Good cooperation highlighted as Slovenia-Carinthia committee marks 10 years

Fajon labelled today's session and the bilateral meeting with the governor of the Austrian state of Carinthia as truly successful and held in an amicable atmosphere.

"We've made quite some improvements, especially to the lives of people on both sides of the border, which is what the joint committee is meant for," she said.

Hailing a constructive and open dialogue, Fajon said she and Kaiser discussed open issues raised by the Slovenian minority, including Slovenian language use.

"I asked the governor for his personal support and the support of the regional government for the minority's efforts to preserve their language, culture and national identity."

Fajon also welcomed Kaiser's readiness for further flexibility in employing bilingual kindergarten teachers and language assistants.

Kaiser said that more Slovenian-speaking educators would be included in kindergartens, and that they wish to expand such education to private kindergartens.

He also announced that the Slovenian music school, which has become an integral part of music education in Carinthia, could be strengthened.

The pair stressed the role of good transport links and smooth traffic flows, which should be improved with the second tube of the Karavanke tunnel under construction.

Kaiser said it had also been agreed today to jointly overhaul the ventilation and lightening systems in the Ljubelj tunnel.

Fajon said that it is also "in our common interest" to cooperate in the field of protection, including protection against various disasters.

One of the topics today was thus ways of ensuring a legal basis to provide mutual assistance at all times. Fajon announced the two sides will work towards an agreement on emergency medical assistance in the border area.

The session was also an opportunity to urge further economic cooperation. Fajon said that at least 25,000 Slovenians commute to Austria daily for work, of whom a third to Carinthia.

"Our economic cooperation is extensive and very good. Carinthia accounts for 10% of Slovenia's total goods trade with Austria," she said.

A number of initiatives for closer cooperation in science and research was also given, which Fajon believes will further the region's competitive edge.

Fajon and Kaiser moreover stressed the role of deep cross-border ties in culture and sport.

They agreed to work together with Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia to organise the Youth Olympic Winter Games, which could serve as a step towards the realisation of the idea of the Olympics being held in Slovenia, Carinthia and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Topics on which the two sides do not see eye to eye were also discussed, although Kaiser admitted there are not many. He pointed to Slovenia's plans to build a second nuclear power station in Krško, expressing Austria's security concerns.

As for Austria's temporary controls on the border with Slovenia, which have been extended regularly since the 2015/2016 refugee crisis, Fajon said she is an avid advocate of the restoration of free movement within the Schengen area.