Slovenia vs. Croatia - EU blockage, border issue
By alnilam
@alnilam (969)
United States
December 21, 2008 9:58am CST
I was wondering what is your opinion on this matter. Who do you think is right. I am from Slovenia and because of that, well can not have a objective opinion nor do I have enough historical knowledge to judege this border question, so I am really interested on what your wiew on this matter is. This thing is really making tensions between our countries, some harsh words are beeing said (because media is feeding both sides with extreeme information and there are alot of "extremist" on both sides that are taking it to serious).
So what is your opinion on this?
2 responses
@Fadolf (545)
• Slovenia
1 Feb 09
First of all I'm from Croatia, blockade doesn't matter to me at all because I think that EU brings nothing good. Slovenians want land that doesn't belong to them (historical borders) and the problem is that no one exactly knows where that border is. During the years the border was changing without both governments controlling it and now both governments suddenly want to decide the exact borders. I don't like Slovenians because they don't like us Croatians and because of it I'm boycotting Slovenian products as every proud Croat does (I'm not an extremist). Don't get me wrong, not every Slovenian is bad. Why do we hate each others, maybe because during the history Slovenia was always in the shade because of other countries (Serbia, Croatia...) and now they want payback because of it... There is also one more thing that bothers me, Mercator (Slovenian company with stores in many other countries) gave bigger salaries to employees for Christmas. Every single employee got extra cash but Croatian employees. Do you think it is fair? Because of that I'm boycotting Slovenia and their products.
1 person likes this
@alnilam (969)
• United States
2 Feb 09
Not wanting to start a fussle or anything but I do not think it is fair that you claim in one sentence that Slovenia wants land that does not belong to it and in another sentence you write that nobody knows where the border is (so it is not yet decided who has the right to that land).
I do not think that Slovenians do not like Croatians - well atleast I do not get that feeling, I think this is more a consequence of media. From a personal note more "hating" towards Croats came from mouths of people of other nationalities (in SLovenia).
I personally do not see the meaning of boycoting the products because I think the first ones to suffer are the salesmans and saleswomans (Croats) and you are firstly hurting them, they loose jobs, they get less money - think of that too, it is true it will hurt Slovenia in the end but is it really worth it? + Actions like this only lead to more hate.
As far as Mercator goes I do not think that is fair - but you must take one thing into consideration, Croatian Mercator is led by a Croatian not a Slovenian and decisions like that are made in its menagement not from Slovenia.
@neuronic (242)
• Japan
28 Dec 08
First of all, let me state that I am no expert to Balkanian matters, I only read news and try to make an opinion out of it. When it comes to any big bureaucratic system like EU, we all know that the money is involved. Lots of it, usually. Now, you have to realize that the countries are also led by the very "powerful" men from the background, who have their interest in this game. The question arose, is Croatia even wanting to enter EU? Obviously someone has a very high political influence in all this to have been able to manipulate such a conflict. It is always my opinion that countries in bad relationship have no benefits out of any political arguments. It's better you find the way to solve it because it's the only way you can grow together, and find a way to prosperity using each other.
As far as Slovenia is concerned, it is obvious they are trying to reach some sort of deadlock position and prolong the negotiations for new countries to join EU. Or, just perhaps, is it the EU that is really controlling this very incident. Think about it; Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia have suffered through a great war, ultimately EU is trying to stabilize the area by getting them united in "one package". All I can say is good luck, because that's exactly what both countries will need, it's too obvious that someone outside is playing ping-pong with people's mind.
Like I said before, it's just my opinion, if it hurt your national feelings, I am apologizing in advanced (lately people get offended over everything, unfortunately)...
1 person likes this
@alnilam (969)
• United States
8 Jan 09
Thanks on your opinion... It did not hurt my national feelings (the only thing i mind is that i do not see Slovenia as a Balkanian country, not that something is wrong with that, but the difference in culture is grand) but I do understand your apology because really lately people will grasp you on every word. I agree with you that we need luck because this is one big "game" that can have serious consequences, they are starting to feel already. I live a few kilometers from the border and in a mix area, we do get along good (as we always did) but there is some tension in the air, one must watch what he/she says, we used to joke on our nationalities and it always ended in laughs now it is not rare that it ends with a grudge, it is sad.