Slovenia
GANG INFORMATION
PROFILE
OFFICIAL NAME:
Republic of Slovenia
Geography
Area: 20,273 square kilometers (7,906 sq. mi.) slightly smaller
than New Jersey.
Cities: Capital--Ljubljana (2002 census pop. 265,881). Other cities--Maribor
(110,668), Kranj (51,225), Celje (48,081), Koper (47,539).
Terrain: Mountains rising to more than 2,500 meters (8,200 ft.)
in the north, wide plateaus over 1,000 meters (3,280 ft.) high
in the southeast, Karst limestone region of caves in the south-southwest,
hills in the east, and approximately 50 kilometers (39 mi.) of
coastline on the Adriatic Sea.
Land use: 54.2% forests, 39% agricultural land, 6.8% noncultivated
land.
Climate: Temperate, with regional variations. Average temperature
in the mountain region in January is below 0°C (32°F),
in the interior from 0°C -2°C (32°F-36°F), and
along the coast from 2°C -4°C (36°F-39°F); in
July, average temperature in the interior is 20°C -22°C
(68°F-72°F), along the coast 22°C -24°C (72°F-75°F).
Average annual rainfall is from 800 mm (31 in.) in the east to
3,000 mm (117 in.) in the northwest.
People
Nationality: Noun--Slovene(s). Adjective--Slovenian.
Population (2002 census): 1,987,971. Annual growth rate: (2003
est.) 0.14%.
Ethnic groups (2002 census): Slovenes 83.06%, Croats 1.81%, Serbs
1.98%, Bosniaks 1.10%, Hungarians 0.32%, Montenegrins 0.14%, Macedonians
0.20%, Albanians 0.31%, Italians 0.11%, Roma 0.17%.
Religions (2002 census): Roman Catholic 57.8%, refused to reply
15.7%, atheist 10.1%, Orthodox Christian 2.3%, Muslim 2.4%.
Languages: The official language is Slovene. Hungarian and Italian
are spoken in the border regions, and German fluency is common
near the Austrian border. Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian are spoken
by a sizable (6% of the population) minority. English is widely
understood by business people and students.
Education: Higher education enrollment ratio--26.2%.
Health: Infant mortality rate--4.42/1,000 births. Life expectancy--71.65
years for men, 79.58 years for women, 75.51 for the total population.
Work force (2003 est.): 876,100.
Government
Type: Parliamentary democracy.
Independence: On June 25, 1991, the Republic of Slovenia declared
independence from Yugoslavia. The United States and the European
Union recognized Slovenia in 1992.
Constitution: Adopted on December 23, 1991.
Branches: Executive--president, head of state, directly elected
for a maximum of two consecutive 5-year terms. Legislative--bicameral
legislature (Parliament is composed of the National Assembly,
with 90 deputies directly elected on party basis for 4-year terms,
and the National Council, with 40 members elected by the National
Assembly to represent social, economic, professional, and local
interests for 5-year terms); prime minister, head of government,
nominated by the president and elected by the National Assembly.
Judicial--Constitutional Court, regular courts, and a public prosecutor.
Political parties: National Assembly seats--Slovenian Democratic
Party (SDS), 29 seats; Liberal Democracy of Slovenia (LDS), 23;
United List of Social Democrats (ZLSD), 10; New Slovenia - Christian
People’s Party (NSi), 9; Slovene People’s Party (SLS),
7; Slovene National Party (SNS), 6; Democratic Party of Slovenian
Pensioners (DeSUS), 4; Italian minority, 1; Hungarian minority,
1.
Suffrage: Universal over 18 years of age; permanent residents
may vote in local elections.
Administrative divisions: 193 local administrative units.
Government budget: 1.65 trillion SIT (about EUR 6.9 billion or
$8.56 billion) (2004); 1.77 trillion SIT (about EUR 7.4 billion
or $9.2 billion) (2005); defense, 1.64% GDP (2004).
Economy
GDP (2004): U.S. $32.2 billion.
Real GDP growth rate (2005 est.): 3.8%.
GDP per capita income (2004): U.S. $16,112, which is approximately
75% of the EU-15 average.
Natural resources: Coal, mercury, timber.
Agriculture/forestry/fishing (approx. 3% of 2004 GDP): Products--wheat,
corn, pork, poultry, milk, potatoes, orchard fruits, wine.
Industry (approx. 36% of 2004 GDP): Types--electrical equipment,
chemical products, textiles, food products, electricity, metal
products, wood products, transportation equipment.
Services (approx. 60% of 2004 GDP): Types--retail, transportation,
communications, real estate and other business activities.
Trade: Exports (2004, total U.S. $15.546 billion)--machinery,
transportation equipment, electrical and optical equipment, basic
metals and fabricated products. To U.S.--$619 million (2004).
