EC/Slovenia Europe agreement

The Committee on Foreign Affairs recommended that plenary assent to the conclusion of an association agreement between the European Union and Slovenia. In her report, Mrs Ulpu IIVARI stressed the fact that, since it was recognized as independent by the EU in 1992, Slovenia had demonstrated that it was capable of organizing a democratic system of government and presented important interests, given its high level of economic development among the CEECs. The agreement dated 10 June 1996 had been signed after long negotiations, especially on the adaptation of the legislation of Slovenia to that of the European Union and the claims of the Italian minority in Istria to restitution of the property which they were forced to abandon during the 1950s. The Spanish presidency had worked out a "compromise" whereby the legislation and constitution could be adapted during a transitional period following the signature of the agreement. Ratification of the agreement would enable Slovenia to participate in the pre- accession strategy and make up the political ground lost to other CEECs. The rapporteur considered that the association agreement represented an opportunity to bring Slovenia closer to the EU, promote the economic development of this country and strengthen democracy.