The new Decree on the implementation of the statutory representation of unaccompanied minors amends the applicable Decree on the implementation of the statutory representation of unaccompanied minors and the method of ensuring adequate accommodation, care and treatment of unaccompanied minors outside the Asylum Centre or a branch thereof on the basis of the Act Amending the International Protection Act.

The Order on the financial aid for damage in the beekeeping sector in 2021 is the basis for implementing financial assistance to beekeepers facing a loss of bee products and consequently a loss of income. Damage in the beekeeping sector in 2021 was caused by frost. According to the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association (the ČZS), the situation was further aggravated by the unstable weather in May and the first half of June. As a result of these factors, the nectar flow of melliferous plants was reduced. According to the ČZS, this year’s beekeeping season was the worst in the history of monitoring and measuring yields in the country. Beekeepers registered in the Central Register of Apiaries are entitled to the aid. The subject of the aid is a grant in the form of support for a bee family. A payment of between 6.5 and 13 euro is envisaged for individual beneficiaries.

Information on the issue of extraordinary growth in energy product prices on energy markets

At today’s session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia took note of the information on the issue of extraordinary growth in energy product prices on energy markets.

Market conditions are unusual and are the result of several factors: post-pandemic recovery of economies and increased demand for energy (especially coal and natural gas), reduced additional gas supply to Europe due to technical difficulties and lower investment, lower own production and unreserved additional quantities of gas from Russia, and lower electricity production from renewable sources than usual. The main factors are the extreme rise in natural gas prices (due to lower gas supply to Europe) and the rise in coal prices (due to increased demand for coal by China caused by rising electricity consumption).

Due to the long winter, natural gas storage facilities in Europe were emptier than usual and filling was slower also because of the unfavourable difference in gas prices. The facilities are now filled adequately to meet the demands of the coming winter. In recent years, when the liquefied natural gas (LNG) market has become global, gas prices in current markets have been shaped by global demand. There is competing demand in Asia and Europe, which raises the price of LNG.

We should be aware that the current situation in Slovenia is the result of developments in the international fuel markets. This is a specific phenomenon and one which must be addressed collectively, at the EU level, as this is the only way to ensure the best protection against such price trends in the future.

EU Member States are integrated in the common energy market. In view of the current situation, Slovenia has called an extraordinary meeting of energy ministers for 26 October to find common solutions that will protect citizens against further price rises.

Source: Ministry of Infrastructure

Slovenia’s position on the European Commission's Fit for 55 communication

The Government adopted the proposal for the position of the Republic of Slovenia on the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions "Fit for 55": delivering the EU’s 2030 Climate Target on the way to climate neutrality. The Republic of Slovenia welcomes the Commission’s communication "Fit for 55": delivering the EU’s 2030 Climate Target on the way to climate neutrality. The communication considers the Fit for 55 legislative package, which includes proposals for measures to enable the EU to reduce net emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 and Europe to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050. These are the goals to which the EU and its Member States are bound by the European Climate Law. The proposed measures are also an opportunity for innovation, investment and jobs.

In the negotiations, Slovenia will strive for solutions that will take into account the EU’s climate commitments, the different starting positions of countries and the specific circumstances in Slovenia, such as its biodiversity and the share of Natura 2000 sites, the high share of forested area and the high share of energy use in transport, as they are important for setting and meeting Slovenia’s national targets. A balanced set of policies and actions must be put in place to ensure that all sectors, all citizens and all Member States contribute their fair share to achieving legally binding climate targets, taking into account the principles of fairness and solidarity and cost-effectiveness. However, every Member State must retain its right to choose its own energy mix and the most suitable technologies. In addition to climate targets, the aspects of maintaining competitiveness, including the adoption of supporting measures and the development of new technologies, must also be taken into account in considering the proposals in the Fit for 55 package. Particular attention should be paid to the effect of individual proposals on energy prices. Slovenia will adopt a separate position on each proposal.

Source: Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning