Slovenia has successfully sustained the tests of its first decade as an independent state. It has functioning state institutions, its community is democratic in its foundations, the country has a national identity and equally respects the citizens' rights of its entire population. It has outlined itself definitely on the map of the world. It is closer and closer to the European Union and NATO, as it has successfully implemented a highly demanding transformation in these ten years. These successes contain the endeavours and efforts of all Slovenians, all the citizens of Slovenia. Yet all of this is but the beginning. Every goal achieved reaches out for a new goal. The flow of European and global events calls for new thought, new plans and new action. New technologies are lightning-fast, we have a world without strict borders, great dilemmas are brought about by globalisation and man's attitude towards nature. Knowledge and excellence can become Slovenia's advantage.

I am convinced that together we, the citizens of Slovenia and the citizens of Europe, will also be able to face the challenges of the future.