisions deemed necessary ity sectors as infrastructure (airports and cits but also, in the recent period, to the have to contribute (State, households, lo- distribution of the tax effort required by all reforms to boost competitiveness, and the to tackle the situation. Spain wishes to railways), renewable energy or tourism. fight against the consequences of the crisis cal authorities and companies), and those taxpayers and the Government assistance endeavour of providing financial stability. play a leading role in promoting fiscal I will continue to dedicate all my efforts (including providing support to financial which have a significant saving ability programme for employment are expected In the first place, the measures adopted and banking integration. However, it calls towards intensifying our economic and system viability and contribution to Euro- will have to contribute more. From 2014 to preserve the income of disadvantaged seek to meet the public deficit target of for the same level of commitment in the commercial relations, which are excellent pean solidarity). Today, French public debt on these contributions and charges will households and in this way keep up con- 6.3% set for the end of this year, according adoption of measures within the European and very rich in every other domain. has reached €1,800 billion, which is 90% not grow any more. The programme of as- sumption.

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

Poet Primož Čučnik

Polona Prešeren, photo: STA The Veronika Award Polona Prešeren, photo: STA goes to poet Primož Čučnik Award for Shanghai Gipsy Slovenians like to take pride in being a nation of poets. If we The poetry collections short-listed for the award were From the only look at the statistics, it is collections of poetry that lead the Edge of a Cliff by Taja Kramberger, Hands in the Rain by Miklvaž Shanghai Gypsy, a romantic drama by film director Marko qualities of the film, its overall concept, idea, screenplay, cast and literary publishing tables. This goes to show how Slovenians like to Komelj, One Starry Night by Peter Semolič, Mikado by Primož Naberšnik, based on a novel by Feri Lainšček, has received the music. In Slovenia, the film premiere will take place on 4 October open their hearts and get their feelings out on paper. And it is right Čučnik and My name is Veronica by Tomislav Vrečar. Best Screenplay Award at the Montreal World Film Festival. 2012. that the best poetry does not remain on the shelves or, even worse, The organisers also confer the gold coin of poetry award for After the success of Rooster’s Breakfast (original: Petelinji za- go unnoticed, but that it is granted awards. lifetime achievement. This year, it has been awarded to prominent jtrk), which captivated the audience in Slovenia, Shanghai Gypsy Story outline: As the summer was drawing to an end, in the beautiful setting Slovenian literary creator Svetlana Makarovič for her contribution is Naberšnik’s second feature film. In Montreal it was nominated Shanghai Gypsy is a love story. The main protagonists are of Stari Grad in Celje, at the traditional poetry evening, the Veron- to Slovenian culture and cultivation of the Slovenian language. In for eight awards. However, it was the screenplay that most con- members of the gypsy family Mirga. A story about four genera- ika Award was conferred on the best poetry collection of 2012. The her speech of thanks, Makarovič was brief and clear in her charac- vinced the jury. The film tells the story of four generations of a tions is narrated by Lutvija Belmondo Mirga. Lutvija is also the expert panel conferred the award on Primož Čučnik for his poetry teristic style: “Thank you for the award. This says everything. Some Roma family and is narrated by its protagonist, a gypsy king who central character of the film, a gypsy king who decided to estab- collection Mikado, published by Beletrina. are precious metal, others are bland sheet metal; this is a verse decided to establish his own gypsy village and name it Shanghai. lish his own gypsy village, which he names Shanghai. Belmondo In its statement of reasons for choosing Mikado, the expert taken from one of my wicked chansons, Hammer and Anvil.” The film is a story about eternal longing for happiness, a story makes a living from smuggling and his power and influence grow panel noted that Čučnik’s seventh poetry collection was a pro- about love and family ties. large. He even gets local police and politics on his side and that gramme work, as is implied by the title itself. The book was in- The winners among the selected films were chosen by an -in helps him to become untouchable by the law. But with the down- spired by the game of Mikado, where players pick up sticks from a Veronika Award winners to date: Iztok Oso- ternational jury composed of British actress Greta Scacchi (Presi- fall of Yugoslavia, smuggling of goods is being replaced by smug- pile without disturbing the others. In the game there are 1, 5, 5, 15 jnik, Aleš Šteger, Josip Osti, Ciril Zlobec and Mar- dent), French producer and director Vera Blemont, Canadian ac- gling of arms. Though lucrative, the business starts to threaten and 15 sticks, and the same number of poems appears in the book. jan Strojan, Milan Jesih, Miklavž Komelj, Milan tor Michel Côté, South Korean actor Kim Dong Ho, Russian film Belmondo’s personal life and he finds himself at a crossroads. In the introduction to his book, Čučnik emphasises, in accordance Dekleva (twice), Erika Vouk, Ivo Svetina, Ervin critic and writer Andrei Plakhov, Spanish actress Goya Toledo Will he protect his own family or is he going to sacrifice his per- with the rules of the game, that certain sticks or poems are more Fritz, Taja Kramberger and Tone Pavček, Jože Snoj, and Chinese actor Wang Xueqi. sonal happiness for business ambitions? valuable than others. Andrej Medved and Barbara Korun, who received After receiving the award for best screenplay for Shanghai Shanghai Gypsy is a story about eternal longing for happi- “The author discloses, at the very beginning, the structure of the award last year. Gypsy at the Montreal Film Festival, director Marko Naberšnik ness; it is a story about love and family ties, in which tears are in- the book and its setting up, and, in a more disguised form, under- told STA that the award meant a lot to him: “It is an award re- tertwined with laughs. The story is set in the period of the down- lines the ludistic quality of the poetry. And this quality is taken Gold coin award winners, award for lifetime ceived at the biggest competitive film festival in North America. fall of Yugoslavia, in times when many people had forgotten that very seriously, since the game in this poetry is not understood as achievement: Ciril Zlobec, Tone Pavček, Kajetan The award ensures the distribution of the film abroad and gives beauty of life actually lies in small things. experiment, playing or overplaying, but as the aspiration for tell- Kovič, Ivan Minatti, Miroslav Košuta, Neža Maurer the opportunity to develop new projects,” Naberšnik empha- ing something and expressing it in words,” wrote the panel in the and Veno Taufer. sised. He added that the jury had commended the picturesque The film was shot in the original Romani language. statement.

