Political system

Slovenia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - who is directly elected. The government holds executive and administrative authority. The prime minister and ministers are elected by the Parliament. Slovenia has no regions, but is subdivided into 212 municipalities.

Location on the EU map

Trade and economy

The most important sectors of Slovenia’s economy in 2016 were industry (27.6 %), wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (20.7 %) and public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (16.9 %).

Intra-EU trade accounts for 75% of Slovenia’s exports (Germany 19%, Italy 10% and Austria 7%), while outside the EU 4% go to Serbia and 3% to Bosnia & Herzegovina.

In terms of imports, 71% come from EU countries (Germany 17%, Italy 13% and Austria 10%), while outside the EU 5% come from China and 4% from Turkey.

Slovenia in the EU

European Parliament

There are 8 members of the European Parliament from Slovenia. Find out who these MEPs are.

European Parliament office in Slovenia

Council of the EU

In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Slovenian government, depending on the policy area being addressed.

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.

During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.

Dates of Slovenian presidencies:

Jan-Jun 2008

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The following link is a redirection to an external websiteCurrent presidency of the Council of the EU

European Commission

The Commissioner nominated by Slovenia to the European Commission is Violeta Bulc, who is responsible for Transport.

The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".

Commission representation in Slovenia

European Economic & Social Committee

Slovenia has 7 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.

European Committee of the Regions

Slovenia has 7 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.

Permanent representation to the EU

Slovenia also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As Slovenia's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.

Budgets and Funding

How much does Slovenia contribute and receive?

Member countries' financial contributions to the EU budget are shared fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa. The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather to focus on the needs of all Europeans as a whole.

Breakdown of Slovenia’s finances with the EU in 2017:

• Total EU spending in Slovenia: € 0.476 billion
• Total EU spending as % of Slovenian gross national income (GNI): 1.12 %
• Total Slovenian contribution to the EU budget: € 0.293 billion
• Slovenian contribution to the EU budget as % of its GNI: 0.69 %

More figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:

• EU budget in Slovenia
• Money & the EU
• EU spending & revenue

EU-funded projects in Slovenia

The money paid into the EU budget by Slovenia helps fund programmes and projects in all EU countries - like building roads, subsidising researchers and protecting the environment.

Find out more about how Slovenia benefits from EU funding.