02 February 2014

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ON THE POLITICAL AGENDA: Captured in ice and snow IN FOCUS: 2014 - The most important Winter Event CULTURE INTERVIEW: Katarina Čas E-book . Read it anywhere.

01 ISSN 1854-0805 January 2014

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ON THE POLITICAL AGENDA 6 Captured in ice and snow Many Slovenians lent a helping hand in these hard

times Bruno ToičPhoto: A S T ijavec/ osana R Photo: R Photo:

IN FOCUS 10 Sochi 2014 The most important Winter Event A

Tanja Glogovčan, editor Photo: Tamino S T Petelinšek/ Tamino Photo:

CULTURE INTERVIEW 44 Katarina Čas She - Wolf of Wall Street A land of many brave images ukežič Slovenia this month was really like a block of ice. It seemed like some kind of innovative artistic installation. Everything was trapped in ice – cars, road signs, leaves- damaged trees and broken electric

Photo: Primož L Primož Photo: installations lay shattered all around. The tourists that visited Slovenia in those days came to know a side which even the people living there had never seen before. People’s distress could be felt everywhere, but fortunately, there was not a single Slovenian who was not ready to help. Once again, it turned out that the Slovenia public services such as the civil protection service, fire-fighters and armed forces are well organised. Therefore, we have prepared for you a collage of these images: fieldwork, damaged countryside, visits by politicians to the affected areas, mutual assistance between Sinfo – Slovenian information Executive Editor and Editior – in - Chief: citizens. Tanja Glogovčan, [email protected] Editorial Board: Vesna Žarkovič, Irena Kogoj, Anja Polajnar, Danila Golob, Andreja Križ, Polona Prešeren, MSc Of course, we were also happy about the success of our athletes at Photo Editor: Bojan Pernek the . As Petra Majdič said before leaving for Sochi, Production: Irena Kogoj Translation: Secretariat-General of the Government of the Republic of “I am convinced that the expectations of our athletes and their Slovenia, Translation and Interpretation Division Language editing: PSD Translation fans will come true.” And indeed, we Slovenians have once again Printed by: Collegium Graphicum d.o.o., Slovenia, Number of copies: 4000 demonstrated that we are a nation of brave and sports-loving Photo on the front page: Mostphotos/Anže Petkovšek In the photo: Damaged electricity distribution system in Notranjska individuals. In Sinfo, we present the giants of Slovenian sport, summarising their greatest achievements, and presenting the Government Communication Office:www.slovenia.si Government Communication Office:www.ukom.gov.si historic Sarajevo Olympics, along with other Olympic games related Government of the Republic of Slovenia: www.vlada.si interesting stories. SPIRIT: www.slovenia.info Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: www.gzs.si Slovenian Chamber of Craft: www.ozs.si This year, the month of February was really in the spirit of Japti: www.japti.si Stock Exchange: www.ljse.si Prešeren’s ‘Zdravljica’. ‘Zdravljica’ is a toast to goodness, Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia:www.stat.si State Portal of the Republic of Slovenia: http://e-uprava.gov.si understanding, companionship and courage.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 3 UNDERLINED Boštjan Lajovic, Director of the Government Communication Office Photo: G CO

Go, Slovenia, go!

In the first days of February, Slovenia was hit by the worst natural di- new owner; the sales of other companies under the first privatisation saster in living memory. Over a period of several days, rain with tem- package are proceeding according to plan and the second package is peratures oscillating around freezing caused the formation of a thick being prepared. glaze of ice on trees, power lines and other energy infrastructure. The consequences are catastrophic, with many places facing power out- A particularly burning issue is youth unemployment, which current- ages, some cut off from the world with disrupted communication ly stands at 23.3 per cent, affecting slightly less than 34,000 young channels, and forests suffering devastation. people. The Government has devised the Youth Guarantee, a special youth employment programme, which will ensure that young peo- As I write this, around 200 thousand people are still off-grid; the relief ple up to 29 years of age will be offered a job, job-related training or teams in the storm-hit areas consist of a large number of fire-fighters, further education opportunities within four months of registering as members of the civil protection service, Slovenian Armed Forces and unemployed. police, and employees of electricity companies, providing unselfish help in restoring more or less normal conditions. People in the affect- This involves the commitment of the European Union to allocate Slo- ed areas are most in need of power generators, which have also been venia some 157 million euros to implement the Youth Guarantee in brought to Slovenia from neighbouring countries and other European 2014 and 2015; in this context, Slovenia has taken a step further com- countries as a gesture of solidarity in the face of the natural disaster. pared to other EU Member States by expanding the group of young We take this opportunity to thank them all for their assistance. people included in the programme. Other Member States have set an age limit of 25 years, while Slovenia is also including people who are Nature unleashed its power and reminded us of our vulnerability, up to four years older. Youth organisations in Slovenia have welcomed while again putting some fundamental human values, especially sol- the programme, with all agreeing that a real breakthrough will occur idarity, to the test. And in particular, the fire-fighters and members when the economy shows real organic growth and creates jobs itself. of the civil protection service passed it with flying colours. If asked which group of workers they appreciate most, fire-fighters would The attention of the Slovenian public has this month shifted to the undoubtedly be the reply of the people of Slovenia. I am not refer- Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Expectations are high, since the ring only to professional fire-fighters, but rather to members of the success achieved by our athletes this winter has spoiled us. This is voluntary fire-fighting brigades, who number over 130 thousand in especially true for the ski jumpers who have been winning competi- Slovenia. In Slovenia, fire-fighting is not only a voluntary activity, but tions one after another. Just ahead of the Olympic Games in Sochi, the plays a very important social role, sometimes being almost a way of Slovenian jumpers won the podium at the World Cup event in Japan, life, which is especially true in small places. celebrating a triple victory; some joked that this was an open national competition between Slovenians in Japan. In addition, we still have The current situation has rather eclipsed the still lively political devel- some aces up the sleeve to win a medal: the world’s best Alpine skier opments in Slovenia. The parties in the ruling coalition are discussing last year, Tina Maze, is reaching her best skiing form; biathlete Jakov a new coalition agreement which will set the priorities of the gov- Fak, snowboarder Žan Košir and jumper Maja Vtič, with some others ernment programme until the end of the term of office, i.e. until the that might just surprise us. end of 2015. There are no major disagreements over fundamental pri- orities; all parties agree that it is of primary importance to kick-start Special attention should also be devoted to the Slovenian ice-hockey economic growth while creating new jobs and focusing attention on players who come from the smallest country ever to qualify for the youth unemployment and consolidating public finances. It is worth Olympic tournament in this sport: almost a thousand people in Slo- noting the pledge of the coalition partners that the population and venia are registered to play ice hockey, of whom 155 are club mem- economy would not be encumbered with a heavier tax burden. The bers and 700 hundred are younger players. The population of two economic situation is improving slightly; interest rates on Slovenian million has only seven indoor hockey rinks. And this little ‘dwarf’ will government bonds are decreasing, and Slovenia’s credit rating has not be playing its opening match with Russia. been further downgraded. However, this is far from enough. The big- gest mistake would be if the momentum for reform and readiness to We are justly proud of our athletes, and my prediction is that a Slove- change were brought to a halt. The Government is aware of this and, nian athlete will be in the spotlight on the front page of the next issue therefore, will continue to pursue its objectives: the privatisation of of this magazine, with an Olympic medal around his or her neck. Go, state-run enterprises is underway; Telekom Slovenia will be getting a Slovenia, go!

4 Government Communication Office Tanja Glogovčan what’s up? Photo: TaminoPetelinšek/ S T New Coalition Agreement Signed

The leaders of Positive Slovenia (PS), Social Democrats (SD), Citi- zens’ List (DL) and Pensioners’ Party (DeSUS) signed a coalition A agreement for 2014-2015, pledging to raise the quality of life for everyone and pave the way for a sustainable economic recovery by the next regular election.

Aside from kick-starting economic growth, the coalition partners committed to step up the use of EU funds, reform public healthcare on the principle of solidarity and accessibility to all, boost Slovenia’s eco- nomic independence through sustainable use of natural resources and create better prospects for youth. To promote the effort, the coalition is creating an independent government office in charge of EU fund phas- ing, which will answer directly to the prime minister, as will the Youth Office, whose head will be proposed by young people through organ- A top priority is a development-oriented economy, which is to be achieved isations involved in the Youth Council. based on a strategy of industrial development and creation of new jobs with the mid-term goal being 60,000 new jobs and 3% annual economic growth. The four coalition partners also pledged for the government not to in- terfere in the minimum wage and not to raise or introduce new taxes or other levies, except if it agreed otherwise with the social partners. Pensions and pension allowances are to be kept at the present level.

A elections

President Borut Pahor has called European Parliament elections for 25 May. This will be the third EU elections for Slovenian voters since the country joined the EU in May 2004. S T D aniel N ovaković/ Photo: “The European parliament is the only institution that reflects a direct political will of Europeans,” President Borut Pahor said on the occa- sion. He is certain that many candidates will vie for the eight MEP spots held by Slovenia. President Pahor announced that, as president, he would remain neutral in relation to the candidates in time of the election campaign. He will, however, continue to express his support to the EU and its institutions. Even though every citizen has the right not to vote, the president stressed that every vote contributes to be- Borut Pahor, a MEP from 2004 to 2008, said the idea of a joint Europe represents ing part of decisions about a joint European future, which he believes a great opportunity for Slovenians and warned that its decline would be a ma- carries great importance for Slovenia. jor problem for the 2-million nation. Photo: D aniel N ovaković/ S T Major steps forward has been taken

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Alenka Bratušek,

hosted the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rom- A puy, who was on an official visit to Slovenia.

Their talks focused on current reforms in Slovenia, the upcoming Eu- ropean Council meeting, measures to enhance economic growth and increase employment, and youth policy. The Prime Minister also ac- quainted the European Council President with the latest reform devel- opments in Slovenia. They agreed that major steps forward had been taken on this front and that Slovenia should continue the work at the same pace. The Prime Minister informed Mr Van Rompuy of the bad weather conditions in Slovenia and that Slovenia would ask the European Union for solidarity as- sistance.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 5 on the political agenda Tanja Glogovčan, Photo: STA

Captured in ice and snow Many Slovenians lent a helping hand in these hard times Slovenia was having an incredibly warm winter until the end of January. After that, however, it struck all the harder. Glaze ice, freezing rain and snow caused massive economic damage to forests, as well as to commercial and residential buildings and roads. Therefore Slovenia requested international aid.

Many places in Slovenia were cut off from The conditions were worst in had cause to regret not using any were closed for several days. the world - captured in ice and snow. Notranjska. All of the electric- alternative sources of energy. Falling trees and branches also ity distributors, fire-fighters wrought major damage at Lju- and members of civil protec- Some companies and factories bljana ZOO. tion service and the Slovenian closed down for several days. Armed Forces worked day and Thus, most production stopped The green catastrophe night. In greatest demand were in Notranjska and in the area electricity generators. It was of Postojna. The damage will be The biggest loss to Slovenia is another opportunity - for some considerable. Most companies undoubtedly the natural disaster even the first - to realise how plan to offset their losses with suffered by the forests. Accord- much we depend on electricity. overtime and weekend work. ing to preliminary estimates half Families who spent some days The companies that came to a a million hectares of forest, or in the blackout were without halt include Kovinoplastika Lož, over 40 per cent of all Slovenian heating, water, food and means Pivka Javor, Eurobox, Dynacast forests, have been destroyed. This of communication; some were Lož, Brest, Ydria Motors and Liv is the amount of wood normally even unable to reach their cars Kolektor. felled in a year. The broken trees because their garage doors have will then have to be cut down or automatic locks. Many people Also schools and kindergardens trimmed as soon as possible. In

6 Government Communication Office on the political agenda

Damage in numbers according to first estimates

• 37 million euros in damage to the electricity distribution system, • 20 million euros to railway infrastructure, • 9 million euros to state roads, • 10 million euros to the Eles transmission sys- tem, • 480 000 hectares of forest or 5.155 million m3 of wood have been damaged, • 93% of forest roads are closed.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 7 on the political agenda

addition, foresters will have to tion to which the answer will be overshadowing all other respon- cut down every spruce injured found only after a certain time. sibilities. in any way, although it may only be missing a branch. Spruce is Through solidarity against Government strategy to highly susceptible to bark beetle, ice eliminate the consequences so strict hygiene must be main- tained in such forests but this Slovenia received international The Government has provided will be difficult after the glaze. If assistance in the first most criti- almost 318 000 euros from bud- owners fail to clear a sufficient cal days, primarily in the form getary reserves to eliminate the quantity of broken branches and of electricity generators. Slove- consequences of the natural di- trunks before the first swarm- nian citizens also showed mutual saster. The funds have been used ing of the bark beetle in May or solidarity by continuously bring- to purchase electricity genera- June, this will lead to another ing electricity generators, food, tors and flood defence bags and nation-wide catastrophe. And if clothes and money to Red Cross to repair some telecommunica- the spring is warm, this means and Caritas centres and, while tions installations. even less time is available, as it was still safe, helping with the bark beetle begins to swarm physical work. Once again, it has Slovenia has already applied for when the temperature is at about turned out that Slovenia has ex- as much EU assistance as it is 20 degrees for a few days, which cellent and effective armed forc- entitled to, and the Minister of can happen already in April. De- es and outstanding fire-fighters Finance, Uroš Čufer, has initiated ciduous trees, too, will have to and members of the civil protec- negotiations for loans from the tion service. be removed as soon as possible, European Bank for Reconstruc- or they will fall prey to fungi and tion and Development (EBRD) other diseases. Beech is espe- The Slovenian President, Borut and the European Investment cially highly prone to internal le- Pahor, the Slovenian Prime Min- Bank (EIB). With these loans, sions. The elimination of damage ister, Alenka Bratušek, the Min- Slovenia intends to remedy the alone will be very costly. This will ister of Defence, Roman Jakič, damage to energy infrastructure, be followed by the costs of plant- and the Minister of Agriculture railway network and state roads. ing and other means of rehabili- and the Environment, Dejan A large part of the energy infra- tation necessary to restore all the Židan, paid several visits to the structure and railway network functions of the forest. How the affected areas during this period. has been damaged. Politicians paid several visits to the af- changed forest structure will af- This was the first priority of the fected areas. fect the environment is a ques- Government in the critical days,

8 Government Communication Office Polona Prešeren on the political agenda

Stress test results favourable for Slovenia

December 2013 brought the results of stress tests which showed that Slove- nia could solve its problems itself and that no international support will be needed to rescue the banks. The capital deficit at the banks covered by the review amounts to EUR 4.8 billion.

