The Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Slovenia examined the broader issue of unresolved denationalisation proceedings and found that, even more than three decades after the procedures began, the state has still failed to establish an effective system for bringing them to a conclusion. In the Ombudsman’s view, this constitutes a systemic problem that violates the right to equal protection of rights under Article 22 of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia, as well as the principle of good administration under Article 3 of the Human Rights Ombudsman Act.

According to data from early 2024, 95 denationalisation claims remained unresolved, with administrative units still handling most of the most complex cases. The Ombudsman finds that the key problems have not substantially changed over the past three decades: proceedings continue to take an unreasonably long time, decision-making practices remain inconsistent, cases are repeatedly returned for reconsideration, and administrative units often lack sufficient staffing and professional support.

An additional difficulty arises from the fact that many proceedings have become increasingly complex due to their excessive duration. In numerous cases, the original claimants have already passed away, legal successors have entered the proceedings, and new legal issues relating to citizenship, inheritance, and developments in judicial practice have emerged.

In examining this broader issue, which is important for the protection of human rights, the Ombudsman found that the state lacks a uniform operational model for concluding these proceedings. Administrative units are frequently left to organise their work independently, without clear guidance or systemic support from the Ministry of Public Administration. In some cases, proceedings are handled by officials without the necessary experience, while at the time of the Ombudsman’s review, the so-called specialised group at the Celje Administrative Unit had not even been formally established.

In the Ombudsman’s view, this situation constitutes a systemic failure by the state to fulfil its obligations. While the remaining cases are undoubtedly challenging, this does not justify the fact that, even after more than 30 years, the state has failed to establish an effective, professionally supported, and well-organised system for resolving them. Excessively lengthy proceedings directly affect the legal position of individuals and create legal uncertainty regarding the management of real estate.

The Ombudsman therefore recommended that the Ministry of Public Administration establish a centralised system for resolving the remaining denationalisation proceedings within a single administrative unit, supported by appropriate staffing and financial resources.

The Ministry and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia have followed these recommendations. A special denationalisation organisational unit is currently being established within the Celje Administrative Unit, alongside the creation of an interdepartmental working group that will monitor the completion of the proceedings.

The Ombudsman emphasises that, while these steps confirm the necessity of the Ombudsman’s intervention, they do not diminish the seriousness of the identified violations. The state must ensure that even the most complex proceedings are concluded within a reasonable timeframe and under equal conditions for all.