News

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence. On this occasion, SURS prepared a publication presenting statistical data that illustrate the changes Slovenia has experienced in the economic, environmental and demographic fields since it became an independent state.

Slovenia is an exceptional country which, at the crossroads of the Alps, the Pannonian Plain, the Dinaric Alps and the Mediterranean, combines natural beauty, cultural richness and significant achievements.

The central state ceremony marking Statehood Day was held in Ljubljana, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence and sovereignty. The keynote addresses were delivered by President of the Republic Nataša Pirc Musar and Prime Minister Janez Janša, who recalled the historic significance of the plebiscite, the period of Slovenia’s independence, and the values that united Slovenians in the creation of their own state.

Slovenians are paying tribute to Primož Trubar, the author of the first printed books in Slovenian, with a series of events on Primož Trubar Day, observed on Monday.

Slovenia's first-ever government composed entirely of right-of-centre parties took office on 4 June after parliament approved Prime Minister Janez Janša's new cabinet to succeed the left-wing administration of Robert Golob.

20 May was proclaimed World Bee Day. This year's observance highlights the partnership between people and bees in sustaining food systems, human well-being and the environment. A number of events are planned for the day, including the presentation of the Golden Bee Award by President Nataša Pirc Musar in Maribor, while Cankarjev dom is marking the 15th anniversary of its beekeeping programme.

The quality of life in Slovenia remains high and the trend is also positive. According to various global indices of well-being and life satisfaction, Slovenia ranks among the world’s most successful countries, states the latest Development Report by the Institute of Macroeconomic Analysis and Development (IMAD). However, the report also points out that the risk of poverty is increasing.

A report by UNICEF’s Office of Strategy and Evidence – Innocenti shows that economic inequality in the wealthiest countries is linked to poorer physical health and lower academic achievement among children. Slovenia ranks fourth among countries with the lowest income inequality and is also among those with the lowest risk of poverty, according to UNICEF Slovenia.

Slovenian No Food Waste Day, taking place on 24 April, highlights the importance of responsible food management and the reduction of everyday food losses.

World Book and Copyright Day has been celebrated on 23 April since 1995. It is dedicated to promoting reading, while also encouraging people, especially young people, to discover the pleasures of reading and to develop respect for the works of authors who have contributed to the cultural progress of humanity.

Earth Day is marked on 22 April. This year, it is being observed under the slogan Our Power, Our Planet and places a focus on collective action. Various stakeholders have called for action at the level of individuals, local communities and decision-makers.

Slovenian companies from the space industry successfully showcased their work at a joint stand at the 41st Colorado Springs Space Symposium.

The Tour of Slovenia will take place from 17 to 21 June, connecting cycling Slovenia across 45 Slovenian and one Italian destination, including 10 host locations for stage starts and finishes.

7 April marks Slovenian Flag Day, an anniversary that has been celebrated since 1998 in honour of the Slovenian patriot Lovro Toman. On 7 April 1848, Toman, who was a student at the time, raised the Slovenian flag for the first time on Wolfova Street in Ljubljana.

The magic of Easter for children is, above all, in the dyeing of Easter eggs. However, in addition to dyeing, painting and pasting, it is also an opportunity to play games. Hunting for the Easter Bunny is not a Slovenian custom, so it is a good idea to make children familiar with Slovenian Easter games.

A new tube of the Karavanke/Karawanken motorway tunnel linking Slovenia and Austria has been inaugurated.

The Government proclaimed National Reading Day as part of the implementation of the objectives of the National Strategy for the Development of Reading Literacy 2019–2030.

Štajerska, the wine region in northeastern Slovenia, has been voted Europe's third most desirable destination to travel to this year, trailing only Madrid and Nicosia, according to a ranking compiled by the European Best Destinations portal.

My Voice, My Choice, a Slovenian-led EU-wide campaign for safe and accessible abortion, scored a limited victory after the European Commission on 26 February refused to set up a special financial mechanism to expand abortion access in Europe but told member states they could use an existing fund to help women pay for abortion services.

The Slovenian team has achieved outstanding success. With four medals: two gold, one silver and one bronze Slovenia has once again demonstrated that it ranks among the most successful countries.