Independet Slovenia

On December 23, 1990, 88% of Slovenia's population voted for independence in a plebiscite, and on June 25, 1991, the Republic of Slovenia declared its independence.

A 10-day war with Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) followed (June 27, 1991 - July 6, 1991). The Yugoslav forces withdrew after Slovenia demonstrated stiff resistance to Belgrade.

Historical ties to Western Europe made Slovenia a strong candidate for accession to the European Union. This occurred on May 1, 2004. The other Yugoslav Republics all had to remain outside the European Union. Just a few weeks earlier - in March 2004 - Slovenia had become a member of NATO.