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

Polona Prešeren, photo: STA th 27 Vilenica International Polona Prešeren, photo: Jože Suhadolnik Literary Festival Silence opens the new season Vilenica is certainly a festival that, like the works of the authors at Kino Šiška who have participated in it for the past 27 years, remains high in the forefront of the literary circles. This year’s Vilenica Festival focuses The fourth season of the Kino Šiška Centre for Urban Culture on the theme of the European Literature Crossroads. opened with the unconventional music of the Slovenian duet, During the more than 25 years of its existence, Vilenica has Silence. If anything Slovenian is eminent at the moment, it is become a prominent European festival attracting authors, translators, Silence, the duet who opened the new season at the Centre for literary agents, publishers and readers from all over the world. It is Urban Culture in Šiška by presenting their new album. a meeting point of many creative channels, and encourages lively Silence, formed by Hladnik (music and arrangements) and exchanges, new literary production, and simultaneously enriches Benko (music, lyrics and vocal), is certainly one of the most eminent the environment in which it is situated (the Karst and Primorska Slovenian musical groups. At this concert, the duet presented their regions). new album Musical Accompaniment for the End of the World for This year, the festival makers put in the forefront expatriate the first time to the Ljubljana audience. As they have described authors, i.e. the poets and writers who live and work abroad for a the album themselves: “This assorted collection of soothing and variety of reasons, and their creations are sometimes also written delightfully diverting songs is guaranteed to prevent upcoming Polona Prešeren, photo: Branko Cvetkovič in languages other than their mother tongues. They also include the disasters from ruining your day. Everything looks better with music; authors such as the Bosnian writer Bekim Sejranović, who lives in why should the end of the world be an exception?” And so the Kino Oslo; the Bulgarian writer Dimitré Dinev, who lives in Vienna; the Šiška hall echoed with Benko’s voice and Hladnik’s piano. Silence is Moroccan Zineb El Rhazoui, who currently lives in Ljubljana; and an exceptional musical experience, and I can say without hesitation Cankarjev Dom Cultural and Congress Paul Muldoon from the USA. Their reasons for choosing to live and that it is one of the superior musical groups in Slovenia. And yes, it work abroad are different; their lives are nomadic, and, in the end, did make the day nicer; in fact not just the day, but the whole week. their national identity is not so important in this globalised world. Centre before the start of the new season The focus of the events was on the literary readings of more than SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY 30 authors from all over the world, including of the Slovenian author This year’s season at the Cankarjev Dom Cultural and Congress This autumn, Cankarjev Dom will also host the traditional Liffe Boris A. Novak and this year’s Vilenica laureate, David Albahari, A This season at Kino Šiška will again offer something for every Centre opens with a programme devoted to the celebration of the film festival, which is deeply rooted in the hearts of the visitors Serbian-born writer of Jewish origin residing in Canada. During urban taste. Some 320 events and 66 000 visitors during the previous 30th anniversary of the pipe organ in the large concert hall – the of this the largest cultural institution in Slovenia. The film festival the award ceremony in the Vilenica Cave, he said that a writer, season gave Kino Šiška a fresh impetus. A strong motivation was also Gallus Hall. The pipe organ is still in excellent condition thanks to will be followed by the Slovenian Book Fair, another traditional particularly a post-modern one, should be extremely cunning. ‘To provided by the lifestyle award by Stop magazine, which presented the efforts of Mišo Frelih, its caretaker for many years, and voicers cultural event. Cankarjev Dom is also the venue of the subscrip- put it simply, this post-modernist writer should turn any situation the Kino Šiška team with the Viktor for special achievements. Jože Kočar and Simon Kolar. tion concerts of the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra as well as to his own benefit’ said Albahari. Even in the period in which post- Kino Šiška has already offered an interesting dainty for the All attention at the start of the season will be thus focused on of world-renowned orchestras and bands on tour in Slovenia. modernism is regarded as outdated, Albahari remains convinced beginning of the new season – the Slovenian premiere of the the pipe organ jubilee. The first in a series of pipe organ concerts Despite the current financial crisis, Cankarjev Dom is working that post-modernism is a permanent condition, something that is documentary on performance art pioneer, Marina Abramović, The will be held in mid-October by Jaroslav Tuma and will be followed hard to maintain the exceptional quality level of its programme. granted and no coincidence. Artist is Present. Autumn in Šiška will be diverse and rich. Music by other concerts until the end of the season. According to the Director of Cankarjev Dom, Mitja Rotovnik, staff The traditional award, the Vilenica Crystal, was awarded will include some post-punk, mystic cabaret rock, gothic and heavy The pipe organ of the Gallus Hall has 73 registers, 8000 pipes believe that their institution provides a high quality, perhaps even to the Bulgarian poet Rumen Leonidov, whose work had been metal, while Pero Lovšin, the Slovenian rock legend and pioneer of and is 30 years of age. It weighs a few tens of tons and was manu- optimum cultural and artistic programme with regard to the cir- presented together with the works of other candidates during the Slovenian punk, will present his new album. Of course, there is no factured by the Karl Schuke organ company in Berlin. The instal- cumstances. “The conditions in which not only Cankarjev Dom reading sessions and in the Vilenica Proceedings. Receiving the music programme without jazz and a little electronic music. lation and the toning and tuning of the pipe organ took six months but also its main business partners and co-producers operate leave award, Leonidov said that Slovenia was a blessed (in Bulgarian: The non-music programme of the new season will also be each to complete. The pipe organ sounded for the fist time on 23 no room for distributing free admission tickets to expensive events ‘blagosloven’) country and, therefore, ‘Blagoslovenia’. In addition fresh and current. At the start of the season, the photographic September 1982 at the concert held by the Slovenian Philharmonic and require that the planned ticket sales for each event held in the to writing poetry, Leonidov also works as an editor, journalist, exhibition, Black and White World, was mounted on the facade of Orchestra to inaugurate the Gallus Hall. It has four manuals and Cankarjev Dom halls and Gallery be met.” publicist, publisher and translator from Russian and French. At the the neighbouring Administrative Unit building. It was followed by a pedalboard. According to the technical details, there are nearly Before the start of the new season, Mitja Rotovnik also provid- festival, he read seven of his poems. a multimedia portrait exhibition by Marta Lamovšek, while there 8000 pipes and 73 registers with German, French, Spanish and ed the following information: Throughout its existence, Cankarjev This year, the Vilenica Festival also introduced some innovations: are still two exhibitions in store for the future: Balkan False Idols, Italian resonance frequencies. The volume of the largest pipe is Dom has organised a total of 28,500 events attended by as many three writing and translation workshops in residence were an exhibition of works by authors from the region of the former more than one hundred litres. The wind turbine connected to an as 9,800,000 visitors. “By adding another 3,300,000 visitors of organised for the first time in August and were attended by Irish Yugoslavia, and Ce Coté En Haut: The Fragile World of Constellation electric motor pushes 53 cubic metres of air into the wind chest 16,000 conference and commercial events, the Centre has hosted and Italian authors and translators. ‘In this way, we are trying to by the Constellation Records record label. The Philips Fashion Week per minute. The pipe organ should be played for at least two hours so far 13,100,000 visitors at 44,500 events.” further strengthen the Festival’s role in the exchange of experience will be held again this year, while Slovenia Coworking will take an average of three times a week in order to maintain its capacity. However, it is certainly not the statistics that are the most im- as the participants are accommodated in Ljubljana, Kranj and Bled, place every Thursday. Kino Šiška will host the Liffe film festival The pipe organ at Cankarjev Dom is the largest single investment portant thing: it is the programme that really cous. So we will keep where they can avail themselves of the opportunity to work with in November, while the Artish art fair will be held there every last in a musical instrument in Slovenia’s history; its current price you up to date on all major events, which may also be found on concentration and also become acquainted with Slovenia and its Saturday of the month . We will report on other events as they would be EUR 1,100,000. website www.cd-cc.si. literature’, said the organisers of the festival. happen.

