Speaking against a backdrop of Partisan and workers' songs, the prime minister said the values of the National Liberation Movement were in fact the values of peace.

"These values had to be fought for in war, but need to be preserved and cherished in peace," she told some 2,000 people who gathered for a cultural event following a march along the paths of a Partisan unit on the hills of Pohorje in the north-east of the country.

Pointing to the responsibility to stand united at a time of crisis, Bratušek wondered whether "we will be able to get together regardless of our political differences or will these differences pose too big a problem, resulting in failing the history exam".

She reiterated her "recent assurances given to Europe that Slovenia can do what it has to do", and pointed to the need to act responsibly, especially with a view to what today's acts would bring to future generations.

Today's Festival of Peace kicked off in the morning with the traditional march along the paths of the 90-strong Pohorje Battalion.

The march was organised by WWII veterans' organisations and local tourism and mountaineering societies. This year, its honorary sponsor was the defence minister.