News

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.

The excitement is building and the countdown has begun. The Winter Olympic Games are just around the corner and with them comes the chance to cheer on the world's best athletes. Slovenia will be represented by 37 outstanding athletes competing in six disciplines, showing the world yet again that Slovenia is a true sporting nation.

The 37-member Slovenian team set to compete at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games in February will participate in six disciplines, bringing together experienced Olympians and young prospects making their Olympic debut.

The government has declared the Holy Trinity Church in Hrastovlje, known for its Gothic frescoes, a cultural monument of national importance. Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arčon said on Thursday that this would give the church additional significance and would contribute to the promotion of cultural heritage in the Koper municipality.

Little Trouble Girls, the feature debut by award-winning filmmaker Urška Djukić, has made The Guardian's list of the 50 best films in 2025, while the paper's chief film critic Peter Bradshaw ranked it among the top 10.

Slovenian ski jumper Domen Prevc has won the prestigious Four Hills Tournament, becoming the third Slovenian to manage the feat after his older brother Peter in the 2015-16 season and Primož Peterka back in 1996-97.

Slovenia has been ranked third on Lonely Planet's list of destinations to visit this December.

The European Parliament has endorsed a resolution expressing support for the Slovenian-led My Voice, My Choice European Citizens' Initiative that seeks to ensure safe and accessible abortion care across the EU.

The first ever cross-border European Capital of Culture in Nova Gorica and Gorizia has ended as the title has been handed over to the cities' successors at a ceremony taking place in Europe Square - right on the border.

The European Parliament Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) endorsed on Monday the Slovenian-led citizens' initiative My Voice, My Choice for safe and accessible abortions. It already endorsed it in November but had to vote on it again due to a change in procedure.

For the 26th year in a row, cultural institutions across Slovenia commemorate the anniversary of the birth of the poet France Prešeren, who was born on 3 December 1800, by opening their doors wide and welcoming visitors to free cultural and artistic events – from exhibitions, guided tours, workshops and theatre performances to film screenings and discussions.

On 30 November, the shared birthday of both artists, the Cukrarna Gallery in Ljubljana opened the exhibition ART VITAL – 12 Years of Ulay / Marina Abramović.

The Traditional Slovenian Breakfast project is officially celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year.

The European Parliament Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) endorsed on Wednesday the citizens' initiative My Voice, My Choice for the right to safe and accessible abortion.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia held two sessions this week. The first, the 174th session, was a field session conducted as part of the government’s regional visit to the Pomurje region.

Atop the prestigious list of the Best Cultural Heritage Towns in Europe for 2026 stands Ptuj, a small town in Slovenia with more than 2,000 years of history, known for its hilltop castle, renowned wine traditions and a vibrant calendar of cultural and sporting events.

Eight Slovenian destinations have been included in the prestigious global list of Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2025, confirming Slovenia’s position as one of the leading countries in sustainable tourism.

On Saturday, 27 September 2025, at 12 noon, all mobile phones connected to any Slovenian mobile network will receive a test warning message in Slovenian and English.

In her message on International Literacy Day, Minister of Culture Asta Vrečko described reading as a journey through the dimensions of imagination and reading competencies as a tool for critical understanding and the foundation of a democratic and creative society.

The 20th International Conference of the Bled Strategic Forum will take place in Bled on 1 and 2 September 2025.

This issue focuses mostly on the Bled Strategic Forum.

A refreshing dip in a lake, a river or the sea? In a water paradise such as Slovenia, the choice is anything but easy.

Each summer, the streets and squares of Maribor come alive with the vibrant pulse of the Lent Festival, which is not only Slovenia's largest open-air summer festival, but also one of the oldest events of its kind in Europe.

A Slovenian–Japanese business forum was held on Thursday in Tokyo, featuring twelve Slovenian companies from diverse sectors, including construction, smart buildings, advanced technologies, public utilities, wellness tourism, and the creative industries.

Slovenian gastronomy has once again achieved exceptional international success.

Life Lynx, the project that has saved the lynx in Slovenia from extinction and helped revive the lynx population in the south-eastern Alps and the Dinaric Alps, has won two Life 2025 awards in Brussels.

The countdown is on! From 4 to 8 June 2025, the 31st edition of the Tour of Slovenia will once again sweep across the country. Spanning five stages and showcasing ten Slovenian destinations, the race offers not only world-class cycling action but also an exciting journey through the country’s diverse landscapes and green values.

The Slovenian Pavilion at the Expo 2025 in Osaka exceeded expectations in terms of both the number of visitors and the international contacts established in the first month, the public agency Spirit Slovenia has announced. The pavilion is visited by some 11,000 people every day, and it has so far hosted 14 official bilateral visits.

Slovenia ranks in the top half of EU Member States on most global composite indicators of quality of life.

Every year on 9 May, we celebrate Europe Day, which serves as a reminder of the importance of integration and cooperation among European countries.

Slovenia marks Zero Food Waste Day on 24 April, encouraging reflection on the value of food and the importance of using it responsibly.

Easter is just around the corner and households celebrating it are preparing to paint eggs, bake potica, cook ham and grate horseradish.

On April 13, the World Expo 2025 Osaka opens in Japan. Slovenia will also be taking part at this major international event, which focuses on innovations, culture, and the economic potential of participating countries, until October 13, 2025. The agency SPIRIT Slovenia is taking care of Slovenia's participation.

The European Best Destinations platform has published a list of 15 best places to visit in Europe in spring. Ljubljana, the Slovenian capital, has been ranked in first place.

March is marked by the anticipation of spring. One of the holidays announcing its return is St Gregory's Day, the Slovenian version of Valentine's Day when birds get married.

Please find a short questionnaire regarding your satisfaction with the Government newsletter Slovenia Weekly.

Carnival festivities are starting across Slovenia again this weekend to chase away winter. Processions of costumes and carnival figures, more or less traditional, will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Pust, a personification of winter and everything bad that happened in the last year, will be buried on Shrove Tuesday.

Please find a short questionnaire regarding your satisfaction with the Government newsletter Slovenia Weekly.

On the eve of Prešeren Day, the Slovenian Cultural Holiday, a state ceremony will be held in Ljubljana during which the Prešeren Prize and Prešeren Fund Prizes will be awarded as the highest recognition in the Republic of Slovenia for outstanding achievements in artistic creation in Slovenia.

In the year when the spotlight is on the European Capital of Culture, GO 2025 inspires us with a power that transcends borders.

The first cross-border European Capital of Culture will get under way on 8 February with a 14-hour programme in five locations in Nova Gorica and Gorizia featuring more than 2,000 performers.

In one month, Nova Gorica and Gorizia will become the Europe's first borderless Capital of Culture , highlighting an extraordinary display of cross-border unity.

After eight years of associate membership, Slovenia becomes a full member of the European Space Agency (ESA) on Wednesday in what is a milestone that is expected to make the country's businesses more competitive in the global space industry.

Slovenia will become a full member of the European Space Agency (ESA) on 1 January 2025, which is expected to make its businesses more competitive in the global space industry.

December in Slovenia is a time of wonder, where centuries-old traditions weave magic into the holiday season.

The festive season is officially on in Slovenia after the country's largest two cities have switched on their Christmas lights and decorations, with other towns to follow suit in the coming days.

For the 25th consecutive year, Slovenia is marking 3 December as the Merry Day of Culture (Ta veseli dan kulture), a special day dedicated to art and creativity.

As a winemaking country Slovenia is in a festive mood at this time of year as grape must has matured into wine on St Martin's Day according to an old custom.

All those seeking opportunities to discover or rediscover typical Slovenian dishes are in for a treat this week, as events will take place around the country to underline the benefits of eating locally grown produce. A new addition to such campaigns, the Week of Slovenian Food will culminate on Friday with a traditional Slovenian breakfast.

In 2024, Slovenia continues to shine on the global stage of sustainable tourism. Six Slovenian destinations have earned a place on the prestigious "Green Destinations Top 100 Stories" list, each recognized for their unique sustainability efforts: Bela Krajina, Brežice, Jeruzalem, Ljubljana, Miren-Kras and Rogla-Pohorje.

In 2023, 1.3 billion international tourist arrivals were generated in the world. In Slovenia foreign tourists generated 72% of overnight stays. They visit Slovenia because it is a safe country.

Between 21 and 28 September 2024, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended high-level events and the general debate at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Slovenia celebrated its Day of Sport as a public holiday for the fifth time last Monday.

Slovenia has the lowest rate of severe material and social deprivation among EU member states, show data published by Eurostat.

In the past week, Slovenia has captured the spotlight in the cycling world, with its name and images making waves.

Bled Strategic Forum is a global platform for generating ideas and exchanging views on contemporary society and its future.

In this issue dedicated to the Olympics, we present our Olympic heroes and the beautiful Olympic Collection and invite you to visit the Slovenia House.

With its largest ever delegation at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, Slovenia is reaffirming its status as a nation of world-class athletes. There is no doubt that they will excel once again. Slovenia is both a world sporting phenomenon and a sporting superpower.

Slovenia have beaten the odds and qualified for the knockout stage at the Euro 2024 after a goalless draw with England in game three in Group C on 25 June, a historic first for the team.

5 June is World Environment Day; this year, the campaign focuses on seeking solutions for soil restoration, combating desertification and strengthening drought resilience. In Slovenia, water consumption for irrigation is increasing, although the total area of irrigated land has decreased.

