News

The meeting of the General Affairs Council dedicated to cohesion policy was held ahead of the start of the mandate of the new European Commission. The ministers discussed ways to strengthen the key assets of cohesion policy. The Minister for Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek underscored the importance of cohesion policy for an integrated and sustainable development and success of the European Union.

On 25 and 26 November 2024, we hosted the international conference Geographical Indications and Collective Marks: Tradition, Quality, and Identity for Sustainable Competitiveness at Congress Centre Brdo.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has launched a call for proposals to support the inclusion of graduates in business development projects in border problem areas. The aim of the call for proposals is to promote the employment of graduates in companies operating in border problem areas.

Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob attended the Slovenian Economic Summit, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia.

In Astana, State Secretary Marko Štucin held political consultations with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko, focusing on the strengthening of bilateral relations and current foreign policy issues. He also met with Slovenians living and working in Kazakhstan.

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič attended the 10th MED Mediterranean Dialogues Conference in Rome. The conference is one of the main platforms for high-level dialogue on topical issues in the Mediterranean, the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) and beyond.

Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob, upon the confirmation of the new European Commission and the election of Marta Kos as European Commissioner, stated:

Today, the European Commission has presented the first European Semester Autumn Package under the new economic governance framework. The revised fiscal rules focus on medium-term fiscal-structural plans over a four-year period and set a growth target for net expenditure. The Commission has assessed Slovenia's plan as being in line with the new rules.

At its committee meetings, the Government approved amendments to the proposed changes to the Deposit Guarantee Scheme Act, and the Payment Services, Services for Issuing Electronic Money and Payment Systems Act.

The Embassy of Slovenia in Tirana will be closed on 28 November 2024, on the occasion of the National Flag and Independence Day of Albania.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, is undertaking an official visit to Portugal today and tomorrow. Following her meeting with her host, Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel, the two ministers attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Slovenian and Portuguese investment promotion agencies, aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries.

The National Council of the Republic of Slovenia hosted a consultation on the just transition of coal regions that was held at the request of mayors and members of the National Council Peter Dermol and Matjaž Švagan. The consultation focused on social accountability, long-term support, and redirection of local economic development efforts that will enable coal regions to transition away from fossil fuels in an orderly and just manner and promote further growth towards sustainable future.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Establishment of a development office for cultural and arts education.

The two-day international conference "Geographical Indications and Collective Marks: tradition, quality and identity for sustainable competitiveness" opened today at Brdo pri Kranju. The event brings together experts and representatives of institutions from Slovenia and abroad to discuss the importance of these rights for tourism, gastronomy and economic development.

At the United Nations Climate Conference in Baku, representatives of the countries today, in the early morning hours, reached a new agreement. According to this agreement rich countries, including Slovenia, will provide at least USD 300 billion in climate assistance to developing countries every year from 2025 to 2035.

The Minister of Education, Vinko Logaj, attends the grand opening of a new gym at Gimnazija Šiška, general upper secondary school, in Ljubljana.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the JTC Training project aimed at improving the competences and skills of judicial staff. The project, worth 1.4 million euros, will receive 825,000 euros of European Social Fund Plus support.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Development of teachers’ and school leaders’ competences for running innovative educational institutions in the 2024-2028 period. The project is worth €3.5 million and will receive €2.2 million support from the European Social Fund Plus.

The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee, the so-called Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, which deals mainly with human rights issues, has concluded its session in New York. During its session, which began on 3 October, the Committee again addressed a wide range of thematic issues and human rights situations around the world.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia Tanja Fajon visited London at the invitation of Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland David Lammy. Slovenia and the United Kingdom are allies and partners who share democratic values and enjoy excellent cooperation, including in the UN Security Council.

The 6th Latin America and the Caribbean Days international conference (LAC Days), organised by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs under the auspices of the Bled Strategic Forum since 2018, concluded with a panel discussion entitled The Role of Latin America and the Caribbean in the New Geopolitical Reality.

At today's session, the Government adopted several regulations on the classification of jobs into salary grades as a result of the adopted salary reform, and the Decree Implementing Regulation (EU) on the establishment of a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). The Government also took note of extended controls at the internal Schengen border with Croatia and Hungary.

The American Slovenian Education Foundation (ASEF) organized a scientific symposium in San Francisco on Slovenian scientific and technological achievements in the field of space, followed by a gala dinner marking ASEF's 10th anniversary. Ambassador Iztok Mirošič addressed the participants via video message.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, in cooperation with the Bled Strategic Forum, is organising the 6th Latin American and Caribbean Days international conference (LAC Days) in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 20-21 November 2024. This year's conference focuses on strengthening political, economic, scientific and cultural ties, and on addressing global challenges through more effective multilateralism.

State Secretary Melita Gabrič attended the Ministerial Meeting of the Central European Initiative (CEI), which brings together 16 Member States from Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe.

