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| 1999, Jan. 15 |
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| The planned budget anticipated the young government's first deficit, which would be a result of the lingering economic recession. Meanwhile, unemployment rose to nearly 10 percent. | 1 |
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| March 12 |
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| The Czech Republic became a full member of NATO, along with Poland and Hungary. | 2 |
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| May 29 |
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| After the constitution of Slovakia had been changed to allow for a direct vote, Vladimir Meciar was defeated by Rudolf Schuster in a presidential runoff vote. Schuster became the first president in Slovakian history to be elected by popular rather than parliamentary vote. The election also ended the 15-month period during which the largely ceremonial position of president had remained vacant. Analysts predicted that the pro-West Schuster would speed Slovakia toward greater levels of democracy and entrance into the EU. | 3 |
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| Dec. 3 |
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| More than 50,000 protestors gathered in Prague to demand the removal of the Czech Republic's premier, Milo Zeman, and Speaker of Parliament Václav Klaus. Similar demonstrations were held in 20 other cities throughout the nation, but the government leaders refused to step aside. | 4 |
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| Dec. 10 |
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| Slovakia was one of seven nations to receive a first invitation to join the EU in the near future. The other invited countries were Bulgaria, Latvia, Romania, Malta, Turkey, and Lithuania. | 5 |
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