Press Release 04 December 2020 Since initial donations of personal protective equipment and devices intended to help control the first wave of the coronavirus epidemic, staff at the U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana have continued to work closely with their Slovenian counterparts to identify critical needs and find resources available to meet them. So today, as …
Read More»
Press Release December 3, 2020 Today, U.S. Ambassador Lynda Blanchard and Minister of Education, Science and Sport for the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Simona Kustec, invited a new generation of students to join a thriving international community of citizen scientists through the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program. Conducting the ceremony virtually …
Read More»
November 2, 2020 On Tuesday, Americans will cast their votes not only for the President of the United States, but also for representatives in the U.S. Congress, as well as state government officials. People across America will closely follow local elections too – for their school board, sheriff, or mayor as such elections can have …
Read More»
U.S. Ambassador Lynda Blanchard met with Defense Minister Matej Tonin to discuss progress made on Slovenia’s state-of-the-art Cyber Range, made possible by almost 12.7 million Euro in assistance provided by the U.S European Command through the Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation. The regional Cyber Range is a virtual environment that will be used by the …
Read More»
Drive-In Cinema, a unique rejuvenation of a classic American cultural showcase, is making a comeback all over the world, thanks to the COVID pandemic. Patented in 1933 in New Jersey, the concept is nearly a century old, and represents what many consider to be the “golden age” of American cinema culture. Americans and Slovenians share …
Read More»
The moon was never as close to Slovenians as it is now. And the best part? You don’t need to put on a space suit! You just need to take a short car ride to Center Noordung in Vitanje, where you can admire the 3.75 billion year-old lunar sample from the Apollo 17 mission that …
Read More»
AMBASSADOR BLANCHARD’S REMARKS Noordung Center, Vitanje September 2, 2020 Dober dan, vsem Minister Počivalšek, Mayor Vetrih, Director Kobold, I thank you all for hosting us today, and for the support you’ve shown, the work you’ve done, and the excitement we’ve shared in making this day possible. I also understand that members of the team that …
Read More»
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Press Avail with PM Janša of Slovenia August 13, 2020 Thank you, Prime Minister Janša. I want to thank Foreign Minister Logar, President Pahor, and other Slovenian leaders for making this trip possible and for so graciously hosting me and my team. I appreciate the work everyone put in to …
Read More»
Ambassador Blanchard was honored to become the honorary godmother to a gorgeous Lipizzaner foal named 909 Slavina XXXV, born this April in Lipica Stud Farm. Becoming a godmother is a special ceremony that is part of the Lipizzaner tradition. This ceremony constituted an important symbolic gesture highlighting the many shared values and cultural ties between the …
Read More»
U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia Lynda C. Blanchard presented a donation of equipment to aid in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 and prevention of future outbreaks to Minister of Health State Secretary Tina Bregant, Ministry of Defense State Secretary Damijan Jaklin, and Deputy Director of ACPDR Mr. Stanislav Lotrič at University Medical Center Ljubljana today. …
Read More»
June 3, 2020 Last month, we gathered to mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War Two – the commemoration of the day when peace and hope finally returned to Europe, but also a time to reflect on the immense human toll the war had taken. Today we are here on Mount Mangart …
Read More»
U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia Lynda C. Blanchard joined Ministry of Defense State Secretary Uroš Lampret, Ministry of Labor, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities State Secretary Mag. Cveto Uršič, Director of the Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (ACPDR) Darko But, and President of the Board of Directors of the Community of Social Institutions of Slovenia …
Read More»
8 May 20202 – Thank you to President Pahor for bringing us together to mark this important milestone in world history, and to my fellow ambassadors for being here to celebrate the solidarity that led us to victory in Europe. As we pay tribute to the brave forces who fought for our freedom, and remember …
Read More»