Imports (2004, U.S. $17 billion)--machinery, transportation equipment,
electrical and optical equipment, basic metals and fabricated
products. From U.S.--$289 million (2004). Major trading partners--Germany,
Italy, France, Austria, Croatia. Trade with the U.S. accounts
for less than 3% of total trade.
Foreign direct investment: U.S. $6.5 billion (total stock estimate,
end 2004).
GEOGRAPHY AND PEOPLE
Slovenia is situated at the crossroads of central Europe, the
Mediterranean, and the Balkans. The Alps--including the Julian
Alps, the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the Karavanke chain, and the Pohorje
Massif--dominate northern Slovenia near Austria. Slovenia's Adriatic
coastline extends for approximately 50 kilometers (39 mi.) from
Italy to Croatia. The term "karst"--a limestone region
of underground rivers, gorges, and caves--originated in Slovenia's
Karst plateau between Ljubljana and the Italian border. On the
Pannonian plain to the east and northeast, toward the Croatian
and Hungarian borders, the landscape is essentially flat. However,
the majority of Slovenian terrain is hilly or mountainous, with
around 90% of the surface 200 meters or more above sea level.
The majority of Slovenia's population is Slovene (over 83%).
Hungarians and Italians have the status of indigenous minorities
under the Slovenian constitution, which guarantees them seats
in the National Assembly. Most other minority groups, particularly
those from the former Yugoslavia, immigrated after World War II
for economic reasons. Slovenes are predominantly Roman Catholic,
though the country also has a small number of Protestants, Orthodox
Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Slovene is a Slavic language, written
in the Roman script.
HISTORY
Slovenia is today a vibrant democracy, but the roots of this democracy
go back deep in Slovene history. According to the 16th century
French political philosopher, Jean Bodin, Slovenes practiced the
unique custom of the Installation of the Dukes of Carinthia for
almost 1,000 years, until the late 14th century. According to
some scholars, Bodin's account of how Slovene farmers contractually
consented to be governed by the Duke influenced Thomas Jefferson's
drafting of the Declaration of Independence. From as early as
the 9th century, Slovenia had fallen under foreign rulers, including
partial control by Bavarian dukes and the Republic of Venice.
With the exception of Napoleon's 4-year tutelage of parts of Slovenia
and Croatia--the "Illyrian Provinces"--Slovenia was
part of the Habsburg Empire from the 14th century until 1918.
Nevertheless, Slovenia resisted Germanizing influences and retained
its unique Slavic language and culture.
In 1918, Slovenia joined with other southern Slav states in forming
the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes as part of the peace
plan at the end of World War I. Renamed in 1929 under a Serbian
monarch, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia fell to the Axis powers during
World War II. Following communist partisan resistance to German,
Hungarian, and Italian occupation and elimination of rival resistance
groups, socialist Yugoslavia was born under the helm of Josip
Broz Tito. During the communist era, Slovenia became Yugoslavia's
most prosperous republic, at the forefront of Yugoslavia's unique
version of communism. Within a few years of Tito's death in 1980,
Belgrade initiated plans to further concentrate political and
economic power in its hands. Defying the politicians in Belgrade,
Slovenia underwent a flowering of democracy and an opening of
its society in cultural, civic, and economic realms to a degree
almost unprecedented in the communist world. In September 1989,
the General Assembly of the Yugoslav Republic of Slovenia adopted
an amendment to its constitution asserting Slovenia's right to
secede from Yugoslavia. On December 23, 1990, 88% of Slovenia's
population voted for independence in a referendum, and on June
25, 1990, the Republic of Slovenia declared its independence.
A nearly bloodless 10-day war with Yugoslavia followed. Yugoslav
forces withdrew after Slovenia demonstrated stiff resistance to
Belgrade.
As a young independent republic, Slovenia pursued economic stabilization
and further political openness, while emphasizing its Western
outlook and central European heritage. Reflecting its success
in these goals, Slovenia became a member both of the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) in March
and May, respectively, of 2004. As the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Chairman-in-Office, a continuing
participant in the SFOR/EUFOR deployment in Bosnia and the KFOR
deployment in Kosovo, one of the top foreign investors in the
former Yugoslavia, and a charter World Trade Organization (WTO)
member, Slovenia enjoys a growing regional profile and plays a
role on the world stage quite out of proportion to its small size.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
Slovenia enjoys excellent relations with the United States and
cooperates with it actively on a number of fronts. From 1998 to
2000, Slovenia occupied a non-permanent seat on the United Nations
(UN) Security Council and in that capacity distinguished itself
with a constructive, creative, and consensus-oriented activism.
Slovenia has been a member of the UN since May 1992 and of the
Council of Europe since May 1993. Slovenia signed an association
agreement with the EU in 1996 and became a full EU member state
on May 1, 2004. Slovenia officially became a member of NATO on
March 29, 2004. Slovenia is a member of all major international
financial institutions--the International Monetary Fund, the World
Bank Group, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development--as
well as 40 other international organizations, among them the WTO,
of which it is a founding member.
