Joining NATO was a historic milestone that made our lives better and safer

By joining NATO, the Republic of Slovenia achieved one of the key foreign policy goals it set itself after independence, demonstrating political unity and the support of its citizens in a consultative referendum. "Our decision has proved to be the right one. Membership has given us not only access to the defence alliance, but also recognition that we are part of a community based on democracy as a fundamental principle, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, territorial integrity and sovereignty," said the Slovenian President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in her keynote speech.

"Our membership of NATO has enabled us to spend less on defence than we used to in our former country, or than would have been necessary had we relied solely on our own defence. Standing alone would have required a larger defence force, a broader societal commitment, the development of a wide range of capabilities and the forging of specific partnerships," said President Pirc Musar, explaining the benefits of membership and adding that NATO provides us with what we might not be able to afford on our own, including airspace protection, access to space and satellite capabilities, security information sharing, mobilisation of natural disaster response coordination centres, training opportunities, and political and security consultations with a network of more than 40 partner nations and other organisations.

In her speech, President Pirc Musar highlighted that, despite working together to find effective solutions to regional and global challenges, common values and international legal forms are under increasing pressure. She drew attention to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and other conflicts around the world, where the use of force is still a means to an end, a means to shift the borders of sovereign states and an attempt to subjugate nations. She condemned any interference in the lives of fellow human beings, their suffering and torture, their humiliation, and sexual violence against them, which we see in the fields of war. "NATO's commitment to defend those countries that uphold these values is enshrined in several provisions of the Washington Treaty. It is therefore only right to be a member of this international organisation and to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of our membership today," she emphasised.

On the occasion of the anniversary, the Slovenian President expressed her gratitude to all the deserving individuals in professional and political life who had paved the way for Slovenia's membership of NATO. She also paid tribute to those who, through their work, uphold Slovenia's reputation and ensure its effective functioning in the Alliance, while promoting common and national security interests. Special recognition was also given to the members of the Slovenian Armed Forces.