The traditional week of forests, which includes several events aimed at presenting the importance of forests and forestry to the general public, begins this week and will take place under the auspices of the Forestry Slovenian Forest Service until next Sunday.

This year marks 250 years since the National and University Library was first established. To this day, the Library remains one of the most important cultural and educational institutions in the country.

On 20 May, we celebrated World Bee Day, which focused this year on involving young people in beekeeping and pollinator conservation efforts, as they are the future caretakers of our environment.

Since the beginning of this year, the National Assembly has been hosting a number of activities and events to mark the 20th anniversary of Slovenia's EU membership.

Countdown to Paris Olympics: The Slovenian Torch Journey Begins! Exactly 100 days before the start of the Olympic Games in Paris, the Slovenian torch will light up. Its journey across all Slovenian municipalities begins in Lendava, starting from the three-border of Slovenia, Hungary, and Croatia.

On Monday, Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon began a multi-day visit to Japan, extending her itinerary to include a visit to China.

Nestled in the north-western part of Slovenia lies a true gem of nature – the Triglav National Park.

Since independence, Slovenia has been successfully involved in various international communities, especially at the regional level in Europe.

Celebrating World Theatre Day on March 27th, Slovenia proudly reflects on its thriving theatre scene. In 2022 alone, cultural institutions across the country staged an impressive 7,638 theatrical performances, drawing in over a million spectators, with an average of 137 attendees per show.

The central theme of this year's World Water Day is Water for Peace. The emphasis is on water being not only a resource people use, but also a human right that is inseparable from all aspects of life. Water is absolutely necessary for life and is needed in many activities.

This year the FIS Ski Jumping and Ski Flying World Cup will wrap up the season from 21 to 24 March in Planica.

Last year, almost 1,054,000 women lived in Slovenia. Their mean age was 45.4 years. 42.0% of women aged 15+ were married. 29.9% of women aged 15+ had tertiary education. In the 4th quarter of 2023, women represented 45.3% of persons in employment.

Since its inception, the Erasmus+ program has been hailed as one of the European Union's most successful initiatives, fostering cross-border cooperation and enhancing educational opportunities. This sentiment rings particularly true as Slovenia commemorates its 20th anniversary of EU membership, celebrating the transformative impact of initiatives like Erasmus+.

Looking for a beautiful and affordable country to live the best quality of life? My Dolce Casa research team has analysed the latest data on quality of life and cost of living and applied a formula to identify the countries with the best value for money. Based on this analysis, Slovenia is ranked fifth among EU countries.

On 8 February, Slovenia celebrates Prešeren Day, the Slovenian Cultural Holiday, which is a work-free day.

On Monday and Tuesday, the Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence was held at Brdo pri Kranju. It was organised by the Ministry of Digital Transformation under the patronage of UNESCO.

The greatest Slovenian poet, Dr. France Prešeren, is remembered not only on the cultural holiday of February 8th. His work and ideas are part of our lives and operations, particularly in the international relations.

Norwegian continues to expand its route network out of Denmark and now adds another new direct route from Copenhagen to Slovenia's capital Ljubljana - recently voted Europe's best city break destination. The route will be Norwegian's 10th new route out of Copenhagen in this year's summer programme and the only direct route to Ljubljana from Denmark.

Slovenia's tourist destinations attracted more than six million visitors last year, who spent more than 16 million nights at the country's accommodation facilities in what is a new record. The capital Ljubljana saw the most substantial growth.

They say January is like a blank page. That does not seem to be the case for Slovenia, though, as we have been surprised by outstanding coverage of our tourist delights in world-famous media such as SKI Magazine, Le Monde, The Sunday Times, and The Times.

The Golden Fox competition attracts large crowds every year. The 60th Golden Fox will take place on 6 and 7 January 2024 and from now on will be officially held in Kranjska Gora.

Architects and designers Eva Štrukelj and Ignacio Lopez Sola from the LesnaVesna design studio create wooden products with which they preserve historical tradition in a contemporary style.

Time goes quickly by, and you are already reading the last issue of the Sinfo magazine in 2023.

Independence and Unity Day, which we will celebrate on Tuesday, marks the announcement of the results of the plebiscite, in which 88.5% of all eligible voters decided in favour of an independent Slovenia 33 years ago.

December is a time of gift-giving, coming together, enjoying good company and reviving old traditions.

Slovenia has made the biggest progress among 39 EU and OECD countries in reducing the number of children living below the poverty line over the past decade, according to a report published the UNICEF Office of Research - Innocenti

Many cultural institutions across Slovenia commemorate the anniversary of the birth of the poet France Prešeren, who was born on 3 December 1800, by opening their doors wide and welcoming visitors to free cultural and artistic events.