The story of Slovakia’s integration into Europe

The peaceful separation of Slovakia and the Czech Republic after the fall of Communism is an example of the uncontroversial political recognition of the cultural and historical differences in the old federation. The author describes Slovakia’s path to democracy and freedom as deeply entrenched in the Catholic Church and the people’s will to fight for religious freedom and human rights during the regime. Finally, the separate accession of Slovakia and the Czech Republic to the European Union symbolises a full recognition of their democratic path and the achievement of Slovakia’s dream of ‘Coming back to Europe’.