News

As part of the International Law collection, published by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and the Faculty of Social Sciences Publishing House, a reprint of the book Slovene-Italian Relations 1880–1956, Report of the Slovene-Italian Historical and Cultural Commission has been issued.

Today, Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob attended an informal meeting of the members of the European Council at Alden Biesen Castle in Belgium.

The Government visited the Gorenjska region. In the morning, it held a regular session in Radovljica, followed by separate programmes for individual members of the Government. In the afternoon, a consultation with representatives of the business community and the mayors of Gorenjska took place in Kranj.

As part of the continued visit of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia to the Gorenjska region, Prime Minister Robert Golob, together with the Minister for a Solidarity-Based Future, Simon Maljevac, and the Minister of Infrastructure, Alenka Bratušek, visited the Dr Janko Benedik Home in Radovljica, a public residential care home, where he was welcomed by residents and staff.

During the government visit to the Gorenjska region, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon stopped at four leading Slovenian technology companies, which she described as examples of Slovenian technological development, innovation and global recognition.

As part of today’s regional visit of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia to the Gorenjska region, Prime Minister Robert Golob, together with the Minister of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, Jože Novak, first visited the flood protection arrangements in the Selška Valley catchment area, aimed at reducing flood risk in Železniki.

At today's session, the Government took note of the status of the siting of the Kranj North motorway junction and of the expert assessment of the justifiability of reinstating the railway infrastructure to the Hrušica stop. It also adopted the Strategy for the resilience of critical entities and placed the tasks of the 114 call centre within the Secretariat-General of the Government.

The United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to raise awareness of the importance of the full and equal participation of women in all fields of science. The aim is also to promote the elimination of discrimination and the removal of legal, economic, social and cultural barriers that continue to hinder women’s access to careers in science.

The Republic of Slovenia expresses its grave concern regarding Israel’s recent decisions and measures in the occupied West Bank, which risk further entrenching an unlawful situation on occupied Palestinian territory.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the opening event of the Slovenian AI Factory (SLAIF), which will host a new supercomputer. For the first time, the supercomputer will also be available to industry. It represents a tool for accelerating innovation in the economy, increasing productivity and strengthening global competitiveness.

Dear citizens, dear compatriots at home and abroad, few nations in the world can boast such a strong commitment to culture as the Slovenes.

On the sidelines of the visit of foreign ministers from the Middle East and the Gulf to Slovenia, a panel discussion entitled From the Board of Peace to Broader Peace in the Middle East took place as part of the Bled Strategic Forum. All participants emphasised that nobody wants a new war in the region and that everyone is making significant diplomatic efforts to achieve peace.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with a group of the most powerful Arabic ministers of foreign affairs, who came to Slovenia to show their support for the Slovenian government’s policy regarding the Palestinian question. Talks focused on the current situation in Palestine and the strong mutual desire to further enhance bilateral relations.

With its visit to the Koroška region, the Government continued its series of regional visits. In the morning, it held its 190th regular session in Dravograd, after which members of the Government continued with separate field programmes. In the afternoon, a consultation with mayors and representatives of the business sector was organised in Slovenj Gradec, aimed at reviewing key development challenges and coordinating further steps.

The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs fully supports Franc Jožef Smrtnik, a member of the Carinthian State Parliament (Landtag), who was reprimanded during yesterday's session for using three Slovene phrases in his six-minute address.

On the basis of the Aviation Act, a Public Tender for Enhanced Air Connectivity of Slovenia was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia and the Official Journal of the European Union on February 6, 2026. In accordance with the Act, the tender documentation is publicly published, however, the English translation is merely an information aid for foreign air carriers when preparing applications for aid.

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, is hosting the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt and Qatar in Slovenia. »This visit demonstrates that Slovenia is recognised as a trustworthy and constructive partner. These are influential countries that combine regional responsibility, humanitarian solidarity and diplomacy,« Minister Fajon said.

Ahead of the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the Government GOVSI Podcast discussed the expectations of the Slovenian Olympic team, the importance of fan support, and the role of the Slovenian House in promoting Slovenia. The guests of the episode were Blaž Perko, Head of the Slovenian Olympic Team, and Matic Švab, Managing Director of the Slovenian Olympic Committee.

