Slovenia's membership in the EU was one of the primary
objectives of Slovenia's foreign policy following independence and was
supported by all parliamentary parties. There was wide consensus on
the issue, which was confirmed in monthly opinion polls showing that
public support only rarely fell below 50 per cent. In the referendum
on accession on 23 March 2003, voters were asked the following
question: "Do you agree that the Republic of Slovenia becomes a
member of the European Union (EU)?" 89.64 of the electorate voted
yes.
Timeline of Slovenia's integration in the EU
| Date | Event |
| 1992 | Slovenia submits a request to enter the Europe Agreement |
| 10 June 1996 | Association Agreement is signed |
| Slovenia and the other five members of the so-called Luxembourg group (the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, and Cyprus) get the green light to begin negotiations | |
| 31 March 1998 | Beginning of negotiations: the Government of the Republic of Slovenia appoints the Core Negotiating Group - a ten-member team of experts - headed by dr Janez Potočnik |
| 1 February 1999 | The Association Agreement with the EU comes into effect; the same day, Slovenia officially submits a request for EU membership |
| 13 December 2002 | Negotiations with ten countries are concluded; at the meeting of the European Council it is confirmed that the countries can become EU members on |
| 1 May 2004 | 1 May 2004Slovenia becomes a member of the European Union |