On the basis of Slovene and foreign literature, the article presents the linguistic frames of the EU. From the viewpoint of the theory on linguistic culture, the present state, regarding the possibility of Slovenia joining the EU, is critically analysed. The linguistic-cultural issue of the Slovene language, as a small language and as a language retaining the Slovene originality/identity, is connected with issues on linguistic policy and planning. The present state of affairs shows that Slovenia does not have a consensually accepted language policy, further, that from the attainment of independence, the language issue has been neglected. Institutions that had, inthe past, cared for the development of the Slovene language, have been abolished. This reflects in confused professional expression and the impoverishment of loyality to the Slovene language. If we are to join the company of the European languages on equal grounds we must not agree to any compromises: the Slovene language must formally and legally (in theory) and inpractice (in actual and natural use in official cases) become one of the official languages of the EU.
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