Dear expatriates,

 

New Year is a time of expectation and wishes for the future, and also a time when one looks, with a peace of mind, into the past and makes plans for the future. But above all, this is the time when we wish all the best to each other in the coming year.

 

There probably is not a land without a born Slovene. Each of you has their own story to tell. To us, you are an important and indispensable part of the Slovenian nation in all its diversity, regardless of the reasons you ventured abroad. You are our ambassadors abroad, and the link between Slovenia and the countries you live and work in. I would like to take this occasion to thank you for your contribution to Slovenia's rising reputation, the building of ties and the development of our homeland. If any of the Slovenian societies or institutions would happen to cease to exist, this would greatly depreciate our cultural and spiritual wealth.

 

Life is fleeting, and this year saw the departure of many noble individuals whom we shall miss. It is our duty to remember them by at least reading a Slovenian book or singing a Slovenian song, and thus pay our due respect to them.

 

This year saw the establishment of Government councils for Slovenes in neighbouring countries and abroad, both of which include your representatives. A recent seminar was attended by journalists of expatriate media and members of Slovenian cultural societies, who took part in a range of cross-cultural activities. Slovenia has been encouraging the activities of young expatriates, and would like to see that more of them would attend courses and take part in exchanges in order to establish stronger links with Slovenia. Our children are a reflection of ourselves; they are what we teach them to be – our future and a mainstay of our culture. The next year is dedicated to Primož Trubar. He was not active only in Slovenia; yet he had a major impact on the confidence of the Slovenian nation. His motto: 'To stand and withstand' is still alive today.

 

Today, changes are the only constant thing. New technologies have made our world smaller. The world wide web has made it easier for us to stay in touch, learn Slovene, listen to Slovenian radio and watch Slovenian TV programmes wherever we are; it has made communication easier and cheaper. Our European family is expanding and growing wiser. While European citizenship ensures better protection for Slovenian citizens, diversity enriches Europe. The Slovenian language and culture have a great potential. However, it is up to us to determine how and to what extent Slovenes at home and abroad will be able to preserve and strengthen our own national and cultural identity.

 

By taking over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2008, Slovenia will take on a responsible task of enhancing its reputation and esteem while also improving your quality of life. More people will hear about us – not only within the EU but also globally. Joining the Schengen Area will lift physical borders, but the most difficult task will be to eradicate mental barriers. Slovenian expatriates in the EU will no longer live across the border but in a common Slovenian cultural space. We now face a great responsibility to use the new opportunities to our best advantage.

 

In the New Year I wish you ample new beginnings, persistence and perseverance, all coupled with health, love and happiness.

 

Happy New Year!

 

Janez Janša

Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia