Slovenian integration in to EU is taking place in unpredictable, unstable conditions in the world. Slower growth rates (particularly in industrial countries) are expected, further intensification of globalization and regionalization trends and tectonic technological changes. In spite of expected volatility of economic cycles, a Great crisis is not expected. Instability of political and security situation, makes the possibility of different non-membership arrangements and not the full membership a realistic option. Adapted SWOT analysis of fast and delayed membership in EU in selected 16 sectors has demonstrated that in general the accelerated membership until 2004 is better. Benefits of such a solution are exceeding costs even compared with the necessary erosion of negotiation position of Slovenia as a consequence of speeding up the membership. Among the most important benefits of accelerated membership are: better visibility of Slovenia, more FDI, improved security position, accelerated growth rates and productivity, economic restructuring and last but not least the opportunity to be a partner in creating a new European architecture. Major costs of accelerated membership are erosion of bargaining position and closing down of un-competitive firms (activities). Main advantages of delayed membership are gaining time for adjustments, costs for adjustments are spread in the longer time span, improved readiness to obtain resources from different EU funds. However, costs are higher; a slow down of restructuring process and all needed reforms, slower inflow of FDI, slower technological transformation, and the danger to miss a "historical enlargement train".
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