More information about Slovenia is available on the Slovenia Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-SLOVENIA RELATIONS
Slovenia and the United States have enjoyed a strong bilateral relationship since President George H. W. Bush recognized Slovenia’s independence on April 7, 1992, several months after Ljubljana declared independence from the former Yugoslavia. The two countries worked closely together to resolve succession issues following the breakup of Yugoslavia, and the United States supported Slovenia’s entry into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004 as well as other Euro-Atlantic agreements and institutions. The United States and Slovenia maintain strong, cooperative relations on a broad range of bilateral, regional, and global issues. The United States and Slovenia also cooperate in promoting stability and Euro-Atlantic integration of Western Balkans countries. Other interests include deepening our military cooperation and bilateral trade and investment ties.
The United States works with the Slovenian military to promote greater cooperation and interoperability with NATO forces. Slovenia provided invaluable assistance to the United States and NATO by facilitating the deployment of peacekeeping forces to Bosnia after the conclusion of the 1995 Dayton Accords, and the Slovenian Armed Forces continue to work alongside U.S. and international troops on stabilization and reconstruction efforts around the globe. Slovenia contributes troops to almost every NATO mission. Its peacekeeping forces and contributions to international security operations help bolster stability, particularly in the Western Balkans, and strengthen common defense against transnational threats such as terrorism. With U.S. support, Slovenia established the ITF Enhancing Security non-profit organization in 1998 to conduct humanitarian demining in the Western Balkans. Since then, ITF has expanded the range and geographic scope of its activities, and the U.S. Department of State has provided over $220 million to support ITF’s demining, stockpile removal, early warning, and landmine victim assistance programs.
U.S. Assistance to Slovenia
U.S. security assistance has helped Slovenia increase its contributions to global security and meet its commitments as a NATO Ally while also promoting peace and security in the neighboring Western Balkans region. The United States provides no development assistance to Slovenia.
Bilateral Economic Relations
With excellent infrastructure, a well-educated workforce, and proximity to European transportation hubs, Slovenia is one of Europe’s fastest growing economies. Exports are the primary driver of Slovenia’s strong economic growth, and 75 percent of its foreign trade is within the EU. The United States has worked to increase bilateral trade and investment and is currently Slovenia’s third largest source of foreign investment, taking into account both direct investment as well as indirect investment through third-country subsidiaries. Around one-third of the economy remains state-owned or state-controlled, however, and investment challenges include a lack of transparency in public procurement processes and a burdensome tax and regulatory environment. The United States and Slovenia share a reciprocal taxation treaty and Social Security Totalization Agreement, and Slovenia participates in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourism purposes for stays of 90 days or less without a visa.
Slovenia’s Membership in International Organizations
Slovenia and the United States share membership in a number of international organizations, including the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Slovenia also is an observer to the Organization of American States.
Bilateral Representation
Principal embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.
Slovenia maintains an embassy in the United States at 2410 California Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel. (202) 386-6601.
More information about Slovenia is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
CIA World Factbook Slovenia Page
U.S. Embassy
History of U.S. Relations With Slovenia
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies (see Yugoslavia (Former))
Travel Information
Source: U.S Department of State, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs
