Slowenien: Auswirkungen der neuen Eigenstaatlichkeit auf die wirtschaftsgeographische Situation

Abstract

Slovenia -a former Yugoslavian republic with an area of about 20 000 km2- has been an independent state since 1991. It is a parliamentary democracy with a constitution and currency of its own. The poulation is ethnically homogeneous, composed of about 90% of Slovenians and some smaller national minorities. The chances of development for Slovenia lie in an integration into a European economic system on the basis of innovative specialization, flexibility and quality and use of its strategic location. Compared with other States of East and South East Europe that broke away from multi-nation states and moved towards a market economy after the collapse of socialism, Slovenia has some special characteristics that "should make a smooth transition to market economy possible" (Jerai 1992). Among these characteristics are its favourable location in Central Europe, good international transport links, the higher degree of freedom that was already existent in the past, the know how of trade and economic relations, the extended functions of enterprises, the functioning of market mechanisms. Slovenia was -due to its central location and historical development- closely tied to Central Europe. This had consequences on trade and the economy and made Slovenia the strongest and most competitive Yugoslavian republic. Borders that were traditionally open allowed a strong orientation of the Slovenian economy toward the European and the world market, a representation on the markets of the leading economic power a sizable exchange of goods and services. International cooperation is an important factor in the economic development of the country. Slovenia is a member of the European organization "Alps-Adria", aspires to become a member of the European Community (via the intermediate step of a treaty of association) and to establish a free trade zone with the states of the EFTA. The ties with the European transport network give the country not only an importance as transit area between Southern or Western Europe and the eastern European countries, but should also yield impulses for regional development. No significant disparities between cities and villages occur because of a polycentrical development. The economy developed evenly and on a relatively high level around the regional centers without forming dominant agglomerations. Small, specialized and flexible economic units and a qualified and diligent work force offer good prospects for future development. The problem of the collapsed intra-Yougoslavian and East European trade is added to the main task of privatization of the economy.The search for new trade partners is connected with a transformation of production as to quality and range of products. Privatization leads to an abolition of efficient nationally owned enterprises and a breaking up of large fields and will also entail a return to traditional production methods and a reduction in agricultural production. It will also endanger jobs in agriculture and the food industry.