Slovenia Steps into European Spotlight
For the next six months Slovenia will sit at the epicenter of the EU. Taking on the presidency is an unprecedented challenge for the affluent Alpine country of 2 million people. Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. In the years since, it has sprinted towards the West, joining both the EU and NATO in 2004. Now, it's the first new EU member country to lead the 27-nation bloc. "This is a historic project for us," said Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel. "It's not normal for us to be asked to lead such a presidency and so we want to make an extra effort." Slovenia has budgeted 62 million euros as it has hired a slew of translators and advisors to make sure the next six months go over smoothly. The country will be responsible for organizing dozens of conferences, including minister-level meetings. Slovenia sees the presidency as a chance to increase its visibility in Europe.
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