President Pirc Musar in Vienna: Focus on the status of the Slovenian national minority and strengthening good neighbourly relations

The Slovenian President devoted particular attention to the situation of the Slovenian national minority in Austrian Carinthia and Styria, where, despite some progress, challenges in the implementation of their rights persist. She expressed concern over the recent police intervention at the Peršman Farm, describing it as a traumatic experience for many members of the minority. “The Slovenian national minority is a bridge of friendship between our two countries. Their rights are not a matter of goodwill, but an obligation enshrined in international agreements. I therefore expect that all the circumstances surrounding the police intervention at the Peršman Farm will be thoroughly clarified as soon as possible and, above all, that responsibility will be established,” President Musar emphasised.

While in Vienna, the Slovenian President met with her close and trusted counterpart, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. She expressed her deep respect for him as a leader who continually advocates dialogue, democracy and human rights, describing him as a committed ally of the Slovenian minority in Austria. “President Van der Bellen has always listened to the concerns of Slovenians living in Austria and has consistently worked to uphold their rights. I am pleased that we were able to reaffirm that the future of our bilateral relations is built on friendship and trust, and that the recent events were not in line with the shared European values upheld by both countries. However, it is clear that the Austrian authorities will need to adopt long-term measures to ensure that a situation like the one we witnessed at the Peršman Farm is not repeated,“ the President added.

The visit to Vienna was also an occasion to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Austria is the largest foreign investor in Slovenia’s economy and a key partner in trade, tourism and cross-border cooperation. “Austria and Slovenia are connected by a rich history, a shared European future and, above all, a responsibility to strengthen relations founded on respect and cooperation. I am pleased to see that Slovenian companies are increasingly successful in Austria, particularly in Austrian Carinthia,” said President Musar. She also emphasised that the preservation of the Slovenian language in Austria is a fundamental pillar of this cooperation. The Slovenian national minority must therefore be given the opportunity for continued education in their mother tongue, from kindergarten through to the completion of secondary school.

During her visit to Vienna, President Pirc Musar will also receive the prestigious international 2025 Justitia Award in the category International Political Game Changers, awarded by the Women in Law Conference. The award recognises her exceptional contribution to the promotion of the rule of law, the protection of human rights and the advancement of equality. “I see this award as confirmation that my work – and, through it, Slovenia – is being recognised for its commitment to the power of law, respect for human dignity and the equality of all people. This is a responsibility that I accept with great pride,” emphasised President Pirc Musar.