by Stefano Giantin

(ANSA) - TRIESTE - The first two successful decades of independent Slovenia, the prospects of integration of the 'non-EU' Balkan countries in the most important European 'club', the issue of Turkey, a country that can still aspire to join the EU one day. Moreover, the crisis in Ukraine, since Ljubljana strongly supports the country's ''territorial integrity and sovereignty''. And then the problem of migrants and refugees, that Europe should tackle with vim ''to reduce high death toll'', by involving the countries of origin and transit. Finally, the issue of the Slovene minority in Italy, ''still waiting for a rational funding system and an appropriate regulation in the field of Slovenian-speaking media'' and representation in the House of Commons and Senate. The above mentioned themes have been touched on by Slovenia's Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec, in an extensive interview with ANSA New Europe.

Twenty five years ago, the first free elections were held in Slovenia, a year after you declared independence. After a quarter of a century, do you think Slovenia can be satisfied with what the country has achieved politically, economically and internationally?

The process of Slovenia's gaining independence was above all the result of good political and constitutional preparation, as well as of internal political consensus, ethnic homogeneity and a particularly fortunate situation in international relations. Also of crucial importance was the integration of two autochthonous ethnic minorities, the Italian and the Hungarian, and citizens of other nationalities. During the 25 years of independence, Slovenia has experienced ups and downs, which is inevitable when building a democratic state. In this relatively short time, Slovenia achieved important goals: accession to EU, NATO and OECD, introduction of the euro and integration into the Schengen area, but primarily significant economic progress.

Slovenia was a true success story, not only among the states that emerged in the territory of the former Yugoslavia, but also compared to Central and Eastern European countries. The global economic crisis affected Slovenia considerably, but we have picked ourselves up and are on the way to full recovery.

In my opinion, Slovenia's main contemporary challenge is to be a successful EU member state in the heart of the integrated and enlarged European Union – once more a success story. There are still some challenges ahead, mostly related to certain reforms, but as they have been carefully prepared, I believe they will be successful.

Slovenia recently experienced the worst economic and financial crisis in its history, but macroeconomic data show that growth has been picking up. Do you think your country is definitely out of the crisis?

As I have already said, the global economic and financial crisis deeply affected Slovenia. We recorded one of the largest drops in economic activity among EU member states. Fortunately, the economy was significantly reinforced last year, mostly thanks to the growth in exports and increased investments. So Slovenia enjoyed positive economic growth amounting to 2.6 per cent of GDP, as well as a gradual decrease in unemployment. We expect this trend to continue in the coming years. Furthermore, in its recent Economic Survey of Slovenia, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development commended Slovenia's progress and considerably improved its forecasts of this year's economic growth.

The improved economic situation implies that the government is taking the correct steps. We are aware that the struggle is not over, and although we can claim we have overcome the crisis, we need to keep strengthening our economy.

The Balkans are still ‘divided’, Slovenia and Croatia have joined the EU, while the other successor countries still remain outside the Union. Are you optimistic about Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and also Macedonia and Kosovo entering the EU any time soon? Which of these countries has the best chances?

In my opinion, the European future of Western Balkan states is very important. For candidate countries, the desire to achieve the ultimate goal, i.e. EU membership, is a strong motivating force for implementing reforms, and at the same time a strong incentive for mutual cooperation and the resolution of outstanding issues. However, the process of the Western Balkan countries adapting themselves to European values and the rules of the game is just as important as the ultimate goal, as the integration process leads to important changes in, and the transformation of, particular countries.

I do not want to underestimate the influence of wider circumstances on the trajectory and speed of future enlargement, but in fact each candidate country – depending on its success in the accession negotiations and internal regulations – sets its own date for obtaining full membership. Here it must be stressed that candidate countries which are ahead of others at the moment will not necessarily become full members at an earlier time. The experience with the 2004 enlargement round – which included Slovenia – showed that with the right approaches and the courage to undertake reform, countries can quickly make up for their earlier setbacks. Montenegro and Serbia have already started negotiations for EU membership. With regard to Montenegro, a fair number of negotiation chapters have been opened. I believe that with the right approach and commitment, today's candidate countries – Macedonia and Albania – or those still waiting to submit applications for EU membership – Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo – can exploit the very beginning of the negotiations for institution building.

