In a brief video statement Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon said that Slovenia supports all efforts that put into practice the fundamental values of the Council of Europe. The Council of Europe was founded 75 years ago and Slovenia joined it a year after declaring independence in 1991. This was one of the key steps in the process of gaining international recognition, which helped the country in it's ambitions and achieving EU membership. The Council of Europe currenly includes 46 member states, 27 of which are members of the European Union.