Since the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, Slovenia has instituted
a stable, multi-party, democratic political system, characterized
by regular elections, a free press, and an excellent human rights
record. Slovenia is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional
republic. Within its government, power is shared between a directly
elected president, a prime minister, and a bicameral legislature
(Parliament). Parliament is composed of the 90-member National
Assembly--which takes the lead on virtually all legislative issues--and
the National Council, a largely advisory body composed of representatives
from social, economic, professional, and local interests. The
Constitutional Court has the highest power of review of legislation
to ensure its consistency with Slovenia's constitution. Its nine
judges are elected by the National Assembly for single 9-year
terms.
Slovenia's first President, Milan Kucan, concluded his second
and final term in December 2002. Prime Minister Janez Drnovšek
defeated opposition candidate Barbara Brezigar in the 2002 presidential
elections by a comfortable margin and was inaugurated as Kucan's
successor on December 22, 2002. Finance Minister Anton Rop succeeded
Drnovšek as Prime Minister in December 2002, and his center-left
governing coalition commanded an almost two-thirds majority in
the National Assembly until October 2004. In the October 2004
election, Janez Jansa’s center-right Slovenian Democratic
Party (SDS) made a strong showing, winning a relative majority
with over 29% of the vote. Janez Jansa was sworn in as Prime Minister
on November 9, 2004 and the National Assembly confirmed the new
cabinet on December 3.
The government and most of the Slovenian polity share a common
view of the desirability of a close association with the West,
specifically of membership in both the EU and NATO. For all the
apparent bitterness that divides left and right wings, there are
few fundamental philosophical differences between them in the
area of public policy. Slovenian society is built on consensus,
which has converged on a social-democrat model. Political differences
tend to have their roots in the roles that groups and individuals
played during the years of communist rule and the struggle for
independence.
As the most prosperous republic of the former Yugoslavia, Slovenia
emerged from its brief 10-day war of secession in 1991 as an independent
nation for the first time in its history. Since that time, the
country has made steady but cautious progress toward developing
a market economy. Economic reforms introduced shortly after independence
led to healthy economic growth. Despite the halting pace of reform
and signs of slowing gross domestic product (GDP) growth today,
Slovenes now enjoy the highest per capita income of all the transition
economies of central Europe.
The Slovenes have pursued internal economic restructuring with
caution. The first phase of privatization (socially-owned property
under the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, or S.F.R.Y.,
system) is now complete. However, sales of several remaining large
state holdings, planned for several years now, have yet to come
to fruition. The Jansa government has said that it is committed
to seeing this final stage of privatization happen under its administration.
Foreign trade is very important to the Slovenian economy, with
the annual volume of imports and exports exceeding 100% of GDP.
Nearly two-thirds of Slovenia’s overall trade is with the
EU and the vast majority of this is with Germany, Italy, Austria
and France. While the service sector is the largest part of the
economy as a percentage of GDP, manufacturing accounts for most
employment, with machinery and other manufactured products comprising
the major exports. Labor force surveys put unemployment at 6.4%
(2004). Inflation has continued to decline from 5.6% in 2003 to
3.6% in 2004. Gross domestic product grew by about 4.6% in 2004
and is expected to grow at a 3.8% rate in 2005. The Slovene currency
(the tolar, or SIT in abbreviated form) is stable, fully convertible,
and backed by substantial reserves. In the coming years, one of
Slovenia’s central economic policy goals is meeting the
Maastricht criteria for adoption of the Euro as Slovenia’s
currency. These criteria include three monetary and two fiscal
measures. As of June 2005, Slovenia was in line to meet all of
these criteria, albeit inflation is above the current EU limit.
However, the inflation trend is in the right direction (lower)
and barring any major, unforeseen macroeconomic issues arising,
Slovenia will likely adopt the Euro in 2007.
Over a decade after independence, Slovenia has made tremendous
progress establishing democratic institutions, enshrining respect
for human rights, establishing a market economy, and adapting
its military to Western norms and standards. In contrast to its
neighbors, civil tranquility and strong economic growth have marked
this period. Upon achieving independence, Slovenia offered citizenship
to all residents, regardless of ethnicity or origin, avoiding
a sectarian trap that has caught out many central European countries.
However, debate continues on how best to accommodate an estimated
18,000 undocumented non-Slovenes who were resident in Slovenia
at the time of independence, but whose records were "erased"
when they did not take citizenship. Slovenia willingly accepted
nearly 100,000 refugees from the fighting in Bosnia and has since
participated in international stabilization efforts in the region.