As part of the Slovenian government visit to the Koroška region, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon visited the First Primary School Slovenj Gradec, one of the first schools in Slovenia to join the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Associated Schools Network.

State Secretary Neva Grašič held political consultations with Thomas Byrne, Minister of State with responsibility for European Affairs and Defence at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exchanging views on current European and global issues, particularly in light of Ireland’s preparations for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the Programme of Development Incentive Measures in the Fields of Economic, Environmental, Social and Cultural Development and Human Resources Development. It was briefed on information related to the preparation of starting points for drafting legislative bases that will regulate the use of social networks and similar online services, and it proclaimed 5 March as the National Reading Day.

As part of a government visit to the Koroška region, the Prime Minister visited Dravograd and Ravne na Koroškem, where he met with the management and the staff of the General Hospital Slovenj Gradec.

Prime Minister Robert Golob hosted a working breakfast for members of the European Commission and leaders of political groups in the European Parliament, who are currently visiting Slovenia.

The 36th Alpe-Adria Fair – the region’s largest tourism event – opened on 4 February. In her address, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon emphasised that tourism today is about much more than just travel. It is a form of soft power, promoting dialogue, trust and stability. Tourism provides an important platform for developing international cooperation and partnerships and for fostering mutual understanding.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the Dual-Use Slovenia 2026 conference. Prime Minister Golob began by recalling that Europe has had to face serious challenges in the last five years: first the pandemic, then the war in Ukraine, natural disasters, and finally the trade war.

On July 31, 2026 the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in Tower, Minnesota.

On April 11 and April 12, 2026 the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

As part of the Latin America and Caribbean Days (LAC Days) conference, the Ministry of Finance, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), organised the fourth seminar entitled Business Opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

On January 30, 2026, Ambassador Iztok Mirošič attended an NBA basketball game in which Luka Dončić played for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

The Archivalia of the Month section features the Archivalia of the month of February, which is is dedicated to the world of espionage at the end of the First World War. We present the case of Anton Kravanja from Soča, a man who—even at first glance—appeared exceedingly suspicious. The text was prepared by Jernej Komac.

At a correspondence session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia took note of the support expressed by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, for the candidacy of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize.

On 21 January 2026, the Ambassador attended the ceremonial world premiere of the documentary film Melania as the only invited ambassador. On the sidelines of the event, he met with numerous representatives of the U.S. administration.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food has issued an open call for citizens, legal persons, and other organisations to propose candidates for the 2026 Golden Bee Award.

Slovenia is continuing its tradition of Olympic houses at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, which will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026. Once again, the Slovenia House will serve as the central hub of Slovenia's presence at the Games and a key platform for the comprehensive promotion of the country. It will also host two outstanding Slovenian champions and Olympic gold medallists who continue to inspire generations worldwide – Tina Maze and Primož Roglič.

In the new episode of the GOVSI podcast, we focused on one of the most demanding and at the same time most significant periods of Slovenian foreign policy – Slovenia’s two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council hosted UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, at the initiative of Slovenia and Ireland. Minister Tanja Fajon emphasised that human rights are increasingly being treated as optional rather than universal. "Respect for human rights is a priority for Slovenia." At the meeting, ministers also backed measures against Iran.

At the invitation of Hungarian Minister of the Interior Sándor Pintér, Slovenia’s Minister of the Interior Branko Zlobko visited Budapest.

Minister Tanja Fajon met with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže in Riga to discuss bilateral relations. Slovenia and Latvia enjoy good and friendly relations and work closely together in various multilateral forums. At the annual meeting of heads of Latvia’s diplomatic missions, Minister Fajon shared Slovenia's experiences of serving on the UN Security Council, to which Latvia was elected following Slovenia's term.

At today’s session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia took note of information on the implementation of the provisions of the Weapons Act, which introduced the possibility for holders to surrender weapons or ammunition possessed without a valid firearms licence. It appointed Uroš Brežan as Director of the Triglav National Park Public Institution and approved the content of the call for enrolment in undergraduate and integrated master’s study programmes for the 2026/2027 academic year.

The EU and India have concluded negotiations on a historic, ambitious and commercially significant free trade agreement. The agreement will strengthen economic and political ties between the world's second- and fourth-largest economies at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and global economic challenges, while also underscoring their shared commitment to economic openness and rules-based trade.

State Secretary Neva Grašič attended the General Affairs Council (GAC) in Brussels, where ministers and state secretaries for European affairs held a strategic exchange on the European Democracy Shield, the rule of law and the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU for this semester. Emphasising the importance of a comprehensive approach to combating disinformation and foreign interference, she also referred to the upcoming elections in Slovenia.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the largest and deadliest Nazi concentration camp, on 27 January 1945. With its 1.5 million Jewish victims, Auschwitz stands as a haunting testament to the horrors of the Holocaust. This day not only preserves the memory of the mass atrocities, but also raises awareness to ensure that genocide is never repeated.

Prime Minister Robert Golob was a guest on CNN’s Connect the World with Becky Anderson, where he spoke about the most topical foreign policy issues.

Prime Minister Robert Golob is attending tonight’s working dinner of European Council members in Brussels. The main purpose of this extraordinary meeting is a strategic discussion about recent events concerning transatlantic relations and the European Union’s response to these developments.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in London is advertising a job position in the consular department – administrator. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who likes helping people in a very dynamic and quick pace environment.

During a government visit to the Savinjska region, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon met with representatives of the Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry Celje, together with the management teams of the companies Celjske mesnine, Cetis and LXNAV. The discussions focused on furthering the internationalisation of the Slovenian economy and science, particularly in the Savinjska region.

Today, the Government continued its series of regional sessions with a visit to the Savinja Region, focusing, this time, on the Celje and Kozje areas. Prime Minister Robert Golob began the visit at the Šmarje pri Jelšah Retirement Home, where he met with residents and toured the facilities. In discussions with management, he saw for himself that, as of January 2026, monthly bills in retirement homes have been significantly reduced.

State Secretary Tina Heferle attended the informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers in Cyprus, organised by the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

At today’s session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Decree on the designation of health regions, introducing six health regions with the aim of ensuring the best possible access to healthcare services. The Government also issued the Decree on the preparation and publication of acts in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia and adopted the position of the Republic of Slovenia in response to the invitation to the Board of Peace.

The first issue of the year brings insights from the Slovenian capital on the conclusion of Slovenia’s second term on the UN Security Council at the end of December 2025. It also features reflections on Slovenia's third term on the UN Human Rights Council, which began on 1 January 2026.

State Secretary Grašič took part in political consultations in Tirana, where she was hosted by Megi Fino, Albanian Deputy Minister at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The discussions reaffirmed the strong and friendly relations between the two countries and focused on Albania’s progress on its path towards EU membership.

Prime Minister Robert Golob made a statement to the media today focusing on current foreign policy developments, particularly with regard to Greenland and the invitation from the President of the Unites States to participate in the Board of Peace.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended a presentation of two pillars of the national security system of the Republic of Slovenia at Brdo pri Kranju.

Slovenian Consulate General in Cleveland Welcomes You to Special February Events. Everyone is welcome!

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended a ceremony marking the start of the investment in the new wood-energy centre in Kočevska Reka and addressed those present.

Slovenia was presented at the Matka Travel Fair in Helsinki as a green, sustainable destination. Visitors explored Slovenia's natural and cultural heritage and its rich beekeeping tradition through presentations, tastings, and workshops, strengthening visibility in the Nordic market.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, and Tina Gaber Golob, as well as the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, and Aleš Musar, today hosted the traditional New Year's reception for the Diplomatic Corps at Brdo pri Kranju. The President, Prime Minister and the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, Msgr Luigi Bianco, also addressed the Diplomatic Corps.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Developing competence and innovative approaches for managing dementia. The call will make EUR 2.7 million available and will receive nearly EUR 1.7 million from the European Social Fund Plus.

Slovenia welcomes the signing of the Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and the Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur. These agreements are the result of over 25 years of negotiations. The two legally distinct instruments run in parallel and together establish a comprehensive framework for enhanced political, economic and sectoral cooperation between the EU and Mercosur countries.

