With the accession to NATO and the European Union 20 years ago, the challenges for Slovenia became even greater. This related not only to challenges within the community, but above all to challenges of asserting ourselves. And this was not only an issue of political assertion, but also one of cultural, social and economic assertion.

In this issue of Sinfo, we look back at the pivotal times of our acceding to both international communities. And its spotlight is also on the results Slovenia has already achieved. Along the way, Slovenia has shown itself to be a trustworthy partner and to have enriched its partners with its identity and uniqueness.

We Slovenians have both followed our dreams and accepted our responsibilities. The secret of our success lies above all in self-belief. Co-existence in a community is a lesson of duties based on understanding; a community is a bond, and together we have been successfully writing the story for 20 years.