Overview
Capital: Ljubljana
Official EU language(s): Slovenian
EU member country: since 1 May 2004
Currency: euro. Euro area member since 1 January 2007
Schengen: Schengen area member since 21 December 2007
Figures: Geographical size - population - gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in PPS
Political system
Slovenia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - who is directly elected. The government holds executive and administrative authority. The prime minister and ministers are elected by the Parliament. Slovenia has no regions, but is subdivided into 212 municipalities.
Trade and economy
The most important sectors of Slovenia’s economy in 2020 were industry (27.2%), wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (19.1%) and public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (18.1%).
Intra-EU trade accounts for 67% of Slovenia’s exports (Germany 17%, Italy 9% and Croatia 7%), while outside the EU 10% go to Switzerland and 3% to Serbia.
In terms of imports, 59% come from EU countries (Germany 14%, Italy 10% and Austria 8%), while outside the EU 6% come from Turkey and China.
Slovenia in the EU
European Parliament
There are 8 members of the European Parliament from Slovenia. Find out who these MEPs are.
European Parliament office in Slovenia
Council of the EU
In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Slovenian government, depending on the policy area being addressed.
Presidency of the Council of the EU
The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.
During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.
Dates of Slovenian presidencies:
Jan-Jun 2008 | July-Dec 2021
Presidency of the Council of the EU
Current presidency of the Council of the EU
European Commission
The Commissioner nominated by Slovenia to the European Commission is Janez Lenarčič, who is responsible for Crisis Management.
The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".
Commission representation in Slovenia
European Economic & Social Committee
Slovenia has 7 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.
European Committee of the Regions
Slovenia has 7 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.
Permanent representation to the EU
Slovenia also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As Slovenia's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.
Budgets and Funding
How much does Slovenia pay and receive?
How much each EU country pays into the EU budget is calculated fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa.
The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather focuses on the needs of Europeans as a whole.
Figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:
EU-funded projects in Slovenia
The money paid into the EU budget by Slovenia helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment.
Find out more about how Slovenia benefits from EU funding.