The European Commission today welcomed the second proposal to amend of the Slovenian Recovery and Resilience Plan. The amendment to the plan also needs to be approved by the Council of the European Union.

On the occasion of World Children's Day, Prime Minister Robert Golob received Ava Planinc and Izabela Rosc, the Junior Ambassadors of UNICEF Slovenia.

Librarians first celebrated the Day of Public Libraries in 2002. Each year, it is accompanied by Public Library Week, which this year is being celebrated in libraries from November 18 to 22. The slogan for this year's celebration is "(Let's) Gather in the Library."

State Secretary Marko Štucin attended the regular General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. The meeting focused on preparations for the December European Council and the dialogue on the rule of law. At the informal working lunch, ministers exchanged views on the role of cohesion policy in enhancing the competitiveness of the EU.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met today with the wife of the President of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, and the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yuliia Svyrydenko. The meeting took place on the day when Ukraine marks a grim milestone of 1000 days since Russia has started its war of aggression against Ukraine.

State Secretary Melita Gabrič met with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko. They focused on Slovenia’s continued support for Ukraine, cooperation in the framework of humanitarian and development assistance, economic cooperation and reconstruction of Ukraine.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Slovenians Abroad, Matej Arčon, visited the Slovenian community in Vienna. He met with Slovenian societies at the Korotan Student Residence and Hotel, where the main focus was on the establishment’s operation after Slovenia’s recent capital increase aimed at securing the future of this symbol of Slovenian identity in Vienna.

As part of the European Week of Waste Reduction (18–24 November 2024), the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy of the Republic of Slovenia highlights the importance of responsible food management.

Yesterday, State Secretary Marko Štucin attended high-level meetings on the situation in Gaza and Ukraine at the United Nations Security Council. On behalf of Slovenia, he called for more decisive action by the Security Council and respect for international and human rights law.

Ambassador Mirošič, together with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for European Perspective, hosted a reception as part of the seminar and study tour of the European Digital Diplomacy Exchange in Washington.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the Evening of the Stars, the closing event at which the Slovenian Cycling Federation presented awards to the best female and male cyclists of 2024.

Minister Tanja Fajon attended the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, chaired for the last time by High Representative Josep Borrell. Ministers discussed the war in Ukraine, Georgia, EU-US relations, the situation in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. Minister Fajon also briefed ministers on her recent visit to Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia.

On Friday, November 15, three decades after the initial promises and government decisions were made, the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia at Poljanska Street 40 in Ljubljana finally opened its much-needed new archival building, which is going to house all archival employees under one roof for the first time since 1990. This marks the end of an important chapter in the history of the Slovenian state archive, which next year will celebrate its 80th anniversary of operating as an independent institution.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the signing of the Agreement on the Salary System Reform and New Classifications of Positions and Titles into Salary Grades in the Public Sector, the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector, the Annex to the Collective Agreement for Non-commercial Activities in the Republic of Slovenia, as well as collective agreements or annexes to sectoral collective agreements and agreements harmonised as part of specific pillar negotiations.

To mark the publication of the book by Dr Ana Polak Petrič, Slovenian Ambassador in Berlin, and Dr Grega Pajnkihar, entitled Succession in International Law: Dissolution and Succession after Yugoslavia, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs held a symposium on this topic.

Slobodan Šešum, Director-General of the Directorate for Economic and Public Diplomacy, took part in a panel discussion on the circular economy as part of the 9th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP).

15 November 2024 – The Ministers of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and representatives of the representative trade unions of the public sector today signed the key documents necessary for introducing the reformed public sector salary system on 1 January 2025.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia organised an international expert event on the protection of nuclear facilities in armed conflicts to examine whether existing international legal norms and political commitments sufficiently address the issue of security and protection.

Slovenia concluded its second Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) with the 9th Annual Forum at Brdo pri Kranju. The priorities of Slovenia's Presidency of the Strategy, which provides a valuable platform for regional cooperation and the search for common solutions, were youth, water and the circular economy.

The European Commission has announced the selection of 27 chip competence centres in 24 Member States, including Slovenia. The centres will provide essential resources for the development of semiconductor and chip solutions, in particular for SMEs and start-ups.

At today’s session, the Government adopted three decrees seeking to cut the high electricity bills in the upcoming winter season and thus ease the transition to the new system of calculating network charges. The measures are aimed at enabling people to get through the winter calmly, without high electricity bills.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has decided to provide material aid in the form of food and sanitation items to the Palestinian civilian population affected by the war in Gaza, via Jordan.

At todays’ session, the Government adopted proposed new amendments to the Police Tasks and Powers Act and several measures to cut electricity bills in winter in order to ease the transition to the new system for calculating network charges. It also took note of the initialled documents relating to implementing the reform of the public sector pay system.

