REPUBLIC OF MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS SLOVENIAN NEWSLETTER

JANUARY-MARCH 2013

In this issue Concert of Piano Trio Barcarola...... 6 Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek at reception for Performance of Dalibor Miklav čič...... 6 newly-elected government hosted by President Performance of Vlado Kreslin at the Embassy of Borut Pahor: "Government's priority is the Republic of Slovenia in Budapest...... 7 Slovenia in 2013"...... 1 Exhibition of Dubravko Baumgartner...... 7 Priorities of the new Government of the Concert of Siddharta...... 7 Republic of Slovenia ...... 2 Tina Maze - Unreachable milestone: 2,414 Press release on the decisions taken by the points!...... 8 Government of the Republic of Slovenia...... 2 Matjaž Tan čič, the best 3-D photographer in the 1st Government Session led by Prime Minister world ...... 8 Alenka Bratušek...... 3 Preparations for EuroBasket 2013...... 8

Establishment of the National Committee for the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek at reception World War I...... 3 for newly-elected government hosted by Minister Turk on the celebration in honour of President Borut Pahor: "Government's the Day of Slovenian Culture (France Prešeren priority is Slovenia in 2013" Day) in Szentgotthárd ...... 3 Meeting between Slovenian and Hungarian The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Defence Ministers in Lendava...... 4 Alenka Bratušek, attended the reception for the Meeting with representatives of the Hungarian- newly elected Slovenian Government hosted by Slovenian section of the Chamber of Industry the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut and Commerce...... 4 Pahor. In a short speech, she thanked the Seminary on Maritime Law and Rotterdam President for his words of encouragement and Rules, the presentation of Port of Koper ...... 4 said: "Our project at this moment is Slovenia in Presentation of Slovenian tourism and cuisine 2013, because we are all aware that the year for Hungarian journalists...... 4 before us is the key year. Hard work awaits us, Slovenian participation in international tourism however, we are not afraid of it. We know that fairs Utazás in Budapest ...... 4 there will be many obstacles, but we are ready to Working meeting with representatives of the face them." Ms Bratušek continued that Slovenia Hungarian economic institutions and is a stable country therefore any comparisons companies ...... 5 with are neither appropriate nor necessary Meeting with executives of Mercedes Benz at this time. "According to my assessment," she factory in Kecskemét ...... 5 added, "Slovenia can solve its problems, Scientific project on the Raba Region Slovenes including fiscal ones, on its own. The government in "Hungarian Gulag" ...... 5 team is young, educated and optimistic. We will Academic Slovenian Language Circle in move in large steps, for the people and Budapest ...... 5 for the country." Performance by Lumpert Trio and Kaja Draksler ...... 6

Embassy of Republic of Slovenia H-1025 Budapest Tel:+ 36 1 438 56 00 web: budapest.embassy.si

goverment's objectives. There are 27 measures, the most vulnerable are: the introduction of fiscal cash registers, spatial planning acts of third development axis, the taxation of banks' total assets, elimination of administrative barriers and the adoption of the Law on prevention of late payments, reform of labor legislation, the amendment of the laws of the State Prosecutor, Criminal Procedure, the Courts and Judicial Service, the modernization of the health system,

Alenka Bratušek and Borut Pahor Photo: Igor Zaplatil/Delo and adjustments in the management of public institutions and many others. President Borut Pahor then addressed the Some measures are designed as a faster and gathered guests and said that at this moment shorter-term and, given the urgent needs of the Slovenia "needs practical measures and visionary economy, in particular, should be taken in the action". He pointed out that, in addition to short- first phase - this includes in particular measures term actions, a long-term vision needs to be in the field of improvement of payment discipline created and in both "we can and must work and effective prosecution of economic crime, together". He drew attention to the work of the while some of the other measures, especially, the National Assembly and the Office of the modernization of the labor market, public President of the Republic of Slovenia, as well as administration and the health care system, are to good cooperation with the opposition, social more long-term in nature and may be extended partners – both employers and employees – and a after coordination with the social partners and number of other non-governmental organizations. then be adopted in a year.

