In an exclusive interview with Ambassador of Spain to Slovenia Javier Herrera, we reflect on 33 years of diplomatic relations and 26 years since the opening of the Spanish Embassy in Ljubljana. Ambassador Herrera highlights the remarkable progress achieved in mutual understanding, trade, and cultural exchange between the two nations. Under his leadership, Spain continues to strengthen its presence in Slovenia through initiatives that promote investment, tourism, and language learning, as well as close collaboration within the EU and the MED9 framework.
Your Excellency, this year marks 33 years of diplomatic relations between Spain and Slovenia, as well as 26 years since the establishment of the Spanish Embassy in Ljubljana. Looking back on this journey, what would you highlight as the most significant achievement of Spain’s diplomatic presence here, and how would you describe the current state of relations between our two countries?
Over the past 33 years of diplomatic relations, and particularly since Spain established an embassy in Ljubljana in 1999, I would say that the main achievement has been an improvement in mutual understanding. Until then, Slovenia was a relatively unknown country for Spain, somehow lost within Yugoslavia. Since then, it has gradually taken on its own identity and become more distinct for Spaniards, as evidenced by the fact that more
and more Spanish tourists, 100,000 of whom visited Slovenia last year, are visiting Slovenia.
This greater knowledge, which I often describe by saying that the traditional Slovenian expression “španska vas” is no longer appropriate, is reflected also in a growing interest among Slovenians in the Spanish language and culture, and in a notable improvement in trade.
With regard to the state of relations between Spain and Slovenia, they can only be described as excellent. It is difficult to find two countries that are as aligned as Spain and Slovenia on most of the issues dealt with on the international stage, whether it be the question of security and defence spending, the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, the enlargement of the EU towards the Western Balkans, the Multiannual Financial Framework, improving competitiveness within the European Union, transatlantic relations, climate change, our vision of the Mediterranean region and the Southern Neighbourhood… or any other.
We frequently coordinate our positions within international organizations and mutually support each other’s candidacies. It is very significant that Spain has repeatedly stated, during Slovenia’s two years on the United Nations Security Council, that my country feels very well represented by Slovenia in that body, as Slovenia’s positions are always our own.
A little over a year has passed since you assumed your post in Slovenia. Reflecting on this period, what moments or initiatives have particularly defined your first year as ambassador, and what priorities do you intend to focus on in the coming years to further strengthen bilateral ties?
Throughout the 15 months since I took up my post in Slovenia, I have sought to strengthen all of the aspects mentioned above, which are also those entrusted to me by my authorities when I was appointed Ambassador. In particular, everything related to trade, supporting Spanish companies in entering this market, where, although the figures are gradually improving, there is still considerable room for growth.
The same is true in the cultural sphere, where we are trying to increase our presence every day, as demonstrated by the fact that, coinciding with my arrival, we have reopened the Instituto Cervantes, which had to be closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. At present, Spanish is the foreign language, after English, whose learning is growing the most in Slovenia.
We are also trying to increase our participation in the prestigious Ljubljana Festival and our collaboration with the very active Spanish Department at the University of Ljubljana and the Slovenian Association of Spanish Teachers. We are promoting Spanish-Slovenian Literary Dialogues and also funding a prize for translation from Spanish into Slovenian to enable Slovenian readers to access Spanish literature in their own language.
And, of course, I maintain close ties with the Slovenian government authorities to ensure that the excellent relationship between Spanish and Slovenian institutions continues on the positive course it has been on in recent years. This can be seen in the very close personal relationship between Prime Minister Robert Golob and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, which is evident every time they meet in Brussels or elsewhere at international meetings.
They also met recently in Madrid (where Prime Minister Golob travelled on 29 May on an official visit) and in Slovenia, when President Sánchez travelled to Portorož a few days ago, on 20 October, to participate in the MED9 Leaders’ Summit. Our Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Tanja Fajon and José Manuel Albares, also have a great affinity and personal closeness, and Ms Fajon has travelled to Madrid a couple of times over the last year. The same is true of our Ministers of the Interior, Boštjan Poklukar and Fernando Grande-Marlaska. The latter made an official trip to Ljubljana last March, reciprocating the visit Poklukar had made to Madrid a year earlier.
In 2024, Spain ranked as Slovenia’s 16th most important trading partner — a sign of a solid yet still expanding economic relationship. As trade continues to grow in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals, where do you see the greatest untapped opportunities for Spanish investment in Slovenia, and what measures could help remove existing barriers to deeper economic cooperation?
As I mentioned earlier, improving our trade relations is one of the goals I have set myself, and I believe that we are gradually succeeding
in attracting Spanish companies seeking to enter this market, as well as convincing their potential Slovenian partners of the excellence and reliability of the products they offer.
One example is the Spanish automotive and electric mobility company Irízar, which is in talks with LPP to participate in the renewal of the Ljubljana municipality’s bus fleet. Another is the large technology and defence industry company Indra, which is also exploring this market. And
recently, the Aluminier-Technal Network, one of the largest distributors in the aluminium carpentry market, held its annual distributors’ meeting
in Ljubljana, attended by representatives from nearly 300 companies. These are just a few examples of the activity we are trying to promote and support.
Improving our trade relations is one of the goals I have set myself, and I believe that we are gradually succeeding.
We also have a significant and growing presence in the tourism sector, as evidenced by the fact that four of the main hotels in Ljubljana are
Spanish-owned or managed. And we are working to facilitate air connectivity between Slovenia and Spain, which until now has been limited to the two weekly flights that Iberia operates every year for several weeks during the summer months. During the coming winter months (November to March), it will also be possible to fly from Ljubljana to Barcelona (two flights a week with Vueling) and Gran Canaria (one flight a week with Air Baltic).
Following the MED9 Summit in Portorož, what are your key impressions of the discussions on enhancing economic competitiveness and addressing regional challenges, particularly the humanitarian situation in Gaza? In your view, how might the MED9 group’s role evolve in strengthening cooperation among Mediterranean EU member states?
The world today is certainly turbulent, geopolitical balances have shifted, and the stability that seemed to have taken hold at the beginning of the 21st century has deteriorated. And sometimes it seems that the EU’s role has been somewhat diluted.
It is very important that, alongside the three major poles of influence that are the United States, Russia and China, the European Union has its own voice, as this will guarantee respect for human rights, international law and the fundamental freedoms that underpin our European identity. For this to happen, the EU must speak with one voice, improve the competitiveness of its economy and be perceived as a generator of consensus.
The EU must speak with one voice, improve the competitiveness of its economy, and be perceived as a generator of consensus.
Given that there can sometimes be different sensitivities within the European Union, it is important that the countries of the Mediterranean region coordinate our positions and defend them with conviction within the Council of the European Union. A forum such as MED9 is extremely useful for this purpose. The excellent Slovenian Presidency throughout 2025 has helped to highlight its value. The recently agreed Mediterranean Pact points in this direction.
With regard to Gaza, we are very hopeful about the Peace Plan agreed at the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit, and we trust that, following the implementation of the ceasefire, a second phase of massive humanitarian aid and reconstruction can now begin. The European Union is willing to
help and to join its voice and actions to those of the US, but also to work together with other relevant actors in the region, such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and, of course, Jordan, whose King participated in the recent MED9 Summit in Portorož and signed a Joint Declaration on the situation in the Middle East together with European leaders.
Around 100,000 Spaniards visited Slovenia last year. In your opinion, what makes Slovenia such an appealing destination for Spanish visitors, and how can tourism further contribute to mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the two nations?
We Spaniards are a nation of adventurers and explorers, as evidenced by the fact that we were the first to arrive in America more than 500 years ago. By this, I mean that we are drawn to discovering the world, we are drawn to different cultures, and we are drawn to meeting other people, their customs, etc. And that means that wherever one goes in the world, no matter how remote the place, there will always be Spaniards there. Residents or visitors.
We Spaniards are a nation of adventurers and explorers, as evidenced by the fact that we were the first to arrive in America more than 500 years ago.
And this is the case with Slovenia, which, although not a geographically remote country, has only recently become known to Spaniards. However, the fact that visitor numbers are increasing every year demonstrates the great appeal that this country has for Spaniards. This is because those who visit this country return delighted, and what they tell their friends and family encourages them to visit Slovenia too. One of the things that attracts my compatriots is the great variety this country offers: impressive mountains, lakes, natural parks, a small but beautiful coastline, and the historic centres of many cities, which are extremely attractive. And, of course, we Spaniards love to eat and greatly appreciate Slovenian cuisine.
As I said before, tourist exchanges, not only of Spaniards coming to Slovenia, but also the large number of Slovenians who visit Spain every year, help us to get to know each other better and to take a greater interest in each other’s culture and personality. And let’s not forget the students. I like to point out that of all the European students who come to Slovenia each year as part of the Erasmus+ university exchange programme, the largest contingent is Spanish. Conversely, Spain is the favourite destination for Slovenian students participating in this European Union programme.
Personally, Slovenia has been a great discovery for me. Before taking up my post as Ambassador in 2024, I had only been there once, for a few days, in 1994. I remember well the trip I took to Lake Bled, which is the country’s tourist attraction _par excellence_, and rightly so. Since I have been living here, I have been there several times, and each time I am there, I am amazed by its beauty, which also changes depending on the season.
But as I have had the opportunity to travel extensively around the country, I must say that there are many things that have surprised and captivated me. In addition to the historic centre of Ljubljana, I really like the historic centres of Maribor and Ptuj. And on the coast, Piran is definitely a place to enjoy, stroll and relax. And many more places.
On the occasion of the European Capital of Culture, I had the opportunity to visit Nova Gorica and the region of Goriška Brda a couple of times, which I liked not only for its landscapes but also for its excellent wines. By the way, some of the best wines, the Bagueri wines, are of Spanish origin. For those who are interested in learning a little more about this, I encourage you to google the Spanish count and diplomat Silverio de Baguer to find out about his relationship with the origins of this winery and Grad Dobrovo.
I also find Slovenian cuisine very appealing. It is tasty and varied, with a wide range of options available both in Ljubljana and throughout the country.
And as a sports lover, I follow the international triumphs of Slovenian athletes with interest. And I admire the achievements of Tadej Pogačar. He is undoubtedly the best cyclist today and is on his way to becoming the best of all time. It’s not that he wins many races; it’s that he wins practically every race he enters.
In short, it is difficult to choose just one thing, because there are so many things in Slovenia that make this country very attractive to visitors and also to those of us who are fortunate enough to live here for a few years.
To delve deeper into Slovenia’s wide-ranging international partnerships, continue reading our exclusive interviews with the Ambassador of Algeria to Slovenia, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Slovenia, and the Ambassador of Lithuania to Slovenia, highlighting the diverse array of diplomatic and cultural exchanges thriving in Ljubljana.
