Only three years after joining the EU, Slovenia also introduced the euro, and is also a member of the Schengen zone.

Slovenian primer minister Robert Golob said in his message that the accession was the best solution for the country. He highlighted security and stability, and the single European market, as the main advantages.

In her video address, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen was praising the country as a strong EU member with a strong sense of solidarity: ''Slovenia is amazing. It has it all, it shows it all to be a strong country, a member state.''

The main national event marking the 20th anniversary of membership will be held on May 9 on Europe Day in Europe Square in Nova Gorica on the border with Italy.