The so-called stress tests carried Commission (DG EcFin and DG The next step is to find strategic Public availability of data out by independent internation- Comp), the European Central partners or owners for the banks. al experts comprehensively ex- Bank and the European Banking The priorities of the Government The Act amending the Access to amined the Slovenian banking Authority. include corporate repayments, re- Public Information Act, which is system. The experts reviewed moving red tape and health-care currently under consideration, the Slovenian banking system in Transfer of assets to the reform. One of the main objec- will make information about an unlikely adverse macroeco- BAMC tives of the overhaul of the bank- loans transferred from state banks nomic scenario and determined ing system is to stop the shrink- to the BAMC publicly accessible. age in lending activities. What the any capital shortfall that could The test results show that a total This implies the public availabil- Slovenian economy expects from arise at an individual bank or, of EUR 3.012 billion is required ity of information about clients, the overhaul is responsible loans, consequently, across the entire for capital increases at the three loan amounts, the entity approv- made under normal conditions banking system in the event of largest banks – NLB, NKBM and ing the loan, security and the gross comparable to those granted to such a scenario occurring. Abanka. Thus the first assets – amount of debt. The proposers of foreign competitive companies by those of NLB and NKBM – were the amendments to the Act made their banks. The return of banks The comprehensive review ini- transferred to the Bank Asset to international financial markets the proposals in the public inter- tially included the following ten Management Company (BAMC) would also lead to cheaper loans, est, which the legislator recognises banks: NLB, NKBM, Abanka, immediately after the stress tests. which is one of the objectives of as stronger than the need to pro- Gorenjska banka, Banka Celje, The gross value of risk assets the overhaul. tect bank secrecy. UniCredit Banka, Hypo Alpe- transferred amounted to 3.21 bil- Adria-Bank, Raiffeisen banka, lion euro. In return for these assets, Probanka and Factor banka the BAMC paid NLB the sum of 622 Slovenia has also been a focus of foreign media, which (the orderly wind-down pro- million euro and NKBM the sum devoted a fair share of attention to the results of the cess later saw the latter two of 390 million euro in bonds with stress tests of Slovenia’s banks. They mostly pointed out excluded from the review). The a state guarantee. The actual trans- banks under review constitute fer of assets will be carried out in that the banking hole is not too deep to prevent Slove- a representative sample of 70% five stages. So far, all activities have nia from rehabilitating the system, which was allegedly of the Slovenian banking sys- been completed as expected. confirmed by Brussels, and quoted European Com- tem. The review was carried out missioner Olli Rehn, who said that “today, it is clear by Oliver Wyman (bottom-up The physical transfer of the first set that Slovenia can rehabilitate its financial system on its stress tests), Roland Berger (top- of assets from NLB and NKBM has own, without financial aid from its European partners.” down stress tests), Deloitte and been carried out in three fields: Bloomberg stressed that “Slovenia’s chances of avoiding the first field is interviews by EY (asset quality review), CBRE, an international bailout” increased with the publication Jones Lang LaSalle, Cushman & BAMC representatives with bank Wakefield, Colliers (real estate trustees, in order for the BAMC of the stress tests. The state managed to set aside about valuation). representatives to acquire the five billion euros to rescue the banks, which “is more maximum amount of informa- than sufficient to cover the bank rescue plan and spark The review began in August tion about the cases. The technical investors’ interest.” AFP pointed out the statement of 2013, and included the veri- acquisition of documentation ran Dijsselbloem that Slovenia has sufficient reserves and fication of data completeness parallel to the first field. The third field refers to the IT support cur- access to financial markets, although at a relatively high and integrity, a review of in- price. They will tackle these problems on their own, dividual loans and collateral rently provided by the two banks and they have my trust in this, added the Eurogroup valuations, and identification of and used to manage transferred the adequacy of impairments. assets; NLB and NKBM granted president. dpa wrote that the stress test results should the BAMC representatives access An assessment was conducted dissipate fears that Slovenia could become the sixth to all data. When the activities in on the basis of this data, or in Eurozone country to need a financial bailout. It added all three fields are completed, the other words, stress testing of that although Slovenia’s transition was hailed as a role documents of the first package of whether the banks could main- assets will be considered physi- model of post-Communist transition, the economic cri- tain an adequate level of capital cally transferred to the BAMC, sis showed that Slovenia did not carry out the necessary at the end of 2015, assuming a which will manage these assets reforms and reduce its spending early enough to avoid further sharp deterioration in thereafter. the prospect of financial collapse. Reuters wrote that the macroeconomic situation. The comprehensive review was the publication of the stress test results for Slovenian In the opinion of Prime Minister banks drew “a sigh of relief from the European Union”, supervised by a steering com- Alenka Bratušek, the people re- mittee comprising representa- sponsible for the bad situation in as another package of assistance, no matter how small, tives of the Bank of Slovenia Slovenia’s banking system should would have sown doubts about the EU’s insistence that and the Ministry of Finance, and be identified immediately after it can put the debt crisis behind it. observers from the European the publication of the stress tests.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 9 IN FOCUS Vesna Žarkovič

Sochi 2014 The Most important winter event

The Olympic Games in Sochi and the 2014 FIFA World February, had 66 members. The national team was Cup Brazil are undoubtedly the most important selected by the Executive Committee of the Olympic sporting events of this year. The Slovenian team at Committee of Slovenia; the captain of the team was the Sochi Winter Olympics, which was from 7 to 23 Petra Majdič.

At the opening ceremony, the Maze addressed the Slovenian Winning an Olympic medal is Slovenian flag was carried by public via video link from the certainly an ideal gift for any Slovenian athletes have Tomaž Razingar, the captain Downhill in Cortina d’Ampezzo. athlete participating in the So- already put on their of Slovenia’s hockey team. The A similar video message was chi Games. However, only a Olympic Colours. For the Slovenian delegation com- sent by Slovenian ski jumper handful of athletes have real first time before leaving prised athletes competing in Peter Prevc: “Be the champions chances of winning a medal, eight sports. The biggest was the of the first league.” while the rest will return only for Russia, the Slovenian hockey team, which consisted with new experience, memo- sports expedition gathered of 25 players. The ski-jumping Slovenian athletes have already ries and good results. on Wednesday, 22 January, and snow-boarding teams each put on their Olympic Colours. had nine members; the Alpine The Wednesday official unveil- for an official presentation For the first time before leav- skiing team consisted of eight ing for Russia, the Slovenian ing was in the absence of Slo- to the Slovenian public. members, the biathlon team of sports expedition gathered on venia’s team top high-scoring six, and the cross-country team Wednesday, 22 January, for an athletes: Tina Maze (twice a of five; three athletes competed official presentation to the Slo- winner of silver at the Olympic in Nordic Combined and one in venian public. Numbering 66 Winter Games four years ago in freestyle. members at the moment, the ), the ski-jumping Slovenian team for Sochi may team and the men’s ice-hockey The President of the Slovenian Olym- Get ready, here we go, Slove- be even bigger if other national team, with Anže Kopitar in the pic Committee, Janez Kocijančič: nia. line-up, also absent due to their “The biggest and strongest Slovenian teams cancel. However, all will team ever in the history of indepen- be clear on 26 January, the clos- sporting commitments. The ab- dent Slovenia is bound for the Sochi It was with these words that ing date for the registration. sence of biathlete was Winter Olympics.” Slovenian Alpine skier Tina due to recent health problems. Photo: S tanko Gruden/ S T A

10 Government Communication Office IN FOCUS

The send-off ceremony was -at not an easy one, which is why In the preliminary round in So- tended by the Slovenian highest I am trying to pay most of my chi, Slovenia was represented The basic colour com- political representatives. attention to it and to be closely in team sports grouped with involved in the entire devel- superpowers Russia, the USA, bination includes green, The biggest and strongest opment of events. The selec- and Slovakia for the first time blue and white. In the Slovenian team ever tion criteria in Slovenia and in in history. Olympic outfit collection, the world are changing and are which was selected by The President of the Slovenian more stringent every year; we Among the Slovenian Olym- Olympic Committee, Janez would all like to achieve good pic national teams, the hockey sportswear manufacturer Kocijančič said: “The biggest results and high competitive- team was definitely the one to Peak and designed by and strongest Slovenian team ness for our athletes. Slovenia is see to an exceptional and big- Slovenian architect Sandi ever in the history of indepen- a small country of very diverse gest event in the Games. The dent Slovenia is bound for the sports; we have high-scoring national hockey team coach, Murovec, the prevail- Sochi Winter Olympics. Seven competitors, so it is important Matjaž Kopitar said before leav- ing graphic image is the medal winners at world cham- to present them to the global ing to Sochi: “I don’t think that symbol of Triglav. pionships in Olympic sports in elite in the right light. Life has our players have Olympic jit- the past season are among you. taught me that that whatever ters. We have done a lot by Our task is to provide support happens to you is what is meant making it to the Olympics and, for you, so that in the biggest to be, and we should take on we are relaxed in our expecta- competition over a four-year only the burdens that we are tions of this event. Players from period you show what you able to handle. For all athletes, different clubs are constantly in know and what you can do to the Olympic Games are a good contact through social media; the best of your ability.“ learning experience. I hope that the chemistry is excellent. We in a positive way, and that as all want to give a great perfor- Among those who were un- few competitors as possible are mance and to be competitive doubtedly awaiting the 22nd disappointed.” with our rivals. I hope we will Olympic Games eagerly was Pe- give it 110% of our abilities, tra Majdič, Slovenian Vancou- The only thing that seriously and then success will come. We ver bronze-medal heroine and worried her was the weather. hope that the injuries will be currently the captain of the Slo- The Vancouver Winter Olym- at a minimum and that all the venian Olympic team in Sochi. pics hinged on the weather players who are on the list will “In the last few weeks, I have and she expects Sochi to be the actually perform. Our expecta- really devoted a great deal of same. “No matter how well the tions are high, because we will time to preparing for the Olym- athletes are prepared, they can- be playing against great teams. I Slovenian athlets in the Olympic pics. The role of team captain is not fight the weather.” hope we will put aside the fact outfit collection. A Photo: Tamino S T Petelinšek/ Tamino Photo:

Sinfo – Slovenian information 11 IN FOCUS Photo: TaminoPetelinšek/ S T A

When designing the outfit, the Olym- that we were eliminated from Olympic Committee of Slove- decision, we hit the nail on the pic Committee of Slovenia adopted a the world elite hockey league in nia adopted a policy of making head, and in less than a year, al- policy of making the collection sim- the World Championship and the collection simple, energetic, most the entire Slovenian sports ple, energetic, young and visible. that in Sochi we will be able to and young on the one hand, world was dressed in these co- play our best. I also wish that and visible on the other hand. lours. This is why the Sochi our Olympic appearance will We have continued this trend 2014 Olympic collection is con- have a positive effect on the as a follow-up from the Lon- tinuing this direction; however, development of hockey in our don Summer Olympic Games we are trying to add some new country, but, to be honest, I do in 2012, with fresh and vivid graphic elements, with the im- not see anything major on the colours – green, blue and white age of Triglav standing out the horizon.” – to which we added different most. It is difficult for me to combinations of the Triglav assess the collection, in fact, Outfits at the Olympics symbol. Much emphasis was it would not be appropriate. placed on design, as well as on However, I do believe that our The Slovenian national team high-quality fabric and com- athletes will be among the most players have shown in per- fort, which will contribute to recognisable and totally trendy. son what clothes they will be the well-being of the members The official attire that members wearing at the Games. The basic of the Slovenian Olympic team of the Slovenian Olympic team colour combination includes at the Olympics. were wearing at the opening green, blue and white. and closing ceremonies and at Designer Sandi Murovec: “ It the medal-awarding events is In the Olympic outfit collection, is essential that London al- this time in a sports style; it is which was selected by sports- ready proved the correctness of also possible to buy the sports wear manufacturer Peak and our decision to determine the fan collection featuring clothes designed by Slovenian architect spectrum of colours precisely. from the official Sochi 2014 Fans can show their sup- Sandi Murovec, the prevailing We have created a new colour Olympic collection, caps, head- port for the athletes by graphic image is the symbol of map, which in the future is to bands, scarf and gloves, from buying Olympic brace- Triglav. be the strongest segment of Mercator supermarkets and at lets. visual identification of Slove- selected HIP HOP Petrol sta- When designing the outfit, the nian national teams. With this tions.”

12 Government Communication Office Anja Polajnar IN FOCUS

Winter Olympics Biggest Slovenian team so far

At the 22nd Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Slovenia was represented by the biggest team so far. There were as many as 66 of our athletes among the competitors, since it was the first time in the history of the Winter Olympics that Slovenia had representatives in team sports. rchives of O K S rchives Photo: A Photo:

Slovenian athletes were housed the leadership of coach Matjaž times in a second-class cham- Biathletes and cross-country skiers at three different locations in Kopitar at the qualifying tour- pionship Group B (D1) where were housed in the Endurance Olym- four houses marked with the nament in Vojens, Denmark, it scored four victories, and pic Village. All four houses accom- modating Slovenian athletes were logo “I Feel Slovenia”. they ranked among the top six times in the elite Group A marked with the logo “I Feel Slovenia”. twelve teams competing in So- championship. The eleven sports venues that chi. In Group A they competed were built in Sochi are divided with the national teams of the The team participated in the into two clusters: one set of USA, Russia and Slovakia. The qualifying tournaments for the buildings is located along the Slovenian “Risi/Bobcats” were Olympic Games three times, coast in Sochi, and the other in housed in the main Olympic i.e. in 2002, 2006 and 2010, the hills above the city. They are village on the Black Sea coast. each time unsuccessfully. In 48 km apart, but the train and At the opening ceremony, the 2013, the Slovenian team again bus connections between them Slovenian flag was carried by ranked among the elite, in the are quite efficient. Tomaž Razingar, captain of Slo- group that played in Sweden, venia’s hockey team. but despite their excellent per- Due to its simple and Coastal Olympic Village formance they landed in Divi- youthful design and out- The Slovenian hockey team sion I/A. For the first time in the his- (also known as “Risi”) has par- standing colour combi- tory of the Olympics, Slove- ticipated in eighteen World Mountain Olympic Village nations and patterns, this nia’s 25-member hockey team Hockey Championships (the year’s Olympic collection were among the participants first time was in 1993): five Krasnaya Polyana in the Cau- at the Winter Games. After two times in a third-class cham- casus mountains hosted com- contributed to the pro- consecutive victories under pionship Group C (D2), eight petitions in alpine and Nordic motion of Slovenia.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 13 IN FOCUS Photo: A rchives of O K S

Alpine skiers, ski-jumpers, freestyle skier and snowboarders were accommodated in two houses in the Mountain Olympic Village.

skiing, bobsleigh, luge and skel- more group medals. He won his Jelenko, Gašper Berlot and Mitja eton, snowboarding, biathlon first individual medal in 2013 Oranič. and . In the Moun- in . In 2014, he won the In , Slovenia was tain Olympic Village, Slove- first World Cup in . This represented by Mitja Valenčič, nian alpine skiers, ski-jumpers, was followed by Prevc’s vic- Žan Kranjec, Rok Perko and Kl- boarders and those competing tory in , Japan, where emen Kosi. in Nordic skiing were accom- he took the leading position in modated in two houses marked the competition. In Vancouver, Among Slovenia’s female rep- with the logo “I Feel Slovenia”. in 2010, he ranked seventh. In resentatives was Tina Maze 2013, Prevc was awarded the (who, by winning 2414 points, Slovenia was represented by title of Sportsman of the Year. set a record for the number of It was the first time current World Cup champions points won in the World Cup), in Slovenian Olympic Peter Prevc, , Ju- 22 Winter Olympics in Sochi Maruša Ferk, Ilka Štuhec and rij Tepeš, Jaka Hvala and Jernej were the first Olympic Games Katarina Lavzar. history that the team Damjan. was led by a woman, in history to admit female ski- jumpers. Slovenia was repre- Tina Maze is currently the best Petra Majdič, winner Peter Prevc started competing in the World Cup in the season sented by ski-jumpers Maja Slovenian skier. She is one of the bronze medal in 2009-2010, and soon became Vtič, Katja Požun, Eva Logar of six women who have won cross-country skiing at one of the strongest pillars of and Špela Rogelj. medals in all five skiing disci- plines in the Wold Cup in one the Winter Olympics in the Slovenian team. He won the first team medal in 2011 in The competitors in the Nor- season. Maze has won twen- Vancouver in 2010. Planica, and later on won six dic combination were Marjan ty-three medals in World Cup

14 Government Communication Office IN FOCUS O K S leš Fevžer/ Photo: A Photo:

championships. In 2013, she and ranked fifth in the total Endurance Olympic Village Slovenian athletes were housed won the big crystal globe with score in 2011-2012. In Decem- in three Olympic villages. The ice- hockey team was accommodated in a an outstanding total of 2412 ber 2012, he also won in the Slovenian biathletes and cross- house in the Coastal Olympic Village. points, thus beating Hermann competition in Telluride, thus country skiers were accommo- dated in the Endurance Olym- Maier, who made 2000 points having altogether four med- pic Village. Slovenia’s biathlon in the season 2000. In the sea- als in the World Cup. At the representatives were Jakov Fak, son 2013, she won two small Olympic Games in Vancouver Klemen Bauer, Janez Marič, Pe- crystal globes in super G and in 2010, he ranked eight in ski ter Dokl, Simon Kočevar and and was ranked cross. . second in slalom and downhill. Maze also broke Maier’s record In Sochi Slovenia’s representa- Biathlete Jakov Fak, although for the number of medals won tives in snowboarding were Rok born in Croatia, enters com- in a single season - she stood on Marguč, Žan Košir, Rok Flan- petitions as a Slovenian repre- the winners’ podium twenty- der, Izidor Šuštaršič, Tim Kevin sentative. As a member of the four times (Maier twenty-two Ravnjak, Jan Kralj, Matija Mihič, Croatian biathlon team, he won times). In 2005, 2010, 2011 and Gloria Kotnik and Cilka Sadar. a bronze medal at the world 2013, she was awarded the title championship in 2009 and an- of Sportswoman of the Year. At Rok Marguč achieved a num- other at the Winter Olympics in the Olympic Games in Vancou- ber of outstanding results in Vancouver in 2010. He has been ver in 2010, she won two sil- various competitions in paral- representing Slovenia since the ver medals in giant slalom and 2010/2011 season. At the World lel disciplines. He gave excel- super-G. Championship in 2012, he won lent performances in the World a gold medal in the 20 km com- Cup, where he also won a med- In freestyle skiing, Slovenia petition and a silver medal in al in the parallel giant slalom was represented by Filip Flisar. the group competition together in Swiss Arosa; but the great- Flisar started his career as al- with Andreja Mali, Teja Grego- For the first time in the pine skier, later switching to est achievement is the title of rin and Klemen Bauer. freestyle. In 2012, he ranked world champion in the parallel history of the Olympics, second at the Winter X Games slalom that he won in Stone- Slovenia’s representatives in Slovenia’s 25-member in Aspen. In January 2012, he ham in Canada. He was award- cross-country skiing were Kat- hockey team were ed the Bloudek prize for this top ja Višnar, Alenka Čebašek, Ves- won his first World Cup medal among the participants in Alpe d’Huez. In the 2012 sea- international achievement. na Fabjan, Nika Razinger and son, he won two more medals, Barbara Jezeršek. at the Winter Games.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 15 IN FOCUS Danila Mašič

Ice Dragons Accessories for Olympic fans

Ice Dragons are an ice-hokey fan group from Ljubljana which was founded on 7 December 2010. The vision of the group is to actively support the team and the parent club during and after competitions. Photo: G CO

I feel Slovenia! I feel Slovenia! On the day before the departure participants in the Olympic tion Office (GCO) attempted to for Sochi, on Slovenian Hockey Games in Sochi attended the adequately equip the fans who Day, organised on 3 February event. The new team outfit was attended the Olympics. The in Tivoli Hall in Ljubljana, our presented, and all funds raised GCO and fans are aware that ice-hockey players were pre- from ticket sales were donated the synergy of all stakeholders sented to the Slovenian fans. to the Olympians Club. is what helps produce the best At the presentation, the play- sport results. ers who have acquired most Encouragement is welcome national championship titles Adequate sports fan accesso- in independent Slovenia and Encouragement is a valu- ries were provided for different the most efficient ice-hockey able boost to anyone trying to groups of fans. Some fan acces- players of the International achieve good results. It moti- sories: caps, gloves, face stick- League INL participated. The vates coaches, who share their ers and lip balm sticks for those presentation was followed by a experience and knowledge fans who support our athletes match between the former na- with athletes, organisers and at skiing sites; some partly dif- The first group of fans to tional team, which under the everyone who is, each in their ferent sports fan accessories announce its departure former state had taken part in own way, part of this sports sto- such as pullovers, foam hands, the Olympic Games in Sarajevo, ry. Everyone needs encourage- clap banners to suit a different for Sochi and request a and the current Slovenian na- ment, which can also be very type of venue and support such donation of fan accesso- tional team. In addition to the welcome to our sportsmen and as cheering in the stands. All ries was the ice-hockey Olympic Committee of Slove- women, whose achievements the fans were given fan scarves, nia, other important sportsmen will be what count in the end. universal protection cream, fan group Ice Dragons. and coaches as well as other The Government Communica- baggage tags, Slovenian flags

16 Government Communication Office IN FOCUS ce D ragons of I ce rchives Photo: A Photo:

on sticks and national brand for the name of the group was with fan accessories by the Ice Dragons in Sochi slogan flags. Most of the acces- submitted later. The group has Government Communication sories were produced by Slove- thirty-eight members, and in- Office on the basis of informa- nian companies. tends to invite new active fans tion provided by the Kompas to join them to make the group tourist agency. Ice Dragons more successful. Slovenia is a unique coun- The first group of fans to -an The Ice Dragons’s aims is to es- try and we Slovenians are a nounce its departure for Sochi tablish good relations with fans unique, very competitive and and request a donation of fan of competing clubs and to pro- tolerant nation, with a strong accessories was the ice-hockey mote a culture of cheering in will, which is reflected in the fan group Ice Dragons. the sport. Some members of the fact that, in terms of sport club are fan veterans who at- achievements per capita, Slo- Ice Dragons are an ice-hockey tended the Olympic Games in venia ranks among the best in fan group from Ljubljana which Vancouver, while others were the world. was founded on 7 December attending the Games for the 2010. The reason for their for- first time. mation was to raise the atmo- We Slovenians are a nation sphere in the hockey stands Love of country which believes. We also be- The Government Com- and support their favourite ath- lieved that our athletes would munication Office (GCO) letes. According to their Face- To fan groups, the popularity of achieve excellent results at the attempted to adequately book profile, they are an ice- athletes and coaches, the love Olympic Games in Sochi. And hockey fan group whose aim is of sport and desire to socialise, so they did. Athletes live for equip the fans who at- to appropriately support their and most important, love of their sports. Their goal is to be tended the Olympics. team without inciting riots. Im- country, present challenging good at what they do. In their The GCO and fans are mediately after the first meet- factors which they can experi- excellent performance, they ing, the founding members of ence through cheering. serve as an example to each of aware that the synergy of the group, David Murn and Alen us that successful results can all stakeholders is what Anzelc, used their FB profile Other fan groups were at the be achieved with appropriate helps produce the best to invite a wider public to join Olympic Games, and individu- training, adaptation, self-sacri- them; however, the proposal als, too, who were provided fice and focused work. sport results.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 17 IN FOCUS INTERVIEW Tanja Glogovčan

Esad Babačić The Gang

Esad Babačić is a man of stories; he sings about them, he writes them and he ex- plores them. He is a poet, singer, writer and journalist. Esad Babačić is an artistic soul who adores sport. In the book ‘Banda’ presented below, Babačić remembers the golden age of highly competitive matches between Jesenice and Olimpija. Photo: Gregor R ožič/ Grefino

The story in ‘Banda’ (The Gang) is not standard reportage, but a personal, attractive and witty sports account presenting the phenomenon of sports and ice hockey in a sociological and historical perspective.

The idea to write a book came to Prešeren’s poem. It is a meta- Titova Street him when the Lynxes (Slovenia’s phor for a cheerful day and Slo- national ice-hockey team) quali- venian pride, it is a story about The Jesenice boys are also asso- fied for the Olympics in Sochi. As great heroes, tears of joy and ciated with the Jesenice blocks for the title, the author explains an atmosphere of celebration. of flats. In particular, 41, Titova that ‘banda’ in the Slovenian lan- As the book puts it, “They’ve Street. According to the book, guage is a homonym for ice hockey made it! The time is up on the “It is a special one, not only due boards and a metaphor for friend- scoreboard…the eeeend! Gloves, to the nearby railway line which ship among hockey players, which helmets and other bits of their spreads through the town like lasts from childhood until the end hockey outfits flew into the air. some octopus. It offers the best of life. Babačić points out: “Gangs All the players rushed to their panoramic view of Jesenice, if have changed and will change, but goalie, who really deserved it.” you are high enough, of course. hockey players will remain loyal to But all of this is nothing com- the one and only Gang”. This is followed by a descrip- pared to what went on in it tion of the Danish defeat and in the last few decades, when National Proud and the ice the Slovenian triumph: “They it became the most hockey- (the Danes) had to stay there friendly residential building in In February, Slovenian people on ice to salute the winners, the world. Probably, it is pos- celebrate Culture Day to hon- and then listen to the anthem sible to come across some simi- our the memory of France by our poet. Everyone sang, in- lar building somewhere in Rus- I am confident that the Prešeren, the greatest Slovenian cluding my neighbour, where sia, but it would certainly not spirit of the old fighters poet, who died on 8 February he thought he could manage… house such a number of hockey 1849. A stanza of his poem ‘The families who settled there vol- has been passed on to When o’er earth’s habitations, Toast’ is the Slovenian national no war, no strife shall hold its untarily. 41, Titova Street was the younger generation, anthem. At the beginning of his sway, who long to see that all home to the Ščap, Pretnar, so I have no doubt about book, Babačić associates the men free no more shall foes but Karahodžić, Drobnjak, Brun, Slovenian ice-hockey team’s neighbours be…” Kranjc, Bešlagić, Rebolj, Kelih their openness. victory against Denmark with families.”

