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Minister Jože Podgoršek attended via video conference an extraordinary meeting of EU agriculture ministers, which was convened by the French Presidency of the Council of the EU in light of the war in Ukraine. Ministers exchanged views on the situation and impacts of the war in Ukraine on EU's agricultural markets and sought solutions for mitigating the consequences.

Following yesterday’s military attack by the Russian Federation on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, in which the Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia was destroyed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs re-summoned Russian Ambassador Timur Eyvazov. State Secretary Gašper Dovžan handed over the diplomatic note of protest of the Republic of Slovenia to the Ambassador of the Russian Federation requesting an apology and compensation for the damage suffered.

Political consultations between Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were held in Sarajevo, headed by State Secretary Stanislav Raščan from the Slovenian side and Josip Brkić, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, from the host’s side.

Today, on March 2, 2022, the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for the Support and Integration of Migrants established a government call center with experts from various fields offering information on support and assistance provided to Ukrainian citizens. The call center operates daily Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today attended the state celebration marking Civil Protection Day at Brdo pri Kranju, at which awards in the field of civil protection were presented.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anže Logar used his video address on the joint humanitarian call and the regional plan to assist Ukrainian refugees from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to announce a humanitarian contribution of the Republic of Slovenia amounting to EUR 1.1 million.

State Secretary mag. Monika Kirbiš Rojs attended an informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy which was held under the auspices of the French Presidency of the Council of the EU in Rouen. The meeting focused on the findings of the Eighth Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion and on the future of Cohesion Policy.

Prime minister Janez Janša had an exclusive interview for Insider Paper on the russian agression on Ukraine. He addressed also the Russian nuclear threat against Ukraine.

Tonight, Prime Minister Janez Janša was a guest on the programme Odmevi plus on TV Slovenija 1, talking about the latest developments related to the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today responded on Twitter to the announcement that the sanctions against Russia for its military aggression against Ukraine are already having an impact on the banking system, that Russian-owned banks in Europe are facing reduced confidence, and that, as a result, a decision has been taken at the level of the European Central Bank and the Single Resolution Board to suspend operations of Sberbank Europe AG, which also has a subsidiary bank in Slovenia.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today spoke on the phone with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. They talked about the current situation in Ukraine, on the eastern flank of the Alliance and the Western Balkans. Their discussion included efforts to stop the aggression against Ukraine and de-escalation.

Foreign Minister Anže Logar paid a working visit to Berlin. In the light of the continuation of the regular political dialogue with Germany, he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock and held several other talks as well.

The West must stop Russia’s President Vladimir Putin now because if Kyiv falls, it will have consequences for Europe’s whole East, Slovenia’s Prime Minister Janez Janša told EURACTIV in an exclusive interview.

Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Cairo announces the removal of all COVID19-related limitations of our consular services. Clients are kindly advised that prior appointment via email is still needed to approach the Consular Department and that scans of the relevant documentation may also be requested in advance before allocating a time slot in particular cases.

State Secretary Stanislav Raščan welcomed Natalia Markevych Pritsa, Deputy Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia. He expressed Slovenia’s solidarity with Ukraine.

A long and grey Scandinavian winter is slowly ending and we may soon start noticing bees and other pollinators looking for a nectar or a mate.

Due to the emergency situation in Ukraine, the entry of pet animals is provisionally authorized on the basis of a completed application and under the conditions set out in the application to ensure that the entry of these animals into the EU does not pose a risk of rabies introduction/transmission.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anže Logar today attended an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council via video conference, which was convened to discuss EU assistance to Ukraine while the Russian military activities are taking place.

Prime Minister Janez Janša gave an exclusive interview to Planet TV, Nova24tv and Siol.net about the current situation in connection with the Russian Federation's military aggression against Ukraine and about some current domestic political issues.

Minister of the Interior Aleš Hojs has attended the extraordinary meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Brussles, convened by the French presidency. EU ministers of the interior met to discuss provision of humanitarian support to Ukraine, reception of refugees and the underlying aspects regarding the activation of the directive on temporary protection, management of the external borders, measures on visas and anticipation of hybrid threats.

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At its 4th regular session, the Slovenian National Security Council discussed the national security aspects of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The SNSC members and invited guests were briefed on the current situation in Ukraine and on the international response to the aggression.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has concluded that, in 2022, the Republic of Slovenia will make a humanitarian contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the amount of EUR 100,000 to assist the people of Ukraine. The contribution will be provided from the budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia. Slovenia has already provided Ukraine with material assistance totalling EUR 163,000.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia held an extraordinary session today, on Friday, 25 February, to discuss the current situation regarding the Russian military aggression in Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Anže Logar attended the extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. The Council discussed the EU’s response to Russian aggression in Ukraine, which undermines the European security order.