It is important and necessary to keep the EU enlargement to the Western Balkans high on the EU agenda. The progress already achieved by the countries in the region should be at the forefront, and the proper EU response to this progress should be ensured. Slovenia will definitely continue down this path, in Brussels as well as within the region, through initiatives like the Brdo Process.

What about Turkey?

Of course, we must always consider Turkey whenever we talk about EU candidate countries. Turkey has been a candidate since 1999, and Slovenia supports its EU membership candidature. I really hope that progress will be achieved on the Cyprus issue, which could have a positive impact on Turkey's accession negotiations. The dynamics of opening the negotiation chapters must be maintained, as this sends an important message of commitment both by the EU and the candidate country.

Are you still concerned about the situation in Eastern Ukraine?

Slovenia strongly supports the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, and does not recognise the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea to the Russian Federation.

Slovenia is following the current situation in Ukraine with concern, and calls on all sides to respect the agreed truce and to push ahead with the withdrawal of heavy weapons. All sides must fully comply with the obligations in the Minsk agreements. Slovenia supports the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, and strives for unimpeded access of its observers to all areas under its mandate.

Ukraine must develop into a functional state. The EU and Slovenia offer it their full moral and financial support both in implementing the programme of reforms and in encouraging the Ukrainian authorities to strengthen their reform efforts. For Ukraine, this really is an important challenge. Only a democratic Ukraine can become a successful state and a factor of stability in Eastern Europe, as well as a good strategic partner of the EU.

Should Europe do more about the immigrant crisis in the Mediterranean, and what?

The European Union and its member states have often dealt with an increased number of immigrants, but unfortunately, the latest immigration situation has led to unacceptable tragedies at sea.

Italy is under the greatest pressure in the current circumstances. Slovenia expresses solidarity with Italy, and I would like to point out that Slovenia – as the only EU member state – with its multi-purpose military vessel Triglav participated in the Italian naval operation Mare Nostrum. Slovenia also stated its willingness to participate in future EU operations.

Since the tragedy at Lampedusa in October 2013, the European Union has done a great deal, but – as shown by the April tragedy, in which more than 800 people died – clearly not enough to prevent the tragic loss of lives. The joint meeting of foreign ministers and ministers of the interior on the very next day after the tragedy, and the subsequent extraordinary session of the European Council clearly signalled the will of the European Union to take immediate action. The political commitments made by heads of state and government at the extraordinary summit on 23 April demonstrated the EU's strong determination to prevent tragedies at sea and decisively fight illicit traffickers that profit from people’s distress.

However, it needs to be added that not all responsibility for the immigrant crisis in the Mediterranean can be borne by the European Union alone. This responsibility should be shared by the countries of origin, transit and destination. And here we face the problem of the non-functioning states where the majority of migrants come from, for instance Libya. Given the upsurge in migration, greater efforts should be made to eradicate the root causes, i.e. the unstable, dangerous and desperate circumstances that force people to make the risky journey to Europe.

Are there any important issues concerning the Slovenian minority in Italy that still need to be resolved?

I see ensuring minority rights as a process which might be complex, as it runs parallel to other social processes, reforms and sometimes even disturbances, but regardless of the current social dynamic, we must continuously strive for the best solutions.

Members of national minorities, who – in addition to nourishing their own identity – are familiar with the culture and language of the majority nation, can make an important contribution to cooperation between two neighbouring states and their people. It is therefore vital to grant members of national minorities full protection and the enjoyment of rights in all avenues of life crucial for the development of national identity.

The diversified cooperation and the open political dialogue that the two countries established in the recent period provide a firm background to effectively resolve all outstanding issues affecting the life and development of both minorities – the Slovenian minority in Italy and the Italian in Slovenia. Here I would like to stress that the sensitivity of minority communities is very valuable, as they hold a mirror up to the majority; and the majority must build the necessary capacity to respond to the minority's messages and to its presence in general. I believe this interaction is beneficial to both sides, and if it is interrupted, we all lose.

The Republic of Slovenia, together with the Slovenian national minority in Italy, expects a systemic structure of financing and proper legal regulation on minority media in the Slovene language. The legal obligation to facilitate representation of the Slovenian national minority in elected bodies – the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate – has still not been complied with. Minority representatives are concerned over the reforms of local government in the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia that might lead to their having a precarious role in decision-making concerning issues of vital importance to the Slovenian minority. I also hope that plans to enlarge the bilingual educational network in the Province of Udine will be put into effect, which will help members of the Slovenian national minority who live there to strengthen and further develop their identity.