18 Government Communication Office IN FOCUS INTERVIEW

The author wishes to highlight forgotten, even if it was a bad along with them, God’s bless- the fact that Jesenice is a hock- game,” is Babačić’s quote from ing on all nations,… ey town with no equal in Slo- Anže Kopitar. In the chapter venia, including the Slovenian on Kopitar, he writes, “Due to INSPIRATION FOR THE BOOK capital. However, the Olimpija this, we in Slovenia who stay Ljubljana team is very impor- awake late at night to watch Babačić interviewed twenty tant to Jesenice. The best always their games, feel that our Anže hockey players and each of play best against hard rivals. across the Atlantic (at Los An- them told him his own story. geles Kings) is the leader of this Mustafa Bešić, Peter Rožič, Hockey jewels gang which is more and more Miha Rebolj, David and Mar- Slovenian ice hockey is becoming our gang.” cel Rodman, Tomaž Razinger, He also mentions Anže Ko- Robert Kristan, Nestl, Rudi Hiti hard on its best sons, and pitar, saying, “Anže embodies It can not be overlooked that and many others tell us many perhaps it is the very in- the story of Jesenice’s hockey Slovenia, which covers such interesting things. However, transigence on both sides school jewels.” He stresses his a small territory, has such a Babačić could not capture the friendly attitude to the gang. large number of excellent ath- thoughts and experiences of all that produces the mirac- “This is what drives you on. The letes. This is the point of the of them, simply because their ulous elixir which flows worst thing is when a team- metaphor of the block of flats hockey hearts are too generous. in the veins of Slovenia’s mate gives you a sideways look in Jesenice. This is something The book is to be continued... Lynxes. and asks you what you were we should not forget; including Therefore, I found it logical to doing over there. If you tried when celebrating their wins, ask the author for his views on hard, everything would be we sing our national anthem the book and ice hockey. ožanc Photo: KatarinaPhoto: R

Esad Babačić

Did you write this book because question. In alpine skiing, for ex- is full of bravery and pure rivalry. you think that Slovenian ice hock- ample, the choice of our greatest The team always came first, but the ey is in crisis? skier ever would be very tempt- gang was kept together by individ- This was not the main reason, al- ing, let alone that of the greatest ual heroes. though it became clear at the end ice-hockey player. It is precisely that this book had a therapeutic because there are so many candi- Do Slovenian hockey players have effect. Nonetheless, the Slovenian dates to choose from that I decided the same resilience as those de- public became acquainted in more to write a book. From today’s per- scribed in the book? detail with the problems which spective, the choice may seem to be I am confident that the spirit of the plague our ice hockey. Through the easier, since Anže Kopitar is a jewel old fighters has been passed on to confessions of our most prominent beyond comparison. But looking the younger generation, so I have hockey players, we got at least some back, a true hall of fame of ice- no doubt about their openness. My idea of how this collective sport, hockey giants opens before us, all initial feelings after seeing a single which has brought us so much joy of them heroes, each unique in his training session at Olimpija are and filled us with such pride – a own special way, in their character very good. Moreover, hockey play- rare thing today – has been looked traits and way of playing; each of ers are not introverted, self-centred upon over the decades. them supported by his own admir- people who do not care about life ers and followers. This has always around them. Even though nowa- In your opinion, who is the great- been about the mutual attachment days there may be less of that est figure in Slovenian ice hockey? of fans and hockey players. And original socialising among the gang There is simply no answer to that even more so in this sport which than before.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 19 IN FOCUS INTERVIEW

You dedicate a special chapter to its beginnings. Almost every one of Can Slovenia also be an ice hock- Viktor ‘Viki’ Tišler. Does this in- them has gone through bitter ex- ey nation and not just a skiing na- volve a personal relationship be- periences that he had to overcome tion? tween yourself and Viki? in one way or another. Some were Yes, absolutely, indeed. We are the I knew Viki, who unfortunately luckier than others but this does proudest nation when it comes passed away, from shooting the not change my general impression. to supporting ice hockey, at least documentary film Jesenice : De- Slovenian ice hockey is hard on in terms of how few we are and Ice hockey is an expres- troit; then, I realised how char- its best sons, and perhaps it is the how hard we can strike when we sion of pride which must ismatic this man was. When the very intransigence on both sides are keen to do so. Although basi- not vanish. As long as film was finished, I regretted not that produces the miraculous elixir cally individualists, our presence having done it differently. Viki was which flows in the veins of Slove- in this collective sports game has there is ice, our hearts a unique character, his charm ra- nia’s Lynxes. It is interesting to note been very consistent. Ice hockey is will be burning. diated all around him. Everyone that both the Olimpija and Jesenice an expression of pride which must loved him, but he never received hockey players spoke highly and not vanish. As long as there is ice, the acknowledgment that he de- with great respect of their greatest our hearts will be burning. served. He was the best example rivals and praised them, in particu- of how our clubs (mis)treated lar, their personal qualities. Under Can we expect to see another their greatest sons. Even today, I the ice hockey armour, you will chapter in your story about ice- am convinced that a true and se- find sensitive people, with clearly hockey players? rious film should have been made defined views on sport and life, re- Of course. In fact, ‘Banda’ is only about him. However, in our coun- spectively. the beginning. Too many heroes try, where films are decided and were left out of the first part of the made on the basis of various affili- You talk of the good and the bad book, or did not express every- ations, this is hardly possible. Viki’s gang. What do you have in mind? thing they would like to; ‘Banda’ story reminded me of the stories of Perhaps a win by the good gang? will have at least one sequel. We all those people who firmly stick In our country, unfortunately, it is are currently seeking a publisher to their principles and who never increasingly evident that the bad across the Atlantic. Eventually, the yield to anyone, regardless of the gang has prevailed over the good English version will be slightly re- consequences. Perhaps one day we one. Actually, this book is a sort of vised, with an emphasis on com- can see his jersey fixed to the ceil- reminder that, in spite of every- parisons between Slovenia and ing of Jesenice hockey arena. thing, the good gang is still here. other world hockey powers, such It is a fact that Slovenians, since as Russia and the United States, You describe many people’s expe- gaining independence, happened who we played at the Olympics in riences. What are the similarities to have supported the wrong gang, Sochi. Given the situation in our and the differences? which was adroit in changing the I talked to more than twenty for- country, it is a minor miracle that colour of its jerseys in such a man- the publication of the first book mer and active hockey players, ner that the audience was unable and I have to admit that their ex- was supported by an eminent Slo- to tell the good from the bad. In the venian-Austrian company; luck- periences coincided in many cases. end, we were cheated, but we are Almost all of them encountered ily, Inkla recognised the potential still watching one and the same of the story and supported it ac- similar problems, which have game. plagued Slovenian hockey since cordingly. Photo: Mostphotos

Through various emotional aspects of pride, sadness, joy and melancholy, the book relates the stories of Slovenianice-hockey legends. Above all, he highlights the friendship between the boys from Jesenice and Ljubljana.

20 Government Communication Office Anja Polajnar IN FOCUS

Sarajevo ‘84 Nostalgic memories of the first Yugoslavian and Slovenian medal, čevapčiči and burek

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the that took place in Sarajevo, in what was then Yugoslavia. In the host city selection, Sarajevo beat Sap- poro, Japan, and Gothenburg, Sweden. As Slovenia was part of Yugoslavia in 1984, we may say that the XIV Winter Olympics took place on our home ground. ontemporary History ational Museum of C Bizilj N ational K N ace Photo:

1272 athletes from 49 nations par- Weissflog; the ice-hockey rink arrived on the Olympic train. Sarajevo open-handedly welcomed ticipated at the Olympic games was ruled by the Soviet Union’s The group from Škofja Loka athletes from as many as forty- nine nations, who included some in Sarajevo; there were 39 events team, while the bobsleigh races chanted: “From the southern representatives of very exotic contested in 6 sports (10 disci- were dominated by the East Ger- to the northern border, nobody countries: Egypt, Puerto Rico, Senegal, plines). The games brought some mans. is better than our Franko.” The and the Virgin Islands. outstanding stories. The 20-kilo- race was watched by all and metre race was added to women’s The host of the games, Yugoslavia, sundry; most people still re- Nordic skiing. A special chapter naturally wanted its first winter member how school classes was written by the figure skaters. Olympic medal, too. Slovenian and work were interrupted so that everybody could follow the The audience was enchanted by skiers were the only athletes who live coverage. Katarina Witt, while one of the could realistically aim for it. peaks of the was the performance “While being excellent on all of the United Kingdom ice-danc- We love Jurek better than parts of the course, Franko was ing couple Jayne Torvill and Chris- burek inimitable on the steepest part, topher Dean, who made scores among the last ten gates,” were The joy was indescrib- The expectations were enor- as yet unbeaten in the history of the words that described the able. Sarajevo exploded figure skating. Another fascinat- mous. The giant slalom took progress of our best athlete to ing story took place in the slalom, place on 14 February, and the silver medal in Sarajevo with enthusiasm and the where the first and second places came fourth after 1984. broadly smiling Jure re- the first run. The tension was were won by the American twins mained a lasting memo- Phil and Steve Mahre. Ski jump- mounting. On Bjelašnica, where The best time of the second run ing was marked by the classic duel the race was held, Jure was earned him second place over- ry of virtually all citizens supported by his fans, who had between Matti Nykänen and Jens all and thus the silver Olympic of the former Yugoslavia.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 21 IN FOCUS Photo: N ace Bizilj/ N ational of C Museum ontemporary History ontemporary

Jure Franko received a Hitachi video medal. The joy was indescrib- “the long-desired peak”, which after being persuaded by his recorder as a present for the Sarajevo able. Sarajevo exploded with was also ascribed to the “inner family. The winner was selected medal. He said this meant a lot to him, as he had been thinking about the enthusiasm and the broadly strength and team spirit”. by the readers of Yugoslavian same video recorder already between smiling Jure remained a lasting daily papers, and Vučko won by the two giant slalom runs. memory of virtually all citi- Vučko, interesting and rec- a landslide over his competitors zens of the former Yugoslavia. ognisable even after 30 on the shortlist, which were a Jure Franko had won the first years squirrel, a lamb, a chamois, a winter Olympic medal for the porcupine, a fox and a snow- then Yugoslavia and the first for The winter Olympics in Saraje- flake. This placed the legendary Slovenian sport. The people of vo were represented by the still Vučko among the best Olym- Sarajevo immediately launched popular mascot named Vučko pic mascots of all time. Vučko the catchphrase Volimo Jureka (Wolfie). More than a thousand had many roles: he was a skier, više od bureka – We love Jurek designers took part in the con- skater, ice-hockey player, and better than burek. The triumph ski jumper. The mascot has The winter Olympics test. The other proposals were of Jure Franko, who was beaten very diverse: there were many enjoyed immense popular- in Sarajevo were repre- by Max Julen from , snowmen, rabbits and hedge- ity up to the present day; his sented by the still popu- resounded in all Yugoslav re- hogs, but only one wolf. The creator says that it must have publics. The special Olympic been the spirit of Sarajevo that lar mascot named Vučko creator of Vučko the friendly issue of the Delo newspaper re- wolf is painter Jože Trobec, who contributed to Vučko’s success. (Wolfie). ported “an historical event”, made a last-minute submission Vučko also helped overcome the stereotype of the wolf as a

A bloodthirsty animal, especially among children. Photo: S T Photo: Revival of an Olympic venue in Sarajevo

The Olympic venues in Sara- jevo have suffered the ravages of time. Some have been dam- aged by vandalism, others by the war. The signs of neglect are visible on the bobsleigh track on Mt Trebević and the ski- jumping hill on Mt Igman. The ski-jumping hills were never used again after the war. The Jahorina area, where the wom- en’s alpine skiing took place, Sarajevo mascot Vučko was the only venue unaffected

22 Government Communication Office IN FOCUS arajevo ‘84 restaurant arajevo Photo: S Photo:

by the war and is now a popular organising team prepared a rich posts, ‘Bjelašnica 25km’ and The idea of the Sarajevo ‘84 restaurant spot among recreational skiers accompanying programme that ‘Igman 17km’, a pair of Elan is to make you feel like you are in Sarajevo without having to travel for from Bosnia and Herzegovina included a tournament for vet- skis from the period, articles long hours. and abroad. erans as well as for the young- from Delo, Sportske novosti est players. and Oslobođenje papers, the On the occasion of the 30th an- legendary Vučko, cups bear- niversary of the Sarajevo Olym- The Spirit of Sarajevo ‘84 in ing the ‘Sarajevo - the Olympic pics, the city revived the Zetra Ljubljana city’ motto, flags, bib numbers hall and organised the Sarajevo and many slogans with witty, IceFest. Two matches of the You do not have to visit the typically Balkanian colouring. On the occasion of the EBEL league were organised; capital of Bosnia and Herze- The restaurant, or čevabdžinica Telemach Olimpija from Lju- govina to catch the spirit of the (restaurant serving čevapčiči 30th anniversary of the bljana first played VSV Villach, Olympic Sarajevo. You can feel and other Bosnian grill special- Sarajevo Olympics, the and two days later Austrian it in Ljubljana, Piran and Koper. ties) Sarajevo ‘84 offers not only city revived the Zetra hall record champions KAC Kla- When you enter the Sarajevo genuine čevapčiči, good kaj- genfurt. The hall was packed; ‘84 restaurant, you go back 30 mak and Sarajevo beer, but also and organised the Sara- the matches were attended by years, to the Olympic year of a fair share of nostalgia. jevo IceFest. 15,000 spectators. The Sarajevo 1984. You are greeted by sign- arajevo ‘84 restaurant arajevo Photo: S Photo:

Čevapčiči

Sinfo – Slovenian information 23 IN FOCUS Anja Polajnar

Pupils support Slovenian athletes in the 2014 Sochi games A series of activities has been organised for children and youth to coincide with the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Pupils and teachers from Celje Primary School II, which was chosen to participate in the ‘One School – One Country’ project and which cooperates with a Russian school, prepared a special event.

’Pupils from Celje Primary School II Photo: A lementary school C rchive of E lementary elje

Miroslav Cerar and Aleš Šolar have given lectures on Olympism, Olympic symbols, fair play and the Olympic Games, while the Olympic Com- mittee of Slovenia staged an exhibition of Olympic medals and Olympic stamps issued by Slove- nia.

Celje Primary School II has been of , the President of the Olympic Games and skiing in participating in international ac- the Slovenian Olympic Academy, Slovenia. As part of the project, tivities for over a decade; it has is simply an upgrading of their in- the school organised ‘Olympic implemented two Comenius ternational activities. Games’ for pupils from year 1 to projects and has been cooper- 5 in the following disciplines: ating with schools in Sweden, Oliympism biathlon (sliding on rags and Serbia, BiH, Montenegro, and throwing balls into plastic cups), Macedonia. Their decision to par- Olympism is the common thread cross-country skiing and ski ticipate in the One School – One running through school-based jumping (on a gymnastic bench ’Olympic Games’ for pupils Country project at the invitation activities, which take place with rags), hockey (on rags), throughout the year. Activities double bobsleigh (by sitting on elje relating to the project have been rags) and speed skating (on rags) taking place since the beginning in the gym and in hallways. All of the school year and will be the pupils enjoyed the competi- completed by the spring. Miro- tion very much; all of them were slav Cerar and Aleš Šolar have winners and received medals. given lectures on Olympism, During these ‘Olympic Games’, Olympic symbols, fair play and school journalists prepared a list rchive of E lementaryrchive school C the Olympic Games, while the of results and interesting facts Olympic Committee of Slovenia about Slovenian athletes compet- Photo: A Photo: staged an exhibition of Olympic ing at the Sochi Olympic Games medals and Olympic stamps is- and posted them on the school sued by Slovenia. In this context, notice board. In the spring, the a philately club has prepared an school will also hold ‘Olympic exhibition of stamps relating to Games’ for pupils from year 6 to 9.

24 Government Communication Office IN FOCUS

elje Petra Majdič

Cooperation with Russia Pupils and teachers rchive of E lementaryrchive school C As part of the project, the school cooperated with the Municipal prepared a special sports

Photo: A Photo: Budget Educational Institution and cultural event to – Gymnasium № 1, Tuymazy, provide an overview of Bashkortostan, Russia, with the Olympic Games as which they participated in a fine arts competition and exchanged seen through the eyes of information on Slovenian and children. Russian athletes.