26 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 27 art&culture

Polona Prešeren, photo: STA Maribor’s status as the European Capital of Culture expires at the end of this year

Maribor’s status as the European Capital of Culture expires at film and industrial heritage, prepared by the international institu- the end of this year. So far, the results of this highly important cul- tion The Forum of Slavic Cultures. tural project in Slovenia have been more than positive. The city’s The Great Hall of the Slovene National Theatre in Maribor will status as the European Capital of Culture (ECC) has given a new host the Tobari show featuring the Japanese dance group Sankai impetus to development in many areas, including the economy, Juku. It is a butoh dance show, a form of dance that originated in where the results are obvious, particularly in tourism, said Suzana Japan after World War II. There will also be a survey of Slovenian Žilič Fišer, the Director General of MARIBOR 2012. The project has documentary film, which will bring a new documentary film -ex established close links between several cities in a number of areas, perience to Maribor and its broader surroundings. The first show- and these links should also be preserved in the future. In this con- ing of the feature film Shanghai will also take place within the ECC text, the project’s programme director, Mitja Čander, underlined programme. that the EEC has exceeded many expectations. He added that the The exhibitionAlmost Spring, 100 Years of Art in Slovenia, with se- project is not yet over and that ‘a rich programme still lies ahead lected works of Slovenian visual arts from the 1912–2012 period, until its completion at the end of the year; nevertheless, we are borrowed from public and private art collections, will cover an already looking to the future.’ area stretching from Piran, Novo Mesto, Ajdovščina to Slovenj Gra- The ECC has hosted more than three hundred thousand visi- dec, Maribor and Murska Sobota in a symbolic and realistic man- tors and more than 3600 events so far. Events during the summer ner. It will be followed by an exhibition on Austrian design, which months included various festivals and other performances, among has been inspired by its new energy from the onset of the third which the Lent Festival attracted the largest number of visitors. millennium. This exhibition will present a wide range of modern Since the beginning of the ECC programme until the end of August, Austrian design, including industrial, interior, furniture and even exhibitions, concerts and other events have attracted an audience fashion design. of more than 1 300 000. German artist Rebecca Horn will make her first debut in Slo- The MARIBOR 2012 website will shortly introduce an Insta- venia and the broader region by exhibiting a selection of her best gram application and will thus become the first ECC to introduce known works exclusively at the Maribor Art Gallery. The Lent Fes- such an application. It should be noted that the first European cul- tival Hall will host the Rosenberg Trio. ture capital website for use by people who are blind or partially An event not to be missed is the Borštniko srečanje drama festi- sighted became operational a few months ago. Since the inaugura- val, which is the largest and oldest Slovenian drama festival, whose tion of Maribor as the European Capital of Culture, its website has Mostovi international section strengthens the relations between recorded more than 600 000 visitors. Slovenian theatres and modern theatre centres across Europe. Last A number of programme highlights are planned until the end but not least, Jančar’s cult piece of drama Veliki briljantni valček (The of the year, among them the Legacy of Socialism on the subject of Great Brilliant Waltz) is also an event well worth attending.

28 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 29 American market for existing industrial know-how concentrated at the Accelera- “Slovenia is the leader in this area, partners and start-up companies. tor and the university, and along with its especially in applications of polymers in OUR EXCELLENCE Representatives of the Centre visited investors and supporting research institu- medicine and agriculture. Slovenia and Akron in June. In cooperation with the tions, Akron is strongly focused on the de- South Africa have been cooperating in the Slovenian-American Business Associa- velopment of (bio)polymers, which is also area of medicine, and there are also op- Vesna Žarkovič, photo: PoliMaT archives tion and with the support of Slovenian di- the primary focus of the PoliMat Centre portunities for cooperation with agricul- plomacy, they designed a research and for Excellence. tural countries in areas such as the renew- development cooperation project in the Furthermore, many leading Slovenian al of agricultural land without chemicals field of biopolymers and also support for scientists live in Ohio, which will make it and planting in arid regions,” said former PoliMaT’s start-up companies together easier and simpler for PoliMaT to enter the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention with the Centre’s key stakeholders. Ak- American market through Akron, accord- on Biological Diversity and Director of PoliMaT ron was chosen because it has a well-de- ing to the representatives of the Centre of Agricultural Development at the Bill and veloped industrial environment and also Excellence. Melinda Gates Foundation. Centre of Excellence

Foreign experts claim that Slovenia is among the global leaders in terms of the number of patents and new technical solutions per capita. With its breakthrough technological programmes, Slovenia is undoubtedly at the very top, and other countries consider us an example. Unfortunately, these programmes have also been affected by the current crisis, because funds from the private sector and municipalities, i.e. the state, have been heavily reduced. Thus, experts are left to the mercy of market forces or depend on profit thereby.

“President Türk also congratulated the Centre on its exeptional achievements”.

The President of the Republic of Slo- products, but there are not enough clear as such are encouraged by the work of the venia, Danilo Türk, stressed that develop- desires, business goals, ambitions and PoliMaT Centre of Excellence, are more ment today is a global concept and that our business enthusiasm,” said Maša Šiftar de successful in their development. discussions on future development are too Arzu, the business adviser at the Slovenian President Türk praised the excellent re- often focused on macro-economic rather Embassy in the USA. lationships that the centre has formed with than technological issues. On 30 May, at President Türk also congratulated the some of its key partners abroad, which is the Second Annual PoliMaT Strategy Con- Centre on its exceptional achievements, also important for the formation of a uni- ference of the Centre of Excellence, the which were accomplished faster than ex- fied research and intellectual sphere, President commended the excellent rela- pected. The President pointed out that the which is needed in Europe. But we must tionships the Centre has formed with some future does not belong to the biggest, but to also be closely connected with American The PoliMaT Centre of Excellence con- rally, in the form of proteins, starches, New office in the USA of its key partners abroad, in Europe and in the fastest, and thus the news that PoliMaT creativity, as the USA is still the most ad- ducts research in its own laboratory at the cellulose and latex, and are also synthe- the USA, which is still the leading power in is ranked as a fast and high-quality institu- vanced part of the world in terms of mod- Technology Park Ljubljana. It employs 84 sised and produced in large quantities modern technologies. tion is encouraging for Slovenia. ern technologies and many other advanced In November, the PoliMaT Centre of researchers, half of them women. In its for various purposes. In recent decades, “PoliMaT is the first scientific insti- The President of the Republic of Slo- concepts and ideas, added the President. Excellence is opening an office in the USA, first two years, the Centre developed 28 polymer production has been increas- tution that has requested help from the venia noted that high-quality industry The PoliMaT Centre of Excellence is in- in the city of Akron, at the Akron Global innovations, three international patent ing. They are used as the simplest mate- embassy in Washington in establishing is now at the centre of development, and volved in efforts to implement the green applications and the spin-off company rial for packaging and insulation, as well Business Accelerator. The purpose of the institutional relationships with American this is closely linked with science, research economy and sustainable development, MikroCaps. as for products with high added value office is to enable intensive and close partners in five years, and so I sincerely activity and any activity necessary for which according to the President, is also Polymers are substances with a high in biomedicine, pharmacy, the aviation cooperation on new research and de- congratulate them on their courage. Our stable and long-term development. Those important for Slovenia if we wish to ac- molecular mass composed of several industry, sports equipment, the textile velopment programmes and technology experience shows that Slovenians really countries which have better foundations complish a genuine breakthrough in de- repeating units. Polymers occur natu- industry and others. transfer; it will also serve for testing the do have supreme knowledge and excellent in research and advanced industries, and velopment.

