Ongoing Research on the Slovenes of Porabje – The Significance of the “Development Program for the Slovenian Region of Porabje (2020–2023)” for the Slovenian Community 2025

The project analyzes the Development Program for the Slovenian Community in Porabje, as well as its creation, implementation, and impacts from the perspective of key political actors within the Slovenian community in Hungary. The program, which has been in effect since 2021, is designed to strengthen the economic foundation and improve the living conditions of the Slovenian community in Porabje. The research is based on semi-structured interviews with leading representatives of the Slovenian community who participated in the design and implementation of the program, as well as on an analysis of relevant documents and professional literature. The results show that the program’s effects are most visible in the areas of local infrastructure and increased community visibility, while economic and tourism effects are limited. Interviewees emphasize the need for further improvements while also highlighting the program’s contribution to strengthening the identity of the Slovenian community in Porabje.