The EU presidency in the first half of 2008 is the biggest project of independent Slovenia to date and the country is actively preparing for the occasion, Prime Minister Janez Jansa said on Wednesday at a traditional reception for ambassadors accredited to Slovenia.
The biggest surprise during Slovenia's stint would be if there were no surprises. The list of issues that will mark Slovenia's presidency will not be completed until 1 July 2008, Jansa said.
On 15 January, when Slovenia made the final transition from the tolar to the euro, 15 years had also passed since the European Community recognised it as an independent country, he noted. Introducing the euro was a new chapter in Slovenia's success story and also an achievement for the EU.
Addressing the reception on behalf of the diplomatic corps, Apostolic Nuncio to Slovenia Santos Abril y Castello said that by entering the eurozone Slovenia had reached an important goal.
Another important moment for Slovenia will be the accession to the Schengen zone, while its most important experience will be the EU presidency, Castello added.
Castello also noted that Slovenia had been called to play the role of a meeting point in the region and become an example that others should follow.
President Janez Drnovsek did not attend the traditional post-New Year reception. Last year he was also absent due to international engagements.
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