30 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 31 GREEN CORNER

Polona Prešeren, photo: ECOCI archives

The Eco Civil Initiative, or ECOCI, is becoming an increasingly prominent player in care for the environment. The Eco Civil Initiative believes that Slovenia is a wonderful natural Eco civil initiative – more than just concern environment, and that it depends on us to protect this Garden of Eden and preserve its for the environment features and potentials. Respect for nature and people, natural endowments and the upgrading of knowledge by taking into account the facts and current conditions are therefore the common goals of all who are involved in this initiative.

The purpose of ECOCI is to connect all interested parties new knowledge, low soil treatment and sustainable and to spread awareness of the importance of caring for the farming, which will include organically biodynamic and environment in which we live. The participating members permacultural concepts of food production. The better of the Eco Civil Initiative are committed to pursuing exploitation of mountain farms, following the example of meaningful ends in accordance with ethical principles. They our parents, can ensure the self-sustainability of each farm.” highlight the importance of self-sufficiency in food, and The Civil Initiative has engaged in a campaign to raise energy and economic independence. They respect nature, awareness about the importance of self-sustainability people and tradition. They contribute to the changing of and safe food for the future. Its workshops and lectures values and mentalities, to strengthening awareness of the organised throughout Slovenia aroused the interest, not only need to assume responsibility for the self-sustainability of of the population in general, but also of politicians. ECOCI’s individuals and local communities in terms of sustainable wish is to achieve 100% self-sufficiency in sustainably ways of producing food and the rational use of energy. In produced food. To that end, it invests heavily in activities cooperation with others, they also encourage the integration aimed at educating and connecting, and in presentations of of people, institutions, knowledge and other entities at all good practices in cooperation with experts. It also promotes levels for the present and future generations. food production among children, adults, cultivators of small garden plots, farmers, institutions, group food producers, How do they work? etc.

In Slovenia, there are already many good practices in Seed Relay place among individuals, groups, institutions and other players in terms of personal and social life. Due to the ECOCI has actively launched a Seed Relay – the flood of information and various topical themes, the Civil exchange, planting and storage of indigenous and local seeds Initiative performs periodic checks and regularly exchanges – as nearly 90% of local seed types have been lost. information and opinions. It tries to find and use the best The relay has attracted almost 8,000 individuals thus far. positive solutions and apply them in everyday life. It gathers ECOCI also wishes to raise the awareness of farmers about examples of good practices and publishes useful links and the importance of seeds and their storage, as Slovenia’s food information, encourages critical thinking and searches for safety hinges on agricultural production. “It is our wish that good solutions that may be helpful to individuals. farmers start producing food for the market, stop trusting Members and supporters of ECOCI meet regularly every certain instructions and make decisions based on their own other week-end, to jointly determine where and what might judgment”, ECOCI’s spokeswoman said. be improved. They believe that one should provide for one’s own self-sufficiency in food, energy and health in order to What is ECOCI? preserve independence, freedom and happiness. Together with the most advanced experts, modern farmers and media Members of the ECO Civil Initiative of Slovenia are support, they strive to promote activities aimed at increasing committed to pursuing meaningful ends in everyday life. The self-sufficiency in food by taking specific actions such as activity of Eco Civil Initiative of Slovenia (“ECOCI”) is not the ‘Seed Relay’, ‘Ekofejst’ and sustainable food production political; its members seek to participate on an individual workshops. basis and to pursue meaningful ends through their everyday work, with a positive attitude on their own behalf and on Self-sustainability behalf of their families, and the local and wider community. They promote respect for tradition, the acquisition of According to ECOCI’s Irena Rotar, the Civil Initiative new knowledge and integration for the benefit of nature, believes that “Slovenia can produce enough food for its people and energies. Any interested individual may join the needs by employing advanced farming techniques, applying initiative to pursue meaningful ends, and leave at any time.

32 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 33 PEOPLE This summer, Boris Pahor’s Knjiga o Radi (‘Book about Rada’) was one of the best-selling book in Slovenia. The book was published shortly before the author’s 99th birthday. Boris Pahor spent about two years (between 2009 and 2011) writing Knjiga o Radi, in which he pays literary tribute to his life companion, Radislava Premrl. He narrates the story of his wife, Rada, in the form of diaries following her death, and in the form of memoirs about her since their first meeting, about their falling in love, their marriage, the birth of their two children and their life together until her death.

