Slovenia made its decision last Sunday. Membership of the EU was supported by 89.61 percent, or 866,593 voters, and membership of NATO 66.05 percent, or 635.864 out of a total of 1,612,640 eligible voters. The turnout at both referenda stood at 60.31 percent.

The press centre at Cankarjev Dom was packed the first spring Sunday. There was tension all around before the results of the exit polls were released, while real answers were up in the air. Half an hour before the polls closed, politicians and diplomats began to converge on the press centre. Expectations were great and optimism was spreading. At 7 PM, the public and the commercial television stations released the results of their surveys. Congratulations, smiles, handshakes and first statements followed. Reporters were scurrying past each other; the next hour went by in a jiffy.

Ljubljanians awaited the results of both referenda in Prešeren Square. In their hands the flags of Slovenia, the European Union and NATO.

Even before the polls were closed, the President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox, landed at Brnik Airport. He cut a cake at the Europe Centre - the information centre of the European Commission Delegation to Slovenia and, together with the Speaker of Slovenian Parliament Borut Pahor, addressed the people gathered in Prešeren Square.

The goal has been attained, the path is set. Slovenia will be engaged in making decisions - about itself, its future, the future of the EU and NATO. The citizens did not want to miss this opportunity. Moreover, the high support they expressed shows that they were aware of the historic significance of their decision. Such strong public support for membership of both organisations gives Slovenia more credibility.

Let me use this opportunity to thank everybody who contributed their knowledge and experience to the broad public debate conducted in Slovenia. To you, who have shown the readiness to share with us what you know about the EU and NATO. Thanks to your contribution, the debate was more substantive, and of a higher quality.

Gregor Krajc
Director
Government PR and Media Office