SLOVENIAN FOREIGN POLICY
Endeavouring to consolidate the international position and standing of the Republic of Slovenia as a democratic, stable and successful central European state, and in order successfully to pursue its fundamental foreign policy interests and objectives, the underlying orientations of its foreign policy activity must be defined and coordinated. These orientations are based on wide political consensus among the parties in the National Assembly, as the body with responsibility for the foreign policy of the Republic of Slovenia, and on a wide consensus of representatives of civil society active in the field of international relations.
In identifying its foreign policy priorities, the Republic of Slovenia considers the current situation and the possible development of the international political, economic and security situation in Europe and in the world, and proceeds from these to the values, interests and aims which are vital for the development of the Slovenian nation and Slovenian state. Slovenia is aware that this development is guaranteed by lasting peace and stability both in Europe and in the world.
Slovenia’s foreign policy must guarantee two fundamental values: the security and the welfare of the state and its citizens. Slovenian foreign policy is based on maintaining the Slovenian national identity and, at the same time, an openness to the world. A successful foreign policy must be an effective instrument of the development of the Slovenian economy and Slovenia’s promotion in the world.
The Republic of Slovenia bases its foreign policy on the fundamental principles of the constitutional system of the state and generally applicable principles of international law. It strives to strengthen Slovenian statehood, which is based on the national, cultural and linguistic sovereignty of the Slovenian nation and the guaranteed rights of the Italian and Hungarian ethnic communities. The Republic of Slovenia monitors the position of the members of the Slovenian minority in neighbouring countries and upholds their endeavours to have the countries of their residence respect international obligations relating to their protection. It will assist them in strengthening ties of emigrants and migrant workers with Slovenia and promote their endeavours to preserve a Slovenian identity.
In the field of international relations, the Republic of Slovenia strives for a peaceful settlement of conflicts and renounces the use of force. It supports arms control, disarmament and the non-proliferation of arms of mass destruction.
The Republic of Slovenia respects and upholds the right of nations to self-determination.
The Republic of Slovenia upholds the strengthening of cooperation and trust and overall respect for human rights as laid down in international agreements and other international acts or customary international law. It pays special attention to control mechanisms and the settlement of the human rights issue throughout Europe.
The Republic of Slovenia strives for the settlement of succession issues in accordance with international law, taking into consideration the dissolution of the former state, equal treatment of all newly independent successor states and proportionate assumption of succession rights and obligations.
In the field of global and regional international economic relations, the Republic of Slovenia upholds solutions which guarantee full employment, a higher quality of life and conditions for economic and social progress and development.
The Republic of Slovenia supports combat against terrorism, drugs trafficking and all other forms of international crime in accordance with the Constitution and international law.
Given the ever closer economic and security-defence linkages between European countries, the strategic development and security interest of the Republic of Slovenia is focused into the European Union and NATO. In order to accelerate economic development and strengthen its international role, the Republic of Slovenia seeks to achieve active cooperation on an equal footing in prominent international organisations and institutions.
The basic guidelines of Slovenian foreign-policy activity include guaranteeing national independence, Slovenian national identity and security as well as protection of the interests of the Slovenian state and its citizens, both those at home and those abroad. The prime foreign policy task of the Republic of Slovenia remains however, the settlement of relations with neighbouring countries based on mutual trust and respect as well as good cooperation in economic and other fields. The Republic of Slovenia will settle the position of national minorities in accordance with the Constitution, UN Charter and Conventions of the Council of Europe.