Topic:
Country: Slovenia
Delegate Name: Cohen Ketner
Committee: UNODC
Country: Slovenia
School: Grand Haven High School
Author: Cohen A. Ketner
Topic A: Preserving free and fair elections
As a former Yugoslav state Slovenia was left abandoned after the breakup of Yugoslavia leaving corruption and lots of organized crime in the wake. Since then Slovenia has worked to try to build up its government strength and enlarge the police force to create more stability and safety. To gain more money to help the government Slovenia started selling weapons to neighboring countries. Slovenia was the largest weapons dealer in central Europe for a very long time.
Slovenia is ranked 42nd in most corrupt governments out of 180 countries. Bribery is illegal for UK citizens in our country. In October 2024, the Council of Europe Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) published a report concluding that there had been insufficient progress in implementing anti-corruption recommendations and that robust action is needed to strengthen integrity in government and police. Slovenia also has a National Bureau of Investigation, which operates as part of the police system, and specialises in economic and financial crime. A 2023 United States Department of State report downgraded Slovenia to a Tier 2, concluding that the country does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, but is making significant efforts to do so. Recommendations include more vigorous investigation and prosecution of crimes, including tougher penalties and prison terms and more support for victims.
One of the solutions that Slovenia needs is using their law enforcement to help to enforce laws more effectively. The bribery law is barely enforced so the government is usually run by organized crime groups. Slovenia created an anti-corruption reform which has been delayed. Slovenia has been trying to get this passed but due to the bribery in the government it has been rejected multiple times. They have been able to amend it many times in an attempt to pass it but every time it has failed. It also took a really long time to pass a code of ethics in Slovenia.
Works Cited:
“Overseas Business Risk: Slovenia.” GOV.UK, www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-business-risk-slovenia/overseas-business-risk-slovenia#:~:text=In%202023%2C%20Slovenia%20was%20ranked,is%20not%20common%20in%20Slovenia. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Zgaga, Blaž, and Blaž Zgaga. “Exposing Slovenia’s Dark History in the Yugoslav Conflict – ICIJ.” International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, 13 Oct. 2017, www.icij.org/inside-icij/2014/03/exposing-slovenias-dark-history-yugoslav-conflict/
Slovenia’s Stalled Anti-Corruption Reform: What… – Transparency.Org, www.transparency.org/en/blog/slovenias-stalled-anti-corruption-reform-what-numbers-dont-tell-us. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