At a correspondence session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted a decision on the participation of two officers of the Slovenian Armed Forces in the planning and implementation of the international military exercise Arctic Endurance led by the Kingdom of Denmark with the aim of strengthening regional security.

The success of Slovenian companies in foreign markets is proof that Slovenia has a knowledge-based, quality-driven economy with a long-term focus on development. The companies Ensol 360 and Vinakoper demonstrate that internationally recognised stories can be created from local environments. These companies generate jobs, promote regional development and boost the country's reputation.

Today, as part of the Government’s regional visit to the Obalno-kraška region, which began with a Government session at the Port of Koper, Prime Minister Robert Golob also visited the Izola Care Home and the Izola General Hospital.

Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek, State Secretary Srečko Đurov and their team visited the Obalno-kraška region today. After the government session in Koper, the Minister met with representatives of the Koper Regional Development Centre and then assessed the results of Cohesion Policy in the region.

The Government visited the Coastal–Karst Region. In the morning, it held a regular session at the Port of Koper, followed by separate programmes of individual ministers. In the afternoon, a consultation with representatives of the business community and mayors took place in Lipica.

The Government has adopted a decision declaring 19 May as Lipizzan Day in the Republic of Slovenia. The date holds special historical and cultural significance for Slovenia, as it was on 19 May 1580 that the document establishing the Lipica Stud Farm was signed – one of the most recognisable symbols of Slovenia's heritage.

At today’s session, the Government took note of the information on the state and pressures affecting the Slovenian sea. It proclaimed 19 May as Lipizzaner Day, adopted a decision to conclude agreements on the transfer of founder’s rights and obligations from a private university to the newly established public University of Novo Mesto, and concluded an agreement on the gratuitous transfer of state-owned land to the Municipality of Koper.

Minister Matjaž Han yesterday participated in a public discussion with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, organised as part of the SPORTO Talk in Ljubljana.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has issued a funding decision for the DRR RCPS LUR project. A financial contribution from the Cohesion Fund will be allocated to support the implementation of strategic planning.

Today, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia summoned the Iranian Ambassador for talks. During the meeting, the Ministry expressed its serious concerns about the current situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met today with former NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, one of the most accomplished and renowned American astronauts.

Today, the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development hosted an expert consultation on the development of the local development programme and public health programme within the framework of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism and the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism for the period 2021-2028. The purpose of the consultation was to align the content of both programmes and to discuss the next steps in the programming process.

January 26th in the afternoon and January 27th 2026 in the morning the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in the Chicago, Illinois area.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob visited the Slovenian Institute of Quality and Metrology (SIQ Ljubljana).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon hosted a visit by Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium. The visit underscored the close and friendly relations between the two countries and provided an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and political dialogue.

On January 1, 2026, the Republic of Slovenia took over the chairmanship of the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) initiative. The initiative was established in 2010. It currently brings together the defence ministries of six countries: Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia. Poland participates in the meetings as an observer.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has issued a funding decision for the project Comprehensive treatment and management of addiction in the prison system. The project will receive European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) support.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the central 69th commemorative ceremony marking the three-day Battle of Dražgoše. At the event, the Prime Minister was the keynote speaker and also laid a wreath.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the central commemorative ceremony marking the anniversary of the final battle of the Pohorje Battalion and the Memorial Day of the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica. At the event, the Prime Minister was the keynote speaker and also laid a wreath.

The National Payments Council, of which the Ministry of Finance is a member, has decided to actively inform consumers about their right to a basic payment account. For this purpose, informational leaflets with the slogan Nobody without a payment account are available to consumers, providing key information about basic payment account in a clear and concise manner.

In the latest episode of the GOVSI podcast, we continue exploring the topic of disinformation and information warfare. This time, our guest is Mykhailo Dankanych, a Ukrainian veteran and expert in countering Russian disinformation, who warns that the information front is not taking place only in Ukraine, but also within the European Union.

The Government visited the Primorska-Notranjska region. In the morning, it held a regular session in Ilirska Bistrica, after which the Prime Minister, ministers and ministerial colleagues continued with working visits across the region. The visit concluded with a consultation meeting with representatives of the business sector and mayors in Postojna.

