Slovenia, Intelligence and Security

The principal intelligence agency in Slovenia is the Slovenska Obvesèevalno-Varnostna Agencija (SOVA; Slovenian Intelligence and Security Agency). Domestic security priorities set by the national assembly guide SOVA, which is responsible for collecting information both at home and abroad on groups or individuals who might threaten the state and its constitutional system.

Other components of the Slovenian intelligence and security apparatus include the national defense ministry, under whose aegis are the 1st Special Brigade of the Slovenian Army, also known as the Ministry of Defense Reconnaissance and Intervention Service (MORIS), as well as the Ministry of Defense Intelligence and Security Service (VOMO). Additionally, the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Police Force, and Customs Service all have security and/or intelligence roles.

Slovenia's security depends to a large extent on the integration of policies and resources involving the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union (EU), and NATO—especially with regard to establishing long-term stability in the Balkans.

In December 2002, members of the European Union approved Slovenia for membership in the EU beginning in 2004.

█ FURTHER READING:

ELECTRONIC:

Slovene Intelligence and Security Agency. < http://www.sigov.si/vrs/ang/ang-text/ministries/sloveneintelligence-and- ecurity-agency.html > (March 1, 2003).

Slovenia: Intelligence. Federation of American Scientists. < http://www.fas.org/irp/world/slovenia/index.html > (March 1, 2003).

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