Matevž Hribernik EU membership has placed Slovenia within a new institutional and development framework whereby the conditions and methods for achieving its national development have changed fundamentally. Slovenia as an EU member has to reconsider its strategic position within a broader global framework. It must identify its existing weaknesses and development opportunities and respond to them with an appropriate strategy. Slovenia must find ways to achieve its national goals in a sustainable way and in line with the common European regulations, policies and strategies, primarily the revised Lisbon Strategy. In the transition period, Slovenia achieved stable economic growth while it avoided major macroeconomic imbalances and maintained comparatively good results in its social development. The chief drawbacks of the development seen so far include an overregulated economy, weak entrepreneurial development and the economy's low level of innovativeness, the modest efficiency of investment in research and development, a too rigid labour market and an insufficiently stimulative system of social transfers. In order for Slovenia to achieve the Lisbon Strategy objectives, it must therefore carry out structural reforms that will strengthen the competitiveness of its economy and raise its employment levels. Not least, an efficient administration that will allow appropriate monitoring of the development strategy and consultation with all relevant stakeholders is very important. Table 3. Major milestones in the creation of the development strategies Major milestones • Slovenia's Development Strategy (June 2005, draft June 2004) • Framework for Economic and Social Reforms(October- November 2005) • Reform Programme for Achieving the Lisbon Strategy Goals- NRP(October 2005) • Office for Growth(January 2005) • New Social Agreement negotiations (since January 2006) • Partnership for Development between Parliamentary Parties(April 2006) Source: author's compilation Consulted stakeholders • Economic and Social Council(emplo­yers and employees) • Chamber of Commerce(active contri­bution to the programme) • Parliamentary Committees • Council for Sustainable Development • Workshops with NGOs of different so­cial interests and regions • Public awareness campaign 100