State Secretary Marko Štucin reaffirmed the good neighbourly relations during bilateral consultations with Nikolaus Marschik, Secretary General of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, held in Bled. He expressed hope that Austria would continue to adopt measures to improve the situation of the Slovenian minority through close cooperation with the minority community.

On Thursday, 14 November 2024, a targeted and reinforced inspection of buses and heavy vehicles was carried out by the Police, the Labour Inspectorate, the Financial Administration, and the Infrastructure Inspectorate.

Below is the response of Prime Minister Robert Golob regarding recent events related to threats and violence against judges.

Prime Minister Robert Golob and President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar today held a working meeting to discuss key foreign and domestic policy issues.

At the government committee meetings, the Government adopted, among others, the Amendments to the Business and Financial Plan of the Slovenian Regional Development Fund for 2024 and 2025.

State Secretary Marko Štucin visited Ukraine, engaging in discussions with representatives of the Ukrainian Government and visiting sites affected by the recent aggression. In Borodyanka and Moshchun, he witnessed the severe consequences of the conflict, while in Bucha, he paid tribute to the victims of Russian aggression at the memorial wall.

From 20 to 22 November 2024, on-line information days will be held in several languages for international students interested in studying in Slovenia. Full details and a registration link are available in the attachment.

From 11 to 22 November, the 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Slovenian delegation will be led by Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy Bojan Kumer, who will participate in the ministerial negotiations to be held in the meeting’s second week.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Integrated care for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for improving health literacy and reducing health inequalities – Let's prevent CKD.

Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Science and Innovation Directorate 10 November marks World Science Day for Peace and Development, which highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended an informal summit of EU leaders in Budapest.

The Government Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Information Security (GISO) organized a workshop in Podgorica, bringing together cybersecurity experts from Western Balkan countries. The event, which took place on November 6 and 7, was hosted by the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C).

On Friday, November 15th, the archival reading room will be closed.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals to set up an advocacy organisation in the field of social economy.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob is attending an informal summit of EU leaders in Budapest.

Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob welcomed the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calviño.

Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob congratulated Marta Kos by phone on her successful hearing and confirmation as the new European Commissioner for Enlargement before the relevant committee of the European Parliament.

At today's session, the Government adopted an amendment to the Spatial Management Act, included 64 projects in the Development Programme Plan, approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the PALFINGER Group's investment in a new strategic production facility, and approved a third package of material aid for the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza.

The Recovery and Resilience Office informed the Government of the implementation of measures of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with regard to which the ministries record major substantive and temporal derogations. To optimise the implementation of the plan and subsequent drawing of available European funds, the Government ordered the Office to draft and harmonise the third proposed amendment to the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) on the basis of the ministries’ proposals for adjustment of the measures.

Tanja Fajon, Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, congratulated President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and all congressmen, governors and senators, including two of Slovenian origin, Amy Klobuchar and Paul Gosnar.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development organised the 2nd National Consultation on Cohesion Policy beyond 2027. The consultation took place at the Faculty of Public Administration. In his opening address, the Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development, Dr Aleksander Jevšek, underlined Slovenia’s commitment to preserving the main principles of Cohesion Policy.

According to the Statistical Office, Slovenia last year exceeded its 2020 target of a 25% renewable energy share, as set out in the EU Directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. For the first time, Slovenia will not incur a surcharge for meeting its renewable energy target through the statistical transfer mechanism.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Canberra is seeking expressions of interest in the role of Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia for New South Wales. The consular post operates under supervision, according to the instructions and with the assistance of the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Canberra. The Honorary Consul must be a resident of Sydney and will have jurisdiction throughout New South Wales. The position would be for a period of five years, commencing from the receipt of an exequatur from the Government of Australia.

Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob hosted the newly appointed President of the European Council, António Costa, for a working lunch.

Luxor is hosting an expert workshop on climate change, conflict and displacement, and migration in North-East Africa and the EU, in the framework of the so-called Khartoum Process, which serves as a platform for migration management. Bringing together African and European experts, the workshop is organised by Slovenia and Egypt and co-organised by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development.

Minister Matjaž Han is visiting Shanghai, China, with a high-powered business delegation. He attended political discussions and participated in business promotion events showcasing Slovenia’s investment environment, economy, tourism and opportunities for foreign investors.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon is visiting Kenya as part of her Africa tour. This is the first Slovenian high-level visit to the country. She told her Kenyan counterpart that Slovenia is interested in establishing a non-residential diplomatic mission for Kenya from the Slovenian Embassy in Addis Ababa. She and the Trade Minister agreed to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

State Secretary Melita Gabrič received a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Serbian National Assembly, which is on an official visit to Slovenia. She expressed her condolences to her guests on the tragic accident at the Novi Sad railway station, which claimed many lives. They then discussed bilateral relations, EU enlargement and other topical international issues.

