On June 13, H. E. Ms. Natasha Bergelj, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Bulgaria,

hosted a reception at her residence on the occasion of the country’s national day.

The Slovenian people celebrate Statehood Day on June 25 – the day  when the country declared its independence in 1991.

The event was attended by officials, ambassadors, cultural figures, journalists, business representatives, Slovenians, and friends of Slovenia.

Following live performances of the national anthems of Slovenia, Bulgaria, and the EU, H. E. Ms. Natasha Bergelj welcomed her guests with a distinctive speech:

Dobrodošli – добре дошли – welcome – and thank you for joining us this afternoon as we celebrate Slovenia’s Statehood Day.

Before I begin, allow me to express my deepest condolences to our neighbour Austria, following the tragic school shooting earlier this week. We are all deeply saddened and shocked by this senseless act of violence. It is a painful reminder that no society is immune to such tragedies, and how important it is to remain united in safeguarding the safety and well-being of our communities.

This year’s celebration will be dedicated to the importance and the impact of VISION.

That is our ability to look beyond the immediate, to see what is possible, even when it feels distant. It is vision after all that has guided the architects of Slovenia’s independence. And it is vision that continues to inspire our entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, public servants, and partners around the world.

Small on Earth. Big in Space.

Just a few months ago, on January 1st, Slovenia became the 23rd full member of the European Space Agency. A truly visionary step. This membership propels us into the very forefront of space research and innovation.

Yet our story with the skies began long ago – when Edvard Rusjan, a pioneer of aviation, first took flight in his self-built aircraft Eda I in 1909; when Herman Potočnik Noordung already in 1929 envisioned space stations long before they became reality; and when NASA astronauts with Slovenian roots, Sunita Williams and Randy Bresnik, carried Slovenian heritage into orbit.

However, one must not forget the most gravity-defying Slovenian of all – Nika Prevc! With her record-breaking 236-meter ski jump in Vikersund in March this year, she reminds us that flying is, quite literally, in our nature.

GO! Borderless.

Vision also means tearing down the walls that divide us – which is why the theme of European Capital of Culture 2025, jointly hosted by Italy and Slovenia in adjacent towns Nova Gorica and Gorizia, resonates so deeply. "GO! Borderless" is more than a slogan – it is a lived experience of unity, creativity, and shared identity. Over 600 events are celebrating this cross-border vision – a shining example of European cooperation and cultural synergy.

Creative. Smart.

These three words define the path Slovenia has chosen for its future. Vision means building a society that is sustainable, innovative, and forward-looking.

In January, Slovenia proudly assumed the presidency of the 15th session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). This is not just a diplomatic honor; it is a statement of purpose. Our goal is clear: climate neutrality and a greener planet.

At the same time, we are investing in the future of technology. In March this year, Slovenia and Bulgaria were selected to host new AI Factories as part of an EU-funded initiative. These facilities will become hubs of artificial intelligence research, powering innovation in medicine, mobility, agriculture, and security. We are proud to be sharing this path with Bulgaria, our close partner and friend. We are proving that the future is being built in all corners of the European Union.

Visionary Leaders Among Us

This evening we are joined by three inspiring visionaries from the Slovenian business community:

    - Marjan Batagelj and Mrs. Katja Dolenc Batagelj, the power behind Park Postojnska Jama, a marvel of nature and entrepreneurship that welcomes the world to Slovenia above- and underground. And while the cave Postojna is a wonder of nature, it is the visionary stewardship of the family Batagelj that turned this cave into a symbol of how small nations can think – and act – big!

    - Tomaž Plešec, one of the founders of ElevonX, a company that proves that our skies are the right place for Slovenian technology. One of his drones is on display today – and I encourage you to take a closer look. This machine saves lives by delivering medicines to remote regions in Africa, where roads are poor or non-existent.

Thank you, dear guests, for your imagination, perseverance, and for being ambassadors of Slovenian excellence far beyond our borders.

Shared Security – Shared Vision

Vision is also about responsibility. Earlier this year, Slovenia took a decision to become the 11th member of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Bulgaria – a decision grounded in our commitment to collective security and transatlantic solidarity.

This shared vision extends beyond defense. It includes energy – one of the most strategic dimensions of our common future. Just last week, Minister of Energy, Mr. Stankov, and the State Secretary for the Slovenian Nuclear Program, Mr. Levičar, held a bilateral meeting in Varna during the international nuclear conference. Their exchange confirmed our mutual interest in deepening cooperation in the nuclear field – a vital sector where vision and long-term partnership are essential.

Allow me to express our deep gratitude to the Bulgarian side for the partnership, support, and friendship. Together, we are stronger.

Najlepša hvala – thank you all for celebrating with us tonight.

Let us raise a glass to friendship and to shared visions…

After the speech, guests engaged in lively conversations. They showed great interest in the displayed rescue drone, presented by Mr. Tomaž Plešec. Attendees also enjoyed the exquisite specialties offered by the hosts.

The reception celebrating Slovenia’s national holiday was truly an elegant, stylish, and intellectually enriching experience.

The photos were provided by the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Bulgaria.

Above: H. E. Ms. Natasha Bergelj, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Slovenia to the Republic of Bulgaria