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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.
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.
There are 8 members of the European Parliament from Slovenia. Find out who these MEPs are.
European Parliament office in Slovenia
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.
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
The Commissioner nominated by Slovenia to the European Commission is Janez Lenarčič, who is responsible for Crisis Management.
The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".
Commission representation in Slovenia
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.
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.
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.
How much each EU country pays into the EU budget is calculated 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 focuses on the needs of Europeans as a whole.
2018 figures for Slovenia:
More figures on the EU budget, revenue and spending:
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.