active in the Slovenian community in the Netherlands

We wish you all the best! And even better in the future!

25 years ago, the Netherlands were only a small dot on the map of Slovenian emigrants. It consisted only of a few hundred descendants of Slovenian miners in Limburg and individuals who came to this part of Western Europe for business opportunities or for personal reasons. Both communities carefully followed the developments in their homeland 25 years ago and, after the plebiscite, rejoiced over the unified decision to establish an independent country. 

They actively showed their support during the War for Slovenia, when, together with their Dutch friends and family members, they began collecting aid and raising the awareness of the local population concerning the background of the military conflict.  They continued to explain the reasons for independence until the new country was recognised. Even afterwards, wherever an opportunity arises, they make efforts to increase Slovenia's recognisability and its strengths. Therefore, the association that was established by Slovenians and the Dutch at the time was called "Friends of Slovenia."

Openness and connectedness

One result of independence and Slovenia's accession to the European Community is the fact that an increasing number of Slovenians may continue their studies, business or career path abroad. This trend shared by all European countries was only increased by the crisis. At the same time, the development of modern technology, traffic flows and social media have extremely limited the geographical and time distance between the homeland and emigrants.

Therefore, the "Dutch" dot on the map of Slovenian emigrants is also visibly growing: an increasing number of mainly young Slovenians study here, obtain their doctorates and lecture at one of the renowned universities; they establish companies, or work for one the many international organisations here. They come to the Netherlands because they find a very open society for immigrants, with healthy economic orientation, and good administrative and political conditions.

Some of them do not have a need for socialising with other compatriots, also because they still have close ties with Slovenia. However, sooner or later, the majority of them go to some of the events held by the embassy, the Friends of Slovenia Association or by interest groups that connect young families, "bookworms," or lovers of "a cup of coffee." 

When compatriots connect, European borders are erased: the three Benelux countries share a Slovenian priest, Mr Štrubelj from Brussels; we have friendly ties with the Belgian "Slomšek" Association, with the "Jadran" Association from northern France and with the Slovenian Association of Luxembourg, in order to help each other exchange experience and ideas. 

Genuineness and self-confidence!

Nowadays, developments in Slovenia can be followed by Slovenians around the world virtually "live."  Because we are happy to see any progress and we are willing to help as much as we can, we are actively looking for opportunities to benefit our homeland. What is our experience? Abroad, people mainly appreciate the genuineness that distinguishes us from other countries. Some people see this as only Alpine quatrains and the Kranjska sausages, but others appreciate world-class design and scientific contributions to space technology. 

But we know that both are important! As well as everything else that might be completely commonplace in Slovenia, but is very unusual and different in a foreign environment. In cooking workshops and tourism trade shows, we see how even the smallest things excite foreign visitors. This is especially true for Dutch people: the simpler, the better! 

Especially if it is "spiced" with a suitable dose of national pride! In Slovenia, it may be true that: self-praise is no praise, but abroad no one will notice you if you do not draw some attention to yourself. It is also for this reason that, in our area, we share news about and from Slovenia, thus helping to form a positive image of our homeland. Despite all its troubles and shortcomings, we are proud of it! Living abroad, we see that, more or less, all countries have them. The difference between them, however, is in how they face major challenges: together and with determination or in fractions and hesitantly?  

Of course, we hope that this would be done "together and with determination" – like 25 years ago. When we say "together," we also hope that this includes all Slovenians together with the friends and allies of Slovenia from all over the world.