The President wished the Prime Minister and the Government will provide financial stabilization of Government all the best and a lot of courage and the budgets for 2011 and 2012, after the luck. He expressed his readiness for cooperation, implementation of most measures of exit which the Prime Minister accepted with the strategies and disruptive actions of a structural words "government's doors will always be open nature, such as pension reform, adopted by all for good initiatives". other necessary steps, through which we as a country can stabilize the economic situation and Priorities of the new Government of the prepare for breakthrough in 2012 and thereafter. Republic of Slovenia Press release on the decisions taken by the The Government has created program of Government of the Republic of Slovenia priorities, which will be crucial for the work of the government until the end of term. These are: The Government of the Republic of Slovenia appointed Mateja Vrani čar for Secretary of State 1. Consolidation of public finances, at the Ministry of Finance, Tina Brecelj for 2. Improving conditions for business, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, 3. Improve payment discipline, Monika Kirbiš Rojs for Secretary of State and 4. Improving the functioning of the labor market, Uroš Roži č for Secretary of State at the Ministry 5. More effective prosecution of economic crime of Economic Development and Technology on its and first correspondence session on 25 March 2013. 6. Structural measures and institutional Also Dejan Levani č was appointed for State adjustments. Secretary at the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Aljuš Within these priorities are quite a few attractive Pertina č and Mirko Pe čari č for State Secretarys at laws and measures that will implement the the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport and

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Ales Črni č for State Secretary at the Ministry of consolidate public finances and stabilize the Culture. banking system.

The Government resolved the current General The new Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek took Secretary of the Ministry of Justice Janez Lampe over most current affairs from outgoing Prime and appointed Tinka Teržan for Deputy Secretary Minister Janez Janša. She also thanked the former General of the Ministry of Justice. The Prime Minister for all the good his government Government appointed Žarko Bogunovi č for had done for Slovenia and stated in her press Acting General Secretary of the Ministry of release that her government would do its best to Economic Development and Technology and continue good projects that have already been Ljiljana Kodri č for Deputy General Secretary of started. She also added that the Slovene economy the Ministry of Culture. needs to gain new momentum, to create new job opportunities, more optimism and hope, but The Government has resolved and appointed new above all cooperation. Her predecessor directors of certain directorates. It resolved Cveto congratulated the new Prime Minister on the Urši č from his post as General Director at the election of her government and expressed a desire Directorate of Disabled, War Veterans and for cooperation for the common good. Victims of War at the Ministry of Labour, Responsibilities were also handed over at most Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, government departments. and appointed Dragica Bac for vicegerent. Ana Vodi čar was appointed to the position of Establishment of the National Committee for incumbent general director for family at the the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and World War I Equal Opportunities. The Government has established a National Ministerial corps relieved from his post Miro Committee for the celebration of the 100th Petek on 30.4.2013 as general Director of the anniversary of the World War I (2014-2018), Media Directorate at the Ministry of Culture and which, in collaboration with the cultural, appointed Ženja Leiler Kos as Acting Deputy educational and scientific institutions, General Director. The government relieved associations and similar committees at the local Barbara Koželj Podlogar from the position of level, will provide coordinated operation in the General Director of the Directorate for creativity country throughout the four-year period. at the Ministry of Culture and appointed Gašper Troha, PhD, for Acting General Director. Minister Turk on the celebration in honour of the Day of Slovenian Culture (France Prešeren 1st Government Session led by Prime Minister Day) in Szentgotthárd Alenka Bratušek Minister for Education, Science, Culture and On 20 March 2013 the Slovene Parliament Sport ŽigaTurk, PhD, addressed the celebration elected the 11th Government of the Republic of of the Day of Slovenian Culture, which was held Slovenia, led by Prime Minister Alenka Bratušek, in Szentgotthárd on 8 February 2013. The with 52 votes. celebration was attended and addressed by the Hungarian Minister of Human Resources Zoltán The cabinet was selected from the four coalition Balog as well. This is the first time that the parties: , Social Democrats, Prešeren celebration was attended by Porabje and of Pensioners of Slovenes together with high representatives of Slovenia. After the election, Prime Minister Slovenia and Hungary. Alenka Bratušek pointed out that the government would strive to reduce the political turmoil within Minister Turk pointed out that this event signifies the country, to jumpstart the economy, to a new dimension in the relations between

