Speech by Dr. Janez Drnovšek, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, at the celebration honouring the membership of Slovenia to European Union
Ljubljana, Kongresni trg, 04/30/2004 | speech
Fellow Citizens,
Fellow Slovenes,
All of you – wherever you may be – whose hearts and minds are with us in Slovenia at this moment,
Today Slovenian history takes another step forward. At midnight Slovenia becomes a member of the European Union.
Less than 13 years have passed since we officially celebrated the proclamation of an independent Slovenia. We were happy, yet there was a weight upon our hearts. It was in the fog of war that we left a failed federation and looked west in hope. We left because we finally realised that within that federation we would be unable to fulfil our aspirations of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights and human dignity. Our gaze was fixed on Europe. We were convinced that we could more creatively and more fully pursue our own path by making common cause with the countries of the European Community. Life there seemed better and freer. And we very much felt that it was where we belonged: geographically, culturally, and historically.
We have invested so much energy in the European project. We created a state in which the European principles and way of life would be upheld, the principles of democracy and a successful market economy.
Today we stand on the threshold of that objective. The dreams of 1991 have become the reality of 2004. At midnight the borders will swing open. We will step into the future of Europe with 24 other countries. We will work to create the best possible relationships between nations and between people. We will stand up for mutual respect and the equality of every individual, every sex, race, nationality and every other group or minority.
Our dreams will now advance. The citizens of 25 European countries want to build a Europe that will be an example to others, a Europe that will be free of enmity and war. We will find democratic means to satisfying differing interests. Smaller countries will sit at the same table as larger countries and their interests will not be overlooked or outvoted. We are firmly convinced that Slovenia’s position in Europe will now be more firmly established than at any other time in its often testing history. The project of creating a democratic and united Europe is the most progressive project in the history of humanity.
The European Union has set itself demanding objectives. It aims to become the world’s leading economic power. It is already approaching that goal. With the free movement of people, capital, goods and services it wants to make the very best use of its potential and secure a high standard of living for its 450 million citizens. Education and knowledge are becoming its calling cards.
Our common objective is a life of dignity for each of its citizens. The European social model is more humane than similar models elsewhere in the world, and despite pressure from global competition and low cost workforces, we do not want to relinquish it. So our only route is to pursue greater knowledge, creativity and enterprise.
The European Union has also set demanding criteria for environmental protection. Humankind is increasingly destroying its habitat and the sources of its very survival. It is Europe that most embodies the awareness that decisive action is needed to ensure a clean, healthier environment. With its continual efforts to attain sustainable development, the European Union may manage to reverse global trends and save our planet for future generations.
With a culture of cooperation, respect for others and diversity, with a culture of dialogue and tolerance, perhaps Europe will manage to transcend not only its own problems and history, but also to improve the quality of relations around the globe. A Union of 25 members can function as a powerful force for world stability, and even contribute to greater justice around the globe. On foundations such as these it will be far easier to ensure peace and security – for our own citizens and for everyone on the planet.
My fellow citizens,
Tomorrow, Europe will arrive in Slovenia – and Slovenia in Europe!
Though it is wonderful to dream of the future Europe, we must remember the present reality. The European Union will not solve all our problems overnight. We are not coming to a banqueting table set for us to take our fill. Much hard work lies before us. Many challenges too. Yet, genuinely, we will have more opportunities … more than yesterday or today.
How much Slovenia counts in the European Union depends on the extent to which we are creative, rational, bold, tolerant and just; the extent to which we are receptive and capable of looking past the present boundaries to the world beyond, and the future that lies ahead.
Sometimes difficulties and obstacles will arise and we will have to find solutions and responses. We are only just beginning to address the common European project and we must be patient in searching out the right path forward. The thinkers of Europe have dreamed for centuries of a united Europe. It now stands before us, charging us with a great responsibility – that of continuing to build. There is no other way. They have all been tried and have led to tyranny, war and destruction.
Just as the European ideal inspired us at the time of our independence, it now appeals to the countries and people that remain outside its borders. We are well aware that the institutions of the Union must keep working on further enlargement, so that yet more members may be admitted to the club.
It is right today that we remember the nations with which we once shared a common state, and wish them every success in their development. Indeed, we hope they will join us once more on the European path.
Fellow citizens,
If today you want to change the world, you must not think of the bloody revolutions that have caused such destruction in our history, because they failed to respect human life. Now we can harness our strength, our knowledge and love for life and put it to work building the future of Europe, and creating just and fair relationships based above all on mutual respect and understanding.
I wish you all every success and happiness within the European Union!