It is now fifteen years since Slovenia became a Schengen state. For the Slovenian people, the most visible sign of the country’s entry into the Schengen Area was the end of border controls at the borders with Austria, Italy and Hungary. This was a very important development for Slovenia, as its path to other EU states and the Schengen Area finally opened up. This year’s 15th anniversary is also marked by the recent important decision by the Justice and Home Affairs Council on extending Schengen to include the neighbouring and friendly state of Croatia as of 1 January 2023.

We will soon be celebrating one of the most important days in Slovenia’s contemporary history. On 26 December, Slovenia marks Independence and Unity Day to commemorate the date of 26 December 1990, when the official results of the plebiscite, carried out three days before, were announced. The holiday, known simply as Independence Day until 2005, was renamed after the adoption of the amended Public Holidays and Work-Free Days in the Republic of Slovenia Act. The change was made to emphasise the unity of the citizens who voted for an independent Slovenia in the plebiscite. Unity was thus what marked the plebiscite on Slovenia’s independence.

The longest night in the year is over, known also as the winter solstice, which marks the official beginning of winter. After that the days begin lengthening. A new cycle begins. The solstice is the moment at which you should stop and look back at the past, while looking forward to a new time in which light and life will return. The magical Christmas time is upon us. Nature is ending its cycle, so it can begin a new one.