Visit by Petra Majdič

Pupils and teachers prepared a special sports and cultural event to provide an overview of the Olympic Games as seen through the eyes of children. Pupils com- piled a book of wishes for the Slovenian athletes competing at the Winter Olympics. Judg- ing from the notes pupils gave to Petra Majdič before she headed to the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, their most popular athlete was Tina Maze, while they were also cheering on ski jumpers, board- ers, biathletes, cross-country ski- ers, and hockey players.

Some of the wishes extended to Slovenian athletes competing at the Olympic Games

Vanessa Ana Ema Dear Slovenian athletes competing at the Olympic Games, Slovenia supports you all: I hope you enjoy taking part in the You are our Olympians, Tina Maze racing down the slopes, competitions and meeting athletes from you represent us, Robert Kranjec flying like a bird, other countries. and we all love you Petra Majdič taking the lead, The purpose of the Olympic Games in and will cheer you on. Jakov Fak hitting every target. Ancient Greece was to promote peace, Go, our skiers, go! and I hope that it will stay that way.

Erik Eva

I wish every success to I hope that they will win. I our athletes in Sochi. Do also hope that they will still your best and win some be happy even if they do medals. not win. I hope that they do their best.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 25 IN FOCUS PHOTO STRIP Irena Kogoj, Photo: STA and OKS

Slovenian Fashion Runway

1 BEST

26 Government Communication Office IN FOCUS PHOTO STRIP

Sparkling all around!

Sinfo – Slovenian information 27 BUSINESS INTERVIEW Tanja Glogovčan

Uroš Slak Slovenian Business Club to bring together honest enterpreneurs Written on the website of the Slovenian Business Club: “It’s time to join forces and cease to act only as individuals, but to combine the best of each of us. Individual activities do have a certain power, but never as much as we can have when we join forces”. This is the concept supported by the elite of the Slovenian economy. Photo: A rchive of R TV S lovenia TV

Uroš Slak and his adherents are sure that The Business Club will provide a good support atmosphere for business networking , helping go- ahead business people build lasting relationships.

28 Government Communication Office BUSINESS INTERVIEW

Towards the end of last year, a new ter public education and healthcare terest groups and political parties? association based on economic in- we’ll have. A successful society The main purpose of the Club is to terest – Slovenian Business Club – goes hand in hand with successful integrate a healthy entrepreneur- was established, bringing together individuals. Among the objectives ship core and thus enable econom- “garage entrepreneurs”, as they call (of the Club) is that our members ic growth, more jobs, etc. Of course, themselves. The former television support each other in entering for- we will definitely make ourselves journalist Uroš Slak, a lawyer by eign markets. heard and present our views to training, is the founding father of those who will want to hear us, the club. Who joined you right from the be- when we recognise that the time ginning? has come. However, cooperation Uroš Slak speaks about the Club After Pečečnik and myself, we de- with the interested stakeholders with enthusiasm. The interview veloped the idea and put it on pa- you mentioned is not our primary with him reveals his great personal per; we first invited those whom objective. We are not burdened involvement and commitment. we knew from past experience with politics; we are interested Also, it cannot be said that the idea shared similar ideas. Among the solely in the economy. In wishing was born overnight; in fact, he first were Igor Akrapovič, Marjan to play a positive role, we set our- was contemplating such a project Batagelj and Robert Grah, i.e. the selves high standards. Companies at least in the last few years of his best. in the association neither claim nor journalist career. use taxpayer’s money or subsidies. How many entrepreneurs are in Also, we are not competitors to any How did you get from the idea to the Business Club? of the interest groups, such as The the actual project? At the moment, we have thirty-six Managers’ Association, the Cham- By the end of my professional jour- founding members, while seventy ber of Craft and Small Business of nalist career, I had to decide what applications of companies wishing the Slovenia, Chamber of Com- my career would be in the future. to join the Club are pending (these merce and Industry of Slovenia, The main purpose of My thoughts were centred main- will be associate members). Which and similar. the Club is to integrate a ly around practicing law. How- is to say that the Club’s enlarge- healthy entrepreneur- ever, late last August, I was called ment is not self-evident. The Club But you are establishing links with by Joc Pečečnik, the director of will accept only members who similar foreign associations. ship core and thus en- Elektronček (slot machines) com- comply with our values, which are We have already started talks with able economic growth, pany, who suggested that I’d realise as follows: the person has estab- some foreign associations, and we more jobs, etc. some of my ideas, which we often lished the company on their own also intend to present our Club to talked about at our informal meet- or inherited it as a family business, foreign diplomats in Slovenia. We ings following my formal TV pro- has not been involved in tycoon also received an ample response grammes, where they participated scandals, is not a member of any from Slovenians living abroad and as guests. Pečečnik’s first idea was political party, pays taxes and does working for multinationals. They to establish an export agency, but not have a criminal record. There have offered to help us with their I believed that the idea required is also a rule in the statute accord- business connections, knowledge further upgrading. I was thinking ing to which a new member can and experience. So, this initiative primarily in terms of how to bring join only with the unanimous con- and the Club in a way aspire to a together companies that represent- sent of all founding members. If higher idea of integration for the ed the healthy core of the Slovenian any founding member expresses common good. This is not solely economy. I had in mind particu- an objection or doubt, despite the about business. larly those entrepreneurs who had candidate’s eligibility, such a com- established companies on their pany will not become a member of What are your plans for the near own, often in home garages, and the Club. future? as they voice their views individu- At this moment, we want to es- ally, they are often ignored. There- Was the response as expected or tablish a sound foundation; we fore, it seemed only appropriate above expectations? will also set up a section for young for these people to join their forces We did not expect such interest. (entrepreneurs). We really do in some kind of a club and present Therefore, we are still discussing have a lot of energy and we share to the Slovenian public their posi- the extent to which the Club will the unanimous belief that where tive experience along with their grow, considering our objective there’s a will, there’s a way. We will All these entrepreneurs ambitions. All these entrepreneurs is that communication between discuss the items on our ‘wish-list’ are aware of the fact that develop- members should still be possible. once again, and try to make them are aware of the fact that ment, exports and a fair attitude to We’ll see about it when we reach come true as far as possible. For development, exports employees guarantee a company’s an agreement. myself, I am very happy that I am and a fair attitude to success. We must all understand part of this story, certainly a Slove- employees guarantee a that the more successful entrepre- What is your attitude to the Gov- nian success story. Our Club will neurs there are in Slovenia, the bet- ernment, trade unions, other in- not accept anything less than that. company’s success.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 29 BUSINESS Polona Prešeren, Photo: Elan

ELAN and I FEEL SLOVENIA together at the ISPO Fair in Munich From 26 to 29 January, Elan had a traditional presentation at ISPO, the biggest inter- national trade fair for sports equipment and fashion. The fair was held in Munich. This year, the Elan stall also hosted the I FEEL SLOVENIA brand.

This year’s ISPO in Munich was visited Elan is among the most innova- by over 80,000 people from more tive trademarks in its field, while than 110 countries involved in the sports industry in different ways. Slovenia’s national brand I FEEL SLOVENIA is focused on inno- vation and sustainable develop- ment. The brand summarises the energy, movement and activ- ity that can be felt in Slovenia, which makes it a perfect com- panion of Elan sports equipment to which Slovenians are tradi- tionally attached.

On an area of almost 370 square metres, Elan exhibited more than 60 new models of skis and more than 10 new models of snowboards for the 2014/2015 season. Besides the models on skis with the Amphibio Profile key technology and the lightest women’s skis in the world, this Elan is among the most year’s focus was on the U-Flex innovative trademarks in technology – the children’s line of skis for which Elan received its field, while Slovenia’s the prestigious ‘Ispo Award Gold national brand I FEEL Winner’. The Elan team is con- SLOVENIA is focused on vinced that the idea of flexible skis for children, which make innovation and sustain- taking bends easier and learning able development. to ski faster, is correct.

30 Government Communication Office Polona Prešeren BUSINESS

Slovenian Advertising Festival Portorož to host stars of the global advertising and marketing industry During this period of volatile economic conditions, the situation in the Slovenian mar- ket of advertising and marketing has changed. With this in mind, new relations and new relationships in this area will be the underlying theme of the 23rd Slovenian Advertising Festival (SOF), which will take place between 26 and 28 March in Portorož. Advertisers are aware that changes are a driving force behind their business. The top world-class do- mestic and foreign speakers addressing the participants will make the event in Portorož even more interesting.

The slogan ‘New relations, new in new circumstances provide relationships’ is the underly- the most optimal solutions. He ing theme of the 23rd SOF. “The has won a number of interna- slogan, as the fil rouge of the tional awards, including ten festival, invites us all to estab- Cannes Lions. lish whether the key entities of our industry are in the right re- Indisputably an interesting lations with each other to allow speaker, Geoffrey Hantson has growth, development and ad- since 2006 been the Execu- vancement. Business and com- tive Creative Director of Duval munication successes are the Guillaume Modem with head- result of real relationships: that quarters in Antwerp. Festival is the true relationship between participants will also hear from brands and consumers, between Robert Lešnik, a Chief Exterior risk and caution, between reason Designer for Mercedes-Benz; and emotion, between the use Claudia Navarro, the Market- of technology and original cre- ing Communication Manager ativity. The 23rd SOF will raise for Central and Southern Europe questions about the relationship at the Coca-Cola Company, re- between brands and consum- sponsible for the development of ers, the relationship between marketing communication plat- creativity and efficiency, about forms for all key brands activated how we set up efficient com- across twenty-three countries; munication teams, and whether Ian Sutherland, Deputy Dean the use of technology is crucial of Research and Director of the for success, or if a good story still PhD programme at IEDC – Bled creates a more powerful effect,” School of Management, whose The Slovenian AdvertisingThe image of the 23rd SOF was announced Barbara Modic, the work focuses on management, Chamber, as the organiser of the designed by the PRISTOP agency, President of the 23rd SOF and creative and strategic processes, festival, has made specific efforts the central motif being a tornado, an image encouraging playfulness, facilitating diversity and arts- when selecting foreign lecturers the Managing Director of Pristop freshness and creativity. The slogan Media. based leadership development. this year; what is more, by elimi- ‘New relations, new relationships’ Dr Christoph Engl, Managing nating the language barrier, it has carries the message that the paths Top-ranking speakers Director of Brand:Trust, and an made the festival more attractive leading to victory might also be the expert on branding and destina- to foreign guests. Due to the pres- most risky, while those that are safe will probably not make it to the top. The congress part of the 23rd SOF tion marketing, will present the ence of such renowned speakers, will feature a number of leading development of the Südtirol um- the organisers have prepared a domestic and foreign lecturers, brella brand. The case has been special offer for participants who who will definitely attract the at- recognised as a good practice ex- want to attend only lectures giv- tention of the wider expert pub- ample for a successful branding en in English. The programme is lic. Kentaro Kimura, Co-CEO and project. The participants will also available at www.sof.si. Executive Creative Director at be addressed by Lazar Džamić, Hakuhodo Kettle, Tokyo, which Strategic Planning Director at won thirteen Cannes Lions at Kitcatt Nohr Digitas, and Jugoslav last year’s Cannes Festival, will Petković, an entrepreneur and be making his first appearance at co-founder of the region’s largest The congress part of the 23rd SOF will feature a the SOF and in Slovenia in gen- online shop, mimovrste=), and number of leading domestic and foreign lecturers, eral. His work crosses boundar- the D.Labs Internet development ies by introducing new methods, company, which helps its clients who will definitely attract the attention of the wider media and technologies, which to set up online business. expert public.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 31 BUSINESS START-UP Vesna Žarkovič

Entrepreneurs are in business to change the world Looking for comfort? If you are, then you are not the type for business and it is better not to engage in a start-up company. Because being a start-up entrepreneur is a tough job, said Jerry Colonna, an American investor and business coach of young entrepreneurs during his recent visit to Slovenia. Photo: S T A

The key question is how to enable start up entrepreneurs to grow.

Mr Colonna emphasises the hu- abroad? Entrepreneurs believe are much faster, both in terms of man side of entrepreneurship and that the majority of European products and business models, says that an entrepreneur should start-ups lack experience in the in a way that customers want. In not be afraid of failure, and anyone creation of major global compa- Slovenia, a technological solution who has dealt with failure should nies, since there is almost no tradi- is very often developed entirely speak openly about it. According tion. Primarily, knowledge is lack- separately — without contact with to Mr Colonna, the vast knowledge ing of how to increase the number customers — to the point of per- of the university should be trans- of clients and how to plan the user fection. Of course, it is then very ferred to life in Slovenia. He is con- experience and product develop- often disappointing when such vinced that entrepreneurs are not ment. Slovenian entrepreneurs solutions cannot be sold, since, in business for the sake of money, and innovators apparently pay too but to change the world. Therefore, much attention to technological What do start-ups expect a start-up company is not only as- potential and too little to market from the state? sociated with audacity, but also potential or to bringing technolog- with mistakes and fear of failure. ical developments in line with the In particular, the state should ask To know the meaning of fearless- development of business models. how to help them grow. The taxa- ness, you have to know what fear The focus should be more on in- tion of wages is painful; the state is, said the successful investor. cluding future buyers into product should help universities to open A start-up should be development – buyers should test up to foreign students and pro- How do we break free from new products in their very early fessors, simplify the recruitment the best at meeting the the crunch caused by the development stages and enter- procedure for highly-skilled for- needs of potential cus- adverse economic trends of prises should adjust their devel- eign personnel in enterprises, and tomers in the market, recent years? opment to the feedback received empower civil servants to assist from the market. In well-organ- actively in procedures and to feel rather than at writing Where does Slovenia stand on ised foreign start-ups, the chang- responsible and accountable for tender applications. start-ups in comparison with es and adjustment of solutions success in the economy. A start-up

32 Government Communication Office BUSINESS START-UP A Photo: S T Photo:

The organiser of the Slovenian Innovation Forum is SPIRIT Slovenia, the public agency for the promotion of entrepreneurship, innovation, development, investment and tourism,with financial support from the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology.

