SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF EU MEMBERSHIP

At the press conference on the second anniversary of Slovenia's joining the EU, the Prime Minister, Janez Janša, talked about a brief survey that has shown how Slovenes perceive the EU after the two years, and the time that had passed since, as well as our general attitude towards the EU.

According to the survey, life did not change significantly in the two years following Slovenia's accession to the EU. Slovenes still perceive the EU in largely the same way, which is to say that they are favourable towards it. A great majority of respondents believe that the conditions have not changed drastically, and that they still live in the same way as before. If a referendum on joining the EU were called today, 80 per cent of those who answered the question would vote in favour, which shows that support for the EU remains extremely strong. When asked to state the most important aspect of being an EU member, the majority answered that this fact alone (the status issue) was the greatest advantage. Many also see the possibilities of studying abroad as very important. Just over one fourth of respondents believe that the greatest advantage is the freedom to cross national borders; while a fraction over one fifth states that the most important aspect of being an EU member is to have the opportunity of working in some member states. Seventy-four per cent of all respondents claim that their living standard has not changed since the accession to the EU, which points to the conclusion that in the last two years people have not experienced any significant changes.

According to the survey, the most obvious changes that have taken place include the abolition of customs at state borders, the possibility of studying in EU member states, and the prospect of finding employment in some of them.

The government estimates that Slovenia has managed to secure its place in the EU, that at present it meets the new criteria of the Stability and Growth Pact, and is ready to adopt the euro. In addition, in October 2007 the country is expected to enter the Schengen area.

The PM also enumerated some of the favourable general economic results: purchasing power has increased significantly over the past two years – according to the latest reports by the European Commission, purchasing power in Slovenia stands at 81 per cent of the EU25 average; as a result of greater market openness, the prices of some food products and textiles have dropped; the Slovenian economy has adapted relatively quickly to the demands of the European market.

Many pessimistic predictions about massive lay-offs following accession to the EU have not been realised. Furthermore, Slovenia has neither experienced a flood of foreign labour, nor a significant brain-drain.

After two years Slovenia serves as a positive example also with regard to further enlargements of the EU. The country intends to remain active, particularly in the Western Balkans, and provide the countries of the region with its experience and expertise.

Looking back on the two years, and Slovenia's results in the assessment of individual areas, the country has certainly been the most successful in negotiations on the future EU Financial Perspective. Between 2007 and 2013 Slovenia will be net a beneficiary of €2 billion. Moreover, the Cohesion Funds will quadruple in the same period. The government also estimates that the drawing of EU funds from the current Financial Perspective, in particular with regard to cohesion policy, has been successful. The PM added that the preparations for establishing the external borders of the EU were running smoothly, as Slovenia stood a high chance of receiving a positive assessment regarding entry into the Schengen area in October 2007. The most important task Slovenia has accomplished in the course of the two years, according to the PM, is meeting the criteria for the adoption of the euro.

Towards the end Mr Janša touched upon the key challenges facing Slovenia in the coming two years: implementation of the Lisbon Strategy, and preparations to take over the EU presidency in the first half of 2008.

The Prime Minister concluded the press conference by saying that in the light of these solid facts, Slovenia had established itself firmly within the EU after two years, and stands as an undisputed favourite among the new member states, judging by the objectively measurable criteria: the increase of purchasing power to 81 per cent of the EU average, meeting the criteria of the reformed Pact of Stability and Growth, and meeting conditions for the adoption of the euro.

Public Relations and Media Office