Prime Minister Janez Janša attended a NATO virtual crisis meeting to discuss actions to be taken following Russia's attack on Ukraine.

Today, Prime Minister Janez Janša is attending an extraordinary European Council meeting in Brussels, called by the President of the European Council Charles Michel.

Slovenia condemns in the strongest terms the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducts regular coordination with EU member states and international partners. Slovenian citizens currently in Ukraine are advised to leave the country as quickly and safely as possible.

At today's press conference, Prime Minister Janez Janša spoke about the current events related to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassador of the Russian Federation Timur Eyvazov one more time.

Each client who submits fingerprints at our external partner VFS Global, from the age of 8, will receive a digital signature form.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today tweeted that he had just finished a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal.

Today, Prime Minister Janez Janša met with the new US Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia, Jamie Lindler Harpootlian.

Prime Minister Janez Janša and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki wrote a letter on the issue of Ukranian European Perspective to the President of European Council Charles Michel and all members of the European Council.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today held a working meeting with the heads of competent institutions to assess foreign policy, security and cyber risks for Slovenia in light of Russia's aggressive moves towards Ukraine.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has approved ERDF funding for the call for proposals Incentives for innovative start-ups in 2022 (P2 2022). The purpose of the call is to support entrepreneurship, notably by facilitating the transfer of development ideas into market-successful ventures and by supporting the creation of new innovative enterprises with growth potential.

State Secretary Aleš Irgolič attended the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels. Ministers exchanged views on better coherence between the Green Deal, the common agricultural policy and trade policy to ensure the transition to sustainable food systems. In the afternoon, they discussed the Regulation on the making available on the Union market as well as export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation. They also discussed the situation in agricultural markets. On the Austrian initiative supported among others by Slovenia, the Council held a debate on a fair income for farmers. In the margins of the Council, State Secretary Irgolič participated in a working meeting of the 4Forests initiative, which brings together forestry ministers from Finland, Sweden, Austria and Slovenia.

State Secretary Gašper Dovžan took part in the regular General Affairs Council session in Brussels. The discussion focused on preparations for the European Council meeting to be held on 24 and 25 March as well as strengthening the EU’s resilience, response capacity and preparedness to future crises. The General Affairs Council also held a hearing on the rule of law in Poland under Article 7 of the Treaty on European Union. The members of the Council exchanged views on the activities under the Conference on the Future of Europe.

At the extraordinary meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), the EU foreign affairs ministers took forward the debate they opened at the regular meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council a day before. The security situation in Eastern Europe was further exacerbated following the decision by Russian President Putin to recognise two self-proclaimed People’s Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine on 21 February 2022.

State Secretary Stanislav Raščan participated in the extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) convened by Poland’s Chairmanship of the organisation in response to the decision taken by the President of the Russian Federation Putin to recognise the “independence” of the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. This decision violates international law and the OSCE’s fundamental principles.

Prime Minister Janez Janša and President Borut Pahor met today to discuss the current security situation related to the developments on the Russian-Ukrainian border.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anže Logar participated in the first Ministerial Forum for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, which was hosted by France as part of its Council Presidency programme. The foreign ministers of the EU member states and countries in Southeast Asia explored ways to step up cooperation. The main topics of the Forum were: the security situation, global challenges (climate, the environment, health, the oceans), and connectivity and digital issues.

Slovenia strongly condemns the decision by President Putin to recognise Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine as independent entities. These hostile measures are a flagrant violation of international law and obligations contained in the Minsk agreements, and will not remain without consequences.

Today, Prime Minister Janez Janša met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

As of 19 February 2022, restrictions due to Covid-19 no longer apply when entering Slovenia.

Health pass no longer mandatory, reading room no longer limited to 8 users.

State Secretary mag. Monika Kirbiš Rojs attended the Development Council of the Pomurje Region online event where she presented the activities regarding the Partnership Agreement for the period 2021-2027 and the Programme for the implementation of the European Cohesion Policy in the period 2021-2027.

Between 18 and 20 February 2022, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anže Logar attended the Munich Security Conference, which was marked by debates on the heightened security situation in and around Ukraine. The highest representatives of states and international organisations were united in expressing support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, condemning the actions of the Russian Federation that endangers Ukrainian, European and international security.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has issued the Ordinance repealing the Ordinance of determining the conditions for entry into the Republic of Slovenia for the purpose of containment and control of the infectious disease COVID-19. The Ordinance enters into force on 19 February 2022.

Prime Minister Janez Janša attended the European Union–African Union summit in Brussels on Thursday, 17 February 2022, and on Friday, 18 February 2022. This was the sixth summit in a row. The first summit between the two Unions took place in 2000 in Cairo (Egypt) and the one before the current one in 2017 in Abidjan (Ivory Coast).