On the international front, Slovenia has advanced rapidly toward
integration into the Euro-Atlantic community of nations. With
successful NATO (66% in favor) and EU (91% in favor) referenda
in March 2003, Slovenia achieved upon accession in 2004 its two
primary foreign policy goals--membership in the EU and NATO. Slovenia
also participates in the Stability Pact and the Southeast Europe
Cooperation Initiative (SECI). Slovenia is one of the focus countries
for the U.S. southeast European policy aimed at reinforcing regional
stability and integration. The Slovenian Government is well-positioned
to be an influential role model for other southeast European governments
at different stages of reform and integration. To these ends,
the U.S. urges Slovenia to maintain momentum on internal economic,
political, and legal reforms, while expanding their international
cooperation as resources allow. U.S. and allied efforts to assist
Slovenia's military restructuring and modernization efforts are
ongoing.
Principal Government Officials
President--Janez Drnovšek
Prime Minister--Janez Jansa
Ambassador to the United States--Samuel Zbogar
Cabinet Ministers
Agriculture, Forestry, and Food--Marija Lukacic
Culture--Vasco Simoniti
Defense--Karl Erjavec
Economy--Andrej Vizjak
Education and Sport--Milan Zver
Environment and Spatial Planning--Janez Podobnik
Finance--Andrej Bajuk
Foreign Affairs--Dimitrij Rupel
Health--Andrej Brucan
Higher Education and Technology--Jurij Zupan
Interior--Dragutin Mate
Justice--Lovro Sturm
Labor, Family and Social Affairs--Janez Drobnic
Public Administration--Gregor Virant
Transport--Janez Bozic
Minister without Portfolio responsible for Regional Development--(open)
Slovenia maintains an embassy in the United States at 1525 New
Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036 (tel.: (202) 667-5363;
fax: (202) 667-4563).
ECONOMY
Slovenia enjoys prosperity and stability that are too often the
exception in central and eastern Europe. Slovenia's economic success
clearly illustrates the benefits of embracing liberal trade, following
the rule of law, and rewarding enterprise. This success, however,
is not unprecedented for Slovenia. Although it comprised only
about one-thirteenth of Yugoslavia's total population, it was
the most productive of the Yugoslav republics, accounting for
one-fifth of its GDP and one-third of its exports. The country
already enjoyed a relatively prosperous economy and strong market
ties to the West when it gained independence in 1991. Since independence,
Slovenia has pursued diversification of its trade toward the West
and integration into Western and transatlantic institutions vigorously.
In so doing, it has made substantial progress in its transition
to a market economy, particularly becoming party to a number of
bilateral and regional free trade agreements. Slovenia is a founding
member of the WTO and joined the Central European Free Trade Agreement
(CEFTA) in 1996. Slovenia also participates in SECI, as well as
in the Central European Initiative, the Royaumont Process, and
the Black Sea Economic Council. Slovenia became a new EU member
state on May 1, 2004.
Today, Slovenia is one the best economic performers in central
and eastern Europe, with a GDP per capita in 2004 estimated at
U.S. $16,112--slightly more than 75% of the EU-15 average. Slovenia
benefits from a well-educated and productive work force as well
as dynamic and effective political and economic institutions.
Although Slovenia has taken a cautious, deliberate approach to
economic management and reform, with heavy emphasis on achieving
consensus before proceeding, its overall record is one of success.
Slovenia has enjoyed healthy growth figures for the past 8 years,
averaging 4.0% annual GDP growth. The European economic slowdown
reduced the pace of growth somewhat beginning in 2001. GDP grew
by about 4.6% in 2004, and 3.8% growth is forecast for 2005. Slovenia's
economy is highly dependent on foreign trade. About two-thirds
of Slovenia's trade is with the EU, a figure which will likely
rise following its 2004 accession. Additionally, the country has
penetrated successfully the south and east European markets, including
the former Soviet Union region. This high level of openness makes
Slovenia extremely sensitive to economic conditions in its main
trading partners and changes in its international price competitiveness.
Keeping labor costs in line with productivity is thus a key challenge
for Slovenia's economic well-being. Services contribute the most
to the national output, accounting for more than 60% of GDP. Industry
and construction comprise over one-third of GDP; and, agriculture,
forestry, and fishing account for nearly 3% of GDP.
Economic management in Slovenia is relatively good. Public finances
showed modest deficits on the order of 1.5% of GDP in 2003. The
budgets for 2004 and 2005 constrain public deficit to 1.7% of
GDP, well within Maastricht parameters. The current account balance
has improved significantly as a result of stronger exports and
a changed composition of imports by economic purpose. In 2003,
the current account balance showed a surplus for the second year
in a row. Based on 11-month data the surplus is estimated at U.S.$110
million. Controlling inflation remains a top government priority.
While the authorities have been successful in stabilizing the
Slovenian Tolar and in bringing inflation down from more than
200% in 1992 to 7.5% in 2002, the end 2004 rate of 3.6% supports
the government’s plan for meeting Maastricht criteria in
two years.
