Blanar: After 25 Years in OECD, Slovakia Can Share Its Experience

Bratislava, 25 November (TASR) – A quarter century of membership in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) was a significant leap forward for Slovakia, transforming it from a planned to a market economy which has nearly doubled since 2000, Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) said on Monday during the ceremonial event marking the 25th anniversary of Slovakia's OECD membership, adding that Slovakia has evolved from a country gathering experience to one that can now share its own. "Looking back, the country's economy is now twice as powerful, with doubled productivity and the unemployment rate currently at around four percent," recalled Blanar, adding that Slovakia has also been recognised as a country commanding great respect, being among the first to offer assistance in regions affected by natural disasters. The minister noted that Slovakia supports the OECD's enlargement to include countries that are members of the European Union, but not of the OECD. He recalled that Slovakia became an OECD member even before it joined the EU. "For me personally, it is very important that we support Romania as well as Croatia and Bulgaria, but also other countries such as Brazil and Argentina, which are currently hot candidates for membership in this organisation," stated Blanar, adding that there is strong interest in joining the OECD, with 16 countries seeking membership. The guest of honour at the event was OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, who was presented with the Gold Commemorative Medal of the Slovak Foreign Minister. The gala evening was also part of the BratislavAI Forum 2025 series of events focused on the future of artificial intelligence and education. jrg