By: Dr Andreja Valič Zver
In these June days, as we celebrate Statehood Day, Slovenian compatriots from all over the world return home like swallows. We encounter them on various occasions, and the conversation often turns to their invaluable contribution to Slovenian independence. Unfortunately, there is still insufficient knowledge, particularly the appreciation and respect for the efforts of Slovenian compatriots towards an independent and sovereign Slovenian state. This is a symptomatic phenomenon in parts of the Slovenian “Yugoslav-oriented” public, for whom independence was not an intimate option, and who make every effort to not only erase traces of their reprehensible actions during the time of the independence movement but also to diminish the memory of many steps towards an independent Slovenian state.
It is known that a significant portion of the Slovenian people live outside the borders of Slovenia, with some estimates putting the number at around 400,000 people of Slovenian descent. They emigrated for various reasons, from socioeconomic to political, mostly after World War II. Particularly tragic was the Slovenian exodus in 1945 when people fled from the communist authorities. Demographically, Slovenia “shrunk” considerably as a result. In new environments, Slovenians came together and established diaspora organisations. Many of them had connections with their homeland even before independence.
The Demos government, after the first multi-party elections in April 1990, aimed to establish a different relationship with Slovenians abroad – one that would not be patronising, as it had been in the past when the homeland financed and controlled the operation of many minority organisations, turning them into instruments of its own politics. During the proclamation of independent Slovenia and the beginning of the war in June 1991, the inaugural All-Slovenian World Congress took place at Cankar Hall in Ljubljana, attended by compatriots from around the world. The joy of independence proclamation was replaced by concern over the aggression of the Yugoslav army against Slovenia. The congress, well-covered by the media, had the added value of informing the communities and countries from which the participants came. The attendees even assisted in translating reports for foreign journalists and participated in the preparation of resolutions against the attack on Slovenia. The establishment of the World Slovenian Congress, the presence of compatriots from around the world, their support, and informing the global public significantly contributed to gaining sympathy for the Slovenian people in the conflict with the aggressor Yugoslav army. The memorial plaque at the main entrance of Cankar Hall, erected in June 2021 by Janša’s government in collaboration with the World Slovenian Congress, reminds us of these pivotal events.
The support shown by Slovenians in the border regions and Slovenians worldwide for Slovenia’s independence was, of course, much more substantial. Due to their proximity, support from the border regions in Austria and Italy was the most intense and effective. The assistance provided by Slovenians worldwide through organising demonstrations, gatherings, and other mass events, signing petitions, making public appeals to ruling structures, and creating broader networks of support for Slovenia through phone calls, letters, etc., was also significant. They shaped public opinion in their countries and contributed to the grand Slovenian story, as they increased the recognition of the emerging independent state of Slovenia while also influencing their own governments. This mass lobbying by Slovenians worldwide contributed to the international community’s appropriate attitude towards the processes of independence and the war in Slovenia. Consequently, foreign countries, as well as significant international political and financial institutions, recognised the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Slovenia more quickly. In addition to newly formed countries that had experienced similar fates under communism, Slovenia was also swiftly recognised by those countries where diaspora and border organisations and individuals were active.
Slovenians in the homeland should be sincerely grateful and proud of everything their compatriots outside Slovenian borders have done to support the processes of democratisation and Slovenian independence. Unfortunately, the current authorities have also pushed this aspect of the magnificent story of Slovenian independence into deep silence among dusty museum exhibits. But do not worry, it will not be forever!