When the economic and financial crisis reached its peak, Slovenia started shrinking its network of diplomatic and consular representative bodies. In 2012, the country closed embassies in Sweden, Finland, Portugal and Ireland as well as the general consulate in New York.

Recently Slovenia has started expanding its diplomatic network again, also by supporting non-professional diplomacy by opening the so-called "honorary consulates". Four have been established in June alone – in Sevilla, Lund (Sweden), Florence (the honorary consul is Salvatore Paratore, the owner of one of the biggest law firms in the city and a university lecturer), and Caloundra in Australia (the consul is Nevenka Golc-Clarke, a businesswoman).

According to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Slovenia has 19 general consulates around the world, which are run by honorary general consuls, 96 consulates led by honorary consuls, and only 5 general consulates managed by career diplomats.

Unofficially, the recent openings are an attempt to strengthen economic diplomacy in stabilising times, since due to strict austerity measures at embassies the number of staff as well as financial means kept decreasing. On the other hand, the Slovenian Foreign Ministry has very good experience with some honorary consuls precisely in terms of economic diplomacy.

What exactly is the difference between an honorary general consulate and an ordinary consulate? The general consulate can be founded in the capital city of a country without a Slovenian embassy, in important political or economic centres, or cities where a significant number of people of Slovenian origin live. In other cities, a consulate, a vice-consulate or a consular bureau can be established, depending on its intended function.

The title of an "honorary consul" is not a lifelong honour; it is revoked when the candidate turns 75 or does not take the job seriously. The service is under revision every five years, and after this time the foreign minister can recommend discharge to the government. Honorary consuls may also be dismissed if their function is no longer in the interest of Slovenia, if they harm the reputation or interests of the country with its service, or if they request to be discharged.

Gregor Cerar, MMC;
translated by K. Z.