Press release: The Slovenian President Borut Pahor accepted the invitation of the umbrella organization of the cultural associations of the German-speaking ethnic group in Slovenia
Laibach. On Wednesday, to the 31. August 2022, Slovenian President Borut Pahor visited the headquarters of the umbrella organization of cultural associations of the German-speaking ethnic group in Slovenia and took part in the membership conference. In the almost two-hour conversation, the member associations reported on cultural activities and their efforts to preserve the German minority language in Slovenia. The possible improvements and legal solutions of the minority status were also discussed.
The umbrella organization of the cultural associations of the German-speaking ethnic group in Slovenia convened the membership conference of the associations last Wednesday, in which the Slovenian President Borut Pahor took part as a guest of honour. In a lengthy conversation, the activities of our member associations were presented to the distinguished guest. The umbrella organization currently consists of 8 cultural associations from all over Slovenia.
Meeting of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor, with representatives of the German-speaking ethnic groups.
In his speech, President Borut Pahor advocated the constructive work of the dialogue group at the Slovenian Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the relevant departments. He also welcomed the visible progress made in recent years: “The increase in funds, the scientists are currently in intensive exchange, to create a common historical reference book, that will strengthen our public's understanding of the role of German speakers in our common past", he added.
After the event, President Borut Pahor visited the international traveling exhibition IN TWO WORLDS – 25 German stories watched, the till the end of November 2022 in the Schweigerhaus at Alter Markt 11a in Ljubljana is shown to the Slovenian public. The exhibition is accessible online and is a project of the Federal Union of European Nationalities (SOURCE/AGDM).
The representatives of the German-speaking cultural associations reported to President Pahor on the situation of the German-speaking ethnic group in Slovenia. In addition, the common wish for the constitutional recognition of the ethnic group was expressed. To the 20. Anniversary of the signing of the cultural agreement between Austria and Slovenia, our umbrella organization will prepare a memorandum, with which we want to draw attention to the omissions and opportunities for improvement in Slovenian politics.
The German-speaking ethnic group in Slovenia was once the most numerous ethnic minority in the Slovenian area. According to their own assessment, the autochthonous German-speaking ethnic group is between 3.000 and 5.000 Citizens of Slovenia with German mother tongue. It is organized in cultural associations throughout Slovenia and is represented by the umbrella organization of cultural associations of the German-speaking ethnic group in Slovenia.
For questions: Christian Lautischer, Chairman; Tel. 00386(0)64-277-626, christian.lautischer@gmail.com;
Union of cultural societies of the German-speaking national community in Slovenia,
Pictures: Bor Slana/STA