‘After my wife fell ill, I visited her in hos- the Witness of Our Epoch’) in 1975, which lief that Pahor’s book Nekropola (‘Pilgrim pital every morning and afternoon, while he wrote with Alojz Rebula on the occasion among the Shadows’) will remain the most after lunch I had free time: I was sitting in of Kocbek’s 70th birthday. In the interview important literary account of exile and the front of my typewriter and was writing,’ contained in the book, Kocbek spoke for atrocities of the Nazis. said Boris Pahor. ‘I was also writing when the first time about the post-war killing of Perhaps the most important recognition she died and later, when I was reading her 11 000 Slovenian Home Guards who were that Boris Pahor has received so far was the and my letters. This is how this book was returned to Yugoslavia by the British mili- prestigious Premio Napoli awarded to him written, and Rada’s story is the common tary administration; the Yugoslav authori- by the Italians for Nekropola. In his early thread running through it: it is an overview ties considered this as a reason to ban Pahor work, Pahor mainly focused on the descrip- of my life with Rada, with whom I spent from entering Yugoslavia for several years. tion of Mussolini’s Fascist terror, which also more than fifty years. Like my other dia- Today, Pahor’s books are among the resulted in the burning down of Narodni ries, this book includes many other themes most recognised Slovenian literary works in dom. Pahor’s sharpest arrows hit the Ital- and documents: I tend to describe events the world. They have been translated into ian Fascist authorities in Trieste who also happening around me, the current ones and many European and world languages. Eu- imprisoned him for the first time. He fur- those from the past. I consider the book to rope discovered his enviable literary opus ther criticised forced assimilation, the op- be substantively rich; however, I leave the several decades after the first publications pression of everything that was connected style to the judgement of others. I like writ- of his books. Also in Slovenia, the reading to Slovenia and the Slovenians, the denial ing diaries in the way I speak.’ public has only been reading Boris Pahor for of the right to use the Slovenian language, The story of one of the greatest living the last two decades. His works Grmada v and the right to a decent life. For Pahor, the Slovenians started on 26 August 1913. The pristanu, Parnik trobi nji, Zatemnitev (‘Ob- award received in Italy is one of the greatest writer, born in Trieste (today in Italy, but at scuration’), Nekropola (‘Pilgrim among the victories and meant a symbolic recognition that time it was part of the Austro-Hungar- Shadows’), Spopad s pomladjo (‘A Difficult of crimes committed against the Slovenian ian Empire), experienced Italian Fascism, Spring’) and other works had long been population under the Italian occupation. German Nazism and Yugoslav Communism. overlooked after their publication in the Pahor’s literary style is defined as na- As a child (on 20 July 1920), he witnessed second half of the last century; one reason tional- and humanistic-engaged realism how the Fascists burnt down the Slovenian being that the Communist regime system- with the ideal values of eros and ethos. The cultural centre Narodni dom in Trieste, the atically rejected them. author stresses that love is the only value central institution of the Slovenians in Tri- ‘And today, when the passers-by walk through which a man can be relieved from este at that time; later, he also faced the up to me to shake my hand, I don’t know evil in the personal sense, while humanity Fascist persecution of Slovenians from the what to do, because I have been living and can be relieved from it in the social sense. Primorska region. During the Second World working as a writer for many decades, He, however, always highlights national War, he therefore joined the National Lib- while only in the past few years have the awareness considering it necessary for the eration Movement. In 1944, he was arrested media and other countries made me recog- survival of the Slovenians in Italy, as well as and sent to the Nazi concentration camps nisable,’ said Boris Pahor on the occasion of for the survival of man and humanity in the Dachau, Natzweiler-Struthof and Bergen- the celebration of his 98th birthday. world. Boris Pahor is without doubt a phe- Belsen. He survived and, after his recovery When Slovenia became independent, nomenon of global importance and repu- at a French sanatorium, he returned to Tri- Boris Pahor was finally awarded for his out- tation. Is it not time that one of our most este; he graduated from the University of standing work and moral stand. In 1992, he translated authors receives the Nobel Prize Padua in Italy and then worked as professor received the Prešeren Award, the highest for Literature? in Slovenian schools in Trieste. decoration in the field of artistic creation Boris Pahor was also engaged in Slove- in Slovenia. He was also awarded the Or- ‘Yet behind the gifted writer hides a nian cultural and political life as a writer der of Freedom of the Republic of Slovenia. man whose spirit is always on the alert, and editor of magazines, such as the mag- In 2010, the readers of the main Slovenian always ready for debate, attentive and azine Zaliv (‘The Bay’). He was known for daily newspaper, Delo, selected him as its sharp, a man whom neither history nor his critical view on Slovenian reality and Personality of the Year. On that occasion, the present and future can contradict.’ independence of thought, which soon put Pahor said in his statement to the press that Former French Ambassador to Slove- him at odds with the leftist circles prevail- (among other things) he considers such nia, Nicole Michelangeli, 2011 ing in the Slovenian minority at that time, as awards as an opportunity to present to the On the occasion of his 99th birth- well as with the new Communist regime in public his thoughts and positions. day, Boris Pahor also received congrat- Slovenia and Yugoslavia. Although he takes Pahor, who also wrote in foreign lan- ulations from the Slovenian Minister a left-wing stance in his political views, guages, has received awards and accolades for Education, Science, Culture and he has never agreed with the engagement from various European countries. In 2007, Sport, Žiga Turk. The minister wished of Slovenians in Italian left-wing parties; he received the French Legion of Honour him the best of health and further cre- Valerija Obu, photo: STA as a Slovenian nationalist, he has, instead, award as a sign of gratitude for having en- ativity as a writer. In his statement, the strived for independent political engage- riched the French language, while last year minister also emphasised the moral ment. he was honoured with the title of Com- authority of a man who stood up to The then regime in Yugoslavia was very mander of the Order of Arts and Letters of three dictatorships that had persecut- BORIS PAHOR TURNS 99 critical of Pahor, mainly after the publica- the French Republic. Conferring the Order, ed him only because of his commit- tion of the book entitled Edvard Kocbek: the former French Ambassador to Slove- ment to the Slovenian nation, freedom pričevalec našega časa (‘Edvard Kocbek – nia, Nicole Michelangeli expressed her be- and democracy.

34 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 35 SPORTS

Matjaž Nemec, photo: STA

REMARKABLE SLOVENIAN SUCCESS AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN LONDON

Slovenia ranks sixth in terms of medals won per capita

This year’s Olympic Games in USA, for example, ranked only 49th, with will inspire a new generation in Slovenia London will certainly remain strong in a total of 104 medals, i.e. one medal per as well. Slovenia’s medal-winning athletes the memory of those who respect the more than three million people. China, at the London Olympics were: Urška achievements and efforts of Slovenian which ranked second on the medals Žolnir, who won gold in the women’s 63 athletes, as the country achieved a table, was towards the bottom of the kg category judo, Primož Kozmus, who respectable sixth place in the per capita per capita list in 74th place, with one won silver in the hammer, Rajmond medals table. This is a great achievement medal per 15 million people; the United Debevec, who won bronze in the men’s that has put Slovenia on the front pages Kingdom, which ranked third in terms 50m rifle prone (selected) shooting, and of the world’s press and ranked it high of the number of gold medals won, was rowers Iztok Čop and Luka Špik (double among its peer countries, i.e. countries placed 23rd, with one medal per 957.87 sculls). Slovenia can thus count itself with small populations and exceptional people; and Russia ranked only 34th, as one of the most successful countries sporting achievements: it was bettered with one medal per 1,744,590 people. at the Olympics; the achievement of its only by Grenada, an island country in The last country in terms of medals won athletes was similar to that at the Olympic the Caribbean Sea with a population of per capita was India, the second most Games in Beijing and Athens, the current slightly more than 100,000 that won one populous country in the world. It won achievement being 1-1-2 as compared medal, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, only six medals, or one medal per more to 1-2-2 in Beijing and 0-1-3 in Athens. New Zealand and the Bahamas. Although than 200 million people, at the London Before that, Slovenia’s athletes had won Slovenia has slipped one place since Olympics. no more than two medals. Slovenia ranked the last Summer Olympics, in which Slovenia also ranked high in the gold 42nd – the same as four yeas ago – on the Slovenian athletes won five medals, medals won per capita table: the gold table of medal-winning countries, ninth this year’s achievement is still good: medal won by Urška Žolnir put it in ninth on the alternative medals-won–per- Slovenia ranked high among the 85 place, immediately after Lithuania and capita table, and 27th in terms of medals medal-winning countries at the London Croatia. The champion in this category by GDP, and thus took its rightful place Olympics. The fact that one medal was was again Grenada, for which the only amongst the family of sporting nations. won per 514,385 Slovenians is certainly (gold) medal was won by Kirani James in Slovenia’s fondness for sports was also encouraging and demonstrates that, in the 400 metres dash. This year, our medals demonstrated at the Paralympic Games in sport, Slovenians adhere to the “sound were won by relative athletic veterans; London, in which 22 Slovenian athletes mind in sound body principle” and put however, some Slovenian athletes could took part in six events. The greatest success sport high on their list of values. make their way to the top in the next four was achieved by Franček Gorazd Tiršek, It is the number of medals won years. There have been some promising who won silver in shooting. Slovenian per capita that makes us aware of the performances in athletics, swimming, athletes ranked high immediately after achievement of our athletes as the combat sports, shooting and mountain the top three positions and many of them countries with the highest medal counts biking. The motto of the Olympics was ranked among the top ten. We extend at the London Olympics ranked rather “Inspire a Generation”, and we hope that our sincere congratulations to all the low on the per capita medals table: the the achievements of our athletic veterans participants.

36 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 37 SPORTS

Vesna Žarkovič, photo: Pivovarna Laško archives

LONDON LAŠKO PUB Meeting place of Slovenians during the Olympic Games

During this year’s Olympic Games in London, Slovenia had no ‘house’ of its own, as it had at the Winter Olympic Games. This time, Pivovarna Laško, which has been sponsoring the Olympic Games for twenty years, hired a London pub and called it ‘Team Slovenia London Laško Pub’.