AmCham CEO Ajša Vodnik and Embassy leadership signed a charter to establish Slovenia’s first Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). OSAC is the U.S. government’s premier public-private global security partnership and establishing an OSAC Council in Slovenia will allow the Embassy to share timely and relevant security information and expert briefings on a range of security-related topics to the local private sector. Establishing OSAC, and its continued support, will help create an even stronger …
Read More»
U.S. Ambassador Lynda Blanchard welcomed the delivery of 5 new military field ambulances with Slovenian Defense Minister Matej Tonin at the Port of Koper this morning. The United States government donated four of the specially-outfitted High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV or “Humvee”), and the Ministry of Defense purchased an additional fifth vehicle. In addition …
Read More»
Today, our Ambassador and Slovenian President Borut Pahor marked Slovenian-American Friendship Day. The event is usually celebrated in Andraž nad Polzelo, but this year, the event was held appropriately to the current circumstances. In her speech, the Ambassador highlighted the importance of a strong relationship between our two countries, and thanked the people of Slovenia …
Read More»
What are the holidays without music? Ambassador Lynda Blanchard was thrilled to attend the “Traditional Christmas Concert” in Cankarjev dom in December that featured acclaimed Slovenian music stars like Oto Pestner, Alenka Godec, The New Swing Quarter, Uroš Perić and many other. Uroš Perić joined forces with some iconic singers from the United States, The …
Read More»
Ambassador Lynda Blanchard and her family visited the Catering and Tourism High School of Celje. After introducing her home state of Alabama, herself, her family and her career as a business executive and international humanitarian, Ambassador Blanchard was happy to answer all of the students’ questions. They were interested in many things, including education in …
Read More»
Good afternoon to all of you – Mayor Marentič, Mayor Smrdelj, General Žurman, General Glavaš. I’d like start by saying thank you to Association Kolut, Studio Proteus, and the makers of this film for capturing the story of such an important and compelling figure in modern history, and to our friends at the Park of …
Read More»
Ambassador Lynda Blanchard visited the Center for Education and Rehabilitation of Physically Handicapped Children and Adolescents (CIRIUS) in Kamnik, where she met with administrators, teachers, and students, and was inspired by the happy children and the incredible facilities and therapies available. Upon arrival, she was touched by the beautiful decorations prepared in honor of the …
Read More»
Ambassador Lynda Blanchard visited the Center for Education and Rehabilitation of Physically Handicapped Children and Adolescents (CIRIUS) in Kamnik, where she met with administrators, teachers, and students, and was inspired by the happy children and the incredible facilities and therapies available. Upon arrival, she was touched by the beautiful decorations prepared in honor of …
Read More»
Good afternoon and thank you so much for joining me for this very special event. I’d like to extend a special warm welcome to Dr. Binsted, who we’re very excited to host this week. She is such an incredibly accomplished scientist, and a fantastic ambassador for our country. And Dr. Stojmenova Duh (stoy-MEN-oh-vah dooh), …
Read More»
The U.S. Embassy Ljubljana Speaker Program is one of our most popular youth engagement programs. Invitations to visit schools throughout Slovenia increase every year, and we try to visit as many as we can! This year, we have already visited two schools in September. Our new Ambassador, Lynda Blanchard, was quick to volunteer to visit …
Read More»
Good morning, and thank you all for inviting me to join you. I couldn’t be happier to be among so many committed entrepreneurs from around the region. Truth be told, I feel at home in the business community, and I appreciate the chance to share in the excitement today. A warm welcome to my American …
Read More»
Koper, August 30, 2019 Good Morning. Thank you all for being here to help us welcome Commander Craig Trent and the entire crew of the USS Porter to Slovenia. Having a U.S. destroyer docked in the Port of Koper is a powerful symbol of our enduring bilateral defense relationship, and of the contributions we make …
Read More»
On August 29, 2019, Ambassador Lynda C. Blanchard presented her credentials to President Borut Pahor at the Presidential Palace in Ljubljana.
Read More»
New American Ambassador Lynda Blanchard arrives to Slovenia today! She is proud to represent the U.S. in Slovenia and she is anxious to experience Slovenian culture and it’s legendary hospitality. Meet the new U.S. ambassador and her beautiful family!