Due to its macroeconomic stability, favorable foreign debt position,
and successful accession to the EU, Slovenia consistently receives
the highest credit rating of all transition economies--receiving
the top regional honors in a recent Dunn & Bradstreet survey.
Slovenia's ability to meet its growth rate objectives will largely
depend on the state of the world economy, since exports demand
in Slovenia's primary market has stalled. Foreign direct investment
(FDI) will take up the slack to some extent, as analysts forecast
FDI levels will continue to increase with further privatization
of state assets, including portions of the telecommunications,
financial, and energy sectors. Slovenia must carefully address
fiscal, monetary, and FDI policy, in light of the high deficit
in pension accounts, its vulnerable Western export markets, and
inflation concerns. Slovenian enterprises have a tradition of
market orientation that has served them well in the transition
period, as they moved energetically to reorient trade from former
Yugoslav markets to those of central and eastern Europe. However,
in many cases under the Slovenian brand of privatization, managers
and workers in formerly "socially owned" enterprises
have become the majority shareholders, perpetuating the practices
of "worker management" that were the hallmark of the
Yugoslav brand of communism. Difficulties associated with that
model are expected to decrease under competitive pressures, as
shares in these firms change hands, and as EU reforms introduce
more Western-oriented governance practices.
Slovenia's entry into the European Union provides the impetus
for further economic improvements. Economic policy is geared largely
toward EU integration. The government continues to focus on adopting
EU rules on the internal market, structural economic reform, reform
of the judiciary and public administration, and introduction of
E-administration. Harmonization with EU laws and regulations will
remain a major challenge to the government in the near future.
Slovenia's position with respect to other central and eastern
European (CEE) countries will decline without further vigorous
reforms.
Slovenia has taken some important steps in recent years to free
up its financial markets. This sector historically has been one
of the most protected, reflecting Slovenian concerns over limited
capacity to face global competition and a desire to maintain domestic
control over finance. A combination of market forces, changes
in Bank of Slovenia regulations, and national legislation are
moving this sector increasingly in a more globally oriented direction.
In 2003, several measures were introduced to make both portfolio
and direct investments easier and more transparent in Slovenia
and to conduct many financial operations, including banking, securities
brokering, and undertaking various credit transactions. Most remaining
barriers were removed by May 1, 2004. For instance, marketing
of foreign mutual investment funds is allowed as of May 1, 2004.
The banking sector also is showing signs of stirring from its
relative inactivity, as pressures build to consolidate Slovenia's
myriad banks build and as privatization of two of the largest
banks proceeds. While Belgian KBC is the main owner of Nova Ljubljanska
Banka (NLB) with 34%, little progress has been made in the privatization
of NKBM bank, Slovenia’s largest bank. The government continues
to downsize state shares in the insurance sector; however, the
government-owned Triglav still controls nearly half of the insurance
market. Other insurance companies have been privatized or are
foreign-owned.
Government efforts and reforms designed to attract foreign direct
investment (FDI) have proven successful--FDI almost tripled from
2001 to 2002, accounting for nearly 6.5% of GDP. However, FDI
fell sharply in 2003 due to a lack of any major privatization
deal or foreign acquisition. Slovenia's traditional anti-inflation
policy in the past relied heavily on capital inflow restrictions.
Its slow privatization process favored domestic investors and
prescribed long lag time on share trading, complicated by a cultural
wariness of being "bought up" by foreigners. As such,
Slovenia has had a number of impediments to full foreign participation
in its economy. However, a number of these barriers to FDI were
fully removed in 2002. As a result, expected foreign takeovers
of Slovenian blue chip companies, as well as EU membership, have
fueled investors' interest in the country. Recent acquisitions
by multinational companies--KBC of Belgium's takeover of Nova
Ljubljanska Banka, and Swiss Novartis' takeover of Lek Pharmaceuticals--clearly
demonstrate the attractiveness of the Slovenian economy, particularly
to European investors seeking a platform to support expansion
into southeastern Europe. U.S. investments in Slovenia have been
more modest, Goodyear and Western Wireless International being
the two largest American investors. Removal of administrative
barriers, further liberalization of the financial sector, completion
of privatization, and progress on company restructuring are necessary
to improve economic performance at the macro and micro levels.
Without these measures, employment and FDI figures may not reach
their full capacity.
DEFENSE
Slovenian Armed Forces
After successful resistance to the Yugoslav National Army (JNA)
following the 10-day war of independence in 1991, Slovenia faced
the challenge of establishing independent armed forces. A major
reorganization of the Slovene Armed Forces is currently underway,
with the goal of changing from a conscription-based territorial
defense force to a professional, deployable, and combat capable
military with NATO. Conscription ended earlier than expected,
in October 2003, and compulsory reserve service will end by 2010.
