Meeting with President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde

President Nataša Pirc Musar began her keynote address by explaining that in Slovenia, the beginning of October – 8 October to be precise – is associated with the commemoration of monetary independence in 1991, when the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the National Currency Unit Act, introducing the tolar. "This was an important event for the country, which in June that same year also declared its independence, especially as the old Yugoslav currency, the dinar, lacked trust among the population. One of the new Slovenian state’s most important tasks was therefore to establish the stability of this new currency, as this would enable the country to achieve a number of economic objectives through domestic savings and the trust of foreign markets," said the President. The next important milestone mentioned by the President was the adoption of the euro. The common currency we use today is an important additional anchor that reduces risks while building additional faith at home and with partners abroad.

The President also highlighted the necessity of introducing new content into school curricula, such as financial, media and digital literacy: "Smart financial planning, controlling one’s spending, familiarity with various methods and forms of payment, understanding when and how to save, knowing how investments work and being aware of all the consequences of borrowing – these are not just theoretical skills but can be very useful in everyday life."

"The period before us is critical for humanity; the decisions we make will have a permanent effect on our common future. Our strategic vision must be one of unity, resilience and a shared commitment to the betterment of all people. Global challenges, such as the climate crisis, food security and geopolitical tensions require our immediate attention and action," emphasised the President at the end of her address.