Minister holds online talks with Slovenians in Germany, US
Ljubljana, 28 June - Minister for Slovenians Abroad Matej Arčon held online meetings on Tuesday with representatives of Slovenian associations in Germany and the US. He invited all of them to actively participate in the European Capital of Culture 2025 project and announced regular meetings on a monthly basis.
Gorizia, Italy
Minister for Slovenians Abroad Matej Arčon.
Photo: Nebojša Tejić/STA
File photo
Under the cultural project, which will be co-held by Slovenia and will provide opportunities for business cooperation, the largest gathering of the Slovenian diaspora, minorities and Slovenians who live in their homeland will take place, the minister announced.
Talking with the representatives of the Slovenian community in Germany, he noted the problems of youth integration into the activities of Slovenian associations abroad.
The meeting was attended by officials of the Slovenian Embassy in Berlin, the presidents of the southern and northern umbrella organisations of Slovenian associations in Germany, the latter's representatives and a Slovenian teacher from Berlin.
Slovenia's Ambassador to Germany Franc But pointed to the problems of the overload of the consular service and the shortage of Slovenian priests in some areas of Germany.
During the talk with the representatives of the Slovenian community in the US, the minister also highlighted the importance of youth engagement.
Slovenian Ambassador to US Tone Kajzer and Cleveland-based Consul General Alenka Jerak said there was a great interest among people in the US to trace back their Slovenian roots.