As of August 2004, Slovenia’s professional force included
6,800 soldiers and nearly 14,000 reservists. The current force
structure consists of one fully professional motorized infantry
brigade and two cadre/reserve force mechanized brigades. The professional
brigade represents Slovenia's deployable reaction force. The Slovene
Armed Forces also include a small air force, equipped with helicopters
and turbo-prop fixed wing aircraft, and a naval attachment, including
a coastal patrol boat. The United States provides bilateral military
assistance to Slovenia, including through the International Military
Education and Training (IMET) program, the Foreign Military Financing
(FMF) program, the State Partnership Program (aligned with Colorado),
the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, and
the EUCOM Joint Contact Team Program
NATO
After receiving an invitation to join NATO at the NATO Prague
Summit in November 2002, Slovenes approved NATO accession with
a vote of 66% in a March 2003 referendum. The National Assembly
ratified accession to the North Atlantic Treaty in February 2004,
and Slovenia officially became a member of the Alliance on March
29, 2004. After gaining independence, Slovenia avidly sought NATO
membership as part of its overall strategy of integration into
the most important international economic, financial, and security
organizations. Slovenia's current international commitments show
Slovenia's willingness to become a co-provider of security in
the region. Slovenia contributed helicopters, medical personnel,
military police, and an infantry company to SFOR and continues
to be very active in EUFOR with 210 troops deployed in Bosnia
and Herzegovina. In Kosovo, Slovenia actively participates in
KFOR with 34 troops. In March 2004, Slovenia sent a detachment
of special operations troops, along with some vehicles, to the
ISAF mission in Afghanistan. A second rotation was sent in August
2004, followed by two firefighters to guard the Kabul Airport
in September 2004. In July 2005, an additional 29 troops were
deployed to the ISAF mission in Herat, bringing the total number
of Slovenian personnel in ISAF to 60.
The Government of Slovenia has diligently pursued its restructuring,
reorganization, modernization, and procurement with the paramount
goal of NATO interoperability. The United States has encouraged
Slovenia to maintain the pace of reform--including the establishment
of closer links with regional partners--even following its attainment
of full membership in NATO.
FOREIGN RELATIONS AND REGIONAL COOPERATION
In regular public statements, Slovenia's highest politicians underscore
their government's commitment to expanding cooperative arrangements
with neighbors and active contributions to international efforts
aimed at bringing stability to southeast Europe. Resource limitations
are a concern for the government, which does not wish to see itself
spread too thin. Nonetheless, the Slovenes are taking concrete
steps toward a more outward looking and constructive role in regional
security arrangements, as resources allow.
Multilateral
Slovenia assumed its duties as Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE
in January 2005. Slovenia is a member of the OSCE Troika along
with Bulgaria and Belgium, which will fill the CiO slot in 2006.
Through its International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims
Assistance (ITF), Slovenia has created the demining instrument
of choice for the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina,
the rest of the Balkans, and now even further afield in Central
Asia and Cyprus. The United States has contributed over $82 million
to the ITF since 1998.
Slovenia is engaged with 29 countries in bilateral military exchange--most
actively with the U.S.--and in regional cooperative arrangements
in central and southeast Europe; it participates in or intends
to contribute forces for five major multinational regional peacekeeping
bodies.
Slovenia participates in the Proliferation Security Initiative
(PSI) to halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
(WMD), their delivery systems, and related materials worldwide.
Slovenia has ratified all thirteen international anti-terrorism
conventions.
Slovenia is party to the Wassenaar arrangement controlling exports
of weapons and sensitive technology to countries of concern.
With Hungary and Italy, Slovenia formed a Multinational Land
Force (Trilateral Brigade) in April 1998 with regional peacekeeping
ability. Further nonmilitary cooperation within the Trilateral
Brigade occurs in the fields of transportation infrastructure,
combating money laundering and organized crime, weapons of mass
destruction (WMD) non-proliferation, border controls, and environmental
protection. In 2001, Croatia was invited to join what then became
the Quadrilateral Brigade.
Slovenia's 10th motorized infantry battalion, established in
1996 as its primary "out-of-country" operation unit,
is fully operational; one company was deployed to SFOR (now EUFOR)
in January 2003.
Slovenia is an active participant in Southeast European Defense
Ministerial (SEDM) activities.
Contributions to Bosnian Stability
Slovenia has been engaged in both the SFOR and EUFOR missions,
providing VIP support helicopter and light transport aircraft
missions and use of an airbase in southern Slovenia.
Slovenia currently has a total of 210 personnel in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, including a platoon of military police (up to 48)
for the Italian-led Multinational Specialized Unit (MSU) in Sarajevo
which has been deployed since January 1999.
Slovenia contributes to mine action programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina
through the ITF.
