News

On World Book Day, observed each year on 23 April, the discussion with State Secretary Vesna Humar focused on the importance of reading in contemporary society. The day, symbolically linked by UNESCO to the anniversaries of the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, highlights the exceptional role of books in the development of both individuals and society.

The new issue of the News from Nuclear Slovenia is published.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the Decree on concessions for the construction of new cableway installations at Kanin, which will contribute to the further development of tourism in the area. It also approved amendments to the Act on Remedying the Consequences of Work with Asbestos, took note of the Development Report 2026 and the progress in preparing the Annual Progress Report 2026, and issued the Decree on the determination of psychotherapeutic approaches.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Ministers discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the situations in the Middle East, the South Caucasus and Sudan. Minister Fajon drew particular attention to Israel’s ongoing human rights violations, urging the EU to take more decisive action.

On 16 April 2026, the Faculty of Law at the University of Ljubljana hosted a trilateral conference between Slovenia, Austria and Italy entitled Protecting Civilians and Civilian Infrastructure under International Humanitarian Law. The event was attended by more than fifty representatives of state institutions, the Slovenian, Austrian and Italian Red Cross, academia and student groups.

The European Commission today disbursed just over €230 million to Slovenia under the Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU. This is the maximum possible payment, as Slovenia has met all the milestones under its fifth payment request.

The economic delegation of the Slovenian space industry, including representatives of ten Slovenian companies from the space and defense sectors, attended the Space Symposium, which took place in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from April 13 to 16, 2026.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the Decree on the programmes of services under compulsory health insurance, the capacities required for their implementation, and the scope of funding for 2026. The Government also granted the Municipality of Novo mesto consent to prepare a detailed municipal spatial plan within the area of the national spatial plan adopted by the Decree on the location plan for the Hrastje–Lešnica motorway section.

Podsreda Castle hosted a ceremony marking the completion of a project to upgrade its public tourist infrastructure, improving spatial conditions, service quality, and the overall visitor experience. The project represents a significant functional and content upgrade of the Municipality of Kozje’s central tourist site, transforming it into a modern, accessible, and sustainably oriented destination.

A ceremony presenting awards for the best innovative solutions in the field of circular economy 2025 took place today at Brdo pri Kranju. The event represents the central national platform for recognising, professionally validating, and promoting innovative solutions that contribute to the systemic transition to a circular economy.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has concluded a call for proposals for the revitalisation of public infrastructure facilities in border problem areas for 2026. Ten municipalities were allocated €9.4 million for the renovation of abandoned public infrastructure facilities and the revitalisation of underutilised areas.

The State Secretary at the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad, Vesna Humar, attended a meeting with representatives of Slovenian associations and organisations during the official visit of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, to Croatia.

In 2025, Slovenia allocated 0.22% of its gross national income (GNI) to official development assistance (ODA). Together with EU funds earmarked for this purpose, it allocated just under 152 million euros for humanitarian aid and development cooperation projects and programmes. This is 0.7% lower than in 2024, reflecting a 0.01 percentage point decrease as a share of GNI.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the MED9 Informal Ministerial Meeting in Split to discuss security and cooperation in the Mediterranean. “The situation in the Middle East affects us all. We must insist on diplomacy and respect for the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, which must apply to everyone,” said Minister Fajon.

At today’s session, the Government adopted a decision to ensure the timely provision of sufficient gas reserves, thereby increasing security of supply and strengthening the country’s resilience. It also issued a regulation introducing a requirement for prior approval of price increases for electricity and natural gas for certain groups of consumers, and took note of the draft Social Climate Plan and the GRECO report.

Many of the measures introduced in Slovenia under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, implemented with the support of EU funds under the Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU, have already been successfully completed. Below are the results of the measures taken to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which are causing numerous civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, must stop. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and maximum restraint by all parties. Full respect for international law, in particular international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel is essential.

In the context of growing geopolitical tensions and security priorities, Minister Tanja Fajon discussed the challenges and future orientations in official development assistance with members of the Expert Council for Development Cooperation.

In the wake of the United States' recent bombastic and deeply concerning statements, the agreement on a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a welcome development in the hope that it will lead to lasting peace.

8th of April is International Roma Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage, language and identity of the Roma community, which plays a vital role in shaping our shared cultural landscape.