Today, Banka Slovenije held its centrepiece event, From value to values, marking the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the euro in Slovenia and Slovenia’s entry into the Eurosystem, as well as the 35th anniversary of the introduction of the tolar, the first currency of independent Slovenia. These anniversaries testify to Slovenia’s successful journey from establishing its own monetary sovereignty to becoming a full participant in shaping Europe’s common currency.
On 8 October 1991, Banka Slovenije issued and put into circulation the first payment notes, which acted as temporary legal tender and represented the first step towards the introduction of Slovenia’s national currency. By issuing tolar banknotes and coins soon after, Slovenia assumed one of the key powers of an independent state, namely providing for its own currency and running its own monetary policy.
Fifteen years later, the mandate of Banka Slovenije expanded significantly. With the adoption of the euro and Slovenia’s accession to the Eurosystem on 1 January 2007, Banka Slovenije became part of the European System of Central Banks and began contributing to the formulation of monetary policy for the entire euro area.
Through music, art, film presentations and speeches, the ceremony celebrated key milestones in Slovenia’s statehood and monetary history. At its heart was Banka Slovenije’s commitment to a broader social mission that extends beyond safeguarding a stable economic environment. We fulfil this mission through our responsible contribution to societal development, support for the arts, and the preservation of cultural heritage. We place young people at the centre of our efforts, promoting education, creativity, and opportunities for self-expression.
The participants were addressed by President Nataša Pirc Musar, Primož Dolenc, Governor of Banka Slovenije and Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, who joined via video link.
In his address, Governor Primož Dolenc said: “One of the greatest achievements of Slovenia’s monetary independence was not merely that we printed our own money. It was that people believed in it. Citizens held a piece of paper in their hands and recognised in it the value of a new state. With the tolar, Slovenians assumed full responsibility for the value of their money for the first time. The tolar served us well for fifteen years. We then replaced it with the euro by our own choice. Yet the tolar was not merely a stop on the road to the common European currency. It was the currency of a period in which we strengthened our economic stability, built international credibility, and earned the trust of our partners. Without the tolar and the foundations it established, the successful adoption of the euro would not have been possible. We remember with gratitude all those who took responsibility during those challenging times and laid the foundations on which we continue to build today.”
Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, congratulated Slovenia on both anniversaries and stated: “Generations of people in Slovenian villages gathered beneath the linden tree to decide on matters of common interest. Twenty years ago, Slovenia joined another community that decides on matters of common interest. When Slovenia adopted the euro, the Governor of the Bank of Slovenia gained a seat at the table of the ECB Governing Council, helping to shape monetary policy for millions of Europeans. Slovenia’s decision to join the euro area expressed confidence in the country’s ability to prosper in the monetary union, and in Europe’s ability to advance through closer integration. Twenty years on, that confidence has been vindicated: Slovenia is prospering in the monetary union. Today, more than nine out of ten Slovenians support the single currency, the joint highest share in the euro area.”
President Nataša Pirc Musar congratulated Banka Slovenije on 35 years of responsible and dedicated service and expressed her wish that the institution would continue to embrace its mission with the same broad perspective in the years ahead: “Not only in safeguarding the value of money, but also in strengthening the values that allow society to build trust, responsibility, and long-term stability. At a time when the world is changing faster than ever and uncertainty is often becoming the new constant, these qualities are among the most important investments in the future.”
A recording of the ceremony From value to values will be broadcast on Friday, 6 November 2026, at 8:00 p.m. on RTV Slovenija 2.
