The Slovenian Perception of the EU: From Outstanding Pupil to Solid Member

From its early stages, the discussion on Slovenian independence included the clear ambition to join the European Community/Union. This objective was achieved in 2004. The support of membership was very high among Slovenians and has remained so ever since. Various domestic and external factors have affected the level of public support, but the country has never questioned its belonging to the EU. In fact, as the authors show, trust in EU policymaking has often been above EU average. There were instances when Slovenia expected a higher level of support from European institutions, but among all social groups, from politicians to businesspeople to NGOs to the wider public, there was no real alternative. This, however, does not suggest that understanding of the intricate functioning of the EU is at a sufficiently high level that the small country could effectively shape EU policies.