|
During the past decade, integration into the EU has been one of
Slovenia's foreign policy priorities. This process has political,
economic, social and security consequences. Slovenia concluded a
cooperation agreement with the EU in 1993, in 1997 it began
negotiations for full membership, and in 1999 the European Association
Agreement came into force. As a successful candidate, Slovenia can
expect EU membership in the next year, which will doubtless also
entail certain political and security results. Although EU membership
does not expressly guarantee mutual security pledges from its members,
the political and security cooperation between the countries ensures a
greater degree of security and thereby the security of individual
member states. With membership in the EU, Slovenia will be included in
the process of shaping the CSFP, and at the same time demand and
opportunities will increase for Slovenia's more active role in
ensuring peace and stability in the area of Southeast Europe.
|