On Wednesday, 30 October, the National Assembly adopted the Resolution on the National Programme for Protection against Natural and Other Disasters 2024–2030.

Minister Tanja Fajon was the first Slovenian representative to visit Somalia, which has been struggling for decades with internal political challenges, a difficult humanitarian situation and the threat from the Al-Shabaab terrorist group. She met with the Somali Prime Minister to discuss the situation in the country and the wider region, as well as the international peace support operations that are essential to building stability in Somalia.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon met representatives of the African Union and the United Nations in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, and visited children at the Salesian Don Bosco Children centre.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos in Addis Ababa to discuss the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries, which will be greatly facilitated by the opening of the new Slovenian embassy in Ethiopia. The Minister inaugurated the embassy together with her Ethiopian counterpart and the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, Ms Kristina Radej.

In October, under the Swiss presidency of the UN Security Council, discussions were focused on Africa, the Middle East, Ukraine and Haiti. Two briefings were convened at Slovenia's request, one together with Algeria on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and another with the US on Ukraine. State Secretary Melita Gabrič took part in the open debate on women, peace and security.

Ambassador Iztok Mirošič hosted a working dinner at the residence for Ambassadors of the elected and incoming non-permanent members of the UN Security Council with Ambassador Michele Sison, Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs.

My fellow Slovenians,

when we got our first two books in Slovenian in the mid-16th century, their author in all his visionary greatness could probably not imagine how important they would become for the Slovenian nation.

The Ministry welcomes the European Commission’s Enlargement Package, which provides assessments of the progress made by the countries of the Western Balkans, the Eastern trio and Turkey on their path towards the EU. The package contains a comprehensive analysis of each country's reform efforts and plays a key role in monitoring and promoting the countries' progress and strengthening their European perspective.

Ambassador Mirošič attended the Western Balkan Salon Roundtable Series with the Atlantic Council at the Embassy of Albania in the U.S.

At a press conference held on Tuesday, 29 October 2024, the Minister of Labour, Luka Mesec, and the Chief Inspector, Katja Čoh-Kragolnik, presented the Priority Response Sector, headed by Nina Kurnik Avbelj.

On 1 August 2024, the Safety and Health of Workers in Manual Handling of Loads Regulations entered into force, laying down the obligations of employers when assigning manual handling tasks.

The Slovenian Regional Development Fund (SRDF) has published the BIZI NOO call for proposals on its website. The purpose of the call for proposals is to promote initial sustainable projects for the development and competitiveness of enterprises in border problem areas which will have a positive impact on competitiveness, productivity and technological equipment, employment, environmental protection and the promotion of resource efficiency.

Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, chaired the eighth meeting of the Slovenian-Italian Ministerial Coordination Committee, together with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar has attended the eighth meeting of the Coordination Committee of Ministers between the Republic of Slovenia and the Italian Republic in Brdo pri Kranju. The Minister discussed the migration and security situation in the Western Balkans region with the Italian State Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior Nicola Molteni.

On October 25, 2024, the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington organized the annual meeting of Honorary Consuls from the United States, the United Mexican States, and the Republic of Panama. This year’s keynote speakers were the Slovenian Minister of Finance, Klemen Boštjančič, and the Governor of the Bank of Slovenia, Boštjan Vasle.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs expresses profound concern over the recent adoption of a law by the Israeli Knesset that severs the Israeli authorities' engagement with the UNRWA and hinders the Agency’s activities across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the 9th UfM Regional Forum in Barcelona together with 43 foreign ministers and their deputies from the Euro-Mediterranean region. Thanks to its increased engagement in the UfM, Slovenia has been recognised as a very active and constructive member in recent years," said Minister Fajon.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia will be closed on 1 November 2024 in observance of the Day of Remembrance for the Dead.

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

During her participation in the UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, State Secretary Melita Gabrič met with Palestinian Minister of Women's Affairs Mona Al-Khalili.

State Secretary Marko Štucin attended a conference at the University of Coimbra, Portugal, to mark the 20th anniversary of EU enlargement. The conference was organised on the initiative of the ambassadors from ten countries (including Slovenia) that joined the EU 20 years ago, in cooperation with the University of Coimbra.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development (MKRR) will launch public calls for proposals in 2024. The calls will be implemented by the ministry on its own as well as through the Slovenian Regional Development Fund (SRRS) and the Slovene Enterprise Fund (SPS) to offer both grants and repayable financial incentives to local communities and businesses in 2025.

The tenth Meeting of the Parties to the Water Convention, hosted by Slovenia in Ljubljana and thus taking over the Presidency of the Convention Bureau, is coming to an end. The session was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia in cooperation with the Secretariat of the Water Convention.

The National Assembly approved the law on the public sector pay system yesterday.