should be the best at meeting the offered by the Slovene Enterprise form of mentorship, counselling, needs of potential customers in Fund under P2 tender. education and the use of working The Ljubljana University the market, rather than at writing premises with pertaining com- tender applications; hence, start- Innovative enterprises, younger mon infrastructure. Incubator (LUI) issued ups that opt for subsidies spend than three years, may compete a tender for support for a lot of time obtaining them and and submit their business plans The selected ideas will be included establishing and starting miss opportunities that exist in the to the website www.startup.si by in an intensive programme which up businesses, within market and would lead to long- 10 March. In the evaluation of the will run from 3 March to 30 May term success. Consequently, they business plans, the focus will be 2014. After this date, the start-ups which twenty business expect the Government to involve on the entrepreneurial team, their can integrate into all activities ideas will receive sup- them in drawing up plan for the knowledge and the size of the within the programme of net- port. development of the start-up envi- market, and on the clarity of their working and mentoring by the ronment. business model. The organisers end of the year, the LUI has an- expect brief and concise business nounced. The Slovenian Start:up Road- plans, with clearly defined and show is coming even confirmed hypotheses of the Applications are invited from eli- business model. gible candidates below the age of The organisers of the Start:up of 35 who set up a sole trader en- the Year Competition 2014 will Ljubljana University Incuba- terprise (s.p.) or a private limited hold a series of events entitled tor offers support for busi- company (d.o.o.) and become its ‘Start:up Roadshow’ in several ness start-ups employees by 30 May 2014. The towns. Together with local entre- tender details are available on preneurs and experts, the events The Ljubljana University Incubator the webpage http://www.lui.si/ will promote entrepreneurship, (LUI) issued a tender for support blog/2014012112253073. and provide adequate information for establishing and starting up and entrepreneurial experience. businesses, within which twenty According to the LUI, support for The events will serve as the prepa- business ideas will receive sup- start-ups has yielded excellent ration for the Start:up of the Year port. results in the last five years. Their Competition. programmes have included eighty The selected business ideas will start-ups, 95 per cent of which The participants will acquire cor- receive incubator services equiva- have survived. A quarter of these porate knowledge about estab- lent to EUR 3,500 for 100 per cent start-ups have already received lishing a start-up company, apply- coverage of the costs of setting up investments and 41 per cent are ing to enter the competition and and starting up a business. The operating in foreign markets. about obtaining a start-up subsidy support will be provided in the

Sinfo – Slovenian information 33 SCIENCE Danila Golob

Abigenol® Extraordinary healing power of the Kočevje silver fir Slovenian pharmacists have discovered an extraordinary pharmacological property in the bark of the Kočevje silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) which could mean a breakthrough in foreign markets for Slovenian pharmacy.It is an extract from silver fir bark called Abigenol®, one of the first Slovenian patented natural active ingredients. Photo: Kocjan Bojan

Fir shoots

First and only exclusively Slo- Dr. Samo Kreft and Dr. Borut Connected to nature venian natural ingredient Štrukelj) present the compo- sition of Abigenol® which is “The vision of our company is The concentration of polyphe- extracted from the bark of the to use the wisdom of nature and nols in the extremely strong an- Slovenian silver fir. The research find the best natural healing in- tioxidant Abigenol® is among on the composition and the gredients, the effect of which the highest in the world. It is the positive properties of the extract has been scientifically proved, result of many years of research has proved that its antioxidant to offer these ingredients to and good cooperation between effects greatly exceed those of people, to maintain their health Slovenian scientists and the Ars Pycnogenol®, an extract from and improve the quality of life Pharmae company. Abigenol® the bark of the French mari- of people with or without health is extracted from the bark of time pine which has so far been problems,” says director Marko the silver fir (Abies alba) grow- considered one of the strongest Domazet. ing in the old-growth forests of antioxidants. The antioxidant The company team consists of Kočevje. power of Abigenol® is double top experts and advisors on that yielded by the French pine pharmacy, microbiology, on- The results of the research car- bark extract. cology, urology, immunology, ried out by researchers at the diabetology, genetics, phys- Faculty of Pharmacy of the Uni- To date, scientists have identi- iotherapy, rheumatology and versity of Ljubljana, the Jožef fied as many as thirteen com- dermatology. Ars Pharmae has Štefan Institute and the Institute pounds in Abigenol®, which been developing health main- for Transfusion Medicine were comprise phenolic acids, fla- tenance products combining published in November 2013 in vonoids and lignans. All three the best elements of traditional The team of Ars Pharmae one of the most highly regarded groups have proved to have and integrative medicine, but is aware of the impor- international journals on food strong antioxidant and natural only in areas where tests and industry and biotechnology, anti-inflammatory activities. tance of ecology. Their scientific research can confirm Industrial Crops and Products. concept of work is to use their highly positive effects and In the article, the authors (Dr. The Ars Pharmae company, es- safety. products from the least Eva Tavčar Benkovič, Dr. Tina tablished by Ante Zaloker, has affected natural envi- Grohar, Dr. Dušan Žigon, Dr. Ur- patented a specific method of Since its establishment, the ronments. ban Švajger, Dr. Damjan Janeš, extracting Abigenol®. company has offered a range

34 Government Communication Office SCIENCE tanko Pelc Photo: S Photo:

Fir tree

of natural products, from the soon after the company was es- aqueous extracts of polyphenols medical mushroom Ganoderme tablished, in order to work with derived from silver fir bark, and Lucidum or Reishi, Canadian domestic experts in this field. invited Tanin from Sevnica, a Bee Propolis against herpes, The aim of the company was to company with a decade of ex- yeast-derived Beta-glucan and combine its vision of integra- perience in aqueous extractions, The results of the excel- other products. As they put it, tive medicine with the knowl- to take part. After almost four lent cooperation be- their products for integrative edge and experience its experts years of joint intensive research tween Slovenian sci- medicine are the result of their have obtained in connection and development, they devel- entists and the team of awareness that a human be- with natural substances found oped an extract which they ing is a complex of body, mind in Slovenia that could be used called Abigenol®. “We believed experts at Ars Pharmae and spirit. They are aware that to improve people’s lives and in that we could obtain a better in- are extremely promising all the secrets of human health particular the quality of life of gredient than the ones already and prove that anything are hidden in nature. Ars Phar- patients with chronic diseases. known in the world market and mae began to cooperate with the In 2009, they decided to create we succeeded,” adds director is possible with some Faculty of Pharmacy in 2008, a concept for a project to obtain Marko Domazet. help from nature.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 35 SCIENCE Photo: A rs Pharmae, d.o.o., archives rs Pharmae, d.o.o., archives d.o.o., rs Pharmae, Photo: A Photo:

Left: Food supplement Enduranza® Why the Kočevje silver fir? Ecological aspect tion for entering foreign mar- Right: Abigenol® ingredient obtained kets, and the registration proce- from silver fir bark Trees produce various polyphe- The team of Ars Pharmae is dure itself may take up to twelve nols with different properties aware of the importance of months. The company has fo- and healing effects. Deciduous ecology. Their concept of work cused mainly on the clinical trees (oak trees, chestnut trees) is to use products from the verification of the wide range of develop large polyphenol mol- least affected natural environ- effects of Abigenol®. The path ecules which are not fit for con- ments. Slovenia is among the from the first extractions to de- sumption and are used mainly rare countries in Europe that veloping the first recipes, the in ointments. Conifers, however, still have old-growth forest or testing and research, production contain high quantities of poly- virgin forest. Also, no pesticides optimisation and, in particu- phenols with lower molecu- and herbicides are used in the lar, to international marketing lar weights. These polyphenols Kočevje forests. These were the is decidedly long, complex and have healing effects on the body. reasons Ars Pharmae focused on requires considerable invest- The silver fir from the Kočevje this particular area. ments. “We will continue testing forests also contains a larger Abigenol® and its effects on pa- For the extraction of Abigenol®, quantity and stronger polyphe- tients with chronic diseases and they use only waste bark of sil- nols with healing effects than at the same time look for part- ver fir-trees from trees felled other conifers. This is why Ars ners to enter foreign markets, in regularly to preserve forest Pharmae chose the silver fir. particular with our ingredient health. Therefore, no additional Abigenol®,” director Marko Do- trees are felled to obtain these Animals have always used silver mazet explains the company’s healing ingredients. fir bark to heal themselves, and plans. even ancient peoples knew its Project for the future “The tests conducted so far on For the time being, Ab- health effects. Like every tree, Abigenol® have shown really the white fir cannot move and igenol® is registered as For the time being, Abigenol® good results, so our final objec- protect itself against environ- is registered as food supple- tive is to develop a non-pre- food supplement in two mental effects; therefore, it de- ment in two products: Endur- scription medicine, for which products: Enduranza® velops unique protection in the anza®, which protects the body we will need a partner,” stresses and Atlastrong®. form of defensive substances, against excessive burden, stress director Domazet, adding that including polyphenols, resins and burnout, and Atlastrong® “Abigenol® is our project for the and essential oils. Due to their which contributes to faster body future.” specific characteristics, poly- regeneration, stamina and resis- phenols protect the tree against tance in sports. The results of the excellent co- microorganisms and insects, operation between Slovenian and as antioxidants they also Ars Pharmae, d.o.o. wants to scientists and the team of ex- protect the tissue against nu- break through internationally perts at Ars Pharmae are ex- merous diseases caused by free with this healing ingredient, but tremely promising and prove radicals. it is aware that the registration that anything is possible with of the product is the precondi- some help from nature.

36 Government Communication Office Tanja Glogovčan, Photo: Gorazd Suhadolnik SCIENCE INTERVIEW

Igor Mekjavić Space Station Planica

The research strategy of the US space agency NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) is intensively focused on biomedical aspects of living on near- by planets. Slovenian scientists are cooperating on this research.

The altitude rooms at the Olym- and ESA are planning to build a Mekjavić, the University Profes- Prof. Dr. Igor B. Mekjavić, an expert pic Sports Centre Planica have permanent colony on the Moon sor and a Scientific Counsellor, on hypoxia and hyperoxia from been transformed into simula- to serve as a platform for future we discussed the development the Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics at the tions of human habitats on the manned missions to the Mars. of this type of science and its Jožef Stefan Institute, a few years ago Moon and Mars, in which they Although at first glance such practical use, also for the Slove- arranged ten hypoxic rooms and a are carrying out experimental research seems useless for ‘life nian economy, sport and medi- physiology laboratory at the Olympic trials with the hypoxic bed-rest. on solid ground’, this is not the cine. Sports Centre Planica. In the new millennium, NASA case. In an interview with Igor

Sinfo – Slovenian information 37 SCIENCE INTERVIEW

What is your primary field? duced size and capacity of their the room are adjusted to each In fact, my primary area is en- muscular-skeletal and cardio- of them. They become part of vironmental physiology – er- vascular systems. Preparing to the research team and we want gonomics. We explore how leave the space station takes them to feel comfortable. Our the human body responds to the astronauts approximately experience has been good. Be- a different environment, how six hours. In terms of logistics, fore starting to work together in a specific environment harms for a larger number of people Planica, the scientists as well as the body and how to prevent landing on the Moon with their separate tests are presented to the resulting harm. Of course, camper for the holidays, this the research subjects. We start this does not necessarily apply would be a mission impossible with basic tests, and later we only to extreme environments. (Prof. Mekjavić joked). One way introduce the protocol of bed- For example, we also study the of adapting to a zero-gravity en- rest. After a certain period, the influence of a warm or cold vironment is to put a person in therapy is concluded with a environment on humans. The a bed-rest position. If I want to few days of adjustments. We are damage or consequences can be find out how a person will react most interested in the changes prevented with proper equip- in space, I can study someone before and after the test is taken. ment, work strategies and safe who is lying in bed for ten days. The ‘healing time’ is at least 2.5 existence in a particular envi- In space, we experience muscle times the bed-rest time. In prin- ronment. and bone loss. It’s a natural pro- ciple, we can again work with cess of adaptation. It is for this the same subjects, but this is not And the research centre is lo- reason that you see astronauts a rule. The body usually recov- The altitude rooms at the cated in the Olympic Sports who have just returned from ers quickly. In Planica, we are Centre Planica? space posing for media photog- currently focusing on simulated Olympic Sports Centre For mountain climbers, ath- raphers in a sitting position. zero-gravity with our research Planica have been trans- letes and soldiers, ‘hypoxic participants in a bed-rest posi- formed into simulations rooms’ and simulators (dum- And how are the studies con- tion. mies, which undergo extreme ducted? of human habitats on conditions and on which we The studies are conducted by us- Your research is applicable not the Moon and Mars, in research adequate protection, ing a repeated-measures cross- only to life on the Moon, but which they are carrying such as clothes, footwear, etc.) over design, while the prolonged also has useful implications for out experimental trials have been installed there. One hypoxic bed-rest includes mea- life on Earth. of such simulators is ‘a fire man- surements before and after the In any case, the aim of our re- with the hypoxic bed- nequin’ for simulating ‘explosive bed-rest. The Planica study has search is to obtain the answer to rest. fire’. For firefighters, the unex- been designed as a set of three- what can be used to make life in pected is their greatest danger. year study programme in which the Earth’s environment easier. Dummies are used to determine we intend to carry out studies Our results will be applicable to the degree of burn injuries and using different population sam- patients with chronic diseases, other reactions. They have 120 ples. such as pulmonary patients. – 130 sensors covering the body, When such patients go to the about the same as human skin. Who are the people in your ex- doctor, they are already ill. So Furthermore, we also want to periments and how do you se- the physician does not see the consider pressure and grav- lect them? process of adaptation to the dis- ity. These two variables are of Most of our subjects are stu- ease in the patient’s body. Fur- great significance for mountain dents. Also with other people; thermore, the physician usually climbers, soldiers, divers and however, students are not em- focuses only on the lungs rather astronomers. ployed and have more time on than on other systems. Our re- their hands. The only criteria is search is broader when expos- So, in Planica, you are explor- that the person is healthy and ing a healthy body to hypoxia. In Slovenian scientists, as ing how someone would sur- does not suffer from a chronic addition to pulmonary patients, well as our foreign col- vive longer on the Moon, or if it disease. All our research is ap- also cardiac patients, patients is possible for someone to live proved by the Ministry of Health with vascular problems and leagues, are determining a ‘normal’ life there for an ex- and is in accordance with medi- overweight patients are hypoxic. what would happen to tended period? cal ethics. We also follow NASA’s Hypoxia in these patients causes inhabitants of the Moon This issue originates in diving rules. The best solution would inactivity. And we stimulate this and is being resolved through be to have the research subjects inactivity with the bed-rest of a in hypoxic conditions high-altitude medicine. Slove- as similar as possible to the as- healthy patient. In Planica, we and low gravity. nian scientists, as well as our tronauts, which means older have also studied high-altitude foreign colleagues, are deter- than students and, of course, of anorexia, which occurs on vari- mining what would happen to both sexes. Each research sub- ous mountaineering expedi- inhabitants of the Moon in hy- ject must first attend some lec- tions. poxic conditions and low gravi- tures and presentations of the ty. We have learnt from previous project. These are organised in Do you also cooperate with ath- spaceflights that prolonged ex- different Slovenian towns. Gen- letes? posure to a microgravity envi- erally, a lot of candidates apply, Of course. The results of our re- ronment during space missions but only 20 to 30 serious candi- search are available to them to triggers adaptive processes that, dates make it to the shortlist. As adjust their training. Sometimes after returning to Earth’s grav- a rule, 10 candidates are called they have to prepare for special, ity, are usually reflected in the for the final selection. After that, extraordinary and unexpected astronauts experiencing the re- the food and environment in burdening conditions (e.g. due

38 Government Communication Office SCIENCE INTERVIEW

to differences in altitude). The first altitude room for athletes was installed in Rateče, and in Novo mesto we equipped a sim- ilar room for cyclists. This was all funded by athletes, and even nowadays the Faculty of Sport often turns to us. During the preparations for the Olympic Games in Sochi, the athletes ap- plied our research results – but their training varies so much that we are not familiar with them. Above all, our research is useful for athletes competing in the biathlon, cross-country ski- ing, cycling, etc.

