Fajon meets representatives of Slovenian minority in Italy

Fajon hosted Ksenija Dobrila, president of the Slovenian Cultural and Economic Union, Walter Bandelj, president of the Council of Slovenian Organisations, Tatjana Rojc, a member of the minority and senator in Italian parliament, Marko Jarc, the chair of the parity committee on Slovenian minority matters, and two regional councillors from Friuli Venezia Giulia, Marko Pisani and Danilo Slokar.

Unity is important in representing minority interests both for Slovenian authorities and the minority representatives, Fajon summed up the main conclusion of the talks.

She congratulated senator Rojc on her re-election, as she noted that the goal was a permanent seat for a Slovenian representative in Italy's parliament.

Both Fajon and Rojc warned that the new right-wing government in Italy might bring many challenges for the minority, Slovenia and Europe.

"I think the new government will be European-oriented, at least outwardly, also because of all the challenges we are now facing. However, it is too early to judge its domestic political actions," Fajon said.

Rojc said something along the same lines, but warned that there were concerns that some of the minority's rights may be restricted in the future.

"I also hope that there will not be any unfortunate incidents, especially by some of those who have shown disloyal attitudes towards Slovenians in the past," she added.

Rojc noted special attention should be paid to the act on minority media to prevent any potential funding cuts affecting these outlets, as this would pose a threat to the community.

Fajon and the minority representatives talked about other issues as well, such as challenges in using the Slovenian language, efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation, the impact of the war in Ukraine, and illegal migration.

"We've agreed that our borders should stay open and that we will do everything to restore Schengen completely as well," the minister said. In light of this, she welcomed Croatia's upcoming entry into the Schengen area and reiterated that this will in no way undermine the border arbitration ruling.

In the near future, Fajon plans to visit Rome to meet Antonio Tajani, the new Italian foreign minister.