The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen congratulated in a video address the 20th anniversary of Slovenia's accession to the European Union and stated that Europe is stronger with Slovenia, the Slovenian national television RTV Slo reported, quoted by BTA.
„And because of your membership, Europe has changed for the better. Slovenians have always been here when solidarity with other Europeans needs to be shown. You have always been ready to help your neighbors in difficult times“, noted Von der Leyen. „You have always reminded us that our Union is not complete and that all countries of the Western Balkans are part of this community. Europe is stronger with Slovenia, just as you are stronger in Europe“.
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said in a statement on the anniversary that joining the EU was the best decision for the country.
“In the two decades of Slovenia's membership in the European community, the world has changed a lot. And with it, Slovenia. Today we know that we live in an increasingly unstable world of rapid change. We can only be stronger if we are together“, Golob pointed out.
Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar congratulated the citizens of Slovenia on the anniversary and emphasized that with its membership in the EU, the country has become part of a world in which human rights and freedom are protected in the best possible way.
“Because of EU membership, we live better than before. Roads, railways, cycle paths, sewers, schools, kindergartens, nursing homes and hospitals have been built and continue to be built with European funds. Our economy is more successful“, noted Pirc Musar.
Slovenia joined the EU on 1 May 2004, thus becoming the first former Yugoslav republic to become part of the European bloc.