Mr President, Slovenia hopes to be among the first of the 12 boats who will enter the European Union in 2004 to cross the finishing line, to use an image often employed by Commissioner Verheugen; just this morning it was stipulated that there can be no turning back now. Indeed, Ljubljana hopes to finish incorporating the Community acquis during the Spanish Presidency, within the second half of next year that is, maintaining the steady rhythm demanded by the current Belgian Presidency as well. The Slovenians have been diligent in closing the chapters of the acquis, and they have succeeded in resolving some very complex issues, a prime example being the environment, for which they received recognition from the European visitors to Ljubljana. Slovenia surprised the European Union by concluding, before the deadline moreover, the negotiations on the free transfer of capital as early as spring 2001, despite some problems with opinion makers. In Ljubljana, the difficulties which would arise for the Slovenian government in terms of public opinion if the dates were to be put back and the Slovenians, who were obviously very pleased to see the conclusions of the Gothenburg and earlier Summits, were not to enter Europe, were explained to the European guests. As usually happens in the last stage of the entry of a country into Europe, the sceptics come out of the woodwork, but it is often a matter of internal political tactics. Slovenia is aware that it must settle the issue of the restoration of goods within the time frames specified, even though in some – quite clear-cut – cases, appeals to the courts have slowed the process down. However, the time limits for the charges have expired in any case, and there are also delays in denationalising foreign capital. In any case, Slovenia is one of the countries where, despite macro- and microeconomic stability, foreign capital flows are very low and are often just the result of reinvestment from previous years. Greater transparency – a word used very frequently in this Chamber – was required in order to proceed to privatisation, so that the launching of companies, banks and enterprises on the market does not end up being a purely national affair, with foreign investors being kept at bay. The privatisation rules have finally been fixed with the large banks as well, in which the State will continue to hold – for a certain period of time at least – a sort of golden share or what is known as the ‘veto’ holding. Foreign interest exists in this sector and negotiations are in progress. Slovenia is currently working strenuously for stability in the central and southern region, and, following the disappearance of Milosevic, the issue has become a little less dramatic. There are psychological reserves in this field: “We have not yet set foot in Europe” reflect some observers, “and already international capital is threatening to restrict our sovereignty”. This is a development which is evident in other small ex-royal countries. Nevertheless, Slovenia gives the impression of realising that it must complete opening-up of the market within the time frames laid down in the agreement with Europe. Various measures such as providing backup for the courts which are swamped with work or creating an ad hoc mobile group of judges to support the district courts with the greatest backlog are speeding up the work related to the many outstanding civil actions, most of which concern precisely the issue of the restitution of goods and property. The Commission’s report bewails the sluggishness of the administrative system: laws have been adopted in this area too. Slovenia is prepared to amend its Constitution to bring it into line with the conditions for accession to Europe. With regard to relations with neighbouring countries, it has, notably, a cultural agreement with Austria in which it acknowledges the existence of a German-speaking community in the country and, not long ago – and this is a very important issue – the sea and land borders with Croatia were defined. They are currently being ratified by the two parliaments. These are the major events which have taken place in the area of cross-border cooperation. The macroeconomic indicators are still positive and inflation and unemployment are below the European average, while the GDP is not far off the European average. Considering the preparations which have been made or are currently being completed, Slovenia seems well prepared for integration into the European Community.

Political group: PSE