The Negotiations Department operates within the Government Office for European Affairs, coordinating and organizing the negotiation framework and closely monitoring compliance with the commitments Slovenia has made to gain access to the European Union.
– Since Slovenia opened the basis for negotiations with the European Union in 1998, 26 chapters have been closed, what is the reason for this agility in the process?
From the Special Negotiating Group, we have asked ourselves the same question, and there is still no clear analysis on the matter. Firstly, Slovenia is a small, well-established country that generates few problems, and secondly, the direction of the negotiations has become a key factor in facilitating agreements.
The Negotiating Group was not formed with members from the political sphere but integrated professional sectors that brought great stability to the negotiations, surviving three governments and creating an effective relationship between politics and the EU accession process.
Another determining factor is the high consensus reached for joining the EU; only one parliamentary party expresses its opposition on this point, the National Party, and we believe this disagreement is normal, as it is necessary to know all opinions.
Slovenia is relatively developed compared to the other candidate countries, so the differences between the country and the EU are not considerable. We are 72% above the European average, and this has reduced the tensions that usually arise during negotiations. All negotiated documents have been submitted to Parliament, unlike the other candidates. From the outset, representatives of civil society, not government bodies, were invited to national meetings.
– How are the negotiations progressing on the three remaining chapters?
At this time, we can speak of four chapters still under negotiation; one is the most complex package, and the other three are the most manageable. Regarding the Institutions chapter, there are no problems, and the Nice agreements are acceptable, although not yet confirmed.
What does pose a difficulty is the agricultural and regional policy aspect, both in the negotiation process and in the internal development of the country.
The agricultural problem has taken on a very strong local political dimension. Slovenian agricultural products are 10% more expensive than those in the EU, meaning that prices should fall with the country's accession to the EU; this means that we cannot negotiate the same terms with all countries as if there were no differences between them. In 2004, Slovenia will be the 17th most developed country in the EU, and this situation is not to our advantage; finding a balance is difficult.
The internal situation is much more complex; Slovenian agriculture needs reform: plots of land are small, there are many small farmers, and the percentage of unprofitable farms is far too high. Public opinion believes the problem is unique to the EU, but this is not the case.
The development of the regions is a great opportunity for the development of agriculture, hence the possibility is being considered that Slovenia will be divided into several regions corresponding to the East, Center and West of the country to cover differences in development through the receipt of European funds.
– Joining the European Union means an increase in foreign capital. Are the country and its companies prepared for this new type of economy?
That Slovenia is a relatively closed country to foreign capital is a criticism acknowledged by official policy; one could even speak of fear. Opening up the economy is a fundamental requirement for joining the European Community, and in this regard, the successful sale of Slovenian banks is worth mentioning, as it will provide a psychological boost to the country as it faces the new economic process.
– How could you summarize the advantages that Slovenia's accession to the European Union offers?
First, Slovenia becomes part of a very large economic space, a major market, therefore increasing opportunities and undoubtedly bringing economic advantages. This signifies the success and acceleration of a transition process that champions democracy and the rule of law. These are the goals the country set for itself when it gained independence.
– How would you assess the four months of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union?
The negotiation program proceeded as planned; we are focused on continuing with the agenda that has already been set, and in this respect our assessment is positive.
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