Welcome to the website of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg

Dear Visitor,

I am pleased to welcome you to the website of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. Our website includes an overview of key information relating to the operation of our Mission. I hope that you will find useful information. Please feel free to send us your questions about anything that interests you.

Slovenia applied for membership of the oldest pan-European organisation on 29 January 1992, and was admitted to the Organisation on 14 May 1993. In the meantime, Slovenia has become a successful member state with an acknowledged high level of respect for human and minority rights, as well as established democratic institutions and the rule of law. This year, the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe between 12 May and 18 November presents a special challenge and opportunity for Slovenia.

Slovenia will be chairing the Organisation in the year when the Council of Europe is celebrating its 60th anniversary. This jubilee is recognition for the Organisation’s work, which has at the same time faced numerous challenges. The present economic situation, competition from other European or international institutions, and the specific and rather somewhat outdated working methods of the Organisation are having their effects. Furthermore, Slovenia will have to face the much needed reform of the European Court of Human Rights and some crucial issues, e.g. the conflict in Georgia.

Slovenia considers the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe a great responsibility and a contribution of joint efforts of the Organisation and its member states to create a Europe based on democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. The Chairmanship provides an opportunity to contribute to the development and promotion of the Organisation, in line with Slovenia’s commitments to protect minorities and improve the situation of Roma in Europe. Special attention will be devoted to the rights of the child, the protection of cultural heritage and rights relating to health and biomedicine. In addition, Slovenia will pay close attention to South-Eastern Europe and endeavour to increasingly engage the Council of Europe in the rule of law, democracy and human rights in this region.

The project of chairing an international institution having so many member states is demanding; however, during its Presidency of the Council of the EU and the Chairmanship of the OSCE, Slovenia has shown that it is capable of successfully performing such a task. We look forward to the upcoming challenge.

Marjetica Bole
Ambassador, Permanent Representative