Slovenia and the EU
20 Years of Membership in Perspective
- 2024
- Book
- Editors
- Michael Kaeding
- Boštjan Udovič
- Book Series
- The Future of Europe
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Switzerland
About this book
This book addresses a range of aspects essential to a better understanding of Slovenia's 20 years in the EU and its exposure to the European integration process, including changes to its policies on e.g. competitiveness, industry, innovation, foreign policy and diplomacy, security and defense, but also its relations to neighboring countries, its experience with European elections, and different forms of Euroscepticism and citizens' trust in EU institutions. Subsequent chapters explore how Slovenia has been coping with the Maastricht criteria and EU law more generally in its polities and politics, benefitting from EU funds, and defending its language as an official language of the EU. In concise contributions, the authors – with diverse scholarly backgrounds and hailing from Slovenia and abroad – assess these aspects and share their perspectives on Slovenia's experiences after 20 years of full EU membership.
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Table of Contents
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Frontmatter
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Introduction: Slovenia and the European Union—Twenty Years of Membership in Perspective
Michael Kaeding, Boštjan UdovičThis chapter provides a detailed analysis of Slovenia’s two decades within the European Union, covering a wide range of topics including competitiveness, foreign policy, and institutional changes. It delves into the impact of EU membership on Slovenia’s economic development, highlighting the role of foreign direct investment and global value chains. The chapter also explores Slovenia’s participation in the EU internal market, research and innovation policies, and its foreign policy identity. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by recent geopolitical shifts, particularly the war in Ukraine, and their implications for EU enlargement policy. The volume features contributions from prominent authors and experts, offering a multifaceted perspective on Slovenia’s EU membership and its potential future directions.AI Generated
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AbstractThe European Union (EU) requires a robust discussion on reforming its enlargement policy. Additionally, Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine has fundamentally altered the context of EU enlargement policy and the functioning of the Union, reintroducing geopolitics to the forefront. Russia’s neo-imperial control tactics in the former Soviet Union countries, employing various methods from economic and political coercion to disinformation campaigns, election meddling, cyber-attacks, and even military aggression, leave governments, particularly those in the EU’s Eastern neighbourhood and Western Balkans, vulnerable. This challenges the core principles of a rules-based international order and fundamentally questions EU values. It could also impact their reliance on geopolitical actors such as China, Turkey, and the Western powers. -
Slovenia(ns) in the European Union: Reflecting on Missed Opportunities and Lessons Learned Two Decades Later
Marjan SvetličičThis chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of Slovenia's 20-year journey in the European Union, using the analogy of human development cycles to illustrate the country's progression from initial enthusiasm to a more mature and self-aware membership. It highlights significant milestones such as the adoption of the euro and the Schengen Area, while also examining setbacks like the border dispute with Croatia and the economic challenges faced during the financial crisis. The author delves into the perception of EU membership among different generations and socio-economic groups, revealing a complex interplay of expectations, benefits, and disappointments. The chapter also explores the costs and drawbacks of membership, including the loss of autonomy and the challenges of navigating EU decision-making processes. Throughout, the text provides a nuanced view of Slovenia's EU experience, emphasizing both the achievements and the lessons learned, and offering insights into the country's evolving relationship with the Union.AI Generated
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AbstractIf we look at Slovenia’s path to EU membership through the lens of the human lifespan, it can be divided into four phases: Infancy, childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Now in its twenties, it is in a stage between adolescence and adulthood. The lack of self-confidence and assertiveness in pursuing national interests could indicate that Slovenia has not yet fully matured and in some respects is still in “puberty”. Overall, membership has been a success in economic, political and cultural terms, even if the initial success story later began to pale in comparison to some other new EU members. The benefits outweighed the costs of membership even compared to the counterfactual scenarios. The main challenge for the future is to avoid past mistakes, such as delays in adapting to the changing, volatile, unpredictable and risky environment, and to improve competitiveness through bolder and faster reforms. Last but not least, soft skills (lobbying, negotiation and communication) need to be improved in order to pursue national interests more confidently than in the past. This represents an opportunity for the new generation of politicians and business leaders, provided that they overcome the pubescent growing pains that still exist. -
Economics
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Has Twenty Years of Slovenia’s EU Membership Boosted Competitiveness and Foreign Direct Investments?
