Behind the curtain of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU - Main contents

Source: Slovenian presidency of the EU i, published on Monday, December 27 2021.

Behind the curtain of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU

Translators, chauffeurs, chefs, security guards, negotiators and spokespersons. These are probably not the first people who come to mind when you think of the presidency, but they are crucial for its success. We asked them to share their experiences with us.

The Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU is a project that included many different services both in Slovenia and in Brussels. Just under 1,400 meetings and 250 side events took place in Brussels, all under the watchful eye of the Presidency Coordinator at the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the EU in Brussels, Barbara Javornik. Her work took place behind the scenes. Before the presidency began, she coordinated preparation of the events calendar, and during the presidency she was the organisational link between Slovenia and the General Secretariat of the Council.

The presidency will certainly leave me with priceless memories of everyday adventures, hectic, stressful and sometimes comical situations and, last but not least, many newfound friendships. My colleagues and I tackled situation that seemed impossible to solve and sometimes had a good laugh about it. The presidency is a must have experience as it makes you aware that the size of a country and the team in no way determine its success and that Slovenia is capable of carrying out such a large project with professionalism.

Barbara JavornikPresidency Coordinator, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the EU in Brussels

Barbara Javornik, Presidency Coordinator, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia to the EU in Brussels

Difficult negotiations within the EU and on its behalf

The key content‑related task of the country holding the presidency is to manage the work of the Council and direct the legislative work. The presidency must ensure compliance with legislative procedures and impartially direct harmonisation among the EU member states. Slovenia was faced with an additional challenge in this role, as it represented the EU, together with the Commission, at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November. The lead negotiator Tina Kobilšek admitted that the negotiations were difficult, but also said that we have nevertheless proven that in the EU we have the skills and capacity to lead by example and inspire positive change.

It has been a pleasure to meet and exchange views with global leaders in different fields and to take decisions that will have a positive impact on the future of the whole world. One of the moments I will remember for the rest of my life was meeting Prince Charles.

Tina KobilšekHead of the Slovenian delegation and lead negotiator for climate change

Tina Kobilšek, Head of the Slovenian delegation and lead negotiator for climate change

Numerous in‑person events made work all the more dynamic

The main venue of meetings at the highest level was the Brdo Congress Centre. The epidemiological situation was particularly challenging, as due to safe‑distance measures only 130 participants were allowed in a hall that normally accommodates 500, said the conference facilities manager Mateja Župan Brezovnik. But there were also other challenges related to the epidemic.

Because of the uncertain situation, the printed materials were prepared at the last minute and in a rush of adrenaline: for example, for a two day ministerial meeting, we printed 800 place cards for the meeting and the dining tables, as well as the menus on the last day. However, through excellent cooperation within the Secretariat, and with the Protocol and service providers, we managed to successfully meet every challenge.

Mateja Župan BrezovnikConference facilities manager

Slovenia was the first country to have meals at events of the highest level prepared by a Michelin‑starred chef. Tomaž Kavčič said that it was a tremendous honour and a testament to his good work, but also a great responsibility. The greatest challenge for him was the EU‑Western Balkans summit, where he met the German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In her honour, he made the same dessert he served the EU leaders in Brussels 11 years ago (made with five vegetables and seven fruits, vanilla ice cream and pumpkin seed oil). At the time, Chancellor Merkel had asked for a second helping. In addition to the conversation with Chancellor Merkel, the most memorable moment for Tomaž Kavčič was the look on the security guard's face.

I have the honour of being Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in Slovenia. While preparing dinner I thus quickly changed into my formal attire and left to meet Serbian President Aleksander Vučić at the airport. Just 50 minutes later I was back in the kitchen in my chef's whites. The security guard watching all of this could not hide his astonishment.

Tomaž KavčičChef

To ensure guests' safe arrival and departure, chauffeurs from the Slovenian Armed Forces and the Police were on hand, often representing the first personal contact with individual guests. As safety is paramount, the chauffeurs brushed up on their knowledge of road traffic safety and driving in a police‑escorted motorcade ahead of the presidency.

Despite our qualifications, there is some anxiety present before each ride. You worry about damaging the vehicle or injuring yourself or, in the worst case scenario, the distinguished guest in your care. The work itself is interesting and demanding at the same time. You never know where and in whose company you will end up the next day.

