Slovenian poem Zdravljica receives European Heritage Label

The seventh stanza of Zdravljica, or A Toast in English, set to music by Stanko Premrl in 1905, was chosen to be Slovenia's national anthem in March 1990.

An ode to wine, it is one of few national anthems that is not militant, but in fact celebrates the idea of tolerance and co-existence among nations.

The most celebrated Slovenian poet was inspired to write it by pan-Slavic ideas, which had gained ground as a counterweight to growing German nationalism in the Hapsburg Empire, and by the ideas of the French Revolution and patriotism.

"The Slovenian anthem rejects wars and fights, and stressed unity and friendship among nations," historian Božo Repe told the STA as 30 years passed on Sunday since Zdravljica officially became Slovenia's anthem.

"Even if it was written back in 1844, it is still topical. Especially during these crisis times when...