Today, European leaders continued with the European Union–African Union Summit, attended by Prime Minister Janez Janša.

As announced in the video address of the Ambassador of Slovenia in Tokyo, H.E. Dr. Ana Polak Petrič, and the Ambassador of Japan to Slovenia, H.E. Mr. Hiromichi Matsushima, this year marks 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Slovenia and Japan.

The two Ministers exchanged views on the work of the Government Office for Digital Transformation and the Japanese Digitisation Agency and assessed that there are many similarities and opportunities to share good practices.

Today, Prime Minister Janez Janša attended an informal European Council meeting in Brussels, where, together with European leaders, he discussed the current situation in Ukraine and relations with Russia, as well as the intensified security conditions due to Russian forces assembling near and in Ukraine.

On the second day of the visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Minister Jože Podgoršek met with the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Ms Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri. The ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the ministries in the field of sustainable development and food systems. "The signing of the Memorandum marks a new political step towards better cooperation between our two countries in sustainable food production and the promotion of Slovenian food in UAE," said Minister Podgoršek. Minister Podgoršek attended today the region's largest speciality food fair Gulfood together with the representatives of Slovenian agri-food companies and the Chamber of Agricultural and Food Enterprises of Slovenia.

As announced in the video address of the Ambassador of Slovenia in Tokyo, H.E. Dr. Ana Polak Petrič, and the Ambassador of Japan to Slovenia, H.E. Mr. Hiromichi Matsushima, this year marks 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Slovenia and Japan.

On the 16th of February 2022, the Republic of Slovenia, rated A3 (stable)/A (stable)/AA- (stable) reopened its 2.250% March 2032 (Mar-32) and 0.4875% October 2050 (Oct-50) by total of €750mn. Reopening size of the Mar-32 was €350mn, totalling to €2.7bn issue size after reopening. Reopening size of the Oct-50 was €400mn accumulating to €1.65bn issue size after reopening.

The Republic of Slovenia announces the cash tender results of the Euro denominated notes of the tender that expired on 15 February 2022.

Political Director and Director-General for Common Foreign and Security Policy Jernej Müller met with Director-General of the Directorate for Bilateral Relations with European Countries Belevski and Director-General for EU Sejfula in the framework of political consultations between Slovenia and North Macedonia.

The Republic of Slovenia, rated A3 (stable) / AA-(stable) / A (stable), has mandated Barclays, BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole CIB, Deutsche Bank, Erste Group and J.P. Morgan to lead manage a reopening of the SLOREP benchmarks due in March 2032 and October 2050. The transaction will be Regulation S in dematerialized registered form. The deal is expected to launch today, subject to market conditions.

Prime Minister Janez Janša yesterday attended a working dinner in Paris hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The discussion at dinner centred around the situation in the Sahel, which included an informal exchange of views on further engagement of EU member states whose armed force are deployed in Mali and the Sahel.

Minister Jože Podgoršek begins today a working visit to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The first day of the visit was devoted to supporting Slovenian companies and promoting business cooperation between the two countries with a view to enable the Slovenian food industry to break into the United Arab Emirates market. "Today, we are seeking new business opportunities on these markets together with a delegation from the Slovenian food-processing and beverage industry. Slovenia offers first-class products. We follow very strict European rules for food safety and quality along the entire agri-food chain. Natural and structural conditions largely dictate the orientation of the agricultural production. In recent years, more and more Slovenian producers decide to take on organic food production," stressed Minister Podgoršek.

State Secretary Stanislav Raščan participated via videolink in a hybrid ministerial meeting on the “Horn of Africa Initiative” organised by Kenya (the chair of the Horn of Africa Initiative) and the European Union in cooperation with the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group.

State Secretary Stanislav Raščan attended the virtual side event “Empowering young people as change-makers in the water sector” organised by Slovenia as part of the Africa-Europe Week.

On the 30th anniversary of Australia’s recognition of Slovenia’s independence and establishment of diplomatic relations, State Secretary Dr Stanislav Raščan held a video conference call with Australian Deputy Secretary Katrina Cooper. Their talks focused on current international and bilateral issues.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal.

The Government today paid a working visit to the Primorsko-notranjska region, which comprises the municipalities of Bloke, Cerknica, Ilirska Bistrica, Loška dolina, Pivka and Postojna. To round off the visit, the Government delegation attended a public debate in Pivka, where they also answered questions raised by mayors, entrepreneurs and other actors of regional development.

Today, according to the programme planned for the Prime Minister, State Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, Jelka Godec, was on a visit to the Primorsko-notranjska statistical region, comprising the municipalities of Bloke, Cerknica, Ilirska Bistrica, Loška dolina, Pivka and Postojna.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anže Logar met in Riyadh today with the Saudi Arabian Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Minister of Investment Khalid Al Falih, and Minister of Economy and Planning Mohammed Al Jadaan. In their talks, they focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Slovenia and Saudi Arabia.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has approved EU funding for a new park and ride in Kranj. EU funding invested in park and ride schemes has so far resulted in altogether 1,614 parking spaces across Slovenia, of which 56 will be provided in the newly constructed Kranj park and ride facility by September this year.

