Fourth national conference on artificial intelligence

10. 6. 2025

The conference titled “Artificial intelligence - new trends in development and challenges for Slovenia" was held at Jablje Castle. The focus was on the rapidly developing trends and complex challenges that position artificial intelligence (AI) in all societal domains – from public administration and the economy to education, new models of behaviour and organisation, as well as current issues of ethical use, hybrid protection, security and defence.

udeleženci poslušajo konferenco — Fourth national conference on artificial intelligence | Author Ministrstvo za zunanje in evropske zadeve

The organisers of the fourth AI conference – the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Ministry of Defence of Slovenia, in cooperation with other sectors, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and leading Slovenian academic research institutions – once again successfully brought together leading experts, researchers and representatives of the public and private sectors to highlight the opportunities and challenges introduced by AI for the digital transformation of the public sector in Slovenia.

The conference began with two opening addresses by the Minister of Digital Transformation, Ksenija Klampfer, and the State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Dr Melita Gabrič. This year's distinguished guest was Lucilla Sioli, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Office at the European Commission. Both Slovenian speakers emphasised that AI is an issue that affects society as a whole. Minister Klampfer expressed her satisfaction with the EU’s adoption of the Artificial Intelligence Act, which allowed the EU to lay the foundations of the legal order founded on security, transparency and human rights. She underlined that Slovenia not only supports this vision but is also actively implementing it.

State Secretary Gabrič underlined that AI is no longer merely a concept of the future but has become part of our everyday lives. Therefore, it is vital for us to be aware of our responsibility for its development and use. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs emphasises the importance of supporting science and entrepreneurship. We are integrating AI into our work and providing education in this field. At the same time, we are actively participating in international efforts to promote the efficient and ethical use of AI, which knows no geographical or political borders and, for the time being, its limits are unclear. This is why it is crucial that we exchange expertise and best practices and work together to create a future founded on trust, responsibility and the common good.

In her lecture, Director Sioli presented the AI Continent Action Plan and the key highlights of the European legislation. She specifically emphasised the element of trust and security.

The conference included two thematic discussions on the use of AI in the public sector and in defence. Three of the largest Slovenian AI projects were also presented: the new supercomputer Vega 2, the Slovenian AI Factory (SLAIF) and the construction project of a Slovenian large language model (GaMS – Generative Model for Slovenian).

Three thematic panels were followed by a round table discussion entitled “The AI Continent Action Plan and the Artificial Intelligence Act: Forming the EU’s leading role in the field of AI”. Director Sioli participated in the discussion alongside Slovenian representatives from enterprises and research institutions. The discussion highlighted the impact of European legislation on fostering an innovative environment in Slovenia.