“Slovenia and Italy have a long history of dialogue and cooperation: it is for this reason that Italian in Slovenia is not only a minority language, but also the language of our neighbors. A cultural richness that we see as part of our European space”.
That was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Matej Arčon in his speech at the first conference on the Italian language.
“I would like to underline, with particular pride, that the Republic of Slovenia guarantees the Italian minority in its territory with one of the highest standards of protection in Europe: the presence of Italians in Istria, Italian-language schools, cultural institutions and the media are protected not only by law but also by the deep respect we have for those who share this region and its history with us. It is not theory but everyday life. Neighborhood is not a threat but a value”.
Slovenia’s deputy prime minister then underlined how “concern for our compatriots abroad is not a nostalgic gesture, but an investment in the future of Europe. We are aware that contact with one’s origins creates self-confident Europeans, people who successfully integrate into the countries where they live, contribute to their development and, at the same time, maintain a connection with their own identity. It is in this spirit that we see Italophony as a natural ally of Slovenia and, more generally, of all the cultures that enrich our continent. There is no strong Europe without a strong language, there is no European future without respect for every identity, whether small or large, the diversity of Europe. Pride in one’s own language and culture are not contrasting realities but are two complementary elements of the same foundation of values that underlies Europe.
