The Office for Slovenes Abroad has become an independent government service. The Office maintains contact with the Slovene minority and with emigrant organisation in neighbouring countries, promoting their cultural, educational, economic and other links with Slovenia. The office is responsible for the legal protection of Slovene communities abroad, and offers financial assistance for the organisations and activities of these communities as well as for the organisations in Slovenia that co-operate with them. Financial support for programmes and projects is provided through public calls for tenders. The Office is also responsible for monitoring and co-ordinating the activities of ministries competent for co-operation with Slovenes outside Slovenia. The office co-operates closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with Slovenia's diplomatic and consular missions, as well as with the Slovene Cultural and Economic Association (SKGZ), an umbrella organisation of the Slovene minority in Italy, with the organisations of Slovene minorities in Austria and Hungary, and with other Slovene organisations around the world.