(ANSA) - BELGRADE, MAY 2 - Slovenia joined the EU 20 years ago, on May 1, along with nine other Central and Eastern European countries, in what was the largest round of EU enlargement to date. On Tuesday night, notable buildings and public spaces in Slovenia were illuminated in the colours of the European flag to commemorate Slovenia's 20th anniversary of joining the EU, according to the Slovenian news agency STA. Slovenia has changed for the better in the twenty years since joining, but "thanks to your membership, Europe has also changed for the better," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a brief video address. "You are a key contributor to our humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, and you have always reminded us that our Union is still incomplete, and that all people in the western Balkans are members of the family," she said. "Because of EU membership, we undoubtedly live better than we would otherwise," President Nataša Pirc Musar noted in her address at the 20th anniversary of Slovenia's joining the EU. Slovenia enjoys many benefits as a member state, including a stronger economy and European solidarity. "Our country's entry into the EU 20 years ago was the right and best possible decision for the well-being of Slovenian citizens," Slovenian Prime Minister Rober Golob said in a written statement. (ANSA).