Domen JerotMember of the Slovenian Armed Forces in his capacity as chauffeur

Cultural knowledge and cultural events create a special bond

The liaison officers were the main link between the delegations and the event organisers. The team of 140 liaison officers was led by Barbara Tori and Maja Mirtič, who very much enjoyed working with young protocol officers, even when there were challenges to solve, no matter what time of day or night. This was an exceptional work experience both for them and for the young liaison officers, as confirmed by the liaison officer Vega Abrahamsberg.

It has been an honour to be the link between the Slovenian and Italian cultures that I both love so dearly. One of my favourite memories took place while waiting for the plane of the Italian Prime Minister to land, when all of a sudden it started pouring down. I was visibly upset by the rain and the Italian security guard jokingly said the sun will surely come out when the plane lands. We watched the plane touch down in rain. But when they lowered the stairs, a rainbow appeared over the plane and the sun began to shine!

Vega AbrahamsbergLiaison officer

Vega Abrahamsberg, liaison officer, with a delegation

Slovenia also introduced itself through a cultural programme organised in different cities around Europe and the world, which included shows by the a cappella group Perpetuum Jazzile. The members of Perpetuum Jazzile have done the math and realised they have travelled more than 12,000 km, spent over 27,000 seconds on stage, and performed for over 6,000 people.

A cappella group Perpetuum Jazzile

All the performances were really special, especially at this time when most of the music industry is at a standstill. We are proud and pleased to have represented Slovenia in 5 locations around Europe. The audience at all the shows was just perfect, they were receptive, and most importantly, left the concert happy and smiling.

A cappella group Perpetuum Jazzile

Translation into 6 and interpretation into 28 languages

Interpretation was provided at 100 events of the Slovenian Presidency that took place in Slovenia. Because of the epidemic, more interpreting booths were needed, while remote multilingual events presented an additional challenge. Events have been well run, even if there wasn't always a magic wand to solve every challenge.

Fortunately, the interpreters at both the in person and online events were supported by teams of excellent technicians, who are most deserving of praise for the successful execution of the events, especially the EU Western Balkans summit, when interpreting was streamed from Brussels and involved 85 interpreters for 28 languages.

Jana Zidar ForteInterpreting Coordinator

In addition to interpreters, translators have also been indispensable. Thanks to them, the presidency website www.si2021.eu has been available in six languages and up‑to‑date press releases were published in four. For the translators, this has been a demanding but interesting task, as they learned about different areas.

This diversity of topics poses a major challenge for the translator, whose job is to find established technical terminology in a foreign language within a short timeframe, sometimes in a field they are less familiar with, such as beekeeping. My greatest satisfaction came from being commended by language editors and clients for the high quality of my work.

Mario JurišićTranslator

Good communication requires good relations

The press releases handed over to the translators were prepared by spokespersons from different ministries. For many of them, this was a first‑time experience.

The presidency is an amazing experience - from preparations to the end. The work dynamic, the important achievements, the adrenaline rush, the new knowledge and the new acquaintances that these six months have brought are certainly a great motivation for the future. However, this experience would not have been the same without the team I work with - this is why, in many ways, the presidency is first of all a group project and only then follow the achievements in the field of finance.

Maruša RomihSpokesperson for the Ministry of Finance

Maruša Romih, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, at work

For the Media centre, the greatest challenge was the technical arrangements for hybrid press conferences. Andreja Križ admitted she was not sure whether they would be up to the task, but in the end the conferences were perfectly executed.

I will remember this short, though sometimes seemingly endless, period as an opportunity to gain new knowledge and insights. But above all, I will remember the most important thing: you can't do it without good colleagues, great teamwork and supporting each other come rain or shine.

Andreja KrižMedijsko središče

Cooperation and team spirit were also brought forward by Nataša Bušljeta, Head of the Task Force for the Slovenian Presidency at the Government Communication Office.

As the project draws to a close, I must point out how very proud I am of my colleagues. The team took on all challenges with professionalism and dedication. Sometimes, it worked miracles. Working with them has been an absolute pleasure. The same goes for the Slovenian Presidency. Although Slovenia is a small EU member state, we acted in the spirit of the Dalai Lama, who said: 'If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.' Perseverance is therefore the word I would use to describe our presidency.

Nataša BušljetaHead of the Task Force for the Slovenian Presidency, Government Communication Office

Nataša BušljetaHead of the Task Force for the Slovenian Presidency, Government Communication Office, and Tomaž Kavčič

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