Andreja JakličThis chapter delves into the effects of Slovenia's two decades of EU membership on its competitiveness and foreign direct investments (FDI). It assesses how EU integration has influenced Slovenia's economic and social development, focusing on the dynamics of FDI as a key indicator of competitiveness. The analysis covers the evolution of Slovenia's productivity, the role of FDI in its economic growth, and its participation in global value chains. The chapter also examines the challenges faced by Slovenia in attracting FDI and the impact of institutional factors on its economic performance. Despite the benefits of EU integration, the chapter highlights the need for further domestic reforms to fully realize Slovenia's economic potential.AI Generated
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AbstractThis article provides an overview of Slovenia’s competitiveness following 20 years of EU membership, focusing on foreign direct investment and participation in global value chains (GVCs). Although the first decade of European integration further boosted liberalization, competition, trade, and investment, leading to higher productivity and innovation, the second decade brought only modest progress in Slovenian competitiveness and FDI dynamics. The modest influence on EU policymaking, slow progress on improving the quality of domestic institutions, and delayed economic reforms (related to labour markets, e-administration, and taxes) made the current Slovenian business environment less attractive (as substantiated by Foreign Direct Investments data), with the initial expectations pinned on EU membership remaining unfulfilled. However, the strengthened trade and investment relations developed over the course of two decades of integration have ensured continuous and strong participation in GVCs, despite the disruptions brought on by recent crises. -
Financial Aspects of Slovenia’s Membership in the EU
Mojmir MrakThis chapter delves into the financial aspects of Slovenia’s EU membership, presenting a comprehensive case study spanning two decades. It begins by outlining the fiscal and financial implications of Slovenia’s EU accession process, highlighting the negotiation challenges and innovative strategies employed during the EU budget discussions. The chapter then focuses on Slovenia’s relationship with the EU budget, particularly the negotiations for multiannual financial frameworks (MFFs) and the critical role of cohesion funds. It also examines Slovenia’s early adoption of the euro and the macroeconomic challenges and benefits that followed. The text concludes by assessing the overall impact of EU cohesion funds on Slovenia’s economic development and the net benefits of euro area membership despite the associated drawbacks.AI Generated
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AbstractThis article addresses two main topics: the relationship between Slovenia and the European Union budget, focusing on specific factors the country faced when negotiating for various multiannual financial frameworks (MFFs), and membership in the euro area following the introduction of the euro in 2007. The main findings are (1) the EU budget, especially the funds earmarked for the Cohesion Policy, has significantly contributed to the economic development of Slovenia and has played a vital role in reducing the country’s development gap vis-à-vis the EU average and (2) despite requiring Slovenia to give up its monetary sovereignty, the introduction of the euro and membership in the euro area protected the country from potential currency attacks and significantly reduced currency risk for its residents when carrying out international economic transactions, contributing to lower inflation and interest rates, and to better and cheaper access to international financial markets, as clearly demonstrated during the recent crises. -
Practice Makes Progress, Not Perfect: Twenty Years of Slovenian Participation in the EU Internal Market
Janja Hojnik, Živa ŠutaThe chapter delves into Slovenia's integration into the EU's internal market over two decades, examining the intricate dynamics of the single market through the lens of legal cases and economic challenges. It highlights the complexities faced by businesses, consumers, and authorities in navigating the free movement of goods, services, labor, and capital. The text discusses the evolution of Slovenia's understanding and application of internal market principles, including notable legal cases such as the Čepelnik and Hit Larix disputes. It also explores the impact of major events like Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic on the internal market. The chapter concludes with recommendations for improving Slovenia's compliance and engagement with the single market, emphasizing the need for better training, public awareness, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms.AI Generated