It was used as a meeting place of Slo- SLOVENIAN OLYMPIC CLOTHING and white) were combined with two basic als helped Slovenian athletes and other typical Slovenian food: gibanica (multi- gy, textile, all originating from Slovenia – in venians who stayed in London during COLLECTION LONDON 2012 patterns – one, a dynamic combination members of Team Slovenia feel good and layered cake), potica (walnut roll), gou- short, a kind of Slovenian cultural centre. the Games, athletes, representatives of of different forms of Mount Triglav as the were an excellent promotion for Slove- lash, and štruklji (rolled dumplings). The Furthermore, he intends to open several the Olympic Committee of Slovenia and The Olympic Games are a special Slovenian symbol, and the other, a simple nia. first day was an absolute success. Today, bars across Great Britain where British their sponsors, journalists, fans and visi- event, at which athletes’ outfits are of pattern with repeating Team Slovenia he has seven stands selling Slovenian people, through Slovenian food, could be- tors from Slovenia and other parts of the great importance. In creating the outfits, inscriptions. Toper did not reflect their THEY LIKED SIMPLE FOOD MOST food at different locations all over in come familiar with other Slovenian items. world, as well as other invited and occa- it is necessary to take into consideration brand, but its technological and visual London. The Slovenian food is offered at ‘On the British market, Slovenian food sional guests. During the Olympic Games, different aspects such as colour, includ- aspects; they were fully satisfied with the In the pub, in addition to events and the higher price bracket, where smaller products are considered high quality prod- the visitors drank 150 fifty-litre barrels of ing recognisable national symbols, and recognisable clothing that helped raise the various gatherings, Slovenian food pre- food producers and food from different ucts; buyers are enthusiastic that these beer. In the pub, throughout the Games, other graphic elements, which result in profile of Slovenian Olympic athletes as a pared by Aleksander Albreht, a resident regions are promoted. The Londoners products are available in London.’ the Government Communication Of- eye-catching attraction, all while being team, benefitting both Team Slovenia and of London, was served. He came to Lon- have responded positively to it, as some- And during the Olympic Games, what fice, the Slovenian Tourist Board, and the simple in their communication. High- Slovenia as a country. don ten years ago and soon discovered thing different than Italian or Spanish was the food that people enjoyed most? Olympic Committee of Slovenia, as Piv- quality materials and good design that In the collection, the colour combina- that there was no restaurant with Slo- food. They are not familiar with Central ‘Simple food, such as koroška skuta ovarna Laško’s partners, organised events enable the athletes feel comfortable dur- tion of green, blue and white were used; venian food. He decided to fill this gap European food; many of them have never (Carinthian cottage cheese), prleške for foreign journalists who reported not ing the Games are also very important. according to the rules adopted in 2005 and got to work promoting Slovenian heard of Slovenian food. Mostly they buy murke (cucumbers of Prlekija with yo- only on sport events but also on other ac- These were the basic guidelines in design- by the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, food. The initiative to take this step was gibanica, pumpkin seed oil, kranjske ghourt, sour cream and garlic), zaseka companying activities, representatives ing the Slovenian Olympic London 2012 these are the recommended colours for a broadcast entitled ‘Eat London’ on BBC klobase (Carniolan sausages), cheese, (minced lard), kranjske klobase (Car- of other Olympic Committees, the Eng- collection. Official attire and casual wear, creating national sports clothing. One radio, which sought delicacies from the Laško beer, stews, goulash, jota (bean niolan sausages), potato dumplings, lish people who play an important role national kits and fan articles were pro- advantage of this year’s collection of countries participating in a sports event. and pickled turnip soup), žlikrofi (potato pumpkin seed oil, tünka of Prlekija (ham in public life, economists, Slovenians liv- duced by Peak, a grand sponsor of Team clothing is that all clothes could be com- ‘They did not find Slovenian delicacies; filled pasta), blood sausages and old Slo- soaked in pork fat), fartalje (egg om- ing in London, and Slovenians staying in Slovenia, while the competition clothes bined, so that whatever the chosen com- therefore, I thought I might start selling venian dishes made of beans. elettes). The visitors assured him that London at that time. The pub exterior and were created by Toper, another grand bination, the members of Team Slovenia them. Since I had some experience in And what is Aleksander Albreht’s vi- food with such interesting and, yet the interior was furnished in the spirit of Slo- sponsor of Team Slovenia. In the collec- always looked smart and distinct. Youth- hospitality industry in Slovenia, I decid- sion? In a few years, he wishes to open same time, simple tastes, almost of the venia’s national brand (I feel Slovenia), tion designed by Sandi Murovec, Slove- ful design, simplicity and a ‘sea-surfing’ ed to take this step.’ a Slovenian house in London where he farms that provided the food, cannot Slovenian sport and tourism. nia’s national sports colours (green, blue touch combined with quality materi- At the local market, he began selling would like to offer works of art, technolo- easily be obtained.’

38 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 39 Slovenian Delights

Vesna Žarkovič, photo: Dušan Arzenšek You need to dedicate your soul, otherwise everything is in vain

If you do not put your heart and soul into a restaurant, into its interior design, into its food, if you do not dedicate yourself to your guests, well, it simply will not work out. If you do not give yourself away, if you do not have the right sense for the best and most refined tastes, it will not work out either. You must understand what people take pleasure in and what they want to experience when they visit the restaurant, when they indulge in different tastes, absorb the atmosphere, the service and the soft-sounding Primorska dialect.

In the village of Nova vas nad Dragonjo, there is a traditional Istrian appointment and they help them choose the menu in advance. The house surrounded by a lush garden. It reflects the soul and habits of Medoš family always wants to be prepared to receive its guests, and its inhabitants. When you enter the house, it feels like coming home; the family members welcome them as if they were just coming to you’re visiting people who welcome you with open arms and an open visit them at home. There is also no fixed menu, which is quite a dis- heart. The smell reminds you of the homeliness of ournonnas 1,and the tinguishing feature of the restaurant. And the guests soon get used to interior is also designed in the spirit of their time. A spirit we long for this way of things; they get attached to the restaurant and the people in this alienated world. The heart of the house is the open fire, where running it and, in short, feel good about it. “We do not offer exqui- food has been prepared in a copper kettle for centuries. And the kettle siteness,” says Oriella, warming to her theme, “we are also known still today gives the minestrone and polenta the best possible taste. for my loquacity and straightforwardness. I am as I am and I am not The Medoš family – father Moreno, mother Oriella and their son and used to embellishing things.” Obviously, people accept her as such, daughter – speak in favour of simple, domestic food coming from the because they keep coming back! And in the restaurant business, this heart. They have built up a specific catering business. Apart from the is the greatest recognition you can get. good food and homely atmosphere, it also includes the regular guests Oriella and Moreno Medoš started their catering business 12 years – the local people who are most welcomed by the family. They reflect ago with a refreshment bar which they ran for seven years. Their the village and the surrounding area. They are full of stories, living wishes and skills, and their drive to achieve more and better, led witnesses of the life in the region above Koper, Izola, Portorož, Piran them to the creation of a restaurant in a traditional Istrian style. They and Dragonja. In places where the green Istria meets the blue Istria, have always prepared all the dishes themselves; they adjust the food where earth meets stone, olive trees meet torkljas2, birds meet the and tastes to the time of year and to the ingredients available at the salt pans and refošk3 meets joy. The locals are always welcome in the market. Thus the dishes on the plates change with the seasons. Medoš family. They live with the restaurant and enter it as if they were Their food is always freshly prepared and they never try to convince entering their own homes; they sing, sit down with you and exchange you to order something they might just warm up. Therefore they in- the events of the day, the stories… Their constant presence thus brings sist that their guests make advance appointments. And what is cur- to the restaurant “Na burji” a certain spirit. The guests take it as part of rently on the menu? The current seasonal offer includes grilled fresh the all-inclusive offer of the restaurant, as a supplement to the select- porcini mushrooms with pancetta and Gorgonzola cheese, garlic ed food. In this way, they can absorb the characteristics of the area, its and parsley. In the summer you can get summer minestrone with stories and narratives, with all their senses and mind. And people just corn (bobiči), while in winter the menu includes jota (bean and love visiting the restaurant. The guest book is full of commendations pickled turnip or sauerkraut soup) and pumpkin soup – which is about the atmosphere, the interior design, the service and the food. praised even by the guests from Prekmurje, where this soup comes “We want every single guest to be satisfied with our offer. This from – as well as wild asparagus. Florentine-style steak is on the means a lot to us. There are plenty of restaurants around today, but menu throughout the year. The Medoš family members pick the we want to be different. Unusual, homely, genuine,” explain Mr and mushrooms and asparagus and purchase all the foodstuffs them- Mrs Medoš. And Oriella and Moreno do not receive their guests just selves. They know exactly where to find best-quality meat, fish and like that, appearing at their door. No, the guests must make a prior shellfish and have regular suppliers who provide them with high- 1 Grandmothers in Italian. quality food. Most guests are food connoisseurs, so nothing can be 2 An oil mill. left to chance. The tourist workers in the area are convinced that if 3 A type of local wine. there were 10 such restaurants, there wouldn’t be a single one too