Read More»
The President’s nominee as U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia, Ms. Lynda Blanchard, was voted “out of committee” on April 3. Her nomination was then pending before the entire U.S. Senate. What does this all mean? What comes next? Our Prezi explains the steps that an Ambassador-designate takes in their confirmation process before they can arrive in …
Read More»
The Ambassador’s Residence, Ljubljana, June 28, 2018 President of the National Council Kovšca, Minister Židan, colleagues of the diplomatic corps, dragi gostje, dragi prijatelji, dober večer in dobrodošli. Welcome to this celebration of the 242nd anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. I want to extend a special welcome to Major General Michael …
Read More»
4th of July is the day when Americans celebrate the birth of their country. It is tradition to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks – either at a large public display, or a smaller gathering with friends and family. There may not have been fireworks at Ambassador Hartley’s the residence, but we’re glad everyone enjoyed the …
Read More»
The US Embassy Ljubljana, in cooperation with the Smithsonian Gardens-Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. and the University of Ljubljana Botanic Garden, opened the Smithsonian Pollinator Garden “Pollination Investigation” educational panels exhibit at the University of Ljubljana Botanic Garden on Friday, May 25, 2018. The opening was co-hosted by H.E. Brent R. Hartley US Ambassador to Slovenia and mag. Dejan …
Read More»
01 September 2013 to 10 May 2014, a multi-national unit consisting of 28 American and Slovenian Special Forces Soldiers, were assigned to the Special Operations Task Unit (SOTU) in Laghman, Eastern Afghanistan, serving as tactical advisors (High Risk Arrest, Armed Reconnaissance, Cordon and Search) to a 115 man Provincial Response Company (PRC), advancing security objectives in …
Read More»
On April 17, Ambassador Hartley hosted Monsignor Stanislav Zore, archbishop of Ljubljana, Dr. Nedžad Grabus, mufti of the Islamic Community in Slovenia, and Rabbi Ariel Haddad, chief rabbi of Slovenia, to discuss religious freedom and issues of concern to Slovenia’s Roman Catholic, Muslim, and Jewish communities. Archbishop Zore, Mufti Grabus, and Rabbi Haddad said Slovenia’s …
Read More»
Wreath laying in remembrance of the downing of B-17 bomber ‘Dark Eyes’ that was shot down over Andraž on March 19, 1944.
Read More»
On March 19, Ambassador Brent Hartley met with TPV Group President Marko Gorjup, Board Chairman Vladimir Gregor Bahč, Deputy President Tomaž Savšek, and Business Unit Director Ignac Bakše to discuss the automotive industry supplier’s European operations and tour its facilities in Novo Mesto and Velika Loka. With six plants and more than 1,200 employees, TPV …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley welcomed the entire group of American Fulbrighters in Slovenia—5 post-doctorate fellows and 2 students—into his home last week to discuss their research and teaching projects in Slovenia. All were very excited about their placement in Slovenia and had nothing but positive things to say about their hosts as well as time so far …
Read More»
On February 14, Ambassador Brent Hartley visited the community of Škofja Loka, where he discussed community development and the local economy with Mayor Miha Ješe. Afterward, the Ambassador attended a Business Leaders Club luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, where he discussed the state of the economy with local business leaders and touted …
Read More»
On February 13, Ambassador Brent Hartley hosted more than 20 leaders from private sector Slovenian companies interested in exporting to or investing in the United States, as well as representatives from Slovenia’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SPIRIT Slovenia, and American Chamber of Commerce. As Slovenia’s export-based economy grows, Ambassador …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley was pleased to join Piran Mayor Peter Bossman February 7 to open the exhibition “Art of Science: Marine Wonders” at Aquarium in Piran. The exhibition showcases the remarkable photographic creations of University of Washington professor Adam Summers alongside the poetry of Sierra Nelson.
Read More»
On February 6, Ambassador Brent Hartley visited the western Slovenian community of Idrija, where he met with the management team of Kolektor Group, a multinational company headquartered in Slovenia with operations in more than 30 countries producing highly specialized mobility components and systems for the European, Asian, and North American automotive industries. Kolektor’s subsidiaries are …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley had the honor to meet eight members of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing who were in the region for training and took the opportunity to visit Slovenia to follow up with a Slovenian seaman they rescued after a cargo carrier ship explosion in the mid-Atlantic in April 2017. This …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley was pleased to join Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning Majcen February 2nd for a ceremony marking the U.S. donation of computer equipment for flood forecasting and warning in the Sava River basin. The project supports the development of a regional flood warning system in the countries of the International Sava River Basin …
Read More»
A tribute to the music of Elvis Presley thrilled Ljubljana on what would have been his 83rd birthday. Ambassador Hartley joined a crowd of dedicated Elvis fans from Slovenia and the region for an evening of music from the TCB Band, Dennis Jale, and Sam’s Fever. TCB Band members formed the core rhythm section of …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley hosted distinguished guests and supporters of the American Slovenian Education Foundation (ASEF), including Minister for Slovenians Abroad Gorazd Žmavc, on December 21 to celebrate the 2017 ASEF fellows. ASEF was created in 2014 to build academic bridges between the U.S. and Slovenia by sending young Slovenian scholars to the U.S. The 2017 class …
Read More»
In the spirit of the season, Ambassador Hartley hosted a festive Christmas gathering. The Ambassador was pleased to catch up with friends and colleagues and discuss what had happened in 2017 and what 2018 has in store. Everybody enjoyed the Christmas carols performed by Big band Grosuplje. Ambassador Hartley wished everyone much joy and happiness …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley joined with other members of the Tolmin Alpine Club in a hike to Krnsko jezero on Saturday, November 11, to participate in a 100th anniversary commemoration of the battle of Kobarid, which shifted hostilities from the “Isonzo” front into Italy. Minister of Defense Katič was the guest of honor at the lake-side event …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley was pleased to invite Slovenian alumni of Harvard University into his residence for a reception in their honor. This wide-ranging group of distinguished guests included Harvard undergraduate, graduate and PhD recipients, Harvard Business School attendees, Fulbright and Ron Brown program participants, and American-Slovenian Education Fellows (ASEF).
