15th regular session of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia

The Government adopted the proposal for amendments to the Road Traffic Rules Act and submitted it to the National Assembly for consideration under an urgent legislative procedure. The proposed amendments modify alcohol testing procedures, regulate the use of approved automated driving systems and extend the rules governing cyclist training to include triathletes. To implement the Constitutional Court’s decision, the proposal provides that if an alcohol screening device indicates that the permitted limit has been exceeded, a police officer shall order a breath analyser test or a medical examination. A signed record of the procedure will confirm that the person concerned has been informed of the result and the subsequent procedure, but not agreement with the screening device's result. The conditions for detaining drivers will also be modified, as appropriate. The scheduled date of application of the aforementioned provisions is 7 May 2027. Under certain conditions, the proposed amendments will allow driving without continuously holding the steering wheel in two-track vehicles with an activated approved automated driving system of Level 1, 2 or 3, as defined by the international standard SAE J3016. Letting go of the steering wheel will be permitted only when road characteristics, the condition of the carriageway, visibility, traffic and weather conditions, and the condition of the vehicle and load allow it. Drivers will be required to continuously monitor traffic conditions and the system's operation, and be prepared to take immediate control of the vehicle. Upon the request of a police officer, drivers will also be required to allow access to data regarding the system's activation and operation, as well as the retrieval of such data from the vehicle. According to the proposal, failure to comply with this requirement will be fined €300. Under the prescribed conditions, the option to ride two abreast during training on public roads is extended to holders of licenses issued by the Triathlon Federation of Slovenia or other relevant international triathlon organisations.

The proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Act regarding extended producer responsibility establish a constitutionally compliant and legally secure framework, as well as a clear legal basis for minor offences and the sanctioning of violations. The proposed amendments also allow for the introduction of new digital environmental systems from 2027. At the same time, they extend the transitional period for meeting the requirement regarding the ownership of movable and immovable property in the field of waste management. Under the proposed amendments, this requirement will have to be met by 2029. The proposed amendments will contribute to more efficient procedures and make it easier for obliged parties to adapt to the new regulatory framework. The amended Environmental Protection Act (ZVO-2B) required the Ministry to establish an information system for reporting operational monitoring data, accessible via the central state administration website, and requires operators responsible for burdening the environment to report operational monitoring data exclusively through this system. The proposed amendments introduce a uniform, digitised method of reporting. The proposed Act also creates a legal basis for the operation of an integrated information system for the electronic submission of applications for the preliminary procedure and environmental permits.

The Government endorsed further efforts for the reopening of the Kanin ski resort, which is an important project for the development of tourism and the economy in the Soča Valley, and set out the steps for its implementation. The project includes the construction of two new gondola lifts, a chairlift, a snowmaking system, avalanche protection measures, a multi-storey car park and facilities for complementary activities. To examine and implement co-financing measures, the Government will establish an interministerial working group comprising representatives of the ministries responsible for infrastructure, the economy, tourism, sport and finance. Taking national and EU legislation into account, it will seek to secure up to €60 million in budget funding. The reopening of the Kanin ski resort, which has been closed since October 2023, would provide a significant boost to the local economy and support the development of year-round tourism. Through these activities, the Government supports efforts to restore Kanin's position as an important part of the tourism offering of the Soča Valley and Slovenia.

The Government issued the Decree regulating financial support for activities of agricultural, development and educational organisations of Slovenians in neighbouring countries. It aims to strengthen cooperation between these organisations and the Republic of Slovenia in the fields of agriculture, rural development and education. Strengthening ties between Slovenia and Slovenian communities in neighbouring countries is an important part of efforts to promote the long-term development of agriculture and preserve Slovenian cultural and linguistic identity. The Decree lays down in greater detail the content of multiannual and annual activity programmes; the composition, decision-making procedures and working methods of the commission responsible for reviewing and assessing applications received under public calls for proposals; the content of public calls for proposals; the eligible activities for which funding is available; the assessment criteria and scoring system for applications; and the conditions for obtaining financial support.

Furthermore, the Government adopted an amendment to the Eco Fund’s business and financial plan for 2026, providing additional funding for energy efficiency measures and environmental investments. Under the revised plan, an additional €3.5 million will be allocated from the unallocated surplus of previous years generated from funds under the Energy Efficiency Act (ZURE). The Eco Fund had already earmarked €5.6 million for this purpose from the unallocated surplus, with the revised plan raising the total to €9.1 million. The funds will be used to meet payment obligations arising from previous ZURE public calls, with payments to be made in 2026. The revised plan also increases the funding available for loans for environmental investments from €50 million to €80 million. The Eco Fund will secure the additional €30 million through long-term borrowing from financial institutions. The additional funds will be allocated to existing open public calls, primarily to loans for individuals, and, where necessary, to other loan schemes. A new public call will also be launched to provide interest rate subsidies on loans taken out by individuals to purchase electric vehicles. These measures will ensure the continuity of lending for environmental investments under all currently open public calls until the end of the year.