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AbstractThe date 1 May 2024 marks two decades since Slovenia started participating in the EU internal market. During this period, Slovenian citizens, businesses, and state authorities have gained considerable experience with EU membership, both positive and negative. Judging by examples of case law analysed, Slovenia is not known for serious breaches of EU law; however, practice shows that companies and state authorities are still poorly informed about EU internal market rules, creating barriers that remain unchallenged. There are numerous examples from various areas of the internal market that demonstrate not only that Slovenian businesses and authorities are still not fully aware of the internal market, but that authorities in other member states frequently do not view Slovenia as an equal participant, creating barriers that are incompatible with the internal market. -
Significant Improvement but Also Missed Opportunities: Slovenian Innovation Policy from 2004 to 2024
Maja BučarThis chapter provides a thorough analysis of Slovenian innovation policy from 2004 to 2024, focusing on the evolution of R&D and innovation policies, institutional setups, and key implementation measures. It highlights the country's efforts to align with EU guidelines and the mixed success of imported policy instruments. The chapter also discusses the impact of EU funds on R&D&I and the challenges posed by policy instability and lack of coordination. Performance indicators reveal both strengths, such as high business investment in R&D, and weaknesses, including a drop in government financing for industrial R&D. The chapter concludes with recommendations for future policy development, emphasizing the need for stability, predictability, and innovative policy solutions to rejoin the ranks of strong EU innovators.AI Generated
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AbstractSlovenia has applied several EU research and development (R&D) and innovation policies to its R&D system. This article provides an overview of the evolution of R&D and innovation policies, the institutional setup, key innovation policy measures, and basic R&D and innovation indicators. It offers an assessment of the suitability of policies, suggesting where Slovenia has benefited from EU policies and those of other member states. However, importing solutions from more innovation-intensive environments was not always optimal. On the one hand, Slovenia needs to be more innovative in its own policy solutions, and, on the other hand, it also needs to provide certain stability and predictability in terms of research, development, and innovation policy. -
A Proactive Approach to Co-creating the European Research Area: The Case of Slovenia in the Last Twenty Years
Tomaž Boh, Damjana Karlo, Davor Kozmus, Albin Kralj, Tit Neubauer, Stojan Sorčan, Peter Sterle, Andreja Umek Venturini, Tanja Vertelj, Peter Volasko, Doroteja ZlobecThis chapter delves into Slovenia's strategic approach to co-creating the European Research Area (ERA) since its EU membership in 2004. It examines how Slovenia quickly adopted a proactive stance, integrating national policies with EU frameworks to advance research careers, infrastructure, and funding mechanisms. Key examples include the implementation of European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) projects, as well as initiatives in research infrastructure and widening participation. The chapter also highlights Slovenia's role in shaping EU R&I policy, such as during its presidencies of the Council of the EU, where it contributed to the establishment of the European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the Pact for Research and Innovation. The analysis concludes that Slovenia's EU membership has brought substantial progress and international recognition to its R&I system, positioning the country as a reliable and proactive partner within the ERA.AI Generated
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AbstractThis article explores Slovenia’s role within the European Research Area (ERA) since it became a member of the European Union, and it provides a brief overview of the impacts that EU membership has had on the development of Slovenia’s national research and innovation (R&I) landscape. We argue that a proactive policy approach to EU membership, represented by what we term the feedback loop, and the recognition and integration of the EU’s strategic priorities within national R&I objectives, was conducive to making possible further development of research careers, research infrastructures, funding mechanisms, and the internationalization of the national R&I system. Examples are provided from both the policy perspective (presidencies, EU agenda-setting, and policy implementation) and the perspective of the key segments of the R&I system, where we focus on the European Cohesion Policy (financing), the EU R&I Framework Programmes (research careers), and research infrastructures. We conclude that Slovenia’s membership in the EU has had a positive impact on its research landscape by making possible and advancing research excellence at the individual and institutional levels. Slovenia has proved that it can assume a responsible and leading role as a co-creator of EU R&I policy within the ERA; however, one of its future challenges will be to make a cultural and mental leap forward and steadily continue with this proactive approach on a long-term basis, solidifying its position as one of the leading member states in R&I policy.
