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The article analyses Slovenian–German relations, with a particular focus on the period between December 1990 and June 1991. The author takes a look at the positions that the Federal Republic of Germany assumed with regard to the plebiscite in Slovenia and recognition of Slovenian independence, as well as the circumstances (national and international) that led Germany to these positions. The article finds that as late as the spring of 1991 the official German policy was preserving the integrity of Yugoslavia, while it was already aware this might be an unrealistic wish. This is why it foresaw Slovenian and Croatian independence as one of the possibilities. When war in Slovenia broke out, Germany saw that Yugoslavia was gone, so it took a completely different stance than only weeks before. This was also reflected in its active engagement for swift international recognition of Slovenia and Croatia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article delves into the process of setting up an independent diplomatic apparatus of the Republic of Slovenia. It aims to shed light on the role of Slovenian paradiplomats (particularly business representatives) in the country's independence process, as well as highlight the importance of diplomats who worked in the Yugoslav service and helped lay the foundations for the diplomacy of independent Slovenia. The article brings three fi ndings. First, business representations abroad played an extremely important role in the outset of forming Slovenia's diplomacy. Second, Slovenians in the federal foreign ministry provided great support by working hard to provide Slovenia with as much information as possible for shaping its position in the independence process and the mustering of international support for recognition. Third, the beginning of independent Slovenia's diplomacy required much enthusiasm and diplomatic innovation, which faded into history when they were limited by the framework of the entire system, once the diplomatic apparatus was formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]