Interview with Fedor Cerne from Slovenian government for the role of the non-governmental sector in the euro integration

Non-governmental sector as an educator of the citizens 

Fedor Cerne is engaged in the sector for euro integration in the government of Slovenia. Being one of the participants, he participated in the presentation for the membership of Slovenia in EU, as an important factor for the reinforcement of the civic organisations.

What was the role of the non-governmental sector in Slovenia, during the application of your country for membership in EU and later when Slovenia became a candidate country?

I have to emphasise that the non-governmental organisations were part of the negotiations for the membership of Slovenia in the European Union and this is a fact as a data, since the negotiations are a technical job.  I consider that the importance of the non-governmental organisations has largely contributed in two fields. Firstly, the non-governmental organisations have followed and have had great knowledge of the European legislative and its implementation in Slovenia. The implementation required a lot of changes and the cooperation with the civic sector was of great importance during the implementation of the legal decrees. Secondly, In a positive connotation, on some occasions, the civic centre was a bit euro-sceptical. What do I have in mind when I say this? It is worthwhile to point out some irregularities and fears and to overcome them.

 What were the fears of the citizens of Slovenia in regard of the joining the European Union?

There were some fears related to and about the economical questions, maybe the national identity as well, but also here the non-governmental sector has played an important role with the many forums they conducted, where the citizens had an opportunity to ask about their fears. The forums greatly contributed in scattering the fears and worries.

What is the current role of the civic sector now that Slovenia is already a member in the European Union?

Their activity did not seize to continue with the act of joining of Slovenia into the Union, as part of them works in the government of Slovenia too.  On contrary, it has gained great new dimensions. Now our civic organisations have access to grants which were not accessible previously, and for which they could not apply; they also cooperate with civic associations from other European countries, and in this way the field of their operation is expanded.