Slovenia is small, but its struggles illustrate growing political problems in Europe.
Jure Makovec/AFP/Getty Images
Janko Veber, the newly elected president of Slovenia's National Assembly, on Feb. 27
The country's obstacles to accession highlight structural challenges inherent in the European Union.
Moscow is using financial opportunities and energy projects to strengthen its influence in the region.
One of the pillars the European Union was built upon is coming under threat.
The Western Balkans will be shaped more by external forces than by its internal dynamics.
The 17-member eurozone is slowly pulling away from the EU.
Slovenia is likely to seek a bailout by the end of 2012.