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley observed Veterans Day with US veterans at the memorial site for downed World War II bomber “Double Trouble” in Logatec this past Thursday. The commemoration was made possible with the help of Mayor Menard and his staff as well as the local experts who researched and erected the monument.
Read More»
Introductory Remarks, Conference on Cyber Security, Institute Jozef Stefan, November 8, 2017 Dober dan. Hvala vam za povabilo. I’m incredibly pleased that the U.S. Embassy could help support today’s event in partnership with SI-CERT and the Jozef Stefan Institute. We welcome our developing bilateral cooperation on cyber issues and I only expect this to continue to grow as …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley and Consular Chief Amy Lorenzen met with students from the University of Ljubljana Faculty of Law on November 2. The wide-ranging discussion covered topics ranging from international and consular law to the functions of a diplomatic mission and the role of a diplomat. Thanks to the Faculty of Law for initiating the visit …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley was pleased to welcome the legendary Norma Miller, known to many as The Queen of Swing, to Slovenia in early October. Miller is an author, choreographer, dancer, comedian and actor whose career spans over seven decades. Discovered at the age of twelve by the Savoy Ballroom’s legendary dancer Twist Mouth George, Ms. Miller …
Read More»
All American diplomats coming to Slovenia are excited to learn about Slovenian culture and of course food is a big part of that. That is why we decided to prepare a Slovenian food tasting for the American diplomats at our embassy in Ljubljana.
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley gives remarks at the opening of the exhibition “Born Again – Slovenian Partisans and the Rescues of Allied Aviators during the Second World War” on October 1. The exhibition is located in near the village of Otok in the Municipality of Metlika. It tells the story of this region and its people during …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley spoke to the members of the Slovenian International Relations Association (SDMO) on September 26, 2017 about the future of U.S.-Europe relations. He noted that the transatlantic relationship has laid the foundation for unprecedented freedom, stability, and prosperity in much of the world and that Europe has been and will remain our indispensable partner …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley was happy to award medals to the winning Slovenian winemakers at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and the Great American International Wine Competition. Slovenian wine makers won an impressive 85 medals (four double-gold, 23 gold, 40 silver and 16 bronze) at the two American competitions. After medals were handed out, Ambassador Hartley had …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley and Chief of the Office for Defense Cooperation Steve Pena attended the opening of the exhibition entitled “Temporary Border: Life and Longing in Zone A (1945- 1947).” The exhibition marks the 70th anniversary of the creation of the western Slovenian border and is devoted to an outline of existential relations in the area …
Read More»
The 6th Annual Summer Economics Institute (SEI) 2017 held its Final Event on August 30, 2017 at the NLB Center za inovativno podjetništvo (CIP) for the 19 Slovenian university students who took part this year. Ambassador Brent R. Hartley and AmCham Slovenia Executive Director Ajsa Vodnik spoke about this innovative program, which is jointly organized …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley had a terrific time learning “hands on” about alpine dairies and cheese-making. Recently hosted by the Lipušček-Miklavič family at Planina Medrje, he helped to milk the cows – including mucking out the milking house afterward — and to make Tolminc cheese and skuta. Learning traditional dairying methods in such a spectacular natural setting …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley visited the Blueberry festival in Borovnica, also attended by President Pahor. The city’s blueberry cultivation was supported 50 years ago by U.S. aid in the form of blueberries from Oregon, Ambassador Hartley’s home state.
