Slovakia's integration into the European and transAtlantic structures is becoming increasingly the order of the day not only in verbal terms but also in concrete action. Slovakia is being on the diplomatic offensive as suggested by the title of an article run in this copy of the EURO- FORUM magazine.

Visits by the representatives of the Government of the Slovak Republic and the National Council of the Slovak Republic, official top-level receptions in Germany, Austria, Italy and Italy testify to a significant shift in the mutual relations.

Also action on the internal scene has an important role to play on this way. We are well aware of the necessity for meeting the criteria by which a country's preparedness for joining the community of EU member states is assessed. And not only are we aware of what should be do-ne, but we are also consistently working on everything.

Part of the preparation for joining the transAtlantic and European structures is a range of internal changes, approximation of the legal system, certification, overcoming differences in the value system of the population, etc.

The magazine EUROFORUM gives over space to present opinions, exchange experience on the integration track.

We are pleased to see a marked progress in Slovakia's position and action. This is not a self-applause, those watching us impartially are saying so about us. To be more specific, may I cite in concluding from an interview with the President of the European Investment Bank, Mr. Wolfgang Roth: "Today I view the short-term decision on the division of the candidate countries into two groups of five and their subsequent separation as much more fateful than I did two years earlier. Slovakia is proving in the democratic process that she does belong among the member states of Europe."