Alma Mater Europaea University organized a public forum on Wednesday, April 2, in cooperation with the Assembly for the Republic, where distinguished guests discussed the future of the world, Europe, and Slovenia in light of current geopolitical challenges.
The world is facing numerous crises and pivotal moments that affect the future of countries, regions, and individuals. The uncertain global and European geopolitical situation raises many questions: How to identify the key factors that will shape our lives in the future? How do traditional partners and opponents of Europe influence events? What role does Ukraine play in this context?
The discussion included:
- Dr. Ernest Petrič – diplomat, former president of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia, former ambassador to the USA
- Dr. Ludvik Toplak – rector of Alma Mater Europaea University, former ambassador to the Holy See
- Dr. Aleš Maver – history professor and expert on the situation in Ukraine
- Jelko Kacin – defense expert, politician, member of parliament and diplomat (former permanent representative of the Republic of Slovenia to NATO)
- Dr. Igor Kovač (online) – researcher at the Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy at the University of Cincinnati
- The public forum was led by Dr. Ivan Janez Štuhec.
The guests highlighted current challenges and offered insight into possible development scenarios, taking into account historical, political, security, and strategic aspects.
"It is a fundamental question of democracy whether we are allowed to be who we are or not."
"Where is Slovenia's homeland and what is its place in Europe? It seems as if we might be lagging behind others. We have a goal, but perhaps we need to redefine it. Every individual should reflect on where they are going and what the future will be, and also create their place in their homeland. It is not enough to just dream of becoming Switzerland. We must create conditions at home to become something more, to create Switzerland here, in Slovenia. Among Slovenians, the awareness of Slovenian national identity must be awakened so they know where they belong, where they come from, and where their homeland is," emphasized the rector of Alma Mater Europaea Prof. Dr. Ludvik Toplak.
"It is a fundamental question of democracy whether we are allowed to be who we are or not. This violent and ferocious assimilation of all nations bordering today's Russian Federation is a fear that drives neighbors. But we behave as if we were an island somewhere in the Mediterranean, maybe even a little beyond Malta, near the Canary Islands, far enough away that we don't have to deal with Moscow. But unfortunately, that is not the case. If we do not understand this and place ourselves where we belong, others will overtake us. We are lagging behind in economic growth compared to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, not to mention Poland. All the Baltic states are rushing ahead and overtaking us. It is about us: do we want to be part of the future, or will we romantically dwell on our past? The past is no longer enough for us. We must be visible, we must be where there is a historical need. Today it is necessary to support Kyiv, the territorial integrity of Ukraine, membership in the European Union, and also in the collective transatlantic alliance related to NATO," Jelko Kacin summarized in a statement after the event.
