Yugoslavia disintegrated because it was unable to move forward. It did not enable any development and freedom - in thinking, freedom of movement, freedom in one's work; "the right to the pursuit of happiness" as it is beautifully stated in the US Constitution.

All of us who strove for a democratic state were right - Slovenia is a success, an exception in this part of Europe, an active young country on its way to where it deserves to be: among the best.

We have indeed exceeded our desires. We have not only kept afloat, but with our knowledge we are penetrating foreign markets, we have mastered the latest state-of-the-art technologies... To paraphrase: not only do we not eat grass at all (as predicted by some), we even export it!

As an entrepreneur, I know that growth is essential. This awareness enabled Slovenia to perform this courageous but well considered act ten years ago. Let it also be our guide in the future!