Golob meets Slovenian minority reps ahead of Rome visit

Representatives of the minority raised the issue of the reorganisation of the Italian education system, which will see three schools with Slovenian as a teaching language closed between 2024 and 2027.

They also raised the issue of Italy not recognising university degrees obtained abroad and the issue of the autonomy of the seat of the Italian broadcaster RAI in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Representatives of the minority also called for a better financial situation of minority organisations.

One of the key messages that Golob will discuss with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni during his Tuesday visit to Rome is the importance of positive reciprocity, UKOM said.

It is important that the governments cooperate to ensure rights and development to minorities on both sides of the border and exchange good practices and effective solutions, the press release said.

Unlike the Italian minority in Slovenia, the Slovenian minority in Italy does not have a guaranteed seat in the Italian parliament. Golob's office said the government would continue to make efforts on the issue.

The foundation Basovizza Heroes and Other Victims of Fascism addressed a letter to Golob on Sunday, asking him to place wreaths at the memorial to Slovenian diplomat Ciril Kotnik, who was tortured by the Gestapo after the German occupation of Rome in 1943, and to nine partisans who were captured by Italian forces in 1942 and later killed.

According to the foundation president Marko Bidovec, by doing so the prime minister would correct "the mistake of statesman indifference" made by President Nataša Pirc Musar, who did not pay her respects on her visit to Italy in May.