Slovenia’s EU Presidency in Review

Does size matter in the game of EU politics?

by alicia gough, june 2008

On January 1, 2008, one of the youngest and smallest member countries took over the EU Presidency. But after six months in the spotlight, has Slovenia managed to make its mark on the European stage?

Slovenia was the first ex-Yugoslavian country to hold the prestigious title. Ari Vatanen, a Member of the European Parliament representing France said: “Slovenia was always the most advanced country in Yugoslavia and deserved to be the first one to hold the title of EU presidency. It has paved the way for others in the east.”

Being a country of just two million, Slovenia’s size sparked speculation that bigger countries would dominate the presidential agenda. But if size does matter, then Slovenia certainly seemed unperturbed by it. Anže Logar, Spokesperson of the Slovenian EU Council Presidency said: “We believe that achievements do not depend on the size of a country. In fact small countries can achieve compromises at the EU level more easily since their ‘national agenda’ is much shorter.” Similarly, MEP Ari Vatanen believes: "Slovenia has been independent in her action and not afraid of big countries. Size does not matter – the weight of your opinion matters."

Slovenia has achieved many significant moments during its EU Presidency. The Government Office for European Affairs said: “A meeting of the European Council, held in Brussels on 13 and 14 March 2008, was the most significant political event under the Slovenian Presidency to date.” It was here that the new three-year cycle of the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs was launched and a time frame for the climate change and energy package approved.

The Slovenian Presidency also focused on strengthening European ties with the Western Balkans. Anže Logar said: “One of the most important agreements was a common view on the situation following Kosovo’s declaration of independence. Furthermore, the dialogue on visa liberalisation for the Western Balkan countries has been initiated while the EU signed the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Serbia.”

During the preparations for the presidency it was agreed that Slovenia would present a promotional programme to the wider world, the so-called EU Road Show. Being that there are 26 weeks in the presidency’s six-month term as well as 26 other EU Member States, one promotional event was planned for each week in a different EU capital. The events were dedicated to the Slovenian Presidency and presented information on the country’s culture, cuisine, natural beauty, tourism and economy.

Slovenia has received very positive feedback from diplomats and officials visiting the country for various EU meetings over the past six months. Trips were organised to places on the margins of different meetings. Anže Logar says: “Foreign diplomats had the opportunity to taste our food and drink, go sightseeing and get to know Slovenian culture.” Similarly, Maja Kezunovic Krasek, Press Officer for the European Parliament Information Office for Slovenia, says: “For many of them, Slovenia was a real discovery; they were charmed by the countryside and the people, so much so that many of them plan to spend more time here.”

Although many diplomats were already familiar with Slovenia’s history and culture before the Presidency, MEP Ari Vatanen believes that for those who didn’t know Slovenia well, it has given them an intensive six-month course on the country: “Slovenians are good people – and now even more Europeans know that.”