The Slovenian flag was raised today at a ceremony held at CERN to mark the country’s accession as CERN’s 25th Member State. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob, the President of the CERN Council, Costas Fountas, and the CERN Director-General, Fabiola Gianotti, together with representatives of CERN’s Member and Associate Member States and Observers and the CERN community.

"CERN is more than just a research institution – it is a place where humanity comes together in the search for truth, for development, for progress, and above all, for peace. I believe that membership in CERN will, in the long term, strengthen Slovenian science, accelerate technological development, and open the door to innovation. Slovenia will always stand by science, because we believe that knowledge is the greatest wealth we possess. And because we believe in a world led by reason, not fear,” said Robert Golob, Prime Minister of Slovenia.

“On behalf of the CERN Council, I am very pleased to welcome Slovenia as CERN’s 25th Member State. Slovenian scientists and students have been trusted and valuable partners for decades. We are now looking forward to working closely together with the Slovenian delegation in the CERN Council,” said Costas Fountas, President of the CERN Council. 

“The raising of the Slovenian flag today on the Esplanade des Particules opens a new chapter in the long-standing partnership between Slovenia and CERN. Today’s ceremony is the culmination of Slovenia’s journey to becoming a CERN Member State, and I am grateful for Slovenia’s strong support for CERN and its future,” said Fabiola Gianotti, CERN Director-General.