Slovenia - central europe, balkans or what ?
okay, we came across this question in of my classes... do Slovenias consider themself more "central europe" or Balkans... or southern europe ?
just wondering... who are your partners in international policy ( besides NATO and EU ).
thanks for oppinions.
I've seen the nations rise and fall
I've heard their stories, heard them all
but love's the only engine of survival
( Leonard Cohen )
Re: Slovenia - central europe, balkans or what ?
I heard a good definition, those places are Central-European which were under German rule (Holy Roman and/or Habsburg) for longer period (minimum some hundred years). So I think Slovenia is CE although geographically partly Balkanians. I also consider Croatia partly Central European but not exclusively.
Rhezus Moderator
Posts: 1089
(10/31/05 9:39 pm) Reply
Re: Slovenia - central europe, balkans or what ?
Here's something about Slovenian history, intl. partners and policy:
SLOVENIAN BRIEF HISTORY
Slovenia was originally settled by Illyrian and Celtic people. It became part of the Roman Empire in the 1-st. century B.C. The Slovenes were a south Slavic group that settled in the region in the 6th century A.D. The Slovene history date back to the 6th century, when the "Kingdom of Carinthia" (not the same as Carinthia, the southern province of Austria) was formed. From then on, Slovenia has never been established, in any political form, as a sovereign country. Nevertheless, as a national and cultural entity, the Slovenes have played an important role as part of the Roman, Frankish and Austrian states. The Hapsburg monarchy was the first to include all of the Slovene regions. Thus, Slovenia and Croatia became part of the Austro-Hungarian kingdom when the dual monarchy was established in 1867. Year 1918 Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats, in forming a new multinational state, renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. After World War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, which though Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. Slovenes succeeded in establishing their independence in 1991.
SLOVENIAN PARTNERS
Trade with European countries accounts for 66% of Slovene trade, and ever more Slovene companies are not just partners with European owners but are also themselves selecting the most advantageous business partners throughout Europe. With the introduction of European VAT and financial, pension and social reforms, it is adapting its systems for final accession to the Union. That will close a story begun in 1991, and open new challenges: how, together with other small nations of Europe, to retain its identity; not just to keep the main advantages of a philosophy born over centuries, but to give it effect within the logic of larger nations.
GENERAL DIRECTIONS OF CULTURAL POLICY
Cultural policy is an important part of the global policy of the Republic of Slovenia, directing its cultural development and the building of its national identity. The attainment of independence, the transition from an ethnic group to a nation, the establishment of a state making a clear break with the real-socialist cultural policy - all these require an essentially new definition of the position of culture and the arts in Slovenia, a new definition of cultural policy, a new model of cultural organisation, decision-making, administration and management, and new legislation in the cultural sphere. The cultural policy of Slovenia, with its instruments, measures and legislation, secures the conditions and the funds for cultural activities, and makes possible Slovenia's incorporation into different international cultural organisations and institutions, seeking to achieve two purposes:
internally - spiritual freedom of the individual and the nation as a whole;
externally - promotion of Slovene culture in Europe.
Slovenia's Constitution is based on "human rights and privileges and on the basic and unlimited right of the Slovenian nation to self-determination..." (The Basic Constitutional Charter on the Independence and Sovereignty of the Republic of Slovenia). The Slovene state was established on the basis of the separation of legislative, executive and judiciary powers.
The Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia guarantees all human, economic, social, and cultural rights. Slovenia is defined as a democratic, legal, and social state of all its citizens. "On its territory, the state shall protect and safeguard the rights of the Hungarian and Italian ethnic groups" (Articles 5 and 64). "Slovenia shall look after the interests of the Slovenian minorities in neighbouring countries and of Slovenes in emigration" (Article 5). The right of expression of national and cultural membership (Article 61) and the right to use the native language, in speech and writing, is guaranteed (Article 62).
The Constitution guarantees "the freedom of scientific and artistic creativity" (Article 59). The protection of moral, material and other rights, as a result of scientific, intellectual, cultural, artistic, and other creativity, is guaranteed (Article 60). The state and the municipalities protect the natural and cultural heritage (Article 73). The freedom of expression of thought, speech and appearance in public, printing, and other forms of public communication are guaranteed (Article 39). The rights of peaceful assembly and public rallies are guaranteed (Article 42).
The model of administration is such as to guarantee the autonomy of culture. At the same time, cultural policy, as part of the global national policy, is strengthened.
The principles and methods, objectives and aims of Slovenia's cultural policy are presented to Parliament each year as the Republic's Programme of Culture, prepared by the Ministry of Culture. "Influenced by sovereignty, the new Constitution, international recognition, and a definite farewell to Yugoslavia, the new Slovenian cultural policy was established. Some basic starting policies of cultural development, as presented to the Parliament of the Republic of Slovenia, have now come to fruition. The paradigm of a dynamic equivalence, embracing different artistic, philosophical, natural, geographical, sociological, and cultural spheres, has become evident, in accordance with the spirit of the time. Two constant principles remain stable regardless of possible political changes - the principle of democratisation and the principle of rationalisation. Cooperating with other authorized bodies, the Ministry of Culture, an expert flexibly organized executive organ, executes the national cultural policy."
Rhezus Moderator
Posts: 1092
(11/2/05 10:21 pm) Reply
Re: Slovenia - central europe, balkans or what ?
Things in EU are sometimes messy and not as they should be. All about EU should take its time and come the natural way - not forced by someone, with a deadline. But Slovenes want to remain (and have always been) part of Europe.
Zagorje Senior Moderator
Posts: 1318
(11/20/05 12:35 pm) Reply
Re: Slovenia - central europe, balkans or what ?
I'd say that Slovenia's definitely Central European. Serbia and Bosnia are definitely Balkan. In my own view, Croatia's a bit divided. The wonderful region of Zagorje ( ) is definitely Central European and so is Istra. Dalmatia is in no way Central European, Slavonia's a bit more complicated.
Re: Slovenia - central europe, balkans or what ?
In mentality, Slovenia is more central european because it has been able to avoid needless conflict, unlike many other countries. However geographically, i believe Slovenia is in the balkans, because it has a part of the Balkan Mountains on its territory. The position geographically doesn't really matter, if the country is able to prosper, as Slovenia has.
Re: Slovenia - central europe, balkans or what ?
so I guess any Balkan-ite who isnt savage can be a CE then?
Rhezus Moderator
Posts: 1299
(3/6/06 5:15 pm) Reply
Re: Slovenia - central europe, balkans or what ?
Quote:However geographically, i believe Slovenia is in the balkans, because it has a part of the Balkan Mountains on its territory.
On the contrary, the mountains in Slovenia are The Alps. Stara Planina or Hemus (or Balkan) range is mostly in Bulgaria, but the whole peninsula is called The Balkan.
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Edited by: 
) is definitely Central European and so is Istra. Dalmatia is in no way Central European, Slavonia's a bit more complicated.
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