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley and other US Embassy staff visited international company Atotech, producer of specialty chemicals. Director Mariana Karla Rebernik explained the history of the company and showed how their products are made. Mayor of Radovljica, Ciril Globočnik joined the meeting and explained future projects of Radovljica municipality. Ambassador also visited a Slovenian company Euro Plus …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley spent a pleasant evening attending a sold-out concert by Italian chamber orchestra Solisti Aquilani. The second part of the evening, American superstar John Malkovich joined the program,interpreting excerpts from Ernesto Sabato’s novel “On Heroes and Tombs.” John Malkovich is a versatile actor who performed in over 70 movies and is a two-time Academy Award nominee. Photos Courtesy of Sašo …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley and other US Embassy staff met with the Mayor of Piran, Peter Bossman, to discuss issues facing coastal towns in Slovenia. Ambassador Hartley also enjoyed a nice walking tour of Piran, which is the tourism capital of Slovenia.
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley visited the Municipality of Žalec on Friday, where he toured the Eco-Museum of Hop-Growing and Brewing, visited the famous Žalec beer fountain, and had a tour of Rojnik hops farm. Thanks to Mayor Janko Kos and everyone in Žalec for their hospitality!
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley was pleased to attend the concert by legendary jazz musician Archie Shepp, who performed last Friday night as part of the 58th Ljubljana Jazz Festival. The concert was a tribute to the fabulous jazz performer John Coltrane, who Shepp worked with in 1965 on Coltrane’s legendary free-jazz album Ascension. Shepp performed in Ljubljana …
Read More»
On Thursday, the 29th of June, we hosted the annual 4th of July reception at Festivalna dvorana in Ljubljana. A very warm thank you to everyone who joined us for the celebration.
Read More»
Festivalna dvorana, Ljubljana, June 29, 2017 Ministers, ladies and gentlemen, good evening, and welcome to this celebration tonight of the 241st anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The drafters of our Declaration of Independence wrote of self-evident truths: “that all men are created equal,” and that they are endowed “with certain unalienable …
Read More»
A delegation from Crater Lake National Park (Oregon, U.S.) visited Triglav National Park where TNP officials led them on a three-day familiarization tour. They learned about and discussed common issues that they share and the two parks will sign a Memorandum of Understanding following the tour, becoming “Sister Parks” and partnering on shared objectives such …
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley had a very enjoyable visit to Slovenian manufacturer Elan, best known for its ski, marine, and wind products. During the visit, the Ambassador had the great opportunity to examine Elan’s large range of skis, including its latest technical breakthrough – a foldable ski suitable for military and civilian uses.
Read More»
Ambassador Hartley visited the Municipality of Kamnik where he met the Mayor of Kamnik and talked with students and teachers at a local middle school (OŠ Marije Vere). After sightseeing in Kamnik’s old city, Ambassador Hartley laid a wreath at Češnjice war memorial.
Read More»
March 11, 2017 Madam Minister, Ambassador Kacin, Mr. Mayor, Generals, other distinguished guests, it is an honor and privilege to join you today in Žužemberk. Hvala vam za povabilo. Today we celebrate and remember the remarkable story of the B-17 “Je Reviens,” its crewmembers, and the partisans who saved those crewmembers’ lives by escorting them …
Read More»
Castle Fužine, June 30, 2016 Spoštovane dame in gospodje, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. Dober večer, in hvala, da ste danes z nami. Thank you very much for coming this evening. It has been my great honor to represent the United States in Slovenia and a particular honor this year as the Slovenian people celebrate …
Read More»
On Labor Day Ambassador Hartley used the combination of great weather, a day off and good company to conquer the highest mountain in Slovenia, Triglav. The path he and his fellow climbers took went from Krma to Malo Polje, over Kurica and Kranjsko sedlo. After a short stop at Planika, they continued to the top. …
Read More»
November 8, 2016 Good Evening and thank you to our colleagues at the American Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to welcome you to tonight’s event. It’s a pleasure in so many ways to work with AmCham Slovenia: to promote increased trade, investment, and business cooperation between the United States and Slovenia, to campaign for …
Read More»