Relations With Neighbors
Slovenia's bilateral relations with its neighbors are generally
harmonious and cooperative. However, there remain a few unresolved
disputes with Croatia related to the succession of the former
Yugoslavia, including demarcation of their common border. In addition,
unlike the other successor states of the former Yugoslavia, Slovenia
did not normalize relations with Serbia and Montenegro until after
the passing from power of Slobodan Milosevic (although the Slovenes
did open a representative office in Podgorica to work with Montenegrin
President Djukanovic's government).
With its entry into the European Union, Slovenia has become a
strong advocate for the inclusion of other former Yugoslav republics
into Euro-Atlantic institutions. Slovenia's strong political ties
to the region are complemented by strong economic ties. Slovenia
is among the largest foreign investors in the region.
Italy. Italian-Slovene bilateral relations are also very good.
By mid-1996, property restitution disputes derived from World
War II had been set aside, allowing a dramatic improvement in
relations. In 2001, the Italian Senate voted final approval of
legislation resolving some minor differences remaining over minority
rights issues and over the compensation for property abandoned
by Italian refugees fleeing communist Yugoslavia in the postwar
period.
Hungary. Relations are excellent with Hungary. Hungarian (as
well as Italian) minorities in Slovenia are accorded special treatment
under the Slovenian constitution, including a permanent parliamentary
seat. Within the Multilateral Cooperation Initiative between Slovenia,
Italy, Hungary, and Croatia, cooperation exists in numerous fields,
including military (Multinational Land Force peacekeeping brigade),
transportation, combating money laundering and organized crime,
non-proliferation, border crossings, and environmental issues.
Austria. Austro-Slovenian relations are close. Although some
disagreements over support for the other country's minorities
continue to flare up, they are usually handled diplomatically
and in a straightforward manner. Questions regarding nuclear power
in Slovenia and the basis for the settlement of the Austrian State
Treaty also appear to have been solved. Economic cooperation is
expanding, including a joint project for development of border
regions.
Croatia. Though somewhat rocky at times, Croatian-Slovenian relations
are solid. Outstanding issues include a few remaining border disputes,
property rights, and Croatian depositors' savings in the Ljubljanska
Banka from Yugoslav times. In 2003, Croatia declared its intention
to claim a 200-mile exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic Sea,
which would effectively cut off Slovenia’s use of international
waters. Multilateral discussions among Slovenia, Croatia, and
Italy on this issue continue with European Commission participation.
In a series of high-level meetings since the latter half of 1998,
Slovenia and Croatia have been engaged in settling bilateral differences,
a process which accelerated after the death of Croatian President
Franjo Tudjman in 1999 and has intensified under the government
of Prime Minister Janez Jansa elected in October 2004. In order
to aid the stabilization of this part of Europe, Slovenia has
supported Croatia's efforts to draw closer to European institutions.
Slovenia and Croatia most recently made an effort to improve
relations during a joint government session on June 10, 2005 where
three bilateral agreements were signed: Joint Statement on Avoiding
of Conflicts, Bilateral Agreement on Avoiding Double Taxation,
and an establishment of a joint Historical Commission for the
border issue.
U.S.-SLOVENIAN RELATIONS
Since Slovenia achieved its independence in 1991 the United States
and Slovenia have developed strong, cooperative relations on a
broad range of issues, from promoting regional security to developing
closer bilateral trade and investment ties. The U.S. was very
supportive of Slovenia's entrance into NATO and other Euro-Atlantic
agreements and institutions.
The first official U.S. presence in Slovenia dates from the early
1970s, when the United States Information Service (USIS) opened
a library and American press and cultural center in Ljubljana.
From its opening through 1992, the American Center worked to develop
closer grassroots relations between the United States and the
people of the then-Slovenian Republic of Yugoslavia.
On December 23, 1990, the Slovene people voted in a plebiscite
to separate from greater Yugoslavia. On June 25, 1991, the new
Republic of Slovenia officially declared its independence from
the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. A 10-day war commenced, during
which Slovenian territorial troops fought off incursions by the
Yugoslav National Army. The United States formally recognized
the new republic on April 7, 1992. To develop U.S. diplomatic
relations with the new state, the United States opened a new Embassy
in Ljubljana in August 1992.
Since 1992, the United States and the Republic of Slovenia have
developed an impressive track record of cooperation on bilateral,
regional, and global issues. The United States has worked closely
with the Slovenes to resolve succession issues stemming from the
breakup of Yugoslavia. Slovenia provided invaluable assistance
to the United States and NATO by facilitating the deployment of
IFOR--and subsequently SFOR--to Bosnia after the conclusion of
the Dayton accords. With strong U.S. support, Slovenia has developed
the ITF as the demining instrument of choice in the Balkans and
is expanding operations to include the Caucasus.
On the economic front, the United States has worked to develop
bilateral trade and investment with Slovenia. U.S. trade (imports
and exports) with Slovenia for 2004 was $908 million. Under the
Support for Eastern European Democracy (SEED) Act, the U.S. provided
technical assistance on enterprise competitiveness, banking and
pension reform, competition policy, and debt restructuring. Reflecting
the progress Slovenia has made in these areas, Slovenia was among
the first transition countries to "graduate" from the
SEED program.
