Dear Slovenes,

Dear Compatriots,

 

Today, Slovenia is taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is a great opportunity and responsibility for us and our country. Slovenia is the first new Member State to hold the EU Presidency and probably the only one under the present EU structure, as the new European Treaty will enter into force on 1 January 2009. The Treaty proposes establishing a new EU President of the Council with a term of office of two and a half years, as well as an EU Foreign Minister. With the new Treaty, the presiding country will thus have a less demanding role.

 

(Photo: Kristina Kosec/Bobo)

 

It has been a good year for Europe. The European economy has seen solid economic growth, with over three and a half million jobs being created. Relevant commitments to tackle climate change have been undertaken. After years of endeavours, an agreement was concluded and the new European Treaty was signed. We are entering the new year full of optimism, ready to face new challenges.

 

The first half of 2008 will present us with many such challenges. The aim is to have the new Treaty ratified in all national parliaments, and in some Member States by means of a referendum. We need to carry forward the energy and climate package and the new Lisbon Strategy cycle, which will emphasise the importance of knowledge and give Europe even greater capacity to co-shape globalisation. We will take an active part in co-shaping a permanent solution to the Kosovo issue and will take further steps towards gradual EU enlargement to the Western Balkans. 2008 is also the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Enhanced dialogue is necessary to better understand the diversity and dilemmas of the globalised world.

 

Soon after the end of Slovenia’s EU Presidency and parliamentary holidays, Slovenia will hold parliamentary elections. Certain political parties have already decided to start their electoral campaigns at the beginning of the Slovenian EU Presidency. I regret that they have taken this decision. In the next six months, the Government and the largest government political party will not run an electoral campaign, since it would be irresponsible to do so. The Government will put all its efforts into increasing the prosperity of Slovenian citizens and holding the EU Presidency, with all the responsibility that entails.

 

In the next half year, Slovenia will hold talks on behalf of the EU with Latin America, the Russian Federation, Japan and the US. A number of meetings and events will be organised in Slovenia. We will try to ensure that they will not interfere with the normal course of life in the country. Regrettably, it will not always be possible to avoid crowds and minor traffic jams. I apologise in advance for such situations if they arise, and I thank you for understanding. We will offer warm hospitality to our friends and guests from Europe and around the world. As early as next week, Slovenia will be visited by the entire European Commission, and by the end of June, by a large number of distinguished guests. We wish them all a pleasant stay in our paradise below Triglav.

 

For Slovenia, the coming year will undoubtedly be a European year. Let Europe remember it as the year of Slovenia.

 

Janez Janša
Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia