When East European countries faced the fall of communism in the late 1980s, their entry into the EU seemed no more than wishful thinking. These nations were somehow taken by surprise upon the decline of the planned economy; they had no real answer or solution at hand. Although some economists might disagree, it is simply impossible to reform an economy overnight, especially not from a planned economy to a market economy. The situation was similar in Slovenia too. The transition between two market systems has taken its time and its toll. Yet nothing is insurmountable, and Slovenia is eagerly awaiting next May, when what was once a wish will turn into reality. This does not mean, however, that the transition process is over.

Until then, more improvements are needed, improvements envisaged in the economic programme recently presented by Prime Minister Anton Rop. The plan has already been labelled as Rop's New Deal by some journalists and commentators; maybe also because of the consensus about it reached by the ruling coalition.

One more indication that transition is not over yet is the brewer story, whose end is still not in sight and which has developed into a real war between Belgium's Interbrew and Slovenia's Pivovarna Laško for the takeover of the Ljubljana-based Union brewery. The story may well end up being settled by international institutions. Yet, Slovenians will drink no less bear for it, nor will they love their favourite brand with any less passion, as they have for years.

When will we be able to finally say that the transition story has ended? Will it happen upon EU accession? Can we say it has happened already? Has it been successful? These are certainly questions that first of all must be considered and answered by economists and other experts on social trends. It may be that the real answer will not be known for years. Anyhow, the main factor is and remains people.

Polona Prešeren