The United States supported Slovenia's accession to the North
Atlantic Alliance and continues to work with the Slovenian military
to promote greater cooperation and interoperability with NATO
forces. The United States and Slovenia hold periodic high-level
security consultations to help Slovenia achieve this national
objective. The U.S. European Command provides a liaison team that
works with the Ministry of Defense full-time to develop greater
familiarity with NATO structures and procedures.
In addition to regular diplomatic relations, numerous top-level
visits on both sides have strengthened bilateral dialogue and
contributed to deepening relations. President Bush met with then-President
Milan Kucan and then-Prime Minister Janez Drnovšek in Slovenia
during the June 2001 summit between President Bush and Russian
President Putin. Then-Prime Minister Drnovšek met again with
President Bush in Washington in May 2002. Defense Minister Anton
Grizold and Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel traveled to Washington
in September 2002. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld visited
Ljubljana in November 2002, following the NATO summit in Prague.
Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert traveled to Ljubljana in September
2003. In October 1997, Slovenia joined the group of countries--now
numbering 27--whose citizens enjoy the privilege of visa-free
travel to the United States. Having become a NATO member in 2004,
Slovenia hosted a session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in
May 2005. Also, Foreign Minister Rupel has met with Secretary
Rice several times in 2005 as the chairman of OSCE, most recently
in July.
Given Slovenia's relative economic success and location, its
history, language, business ties, and insights into the region,
Slovenia can be a partner in advancing the shared goal of regional
political and economic stability. More than geographically, Slovenia
is a bridge from developed Europe into the Balkans, an area of
the continent that poses significant diplomatic and security challenges.
Principal U.S. Official
Ambassador--Thomas Bolling Robertson
The U.S. Embassy in Slovenia is located at Prešernova 31,
1000 Ljubljana (tel.: +386 (1) 2005500; fax: +386 (1) 200-5555).
TRAVEL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION
The U.S. Department of State's Consular Information Program provides
Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements.
Consular Information Sheets exist for all countries and include
information on entry requirements, currency regulations, health
conditions, areas of instability, crime and security, political
disturbances, and the addresses of the U.S. posts in the country.
Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends
that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Public Announcements
are issued as a means to disseminate information quickly about
terrorist threats and other relatively short-term conditions overseas
that pose significant risks to the security of American travelers.
Free copies of this information are available by calling the Bureau
of Consular Affairs at 202-647-5225 or via the fax-on-demand system:
202-647-3000. Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings
also are available on the Consular Affairs Internet home page:
http://travel.state.gov. Consular Affairs Tips for Travelers publication
series, which contain information on obtaining passports and planning
a safe trip abroad, are on the Internet and hard copies can be
purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, telephone: 202-512-1800; fax 202-512-2250.
Emergency information concerning Americans traveling abroad may
be obtained from the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at (202)
647-5225. For after-hours emergencies, Sundays and holidays, call
202-647-4000.
The National Passport Information Center (NPIC) is the U.S. Department
of State's single, centralized public contact center for U.S.
passport information. Telephone: 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778).
Customer service representatives and operators for TDD/TTY are
available Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time,
excluding federal holidays.
Travelers can check the latest health information with the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia.
A hotline at 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747) and a web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm
give the most recent health advisories, immunization recommendations
or requirements, and advice on food and drinking water safety
for regions and countries. A booklet entitled Health Information
for International Travel (HHS publication number CDC-95-8280)
is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402, tel. (202) 512-1800.
Information on travel conditions, visa requirements, currency
and customs regulations, legal holidays, and other items of interest
to travelers also may be obtained before your departure from a
country's embassy and/or consulates in the U.S. (for this country,
see "Principal Government Officials" listing in this
publication).
U.S. citizens who are long-term visitors or traveling in dangerous
areas are encouraged to register their travel via the State Department’s
travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov
or at the Consular section of the U.S. embassy upon arrival in
a country by filling out a short form and sending in a copy of
their passports. This may help family members contact you in case
of an emergency.
Further Electronic Information
Department of State Web Site. Available on the Internet at http://www.state.gov,
the Department of State web site provides timely, global access
to official U.S. foreign policy information, including Background
Notes and daily press briefings along with the directory of key
officers of Foreign Service posts and more.
Export.gov provides a portal to all export-related assistance
and market information offered by the federal government and provides
trade leads, free export counseling, help with the export process,
and more.
STAT-USA/Internet, a service of the U.S. Department of Commerce,
provides authoritative economic, business, and international trade
information from the Federal government. The site includes current
and historical trade-related releases, international market research,
trade opportunities, and country analysis and provides access
to the National Trade Data Bank.
