Slovenia allocates EUR 1m for joint Slovenian-Hungarian minority fund
Ljubljana, 30 September - The Slovenian-Hungarian intergovernmental commission was in session on Monday, with Minister for Slovenians Abroad Matej Arčon saying that Slovenia will allocate EUR 1 million for a joint fund. Hungarian co-chair of the commission, Ferenc A. Kalmar, could not talk about Hungary's contribution but said his country would not hinder the fund.
Ljubljana
Joint Slovenian-Hungarian commission in session.
Photo: Bor Slana/STA
Ljubljana
Joint Slovenian-Hungarian commission in session.
Photo: Bor Slana/STA
Ljubljana
Joint Slovenian-Hungarian commission in session.
Photo: Bor Slana/STA
Ljubljana
Joint Slovenian-Hungarian commission in session.
Photo: Bor Slana/STA
Talking to the press in Ljubljana after the session of the join commission, Arčon said that a million euro was also expected for the fund from Hungary. "The programme has been harmonised and approved. It comprises four key development projects.
"We wish that it launch at the end of the year and function over the course of the coming years," he said of the fund laid down in a 2022 agreement between Slovenia and its northeastern neighbour.
The 2022 document is dedicated to economic and social cooperation in the nationally mixed area spanning communities on both sides of the border. It stipulates that the fund will become operational once both sides provide EUR 1 million each.
Kalmar, a special envoy for neighbourly policy at the Hungarian Foreign Ministry, meanwhile said that Hungary had notified Slovenia last week that it agrees with what had been agreed regarding the fund.
"Even though I cannot speak on behalf of the finance minister .... I am certain that the Hungarian side will not hinder the operations of this fund," Kalmar said.
At today's commission session, Slovenia raised the need for adequate management of road connections in the Raba Valley, the area that is home to the Slovenian minority in Hungary. Slovenia also called for better financial support of the community's radio station, Radio Monošter.
Slovenia also called for more funds for the Slovenian self-governing body and the Slovenian Association in Hungary, the Ministry for Slovenians Abroad said in a press release.