Slovenia celebrates the 30th anniversary of independence just before taking over its second Presidency of the Council of the European Union. To mark the occasion of Statehood Day, thirty flags flew at thirty mountain tops across Slovenia today. Celebrations are also underway all over Slovenia.

In addition to Slovenia itself, more than 24,000 Slovenians are celebrating their 30th birthday this year. Like their country, they have come a long way over these years. They have certainly experienced things they can be proud of and the country they were born into has also reached milestones that cannot be overlooked. We may take the UN membership, the accession to the EU, NATO and the OECD for granted today, but, back then, they constituted incredibly important political and diplomatic achievements for the young country.

As our Prime Minister stated in his message on the occasion of the Statehood Day, thirty years is a short and, at the same time, a long period. Looking back, we can see that we achieved a lot, but that we also let many an opportunity pass. However, nothing has been lost. We are still the same nation that can be strong, resolute and courageous if necessary. On the 30th anniversary, let us remember the importance of finding the courage to persevere and to not give in to gloom and dismay. We know from experience that honest work and cooperation reap incredible, sometimes even inconceivable, rewards.