As part of today's government visit to the Primorsko-Notranjska region, the Minister for Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek visited EU projects that improve the quality of life of local people. He also stopped at the site of the Ilirska Bistrica waterworks that provides a safe and reliable water supply for over 10,000 residents.

As part of the Government’s regional visit to the Primorsko-Notranjska region, Prime Minister Robert Golob met with residents and staff of the Ilirska Bistrica Care Home.

At today's session, the Government adopted the proposed Promotion of the Competitiveness and Decarbonisation of Electro-Intensive Companies Act and the proposed amendments to the acts regulating spatial planning, mining, nuclear damage liability, road tolling and accessibility of products and services for people with disabilities. It also approved the proposal for an Act on International Treaties and Other International Acts.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has finalised the wording of the draft Act on Treaties and Other International Instruments. This area is currently regulated by the Foreign Affairs Act. However, due to the specific nature and evolving dynamics of international relations, separate legislation is needed to enable more rapid adaptation to new circumstances.

Slovenia is preparing for the Winter Olympics, to be held in neighbouring Italy in February 2026. The Olympic Games are one of the strongest global platforms for a country’s promotion, so Slovenia will take this opportunity to present itself under the I feel Slovenia national brand at the Slovenia House located in the immediate vicinity of the main Olympic events in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the meeting of leaders of the Coalition of the Willing, a group of countries supporting Ukraine.

On Monday, 5 January 2026, the Republic of Slovenia, rated A3 (positive) / AA (stable) / A+ (stable), successfully accessed the international capital markets with a EUR 1.75bn Reg S issuance due 12 March 2036. Slovenia opened up the 2026 capital markets in a spectacular way, issuing the first sovereign bond of the year. Kicking off the year with this benchmark, Slovenia benefitted from extraordinary investor demand, pre-empting a busy new issue pipeline.

Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain condemn the latest Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA, including measures to cut water, electricity and communications to its facilities. Such actions undermine the UN mandate, violate international law and run counter to the findings of the International Court of Justice, while risking grave humanitarian consequences for the Palestinian civilian population and refugees.

January 31st 2026 the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Republic of Slovenia, rated A3 (positive) / AA (stable) / A+ (stable), has mandated Barclays, DZ BANK, HSBC, J.P. Morgan, OTP Banka Slovenia and Raiffeisen Bank International to lead manage a new benchmark EUR transaction with a 10-year tenor. The transaction will be Regulation S in dematerialised registered form. The deal is expected to be launched in the near future, subject to market conditions.

On 1 January 2026, Slovenia begins its three-year term as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, based in Geneva. This marks Slovenia’s third term on this key UN body, whose mandate is to promote, strengthen and protect human rights worldwide.

The online column Archivalia of the Month has been published since January 2011. Its purpose is to promote the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia and its archival holdings. Presented in the column are archival documents that are interesting visually and content-wise, as well as newly acquired documents or the ones that have so far been overlooked. Also published are documents relating to various anniversaries, current events and many more.

The Archivalia of the Month section features the Archivalia of the month of January, which is dedicated to the history of the construction of the Home Guard barracks (Domobranska vojašnica) at the intersection of Roška and Poljanska streets in Ljubljana. Built at the turn of the 20th century, the building served as a military facility until 1991. Following its decommissioning, its purpose was changed, and it has since served as a home for cultural heritage.

On the last day of the old year, the Prime Minister visited teams on duty at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana, the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana and the Ljubljana Fire Brigade.

Slovenia has completed its second Council presidency, thus concluding its two-year membership of the UN Security Council.

Slovenia today concludes its two-year term on the United Nations Security Council. On this occasion, the Prime Minister issued the following statement.

During its two-year term on the Security Council, Slovenia has proven its ability to contribute significantly to tackling the most pressing global issues by taking clear positions, upholding its values, sharing its expertise and maintaining consistency. With active, responsible and principled work, Slovenia has left a recognisable mark on the UN’s central body for the maintenance of international peace and security, further strengthening its own reputation as a credible and reliable partner.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tehran will be closed on Thursday, 1 January 2026, due to the holiday season.

Dear citizens, dear Slovenians at home and abroad, as the year slowly draws to a close and we prepare for a new chapter, I would like to pause for a moment together with you.