Date: 13. February 2026
Time to read: 1 min
Slovenia House brought together representatives of the Slovenian cross-border economy and sport from Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary, who took part in the conference Olympic Bridges: Connecting Economy and Sport in Cross-Border Communities. Participants from both sides of the border discussed how sporting events can serve as an effective platform for promoting local businesses and the cross-border economy. At the same time, the economy enables the operation of many cross-border clubs and associations, as well as the organisation of events that strengthen the cohesion of the Slovenian community.
The participants agreed that sport and culture remain fundamental pillars of identity and cohesion among Slovenians living beyond Slovenia’s borders. A stable economic environment is crucial for the long-term support of both sporting and cultural activities.
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The central part of the conference programme was the panel ‘Sport as an Opportunity for Promotion and Economic Development in Cross-Border Communities’, which featured speakers from the Slovenian minority in Italy. Photo: Anže Furlan/Olympic Committee of Slovenia
Sport and the Economy as a Development Opportunity
The event was hosted by Vesna Humar, State Secretary at the Government Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad, and mag. Dejan Židan, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport.
In her address, State Secretary Humar expressed particular delight at the inclusion of a cross-border skier in the Slovenian national team:
“How wonderful it is that a member of the Slovenian Olympic team is alpine skier Caterina Sinigoi, who comes from the Devin Ski Club.”
State Secretary Dejan Židan emphasised that cross-border communities should be viewed as a single Slovenian space in agriculture, the economy and tourism. He also highlighted that activities have begun in the field of sport:
“We have established four regional offices and secured funding for coaches. A four-year programme is also being prepared, which will raise sports infrastructure and support to a higher level.”
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On this occasion, the members of the Cross-Border Economic Coordination also presented both State Secretaries with a token of appreciation for their consistent commitment to the autochthonous Slovenian national communities in Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Photo: Anže Furlan/Olympic Committee of Slovenia
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Participants from both sides of the border discussed the role of sport in promoting and fostering economic development in border communities. Photo: Anže Furlan/Olympic Committee of Slovenia
The event also provided an opportunity for informal networking and the promotion of Slovenian sport and the economy. Members of the Cross-Border Economic Coordination and the Cross-Border Sports Coordination from all four neighbouring countries also attended the mixed team ski jumping event, where Slovenian ski jumpers won the gold medal.
The Olympic Bridges conference reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation between the Cross-Border Economic Coordination, the Cross-Border Sports Coordination (ZAŠKO) and state institutions in creating new development opportunities and strengthening Slovenian cross-border communities.
