Slovenia in the European Union

Ever since the declaration of independence, the Republic of Slovenia has expressed its readiness and goal to become a full member of the European Union in strategic development documents and at the highest political level. One year after the declaration of independence, in 1992, Slovenia applied for a Europe Agreement and for support in restructuring and consolidating the economy. Through many years of negotiations, an agreement was reached on the conditions of Slovenia's accession, Slovenian legislation was adjusted to European rules, and some exceptions and transitional periods were agreed.

Since 1 May 2004, Slovenia has been a full member of the EU. In addition to the financial and developmental advantages of EU membership, Slovenian citizens have the opportunity to find employment in other Member States, and travel within the EU after Slovenia's entry into the Schengen area has been greatly simplified. On 1 January 2007, the Republic of Slovenia deepened its ties with other EU countries, when as 13 countries it adopted the common European currency - the euro, which significantly simplifies the operation of companies and the payment of citizens. The presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2008 was also a great challenge for the young Slovenian state. In the second half of 2021, Slovenia presided over the Council of the EU for the second time.