40 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 41 many. The dishes the restaurant is most famous for are lamb baked which the former generations had already perfected, giving them in hay, various fish specialities and home-made Istrian prosciutto, an eternal taste. One such dish is fennel soup. And fennel minestro- not industrially produced, they emphasise. They are continually ne, made from fennel stems picked in spring, is his specialty. returning to their roots, to their mothers and grandmothers. After Moreno asserts that those who have tried it cannot forget the taste, all, it was they who taught them to appreciate and to cook tradi- also because it cannot be ordered anywhere else. In the Istrian hin- tional local dishes. And Moreno and Oriella have also successfully terland it is a rare dish. However, Moreno comments that not every- transferred this knowledge to the restaurant and to their children. body is fond of the minestrone: some like it, others don’t. They are constantly trying to create the same taste of the minestrone And who are the guests of the Medoš family? Politicians, busi- they remember from their childhood, the taste of kroštule – a type nessmen – Moreno and Oriella do not preoccupy themselves with of flancati4 – the very same their grandmothers and mothers used the names of their more august guests. They are only interested in to prepare. They also grow certain herbs themselves, as herbs from whether their guests are satisfied when they leave the restaurant. one’s own garden simply smell better. Most of them are foreigners – Austrians, Germans, Russians and People obviously know how to appreciate such a culinary expe- others – and they feel good here. Many guests hear about the restau- rience in a cosy atmosphere and are more and more interested in rant’s good reputation at the Hotel Kempinski in Portorož or from seeking out such places. This kind of dining also allows the guests the Savoy in Trieste. However, more and more of their guests are to return to their roots. High quality and original food, homeliness those who themselves make direct reservations. Many of them also and originality of environment, and the cuisine of our forebears are come with the Mayor of Piran. the main advantages of the “Na burji” restaurant. Moreno acquired Oriella self-critically admits that at the beginning of her catering his cooking skills from his family, particularly from his mother and career she had no idea how to prepare fish. The present time urges grandmother. When he is preparing certain food, he does not know us to be excellent, different and original, and to fully master our exactly how the recipe goes, so then he experiments with the food, jobs. After 25 years of living with Moreno, she’s certainly learned adds and takes away new ingredients and tries new tastes. And he how to distinguish between a high-quality and low-quality fish, goes on experimenting until he himself, as well as his guests, are and she now also pays attention to the colour of its flesh and skin. fully satisfied. He is self-critical and admits that sometimes he is not If you want to satisfy the guest and be satisfied yourself, you must successful – but this does not take away his courage. On the con- know how to choose the right type of fish, how to find tasty, fresh trary, the next time he just tackles the task with even greater en- fish. And if you succeed, your guests reward you and respect you. thusiasm. As a cook, he always returns to the roots, to those dishes But you must put your soul into every step. If you don’t, everything 4 Fried sweet waffles. is in vain. JOTA: Sauerkraut, sliced carrots, some beans, taca (a kind of pesto, made with chopped bacon and garlic and some pork neck fat) and a piece of dried ribs are put in a pot. The ingredi- ents are flavoured to taste with salt and chillies, covered with FLORENTINE-STYLE STEAK: The streak is dropped onto a hot water and then cooked for approximately three to four hours. grill, sprinkled with salt and pepper and cooked for approxi- mately 10 minutes on each side. The meat should have a dark brown surface and a hint of pink in the middle.

PORCINI MUSHROOMS WITH PANCETTA: The mushrooms are cut into slices, put on the barbecue and roasted. Then the roasted mushrooms are put on a tray, coated with Tržaška sauce and covered with grated Gorgonzola cheese. Mean- while, the pancetta is grilled and placed on top of the mush- rooms.

42 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 43 societysociety

Polona Prešeren, photo: STA Culturalisation of space

Science has a long tradition in Slovenia, and many Slovenian scientists have become internationally recognized. Slovenian science has contributed quite some invention to the global wealth of knowledge.