Do you also cooperate with the economic sector? Representatives of the corporate sector, in my opinion, often as- sume that cooperation with us is expensive, and that we are inac- cessible, but this is not true. We have developed very successful Left: Experimental trials in the cooperation with Alpina regard- hypoxic laboratory of the PlanHab ing the suitability of footwear for project. Such trials range from tests a particular environment. We of aerobic capacity and monitoring have also cooperated with Dro- the metabolism of experimental space rabbits to determining muscle ga, Gorenje, and are planning to and bone loss, as well as monitoring establish cooperation with some sleep disorders. other enterprises. In any case, Below: The research subjects during our goal is not only to cooperate their 21-day bed-rest in altitude with large enterprises, but we rooms in Planica. Hypoxia is used are looking forward to develop- to study physiological responses to ing business ties with smaller reduced gravity on other planets: undertakings. Currently, our the horizontal position simulates zero gravity, while conditions in the activities are focused on robot- altitude rooms create hypoxia, to ics, its practical use in industry, which permanent residents of the the military, hospital care and Moon will be exposed. nursing homes. We were among the first to start scanning legs, the length and circumference, and which shoe is appropriate for each foot. This is of particu- lar importance for people in jobs who need to stand a lot, such as shop assistants, flight atten- dants, waiters, etc.

Will Planica become more valuable as a scientific campus? I would like us to become one of the official laboratories for car- rying out experiments focused on research on the prospects of living on other planets or on the Moon. I would like to stress again that our work in Planica is of considerable importance also for life on Earth and, con- sequently, I would like to see more support from the state and the business sector. Our plans include enhanced cooperation with universities at home and abroad.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 39 SCIENCE Danila Golob

Magnetic liquid crystal Slovenian scientists were the first to create a magnetic liquid crystal, some- thing that researchers around the world have been trying to accomplish for the past 40 years.

On 12 December 2013, the British than four decades ago, Nobel journal of science Nature pub- Prize winner Pierre de Gennes lished a paper entitled ‘Ferromag- predicted the existence of such a netism in suspensions of magnet- liquid magnet, but its experimen- ic platelets in liquid crystal’. The tal realisation has hitherto proved

Photo: Personal archives Personal Photo: authors are Slovenian scientists elusive. This achievement is the Alenka Mertelj and Darja Lisjak result of cooperation between at the Jožef Stefan Institute, and chemists, who synthesised mag- the Institute’s collaborators, Miha netic nanoparticles of a particular Drofenik at the Faculty of Chem- shape, and physicists, who devel- istry and Chemical Engineering, oped the technology to prepare a University of Maribor, and Mar- stable mixture of these particles tin Čopič at the Faculty of Math- with liquid crystal and proved ematics and Physics, University its magnetic properties. The Jožef of Ljubljana. Stefan Institute highlighted the fact that credit for this success Scientific breakthrough went entirely to Slovenian re- searchers. In the paper, Slovenian research- ers noted the ferromagnetic state A magnetic liquid crystal is liquid of a mixture of nanoparticles in crystal showing a strong response a nematic liquid crystal. More to small magnetic fields. It is a

Above: Dr Alenka Mertelj Photo: D r A Right: A schematic presentation of

the distortion of the director (blue) I J S Mertelj/ lenka and magnetic field (orange) around disk-like platelets (short, thick horizontal lines) represented side-on. Red arrows indicate the directions of magnetic moments.

This achievement is the result of cooperation between chemists, who synthesised magnetic nanoparticles of a par- ticular shape, and physi- cists, who developed the technology to prepare a stable mixture of these particles with liquid crystal and proved its magnetic properties.

40 Government Communication Office SCIENCE A S T N ebojša Tejić/ Photo:

suspension of magnetic nano Excellent response abroad the joy of an important discovery, Slovenian President Borut Pahor platelets in an ordinary liquid which is the dream of every sci- hosting a reception for the Slovenian crystal. Similar to the influence of As successful Slovenian research- entist. It is, of course, also a mile- researchers. At the reception was present also Minister for education, external voltage on light passing ers, they have already presented stone in my career, which at the science and sport Jernej Pikalo (right). through an ordinary liquid crys- the discovery of a magnetic liq- moment for me translates into tal, a magnetic field can be used uid crystal at several international the possibility of obtaining new to influence light passing through scientific meetings and received projects or funding for further a magnetic liquid crystal. Fur- a very positive response. Follow- scientific work.” She went on to thermore, a magnetic liquid crys- ing the publication of their paper say: “A magnetic liquid crystal is tal is also a weak magnet. A mag- in Nature, articles about the dis- a new and very interesting mat- It is too early to predict netic liquid crystal may be used covery appeared in newspapers ter in physics. New research will to influence the spreading of light in Germany, Croatia, Serbia, and enable us to examine its proper- all things that magnetic with a magnetic field, or when Bosnia and Herzegovina. Assis- ties and continue looking for new liquid crystals might be the use of electrical voltage is not tant Professor Alenka Mertelj gave liquid crystal systems.” used for, but this discov- possible or desirable. It may also an interview on a German radio ery is definitely a huge be used in the optical detection of station. Reports of this outstand- It is too early to predict all things the direction of weak magnetic ing achievement of Slovenian that magnetic liquid crystals success of exceptional fields. In this case, the spatial scientists can be found on the might be used for, but this discov- significance, ranking the distribution of a magnetic field internet and in foreign scientific ery is definitely a huge success of team among the world’s can be shown on a display. It is journals. Ms Mertelj shared her exceptional significance, ranking vital that the matter is a magnet. feelings about this breakthrough the team among the world’s lead- leading scientists in the with us: “You first experience ing scientists in the field. field.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 41 CULTURE Vesna Žarkovič

Prešeren Awards Ceremony Transcending time with art

The idea of art as a tool to fight transitoriness and banality was the underly- ing idea of the Prešeren Awards Ceremony, at which top national awards for achievements in arts and culture are presented. Photo: TaminoPetelinšek/ S T A

President Borut Pahor and Prime In his thank-you speech, the re- was greeted with loud applause in venian Percussion Project SToP Minister Alenka Bratušek hosted cipient of the Prešeren Prize for the Gallus Hall of Cankarjev dom. and documentary director Jože receivers of Prešeren Awards. lifetime achievements, writer Možina. The decision to award Vladimir Kavčič, focused on The other Prešeren Prize laure- the prize to Jože Možina for his the here and now. When Slove- ate, composer Pavle Merku, was documentary about Slovenian nia joined the EU and became more personal in his thank-you missionary Pedro Opeka raised part of a wider economic area, speech. He wrote his last piece some controversy, but as Možina In his address the Min- many companies went bank- of music in 2004 and over the said before the awards ceremony, ister of Culture, Uroš rupt, which resulted in high un- last few years has been strug- he made a good film, turning the employment. The state is saving gling with an illness, describing spotlight on an important topic. Grilc, said that despite banks, so that they can continue it as ten years of suffering. For the the fact that 8 February to do what they have been do- past month, he has been answer- In his address on the occasion of marked the anniversary ing so far, while young people ing questions from journalists, Slovenian Culture Day, the Min- of the death of Prešeren, are forced to go abroad to make which has left him very tired, but ister of Culture, Uroš Grilc, said a living, said Kavčič, illustrat- happy. “I’m happy again. I’ll die that despite the fact that 8 Feb- Prešeren Day was not a ing the point with the example happier,” he said half jokingly. ruary marked the anniversary of celebration of an end- of one of the Slovenian politi- the death of Prešeren, Prešeren ing, but a celebration of cal parties. The party has listed The other Prešeren Fund Prizes Day was not a celebration of an 42 members for well-paid MEP went to painter and illustrator ending, but a celebration of hu- human creativity, of the jobs, while it does not have a Alenka Sottler, theatre direc- man creativity, of the creative creative power of ex- candidate for a new health and tor Jernej Lorenci, poet Vladimir power of expression, of life itself. pression, of life itself. economy minister. His statement Kos, actress Vesna Pernarčič, Slo-

42 Government Communication Office CULTURE

Composer Pavle Merku: Our European culture and society will disappear A The 86-year-old Trieste-based composer and scholar Pavle Merku is a pessimist:

“There is less and less respect for the language and na- tion, politicians have no clear ideas, parents don’t know how to raise their children, and the art world is run by Photo: Tamino S T Petelinšek/ Tamino Photo: money. Our European culture and society are decaying and will soon disappear. Knowledge of the truth and the benefit of the doubt have always driven me to make my own way. This is also reflected in the way I have lived my life. I was lucky to be able to do what I loved. And that my wife was very understanding and helped me, as I helped her. I had a wonderful life until the age of 78, when I fell ill: I’m not allowed to read or write, and I will soon be blind. But I would prefer to be blind than deaf. We used to go to elections with clear ideas. Now there are none. Trieste, where I was born and have lived, is now falling apart, run by incompetent people. It is not a city any more; it is a corpse of the city it used to be. And this ‘disease’ is slowly spreading to the whole of Europe. I mean this in terms of life, social life. I believe that my generation has witnessed the biggest number of surprises in their life, more than any other before and probably even after. That is why it is now probably not going through as many changes and having as many disappointments. “

Writer Vladimir Kavčič: We should ask ourselves how much culture we need Photo: A Writer Vladimir Kavčič, one of the two Prešeren Prize laureates this year, can pride himself on the most impressive body of work nžeS T Malovrh/ in modern Slovenian literature. He has written mainly about the Second World War and post-war topics. A number of moral issues

intrigue him: Where does one get the right to hurt a fellow human A being? What mechanisms enable this, what triggers it, and what are the consequences for both the aggressor and victim?

“One of the reasons I started writing was definitely anxiety, which was always present. Those of us who lived through the war were af- fected by it. Now we know this is a post-traumatic syndrome. By writing, you rid yourself of internal tensions and help create a world you can control while resolving your internal dilemmas. Of course, there is no absolute freedom. We are faced with limitations at every step of the way. We search for the boundaries of freedom and con- stantly redefine them. The panel judging the Prešeren Prize wrote in its citation for the award that ‘The Future that Wasn’t’ (Prihodnost, ki je ni bilo) reveals the deepest layers of the tragedy of war: while the war is over on the outside, an even more cruel war is unfolding on the inside, reopening old wounds over and over again, raging on in the traumatised individual and collective (sub-)consciousness with no end in sight. This is a walk through memories, through time, and is influenced by personal traits, which at that time predicted a grim future for me. I allowed myself to write in this way because it is eas- ier to play back memories than to try to resolve ethical issues, which have always been a decisive motive for me. Although my inclina- tion to write was driven by my experiences, the motive for writing a particular book was always a moral or ethical issue. It is well-known that in old age we retain memories of childhood.”

Sinfo – Slovenian information 43 CULTURE INTERVIEW Polona Prešeren

Katarina Čas She - Wolf of Wall Street

Katarina Čas is currently the hottest actor in Slovenia. Although she appears for only a few minutes in the Scorsese film, she is the first Slovenian to achieve anything like this. She is an extremely nice woman, holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, but has never worked as an economist. Photo: Primož L ukežič

44 Government Communication Office CULTURE INTERVIEW

After playing her first role in the How was it working with or everyone with that stuff about TV film Peklenski načrt (In- acting in a film directed by a Slovenia and Slovakia being two ferno Plan) at her tender age of well-known director? different countries (laughs). 13, she continued her television Wonderful. I never dreamed that career as a programme pre- I would work with Scorsese. I There is another Hollywood Her international career senter and appeared in several admire his films, such as Good- film to be released in which you started to blossom when Slovenian television serials and fellas, The King of Comedy, Taxi play Al Pacino’s fiancée. Again, advertisements. Her interna- Driver, Raging Bull etc. It was a new page, a new story. What she was offered a role in tional career started to blossom quite unbelievable when I was is this one like? The Guard, an Irish black when she was offered a role in suddenly in New York and had This is a comedy/drama, with comedy that received a chat with him about Slovenia film stars such as Al Pacino, The Guard, an Irish black com- several international edy that received several inter- and, of course, about the role Christopher Plummer, Annette national awards. This was fol- of Chantalle. He radiates posi- Bening and Jennifer Garner etc. awards. lowed by the part in the Scorsese tive energy; he really is a kind Al Pacino plays an elderly rocker film, The Wolf of Wall Street, the of rocker (laughs). You can see who receives a letter from John main role in a Scottish short that he enjoys what he does. On Lennon, intended for him, but film, Liam and Lenka, a role in the one hand, you see that every unfortunately 40 years too late. an English TV comedy series shot is perfectly constructed and The basic plot is based on true A Touch of Cloth, and a role that he knows exactly what he is story. I can’t say anything more in a popular BBC series, New doing; on the other hand, he al- at this stage. Tricks. While filming the series lows improvisation, as if he likes Življenja Tomaža Kajzerja (The to develop the chaos of a scene However, you also perform in into something a little more or- Lives of Tomaž Kajzer), she also Slovenian films. Are there big ganic. He was incredibly open stars in a movie Imagine with Al differences in the approach and to improvisation and allowed production? Pacino. The movie is not yet re- the actors to come up with their The most important thing for leased. own ideas. me is the people I work with. I was lucky in both Hollywood The warm, friendly and open- According to the original productions, as the people were minded Ljubljana-based actress screenplay, you were going to incredibly friendly, respectful has now an open door to the play a Swiss woman, but at and focused on their work. I also world of the entertainment in- the end it turned out that she enjoyed, for example, filming dustry. It is worth pointing out had Slovenian roots. Addition- the Slovenian series The Lives of that Katarina’s last name means ally, a Slovenian flag appears in Tomaž Kajzer (a TV series being “time” in English. This is clear- the film. This was supposedly shown on Slovenian TV) which ly an exciting time for her. We thanks to you. had a minimal budget or near- caught her just before departure It is true that Slovenia was men- ly ‘no budget’ compared to the for USA. tioned several times, also be- American films. But this does cause of the improvised dialogue not mean that filming was any Katarina, you have recently in the scene with Jean Dujardin. less pleasant. However, the fact been receiving a lot of attention However, I don’t appear in this is that everything is far more from journalists in Slovenia, in scene with the flag, so this was organised abroad, there is less Katarina Čas in the movie (Wolf of particular because of the film thanks to Scorsese alone. I think waiting and everything runs Wall Street) scene with the playfellow roles you played abroad. What he did it to stop me annoying much more smoothly etc. Leonardo Di Caprio. was the road to the Scorsese’s Photo: Paramount Pictures film really like? After the Irish black comedy, The Guard, I got an agent in London, with whom I have been work- ing successfully ever since. The agent sent me the screenplay for the Scorsese film, The Wolf of Wall Street, and advised me to audition for the role of Chantal- le. I remember the call: “There’s an audition for a minor role, but hey, it’s Scorsese.” Of course, I prepared myself, recorded an audition and then forgot about it, because it seemed to me that the chances of being chosen were really small. However, af- ter a month, I received a call saying that I’d been chosen to portray Chantalle.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 45 CULTURE Nataša Bušljeta, MSC, Photo: Archives of EXPO 2013 SpA

EXPO 2015 in Slovenia. Green. Active. Healthy.

