In 1997 Office assumed the task of informing the Slovene publics on Slovenia's integration with the EU. In this way the Government wished to contribute towards greater awareness, understanding and public discussion of the process of integration with the EU and on the consequences that membership wourld have for Slovene citizens.
The main elements of the programme were:
Public Opinion Polls
The polls established attitudes, analyse expectations and the key
dilemmas for the public with respect to EU integration.
Media Partnership
Regular and systematic supply of information and other material on the
accession related activities of the government, the organisation of
specialised seminars, study visits to the European institutions and
meeting with high ranking EU officials.
Direct Communication with the Public
- Europhone - a 080 2002 free telephone number that provided the easiest access for citizens, where they could ask questions and received answers related to the EU accession.
- The web site evropa.gov.si offered information on the EU and Slovenia's accession process, and was a valuable database of information intended for various target groups;
- Evrobus was a mobile library and EU information office travelling around Slovenia, visiting also small cities. Visits were organised with local media, schools and local authorities;
- Publications on various EU related topics.
Co-operation with non-governmental organisations
The Office co-financed information and communication activities of
non-governmental organisations every year, aiming to raise the level
of public debate and ensuring the presence of a range of information
and different opinions on Slovenia's accession to the EU. The task of
informing the Slovene publics on Slovenia's accession to the EU had
been entrusted to the European Affairs Department.