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CFSP
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Twenty Years in the EU (CFSP): From “Now What”? To Finding a Distinct Voice for Slovenia’s Foreign Policy
Sabina Lange, Matej MarnThe chapter delves into Slovenia's journey in the EU's Common Security and Foreign Policy (CFSP) since its independence in 1991. It highlights key projects such as the OSCE chairmanship and the EU presidency, which showcased Slovenia's diplomatic prowess. The focus on the Western Balkans and multilateral engagements, particularly within the UN, reveals Slovenia's commitment to stability and human rights. The chapter concludes with an outlook on Slovenia's future foreign policy identity, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities it faces as an EU member state and a UN Security Council member.AI Generated
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AbstractIn the twenty years since Slovenia joined the EU, its focus has shifted from Euro-Atlantic integration to crafting a distinct foreign policy identity as an EU member state. Joining the EU and NATO was paramount for the newly independent country, and the subsequent void and lack of foreign policy goals prompted a concentrated effort to refocus on the EU’s Common Security and Foreign Policy (CFSP). High-profile projects, including the 2005 OSCE Chairmanship and the 2008 and 2021 Council of the EU presidencies, showcased Slovenia’s commitment to EU foreign policy, particularly in the Western Balkans. Advocating for the region’s EU membership prospects has become a distinct national interest. Slovenia’s multilateralist stance, emphasizing human rights and environmental issues also shapes its foreign policy identity. As Slovenia marshalled support for its UN Security Council candidacy for 2024–2025, the campaign underscored its dual identity as both an EU and UN member state, necessitating a balance between regional focus and global responsibility. -
All Good-Neighbourly? Bilateral Relations with Croatia During 20 years of Slovenian EU Membership
Thomas BicklThe chapter delves into the intricate history of Slovenia and Croatia's bilateral relations, highlighting the contrasting paths they took to EU membership. It examines how EU accession influenced unresolved issues, such as territorial disputes and economic conflicts, and evaluates the transformative power of the EU in shaping their contemporary relations. The analysis also covers energy cooperation, particularly the Krško Nuclear Power Plant, and the compensation for foreign-currency deposits, showcasing both cooperation and lingering tensions. The chapter concludes by reflecting on the lessons learned from their EU membership and the challenges ahead for the Western Balkans region, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of regional integration and conflict resolution within the EU.AI Generated
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AbstractThis article examines the impact that Slovenia’s EU membership has had on bilateral relations with Croatia. Although the road to EU accession was considerably rockier for Croatia than for Slovenia, both countries have more recently enjoyed the EU’s transformative power. Joint membership and the parity it confers have had a dampening effect on bilateral tensions. Nonetheless, issues of conflict have remained, such as the border dispute and the pre-1991 foreign-currency savings. In contrast, both countries have relied on close cooperation on energy policy and disaster relief. In terms of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, Slovenian and Croatian policy goals do not fully align. The findings from the bilateral experience during Croatia’s accession to the EU suggest that the current EU accession process urgently needs (1) a careful balance between the merits-based approach and the grouping of countries for membership in order to detoxicate bilateral issues and (2) a robust dispute resolution framework based on silent diplomacy to actively tackle bilateral issues before accession. -
Slovenia and Common Security and Defence Policy: Is There a True North for Slovenia in the Strategic Compass?
Jelena JuvanThe chapter delves into Slovenia's participation in the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) since its inception, focusing on its engagement in EU missions and operations. It examines the reasons behind Slovenia's primary focus on NATO-led operations, tracing back to its historical aspirations for NATO membership. The chapter also evaluates Slovenia's nominal support for the CSDP and its role in recent initiatives such as the Strategic Compass. The outbreak of the war in Ukraine is discussed as a significant event that has overshadowed the CSDP's efforts, prompting a reevaluation of Slovenia's role within the EU's security framework.AI Generated
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AbstractThis article examines Slovenia’s participation in the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and its activities and mechanisms. Even though it supports a strong common foreign and security policy, Slovenia has focused the majority of its efforts on NATO-led missions. The article also questions whether it was in Slovenia’s national interest to neglect the EU and the CSDP. Finally, the article discusses Slovenia’s role and position within the CSDP framework and its prospects. -
A Good Pupil in an Unpredictable Classroom: The Impact of EU Membership on Human Rights Protection in Slovenia from 2004 to 2024
Jernej Letnar ČerničThis chapter delves into the complex interplay between Slovenia's constitutional democracy and its EU membership, focusing on the protection of human rights. It begins by outlining Slovenia's strong commitment to human rights and its robust constitutional framework. The text then explores the impact of EU membership on human rights protection, noting both advances and persistent challenges. Key topics include the role of international treaties, the European Court of Human Rights, and domestic institutions such as the Constitutional Court and Human Rights Ombudsman. The chapter also highlights ongoing domestic challenges, such as societal attitudes towards human rights and the effectiveness of state institutions in protecting rights. It concludes with recommendations for strengthening human rights protections in Slovenia, emphasizing the need for greater internalization of human rights values and more effective implementation of international norms.AI Generated
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AbstractThis article discusses the impact of EU membership on human rights protection in Slovenia following its accession in 2004. Slovenia has established robust normative human rights protection in the last three decades. EU membership and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights have further elevated human rights standards. However, state institutions and the private sector have not fully implemented these standards, resulting in a significant gap between policy and practice.