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Slovenia and Hungary, and in the care of the two Meeting with representatives of the countries for minorities, as connecting people and Hungarian-Slovenian section of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce

The Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret held a meeting with Géza Balog, President of Hungarian-Slovenian section of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, at the Embassy on 18 January 2013. In the interview, he discussed the possibility of deepening bilateral economic cooperation and organization of common events for Slovenian and Hungarian companies. Minister Žiga Turk Photo: www.mizs.gov.si ideas creates valuable space for cooperation and Seminar on Maritime Law and Rotterdam friendship. He stressed the importance and Rules, the presentation of Port of Koper symbolism of this particular visit: twenty years ago, the National Assembly of the Republic of The event was opened with introductory speech Slovenia ratified the agreement on the special by the Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret and rights of the Hungarian minority in Slovenia and Michele Orzan, President of EuCham. The main the Slovenian minority in Hungary. In this speech was held by Jana Rodica, Managing context, he emphasized the importance of Director of Samer & Co. Shipping Ltd. from bilingual schools and media in Raba region as Koper, who presented the history and content of well as efforts of both countries to improve the the Rotterdam Rules. Also Gordan Ban, the position of their respective minorities. representative of the Port of Koper in Hungary, was attending the event and he presented the Meeting between Slovenian and Hungarian importance of the port for the Hungarian market Defence Ministers in Lendava and future plans of its development.

Slovenian and Hungarian Ministers of Defence Presentation of Slovenian tourism and cuisine Aleš Hojs and Csaba Hende met in Lendava on for Hungarian journalists 15 March 2013. They reviewed bilateral cooperation between Slovenia and Hungary in At the initiative of the Hungarian National defence, including the implementation of the Air Association of Journalists on 15 February the Policing in the NATO framework. After the talks, Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret held a two ministers laid wreaths at the István Szécheny presentation of the main features of Slovenian memorial plaque and attended the ceremony tourism and cuisine. She presented the basic marking the commemoration of the Hungarian information about Slovenia, its geographical revolution and fight for freedom in 1848-1849. location, transport connections, features regions. She particularly expressed satisfaction over the positive trends visit of Hungarian tourists and overnight stays, which are in continuous growth.

Slovenian participation in international tourism fairs Utazás in Budapest

the 36th Budapest International tourist fair Utazás took placebetween 28 February and 3 March , which was attended by the Slovenian

Photo: Pomurec.si representative agency SPIRIT and nine Slovenian tourism enterprises: Bled Culture Institute,

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Sportina, Terme Catež, Tourism , Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret addressed the Terme Maribor, TIC Maribor, Julian Alps, Sava event, which was attended by representatives of Hotels&Resorts and Cave. Slovenian minority and Slovenes living in Budapest, representatives of the Hungarian Working meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Human Resources, historians and Hungarian economic institutions and scholars, students and other interested public. companies Slovenian researchers Katalin Hirnök Munda and On 13 March 2013 Embassy of RS held a Attila Kovács from the Institute for Ethnic working lunch with representatives of the Studies in Ljubljana presented the research Hungarian institutions of the economic field, the project, covering the period of the Rákosi regime Society of Slovenian-Hungarian businessmen and in Hungary. Because of the then political representatives of Slovenian companies in situation and iron curtain between ex Yugoslavia Hungary. There were concrete proposals for and Hungary the Hungarian authorities conducted enhancing bilateral cooperation and organizing numerous procedures against Slovenian minority common business events. that have been initiated on suspicion of spying and smuggling in the border area. Slovenians Meeting with executives of Mercedes Benz became potential enemies of the regime and were factory in Kecskemét deported to the provinces of Hortobágy, Nagykunság and Hajdúság to 12 closed labour At the initiative of the Embassy a working camps that operated from 1950 to 1953. Former meeting of executives of Mercedes Benz factory inmates and the villagers, who weren’t deported, with representatives from ACS, the Port of Koper after a long period of silence were interviewed on and Slovenian Railways took placeon 21 March. . camp experiences and the then life in the border Representatives of Slovenian companies region. presented their business activities and interests in establishing and deepening cooperation with the Academic Slovenian Language Circle in German company Mercedes in Hungary. Budapest