The World Expo 2015 will be held in Milan in neighbouring . The Italian organisers of the upcoming world exhibition have high ambitions. As many as 139 countries have already confirmed their participation, which accounts for 86% of the world’s population; the organisers expect around 20 million visitors. EXPO Milano 2015 will be held for six months, from 1 May to 31 October 2015, its global theme being ‘Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life’.

At an opening ceremony

Slovenia has many reasons for mon thread throughout Slo- efficiently, and endeavours Following the main its participation and presenta- venia’s appearance will be the to keep the ecosystem in bal- tion at such an important event: slogan ‘Slovenia. Green. Ac- ance, maintaining biodiversity, theme of EXPO Milano Italy is Slovenia’s second most tive. Healthy.’, which derives which results in a healthy and 2015, the common thread important trading partner, the from the national trademark I well-preserved environment. throughout Slovenia’s first in terms of the number of FEEL SLOVEnia. The objective tourist visitors and the third- is to present the whole of Slo- Next to the central display appearance will be the venia, which is geographically biggest foreign investor in Slo- areas slogan ‘Slovenia. Green. venia. Cooperation with Lom- and climatically diverse, and offers opportunities for a vari- Active. Healthy.’, which bardy in various fields has been, In December 2013, when the ety of experiences and feelings and will remain, at the highest first set of plots for the con- derives from the trade- within a short time. The em- level, with Milan in particular struction of national pavilions mark I FEEL SLOVEnia. phasis will be on our major ad- as an important international was handed over, Slovenia also vantage, i.e. the green natural economic, scientific, cultural, received a lump of soil as a environment, in which we can design and fashion centre. symbolic gift representing the be active and enjoy a varied organisational development. It The objective is to present cuisine and excellent water - drinking, mineral and thermal. is not insignificant that the lo- the whole of Slovenia cation of Slovenia’s lot is in the Following the main theme of With such a philosophy, the best location for our presenta- EXPO Milano 2015, the com- presentation of Slovenia will tion, next to the central display follow the basic objective of areas of Italy as the host coun- The selection and organisation of World and Internation- world exhibitions, especially try, and between the Austrian al Expos fall under the responsibility of the Bureau In- public education, pursued and German pavilions. ternational des Expositions (BIE). The BIE was created by since the beginning of the 19th an international convention signed in 1928 and is based century. We know that food is The official opening of EXPO in Paris. Today, 168 countries are members of the BIE; healthy only if it comes from Milano 2015 is a good year Slovenia became a full member on 2 November 2004. a healthy and protected en- ahead, ahead of us are also a vironment. Slovenia follows great challenge and a lot of The most famous cornerstone of the Universal Exhibition a policy of sustainable devel- work. We will keep you updat- is undoubtedly the Eiffel Tower in Paris, built in 1889 as opment, strives to safeguard ed on the progress regarding a symbol of the Industrial Age. natural resources and use them this event, also through Sinfo.

46 Government Communication Office Irena Kogoj CULTURE

Slovenians and the culture

Cultural institutions and events that Slovenians visited last year %

1. theatre 43,4 Visitors to performances by 2. galleries and exhibitions 31,2 type of theatre 3. concert or recital 23,9

4. dance performance 22,9

5. opera 19,1

% 6. jazz concert 14,9 44 1. drama 7. ballet 14,6 2. puppet theatre 19

3. other theatres 17

4. opera 7

5. ballet 6

6. dance performances 4

7. experimental theatre 3 Slovenians prefer to read literary works. Of which…

% Percentage of people that

read a book in the last month 1. novels 44 by gender 2. short stories 23

3. poetry 18

4. other 12

5. dramas 2

63 % 37 %

Source: Mediana, SORS

Sinfo – Slovenian information 47 WOW! Tanja Glogovčan, Danila Golob Photo: S elje tanko Gruden/ S T rchives of Zlatarna C rchives A Photo: A Photo:

Diamond Edition Tina Maze Five decades in the sky

In the days before the Olympics in Sochi, Slovenian skiing star For fifty years now, Ljubljana Airport has been a wide-open Tina Maze also appeared on a commemorative silver coin. The Slovenian gateway to the world. The first aircraft landed in Jože Central Bank of the Cook Islands has already issued its second Pučnik Airport Ljubljana on 24 December 1963, and regular air series of Tina Maze silver coins. Dubbed the Diamond Edition, traffic was established on 9 January 1964. the coin was issued in a limited series of 999 specimens. As an introduction to the jubilee year, on 24 December 2013, According to information from Zlatarna Celje, for the first time last Aerodrom Ljubljana surprised the passengers of two morning year they presented a global novelty in numismatics and sports: a flights at Ljubljana Airport with an energetic performance by presentation of Tina Maze’s success story on a silver coin. Given the the outstanding Perpetuum Jazzile vocal group and an attractive excellent response, they decided to issue the second series of the sil- dance performance. Throughout the day, passengers and airport ver coin already this year, in cooperation with the Central Bank of visitors received small sweet surprise presents with hidden in- the Cook Islands. teresting facts about the airport.

For more information see: http://www.zlatarnacelje.si/ For more information see: http://www.lju-airport.si/sl/medi- ji/5075 A Photo: A nžeS T Malovrh/ A S T D aniel N ovakovič/ Photo:

Princess devotes a poem to Idrija lace Street View As part of their official visit to Slovenia last year, Prince and Princess Akishino of Japan visited the Lace School in Idrija. By the end of January, the U.S. web giant Google had officially Princess Akishino was deeply impressed by lacemaking and included Slovenia in their Street View service; thus 360-degree decided to write a poem about the bobbin lace made in Idrija. photos of Slovenian streets and tourist attractions are available on Google’s online maps. The poem was read at the Ceremony of the Utakai Hajime or the New Year’s Poetry Reading traditionally held at the Imperial Pal- Google started photographing Slovenia in last July. Their camera- ace on 15 January. This year’s theme for waka poems was quiet or equipped cars started their mission in Ljubljana, and later proceed- sei. The Princess dedicated her poem to the quiet talk of children’s ed to other Slovenian towns and tourist attractions. The service also hands creating Idrija lace. provides thematic content about interesting places, which now in- In the photo: Princess Akishino with the Slovenian first lady, Tanja Pečar. clude places in Slovenia.

48 Government Communication Office WOW! Photo: A A rchives of I nvida S T D aniel N ovakovič/ Photo:

Reasons to pay more attention to Slo- venia Bobri festival The Travel web portal has published nineteen reasons why Slo- venia is worth visiting. Some of them are also witty. The sixth festival of cultural and art education took place be- tween 25 January and 8 February 2014. The Bobri Festival of- Some of interesting reasons include the following: In Slovenia, you fered young visitors and their companions 157 cultural events can get married in a fairytale; there’s a castle in a cave (Predjama and 16 458 free tickets, which had almost gone by the end of Castle); Slovenian cows are very friendly; the country boasts beau- the first day. tiful mountain trails; it offers ample opportunities for fishing; Slo- venians grow their own food; Christmas is simply magical in the old The festival programme included all the forms of art covered in town centre of Ljubljana; people in Slovenia walk around vaguely previous years: theatre, music, film, fine arts and literature. This disguised as llamas (Kurent mask); Slovenian water is crystal clear year, the Bobri Festival was dedicated primarily to film. Also at and really blue, …. Slovenia has been voted one of the most at- the heart of the festival was Roman Aemona, celebrating 2000 tractive destinations also by Rough Guide readers and was recom- years. The festival opened with the theatre performance Škrat mended as a must-see destination to be visited by all who have not kuzma dobi nagrado, adapted for theatre by Matjaž Farič from been here yet. In terms of diversity, Slovenia has been ranked right Svetlana Makarovič’s children’s story, at Mladinsko Theatre. after Chile and Malaysia. The festival concluded with the now traditional concert at the

i Kino Šiška Centre for Urban Culture. Neca Falk performed in A the music project Maček Muri in Muca Maca, which is one of the pearls of Slovenian music production for both children and adults. The event was accompanied by the showing of the ani-

tanko Gruden/ S T mated film Maček Muri. Photo: N ebojša tejić/ S T Photo: S Photo: A

Tina Maze among the top-scoring Bloudek Award athletes in Sochi The most honoured state awards for achievements in sports, the Bloudek Awards for 2013, went to former hockey player Before the start of the Olympic Games, CNN published on its Rudi Hiti, for his outstanding contribution to the develop- website a list of top-scoring athletes to look out for in Sochi. ment of sport, to snowboarder Rok Marguč and former bas- ketball player Peter Vilfan, for their top international sporting According to the CNN, Tina Maze, our unbeatable champion, will achievements, and to Srečko Remih for his lifetime achieve- be in the spotlight of the front pages and headlines of Russian and ment in sport. other foreign media, together with Alex Ovechkin, Kim Yu–na, Shaun White, Mikaela Shiffrin, Marit Bjoergen, , In addition to the most honoured state awards, the committee also Felix Loch, Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, . And their awarded ten plaques: three were for relevant contributions to the predictions, at least as far as our skiing champion from Koroška is development of Slovenian sport, six for major international sporting concerned, turned out to be true. achievements and one for lifetime achievement in sport.

Sinfo – Slovenian information 49 tips! Tanja Glogovčan Photo: Vesna Pušnik Brezovnik/ S T A S T D aniel N ovaković/ Photo: A

The Welcoming of Spring 11 March 2014 at 5 p.m., Ljubljana along the Gradaščica River Carnival Festivities in Videm You are invited to attend “The Welcoming of Spring – Releas- 3 March 2014 at 3 p.m., Videm near Ptuj ing Gregorčki” — a traditional event for children. The event will take place on the banks of the Gradaščica River at Eipprova Carnival Festivities, or fašenk in Videm tradition, feature a Street in Ljubljana. parade of ethnic groups from the municipality of Videm and some neighbouring municipalities. They are joined by carnival “The Welcoming of Spring” is an event through which we in Lju- groups from Slovenia and abroad. bljana remember the old custom of craftsmen placing little boats made from wooden clogs with lighted candles on the river to cel- The parade displays the rich carnival tradition of Slovenia, featur- ebrate the arrival of spring and the fact they would no longer need ing 1,000 participants from ethnic characters to carnival groups to work with the lights on. According to the old Julian calendar, from Slovenia and abroad. spring starts on St Gregory’s Day. On the eve of St Gregory’s Day, people, mostly children, gather along the Gradaščica stream in More information at Folklorno društvo Lancova vas, sekcija Ko- Trnovo to launch various kinds of boats made of paper or wood in ranti which candles are placed. These floating lights are called ‘little arks of St Gregory’ or ‘Gregorčki’. To enhance the fairytale atmosphere Photo: still further, numerous torches and bonfires are lit along the banks N ebojša Tejić/ S T of the Gradaščica. A A tanko Gruden/ S T Photo: S Photo:

16th Ljubljana International Documentary Film Festival 13-14 March 2014, Ljubljana

Each year, International Documentary Film Festival offers an insight into contemporary documentary film production, while valiantly reaching into the core of the greatest social and political issues. 53rd Vitranc Cup 2014 8 - 9 March 2014, Podkoren, Kranjska gora The festival features political and portrait documentaries and films on myths, icons, the media and other themes. The festival The Vitranc Cup will see the competition of the best skiers in has a competitive character. In collaboration with Amnesty Inter- the world, who will be racing between the giant slalom gates of national Slovenia, a prize will be awarded to the best film on the the Mount Vitranc slope. See you on Vitranc! theme of human rights.

More information at www.pokal-vitranc.com Source: Napovednik.com

50 Government Communication Office Irena Kogoj

A Taste of Slovenian Tales

A Taste of Slovenian Tales published by the Research and Documentation Centre JAS consists of three Slo- venian folk tales, which have been slightly adapted for the English translation. The work, illustrated by Mojca Fo, enriches the offer of books for non-Slovenian readers and depicts Ljubljana, Bled and the Alps of the Bohinj area. The tales were collected and edited by Anja Premk, and the English translation is the work of Jana Renee Wilcoxen.

The first tale in the picture book is based on the Greek legend of Jason and the Argonauts. The second ex- plains the origin of the Lake Bled, while the book closes with the tale of the Land of Goldhorn. The tales are accompanied by sections containing information from the fields of art history, geography and archaeol- o g y.

The book can also serve as a protocol gift. The collec- tion is planned to be published in other languages, including German, Italian, Russian, and perhaps even He b rew.

Illustration: Mojca Fo

Sinfo – Slovenian information 51 Illustration: Mojca Fo