‘This building, the Cultural Centre of centre in Vitanje which is already the site of At the opening of the Centre, Minister European Space Technologies, demon- a small but widely visited exhibition on an Turk noted that ‘Herman Potočnik Noor- strates that there is no science that is more international scale, dedicated to the work dung is a proof that there is no such thing or less important, but only that which of and references to Herman Potočnik as small and large nations, but only minor comes closer to the search for the mean- Noordung (extending from Odyssey 2001 and major issues. He dealt with and re- ing of our existence. When we, Slovenians to NASA and MIR). Noordung is just one of sponded to major issues. He made calcu- look back in history, we tend to simplify the Slovenian scientists who have contrib- lations, plans and left behind a scientific it, by saying that only culture has inspired uted many inventions to the global wealth work that is quoted by the entire first gen- us with national pride. And yet, techni- of knowledge. eration of rocket makers. He has inspired cal experts, entrepreneurs and scientists, The creation of the Cultural Centre of artists, such as Stanley Kubrick or Dragan such as Herman Potočnik, have also con- European Space Technologies was driven Živadinov.’ tributed their share,’ were the words of by the idea, energy and concept of Dragan In the minister’s words, ‘The very case the Minister of Education, Science, Cul- Živadinov, an artist who devoted much of of Herman Potočnik shows how much ture and Sport, Žiga Turk, at the opening his creative activity to Herman Potočnik, more important culture is than science, in of the Cultural Centre of European Space and Miha Turšič, the manager of CCEST. terms of searching for the meaning of our Technologies (CCEST) in Vitanje at the The centre, which is already referred to by existence. Herman Potočnik Noordung beginning of September this year. CCEST many as ‘the space museum’, was opened has not been brought back to the memory has revived the memory of the pioneer of at the beginning of September. of Slovenians by a scientist, mechanical space flights, Herman Potočnik Noordung, The participants in the opening cer- engineer or astronomer; he has been re- to whom the first permanent exhibition at emony were also addressed by the Rus- discovered by an artist.’ the centre is dedicated. sian astronaut Yury Malenchenko who According to the CCEST Manager, Miha What is CCEST? It is the materialisa- particularly recalled Herman Potočnik Turšič, the basic concept of CCEST is pri- tion of the idea of culturalisation of space, Nordung, saying, ‘He is remembered with marily the exhibition on Potočnik, which the idea of connecting art and science, a sense of deep appreciation. He facili- represents the humanisation of techno- which has found its place in this institu- tated a breakthrough in space research logical development. It is the sum of in- tion. CCEST has been created under the and brought the cosmic expanse closer fluences on Potočnik’s biography and the conceptual leadership of the artists Dragan to humanity.’ He also pointed out that influences of his work on the decades- Živadinov, Miha Turšič and Dunja Zupančič. Potočnik’s work had also been used by his long development of space technologies It is a building and a project that will com- successors, from the first rocket makers that made possible the launching of the bine art and science, and put on display the to the present day. “We like to remember first satellite into space, the first man into historical astronaut memory of Europe and him with a sense of deep appreciation. space, the flight to the Moon, and space the contemporary European astronautics He facilitated a breakthrough in space re- stations in the Earth’s orbit. and realise the idea of the culturalisation search and brought the cosmic expanse of space. CCEST is a very specific cultural closer to the man”, he added.

44 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 45 Who was Herman two most prominent theoretical achieve- weakness and insufficiency. The concept ments. He was well ahead of his time and of transcendentality is not always associ- Potočnik Noordung? was considered a dreamer by the scientific ated without any reason with the idea of circles of his era. weightlessness, the power to “reach the Herman Potočnik was born on 22 De- ‘[...] and there would be an observa- sky”. Even today, there is a prevalent be- cember 1892 in Pula, which was then a tory in the open space and far above the lief that an earthly creature cannot even town in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. atmosphere, whose height would be 35 imagine ever leaving the Earth. Is this It is said that he spent some of his child- 900 000 metres’. If this “space observa- view really justified?” These bold thoughts HERITAGE hood years in Vitanje, in which a Noor- tory” were positioned above the Berlin were written by Herman Potočnik Noor- dung memorial room has been set up; Meridian, for example, it could be perma- dung, the pioneer of rocket and space however, there is no sound evidence of his nently visible at the point reached by the technologies, in his book The Problem of staying there nor is it so much important. Sun at noon in mid-August’, he wrote. His Noordung is now commemorated by a ideas inspired the Arthur C. Clark, Stanley Space Travelwhich was published in the THE LAND permanent exhibition in CCEST, but there Kubrick and Dragan Živadinov. German language in 1928. In the following is also a quicker way to do so: a look into ‘Man has always seen the fact that he decades, it became compulsory reading the starry night sky in which a satellite is bound to the Earth and his inability to for Russian, German and American space can be observed. Geostationary satellites free himself from the mysterious bonds technology experts. OF HAY RACKS and manned space stations are Potočnik’s of gravity as an expression of his earthly Vesna Žarkovič photo: Municipality of Šentrupert archives

THE FIRST OPEN-AIR HAY RACK MUSEUM IN THE WORLD

Dragan Živadinov

46 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 47 Hay racks are a special feature of Slovenia, and the fact that they are so numerous in such a small area is also interesting.

Their presence lends additional inter- folk architecture worth preserving. gle stretched, single parallel, and low, est to the fields and meadows. The hay Thus, the initiative by the Municipal- stretched and double, which are double racks of the Kranjska region were de- ity of Šentrupert in the Dolenjska region variants. The area of the Land of Hay scribed already 300 years ago in ‘The Glo- to design a ‘land of hay racks’ is even more Racks covers 2.5 ha, with one kilometre of ry of the Duchy of Carniola’ by J. V. Val- commendable. ‘This is a unique open- footpaths between the exhibits. The old- vasor. There are of various types - double, air museum where we re-locate old hay est example in the museum is a Lukatov single, stretched. A double hay rack may racks and restore them. We have already double hay rack dating to 1795. reveal the owner’s special attitude to it. re-located seventeen and are planning Depending on size and condition, Farmers are usually very proud of their to build two drying structures, i.e. an ar- the hay racks cost the Municipality of hay racks, if not even personally attached rangement of poles for drying fodder and Šentrupert between 600 and 8,000 euros to them. This special attachment can be a small hay rack, which was actually the each. The total cost of the project is over observed in the inscriptions on the dor- first step in the development of the hay 700,000 euros. Due to its extent, impor- mers or on beams, which usually record rack as it is known today. The latter two tance and uniqueness, the project was the year of their construction or the name are not considered hay racks, so we refer also supported by the European Union. of the owner. They tell the story of the to them as drying structures. In total, the The first stage, which included the physi- people who commissioned, construct- museum will have seventeen hay racks cal layout, renovation and municipal in- ed or used them. They are used for dry- or nineteen drying structures,’ said Ru- frastructure, received 306,000 euros from ing grain sheaves, wheat, maize, clover, pert Gole, the Mayor of the Municipality the European Regional Development beans, hay, etc. Placed in fields, they are of Šentrupert, about the first open-air hay Fund. The second stage, which included typical of the farm buildings in Slovenia. rack museum in the world. the museum content and programme, The hay rack is an important feature of the All six types of hay rack will be pre- cost 90,000 euros, and was supported Slovenian ethnic area and an example of sented at the museum: single, sin- by the Leader+ initiative with somewhat

Rupert Gole, the Mayor of the Municipality of Šentrupert, introduces the Land of Hay Racks.

48 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 49 less than 70,000 euros. This stage is being The museum will be a tourist, educa- The official opening of the Land of Hay implemented by the Dolenjska and Bela tional and cultural centre which, in addi- Racks is set for June 2013. In the mean- Krajina local action group and is managed tion to the main feature, i.e. the hay racks, time, the Municipality of Šentrupert will by the Development Centre Novo Mesto. will also offer expert guided tours, educa- arrange the necessary landscape archi- The Development Centre Litija, which tional workshops, games for children and tecture and organise the entire centre. connects twelve municipalities from adults, team-building courses for com- Numerous awards have shown that three regions under the ‘Heart of Slove- panies and organisations, international Šentrupert is one of the most environmen- nia’ trademark, is also participating in the exhibitions, concerts, fashion shows, tally conscious and energy efficient -mu project. Aleksandra Gradišek, the director overnight stays and theme weddings. The nicipalities. This year, it received the Gold of the Development Centre Litija, expects fashion designer Maja Ferme has already Stone award as the second most advanced the museum to contribute to greater rec- been contacted to provide some ideas on municipality in terms of its development in ognition of the entire area in the ‘Heart of these themes. Slovenia, and last year, it received the award Slovenia’. for the most innovative municipality. www.sentrupert.si

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50 Government Communication Office Sinfo – Slovenian information 51 Photo: Dušan Arzenšek