Scientific project on the Raba Region Slovenes At the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic in "Hungarian Gulag" of Slovenia and in cooperation with the Slovenian language lectureship at the Eötvös Loránd The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia and the University (ELTE) the founding meeting of the Institute for Minority Studies of the Hungarian Academic Slovenian Language Circle was held in Academy of Sciences organized a presentation of Budapest on 18 March 2013. the scientific project on the Raba Region Slovenes in "Hungarian gulag", held in Budapest on 19 March 2013.

Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret

The Academic Slovenian Language Circle will be dedicated to the deepening of knowledge of Slovenia and Slovenians, in particular the Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret in scientists Katalin Hirnök Munda and Attila Kovács

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Slovenian culture and science, and to share events took place in the context of regional jazz knowledge of Slovenian language in Budapest festival (Regional Jazz Showcase), with the and elsewhere in Hungary. In this context, it will participation of artists from the Western host cultural, educational and social events, and and neighboring countries of Hungary. field excursions to Slovenia. The Circle will be Slovenian players performed on the open? part of open for cooperation with Slovenian minority the festival, which was according to the term organizations and Slovenian-speaking in (Friday afternoon) solidly visited mainly by the Hungary. younger audience. In addition to the promotion of Slovenian jazz, Lumpert Trio and Kaja Draksler´s performance is also important to strengthen the relations with the Palace of Art, which is the central institution of music in Hungary.

Concert of Piano Trio Barcarola

On the Slovenian Cultural Holiday the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia organized a concert of Piano Trio Barcarolain the Marble Hall of the Museum of Military History on 31 January 2013.

The founding members

The meeting, chaired by the Slovenian language lector at the ELTE Mladen Pavi čić, PhD, was attended by Slovenians, who are studying or working in Budapest, Hungarian students of Slovenian language, representatives of the Slovenian minority and many friends of Slovenia in Budapest

The Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret has Piano Trio Barcarola Photo: Piano Trio Barcarola welcomed the establishment of the Academic ð ć Circle. She stressed the importance of Slovenian The trio includes Simona onli (piano), Gregor ć language as a pillar of Slovenian culture and Hrabar (violin) and Zrinka Vlasi (cello). The identity. She expressed her belief that the Circle Ambassador Bavdaž Kuret presented the in cooperation with the Slovenian association and importance of Slovenian culture and language as Slovenian Self-Government in Budapest will the foundation of the Slovenian identity and contribute significantly to the preservation of the national authenticity in her speech. She stressed Slovenian minority in Hungary, and to the importance of Prešeren and his poetry. strengthening linguistic and cultural ties as well Members of the diplomatic corps, the as cooperation between the Slovenian and the Ombudsman, representatives of various countries Hungarian side. and cultural areas, members of the Slovenian Association in Budapest, business partners and other partners of the embassy were among the Performance by Lumpert Trio and Kaja invited guests. Draksler Performance of Dalibor Miklav čič Lumpert Trio performed in Palace of Arts in Budapest on 11th of January. Pianist Kaja On the 24th February Slovenian harpsichordist č č Draksler had a solo piano performance, too. Both and organist Dalibor Miklav i performed in the Palace of Arts. Solo concert took place in the