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Europeanisation
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Frontmatter
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Slovenian Public Opinion on Europe
Samo Uhan, Mitja Hafner FinkThe chapter delves into the historical and contemporary attitudes of Slovenians towards Europe, beginning with the pro-European sentiments that emerged during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It examines the fluctuating support for EU membership, influenced by economic concerns and national identity. The strategic communication campaigns during the EU accession process are highlighted, showing how they shaped public opinion. The chapter also explores the post-accession period, analyzing trust in European institutions and the resilience of pro-European sentiment despite economic challenges. It concludes by discussing the potential future directions of Slovenian support for the EU, emphasizing the importance of understanding these dynamics within the broader European context.AI Generated
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AbstractThe paper examines Slovenians’ perspectives on Europe and the European Union, as revealed by public opinion survey data spanning from 1991 to the present. The data indicate that Slovenian residents have generally held a positive attitude towards the EU, showing a relatively strong sense of belonging to Europe. While there was little widespread Euroscepticism, sporadic instances had surfaced in less economically developed areas and among individuals with lower social standing. Throughout the entire period, it is evident that attitudes towards the EU evolved in response to various events, including campaigns for Slovenia’s EU accession, entry into the Eurozone, economic crises, and more. The relatively strong backing for Slovenia’s EU membership stands in contrast to the relatively low level of trust that Slovenians have in European institutions, reflecting a broader trend of low institutional trust. The outlook for the future trajectory of Slovenes’ attitudes towards the EU remains uncertain. While a shift away from the European idea is not expected under normal circumstances, it could occur in the event of a severe institutional crisis within the EU or a significant erosion of its core values. -
European Elections in Slovenia: Who Ran and Who Was Elected in 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019?
Alenka KrašovecThe chapter delves into the demographic and experiential profiles of candidates and elected MEPs in Slovenia from 2004 to 2019, focusing on gender, education, age, and political experience. It reveals a high representation of women candidates and elected MEPs, with a significant increase in gender parity over time. The educational background of candidates and MEPs is predominantly university-level, reflecting broader European trends. The age profile shows a dominance of middle-aged individuals, with a notable but small presence of young candidates and MEPs. Political experience varies, with established parties often nominating candidates with diverse political backgrounds, while the EP has become an attractive arena for building European careers. The analysis also highlights the impact of institutional solutions like gender quotas and preferential voting on election outcomes. Comparisons with national parliamentary data underscore the unique aspects of EP elections in Slovenia, offering insights into the evolving nature of European representation.AI Generated
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AbstractBy looking at research on the demographic makeup and political experience of candidates and elected representatives running for European Parliament (EP) elections in Slovenia during the last twenty years, a few general patterns start to crop up: the clear prevalence of middle-aged, university-educated men among the candidates and elected MEPs, as well as the fact that most parliamentary (i.e. established) political parties do not nominate their current high-profile politicians for EP elections. Some changes can probably be expected in these areas due to shifting demographics and changes in the political environment. -
Gradual, Pragmatic, and Flexible: The Europeanization of Institutions and the Coordination of EU Affairs
Damjan Lajh, Meta NovakThe chapter delves into the Europeanization of institutions and the coordination of EU affairs, with a specific focus on Slovenia's experiences since joining the EU in 2004. It begins by discussing the initial institutional adaptations during the accession process, including the establishment of the Government Office for European Affairs. The text then examines the subsequent evolution of EU affairs coordination, marked by centralization and shifts in institutional responsibility. Notably, it identifies two key weaknesses in Slovenia's current system: the shortage of EU experts and the limited involvement of civil society in formulating national positions. The chapter concludes with recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and inclusivity of EU policymaking in Slovenia, emphasizing the importance of investing in expertise and stakeholder engagement.AI Generated
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AbstractThis article focuses on Slovenia’s efforts to institute national coordination of EU affairs and the related institutional shifts that followed in the 20 ensuing years of EU membership. By introducing gradual, pragmatic, and flexible adaptations, the Slovenian experience with Europeanization and its effects on the domestic political system confirmed the assumption that domestic institutions undergo incremental changes rather than radical transformations. If they wish to produce stronger national positions and advocate for them more effectively in the Brussels decision-making arena, institutions should (1) strive to balance effectiveness and inclusion of other stakeholders in EU policymaking, while also (2) investing more effort into improving expert knowledge on EU-related topics, growing skills, and increasing the number of EU specialists.
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- Title
- Slovenia and the EU
- Editors
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Michael Kaeding
Boštjan Udovič
- Copyright Year
- 2024
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Switzerland
- Electronic ISBN
- 978-3-031-61605-1
- Print ISBN
- 978-3-031-61604-4
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-61605-1
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