AUDIO SCRIPT

At the declaration of independence ceremony, Mr. Milan Kučan said, "Today, dreams are allowed, tomorrow is a new day," and it really was so. The Yugoslav army invaded Slovenia and 10-day war followed. The Slovenian Territorial Defense forces and the police safeguarded the nation, and soon the Yugoslavs agreed to a truce.

Early in 1992, Slovenia’s independence was recognized by the European Union, and in May of the same year Slovenia became a member of the United Nations. What followed were years of transition from the old socioeconomic system (Communism) to a new one (Capitalism).

In 2003, Slovenes held a referendum on joining Slovenia to the EU and NATO, the outcomes of both were positive.

The bonfires that the Slovenes traditionally light in honour of the international Labour Day were exceptionally big in 2004, and people's hearts were filled with the hope of an even brighter future, for Slovenia officially entered the EU along with nine other countries.

On New Year’s Day 2007, the Slovenian tolar gave way to the euro, the new legal currency. Slovenian euro coins with Primož Trubar and France Prešeren were first issued on that day.

In 2009, the recession had an effect on Slovenia and the rest of Europe. The brighter side of these years was the great success of many individuals, among them were sportwoman and sportmen, like Petra Majdič, Tina Maze, and Anže Kopitar.

ACTIVITY IDEA

Go to the library or do a Google search for the following information:

- when / where did he/she live (short biography)
- why is he/she so important
- how do Slovenes pay tribute to his/her work, achievements, etc.
- ask three of your relatives, neighbours, or friends what they know about him/her, and then enlighten them ;-).