The symbol and the visual identity system of the Presidency
Europe in the heart of Slovenia and Slovenia at the centre of Europe
The Slovenian EU Presidency symbol brings together the symbolism of the five classic elements to reproduce characteristic national symbols, such as Mt Triglav, Slovenia's highest mountain, waterways and the sea, and combine them with European symbols – the yellow star on blue background. The author of the symbol is designer Robert Kuhar, Professor of Fine Arts.
The concept of the symbol is clear, modern, open and dynamic and at the same time
clean and universally applicable. The symbol incorporates characteristic national values, while clearly communicating Slovenia's connection to Europe and the world. It emphasises Slovenia's open-minded and modern spirit, and carries clear primary messages, while allowing freedom for the interpretation of secondary messages.
About the Presidency symbol
Slovenia’s Presidency symbol conveys this centred concept by depicting the five basic elements – Fire, Earth, Air, Water and Ether.
Fire is the shooting star representing the dynamism and energy of a young, modern country looking to the future and eager to face challenges. The star is also the chief emblem of the European Union.
Earth is represented by Mt Triglav depicted by the mountain outline at the top.
Triglav is Slovenia’s highest mountain and its most potent national symbol conveying the sense of determination and achievement.
Water flowing below represents Slovenia's beautiful rivers and sea. Water symbolises depth and wisdom, thereby conveying Slovenia’s political, economic and cultural maturity, and its potential for wise counsels. Running water also symbolises healthy living.
Air is represented by the white spaces interspersing the outlines of the logo. It reminds one of Slovenia’s fresh, natural air, and symbolises the country’s desire to breathe life into everything it undertakes.
The outline of the symbol for Slovenia’s Presidency of the European Union represents an oak leaf. Oak reflects the solid, persistent, dependable character of Slovenes, a people who are cool under pressure and thoughtful in their decisions.
The upper outline represents the Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia. The Triglav is the country’s most potent national symbol. There is a saying that to be a true Slovene, you must have climbed it. Triglav symbolizes determination and achievement.
The lower wavy outline represents the many running streams in Slovenia and the waves of the sea on its coast. Moving waters symbolize depth and healthy living. Combined, the outer outlines convey Slovenia’s natural beauty and the ecological orientation of its people.
The yellow shooting star in the middle recalls the stars in the flag of the EU. Its upward movement conveys Slovenia’s aspiration to provide a dynamic Presidency to the EU.
Placing the European Union star inside the outlines of Slovenia indicates that Slovenes hold European ideals within their hearts. Through its Presidency, it is taking Europe into its embrace.
Implementation of the Visual Identity System of the Presidency
The symbol and the visual identity system applications will be applied in a number of ways, including the standard use on promotional and protocol publications, gifts, internet sites, electronic contents, video materials and wayfinding systems, as well as non-standard applications such as on the elements of Partners of the Presidency, one-off VIP badges, car covers and scenic elements used at the Presidency's events in Slovenia and Europe.
The applications of visual identity boast uniqueness and the harmony between form and character.
Robert Kuhar
Creative Project Manager, PEU Visual Identity System
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About the author
Robert Kuhar is a Professor of Fine Arts. Already as a secondary school student, he attended lectures at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana. He graduated in 1993 from the Ljubljana Faculty of Education, Department of Fine Arts, with a project in graphical visual identity. He specialises in visual communications, particularly the design and application of corporate identities. His work today mainly includes creative management, advising and designing solutions for visual communications.
At the beginning of his career, he collaborated with a number of communication agencies, and now he has his own company, where he can devote himself to creative work and business. The Robert Kuhar Corporate Design brand employs top professionals in the field to provide comprehensive and quality services in visual corporate communication.
The long list of his clients includes Slovenia's largest companies, organisations, public administration bodies and culture institutions.