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cycle of organ music, which was organized by the Art Palace. The program was carried out on musical instruments with pedals, in addition to Exhibition of Dubravko Baumgartner organ and on harpsichord and piano with pedals. The program included Bach, Mendelssohn and Dubravko Baumgartner, painter from Lendava Chopin, next to the works of contemporary had an exhibition in Gallery Hegyvidék in authors and his own compositions for organ Budapest between 13 and 26 March. The Dalibor Miklavčič is considered to be one of the exhibition contained initial parts of the series surpluses Slovenian artists presenting classical / "Pannonian walls" and "Rusty." serious music in Hungary. He got good critics in the media. Krisztina Fonti, deputy major of the XIIth district held the welcome speech. Exhibition was opened

by Franc Geri č, retired director of the Museum- Gallery Lendava. The opening was musically

Dalibor Miklav čič Photo: www.mupa.hu

Painter Dubravko Baumgartner Photo: www.hegyvidek.hu Performance of Vlado Kreslin at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Budapest accompanied by Kristina Kocsisné Dióssy (recorder) and Eszter Revesz (transverse flute). On 18 March 2013, Slovenian musician Vlado Kreslin performed at the founding meeting of the Concert of Siddharta Academic Circle Slovenian language in Budapest. Musician served a two-hour repertoire, On Thursday, 28 March 2013, the R33 club in which included all of his hits and impressed the Budapest held a concert of Slovenian rock band filled hall of the Embassy of the Republic of Siddharta Austrian group The Overrals performed Slovenia in Budapest. The impressed audience as support act and they did a good job at followed the performance by singing and inflaming the audience. rewarded the musician with thunderous applause.

Ambassador Darja Bavdaž Kuret with the group Photo: Siddharta

Vlado Kreslin Siddharta impressed their fans from many

European countries - including Slovenes,

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Hungarians, Germans, Serbs, etc. either. The Tan čič´s winning photo Time Keeper was audience energetically sang the group’s well- inspired by living room arrangement that is known hits, both in English and in Slovenian. The typical of Chinese Hui ethnic minority and can concert impressed everyone be found in rural homes in Jiksian in China.

Tina Maze - Unreachable milestone: 2,414 points!

Maze ended this year's World Cup season as a winner of super giant slalom and giant slalom , she was also first in combination, and second in the downhill and slalom. In the end she gathered an unbelievable sum of 2414 points in the World Cup. By doing so she improved more than two decades old landmark of legendary Austrian ace Winning photography Photo: www.ukom.gov.si Hermann Maier who won exactely 2000 points in the 1999/2000 season. Maria Höfl-Riesch was Tan čič started his career as a photojournalist at the runner up for Maze and she won 1313 points Mladina, later turned into fashion photographer, less than Maze. which led him to different cooperations with media at home and abroad. In his fashion She reached the first victory of the season at the photography the reportage style remains clearly introduction to the season in Sölden. Since then, seen, at least in the constant search for interesting she was always in fantastic shape. In the locations and that "something more" posed by the incredible set of top rankings she reached 24 unpredictability of reportage photography. Tan čič published his photographs in Vogue, L'Officiel, Inspire and others.

The winning photo will be a part of the exhibition in 2013 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition, which will be hosted from 26 April to 12 May in Somerset House in London.

Preparations for EuroBasket 2013

Tina Maze Photo: www.ukom.gov.si From 4 to 22 September this year Slovenia will podiums: 11 wins, 7 second and 6 third places. In host the biggest sporting event in its history – her flagship discipline giant slalom she stood on 38th European Basketball Championship, podium at every race of the season: 5 wins, 3 EuroBasket 2013. Preliminary stages will be held second places and 1 third place. in Celje, Ljubljana, Koper and Jesenice and the knockout stage will be in Ljubljana. The number Matjaž Tan čič, the best 3D photographer in of participating teams is 24. The official mascot the world of the championship is Lipko.

The photography Time Keeper brought him the award. International organization World Photography Organisation (WPO) awarded Slovenian photographer Matjaž Tan čič with Sony award. He is one of the pioneers of 3D images in the world and also its greatest master.

Photo: www.tim-art.si

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The Slovenian Newsletter is produced by the Embassy of Republic of Slovenia in Budapest and is available on www.budapest.embassy.si

You are most welcome to send us your comment or request for a subscription on: [email protected] Editor: Maja Žižek

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