Slovenia is hosting the European Commission at a conference centre outside Ljubljana, while the President, Nicolas Sarkozy, is busy dazzling the global media at the Elysee’ palace.

Slovenes have given a summary of policy agenda of European Union between now and June 30. Mr Sarkozy framed his sight for France’s EU presidency from July 1 to December 31.

Slovenia’s relations with France have been good at all levels.

The diplomatic service of Slovenia is very small that France will provide the representation in more than hundred countries.

Last year, Slovenia has assisted Portugal, its predecessor as EU president, by representing it in Macedonia and Montenegro.

When asked about whether big EU member states have taken the presidency of Slovenia lightly, Minister for European affairs, Janez Lenarcic, answered, “We’ve been taken more seriously than when we declared our independence 17 years ago.”

Now, Slovenia has been valued for contributing in EU activities.

Dimitrij Rupel, foreign minister, said, “Here in Slovenia we believe the EU is a miracle of sorts. It has proved to be a mechanism for reconciliation and co-operation. Why do we emphasise the miraculous nature of the EU? We were in Yugoslavia until 1991.”

Slovenia was the first among European Union’s newest 12 states to adopt the Euro.

Slovenia is also positive about free trade, Andrej Vizjak, economy minister said, “We think globalisation is an opportunity for achieving more competitiveness. This is different from countries that have uncompetitive sectors of industry and think that protecting them will save them. We don’t share this opinion.”