At the end of the second phase of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) regional programme for Southeast Asia, State Secretary Dr Stanislav Raščan participated in the Ministerial Conference of the OECD and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries in Seoul. On the margins of the meeting, he met with Yeo Seung-Bae, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, and the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and his Deputy Pornpimpol Kanchanalak.

State Secretary Stanislav Raščan participated in the hybrid ministerial meeting of the Media Freedom Coalition (Coalition) via video-conference link.

Foreign Minister Anže Logar met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who visited Slovenia last November. Minister Logar also held a courtesy meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Al Thani. Discussions were centred on enhancing cooperation between the two countries.

Prime Minister Janez Janša wrote on the social network Twitter today: "We have successfully avoided #coronavirus for two years. Yesterday, both boys tested positive with the self-test; my test result was negative. Today, unfortunately, I tested positive too. With all the classic symptoms. For now, they are mild. Let’s hope it stays that way."

Announcement of the Republic of Slovenia Cash Tender Offer on EUR and USD denominated Notes

State Secretary Gašper Dovžan met with the Minister of State for Europe and Climate at the German Foreign Ministry Anna Lührmann in Berlin. The main topic of the discussion was the strengthening of bilateral relations in the light of the strategic dialogue between the two countries and the continuation of constructive cooperation on European affairs.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anže Logar attended the official ceremony on the occasion of the Slovenian National Day at the Expo 2020 World Exhibition in Dubai and visited the Slovenian Pavilion. He also met with Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates.

Dear citizens of Slovenia, fellow Slovenian women and men,
Dear fellow Slovenians abroad, dear friends

Board of Directors of the Prešeren Fund annually announces recipients of the highest state awards for artistic achievements on December 3, on this Joyous Day, when several cultural institutions throughout Slovenia open their doors to celebrate the birthday of France Prešeren. The awards ceremony is then held on February 7, on the eve of Prešeren Day, a Slovenian cultural and national holiday, when we mark the anniversary of the death of the Slovenian poet.

Prime Minister Janez Janša and his wife Urška Bačovnik Janša attended the Prešeren Prize and Prešeren Fund Prize ceremony and the celebration marking Slovenian Cultural Day.

Prime Minister Janez Janša took questions from his followers on Instagram who wanted to know, among other things, what his favourite sport is, which film he likes most and how he deals with the daily attacks from the media. He also received many words of praise, appreciation and encouragement.

The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of the Italian Republic, Stefano Patuanelli, paid a visit to Slovenia at the invitation of his Slovenian counterpart, Jože Podgoršek. The two ministers discussed topics of mutual interest. After the meeting, they attended the unveiling ceremony of a monument commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Zvonimir Simčič, the father of Rebula wine and for many years the director-general of the Goriška Brda Cooperative Wine Cellar. The honorary speaker at the event was the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Borut Pahor.

The press conference on the current COVID-19 situation was attended by the deputy head of the Communicable Disease Centre at the National Institute of Public Health, Nuška Čakš Jager, who presented the current situation on COVID-19 cases in the world, Europe and Slovenia.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has approved EU funding for the project Energy-saving renovation of the Residential Care Home of dr. France Bergelj Jesenice. The project will receive Cohesion Fund support.

Prime Minister Janez Janša talked to journalist Andrea Romoli on the television channel Rai 2 about the current situation in Ukraine, the EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, and the state of relations between Italy and Slovenia.

Prime Minister Janez Janša met today with a member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Art, Dr Igor Emri. The meeting is a follow-up to the debate held on the occasion of the Prime Minister’s recent visit to the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Prime Minister Janez Janša met today with the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs, who is on an official visit to Slovenia.

Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anže Logar, is hosting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars Rinkçvičs. Their discussions were aimed at enhancing cooperation between Slovenia and Latvia within the framework of the European Union and NATO.

Minister of the Interior Aleš Hojs attended the two-day informal meeting of EU home affairs ministers in Lille, France. The key topics of the meeting were the reform of Schengen and progress in shaping a common EU migration policy.

In February 2022, Slovenia and Portugal celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Portugal recognised the independence of Slovenia on 15 January 1992, and diplomatic relations were established on 3 February 1992.

As part of his visit to Serbia, State Secretary Gašper Dovžan met with Minister of European Integration Jadranka Joksimović.

State Secretary Stanislav Raščan and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Marta Morgan emphasised excellent bilateral relations between the two countries since Canada's recognition of the Republic of Slovenia three decades ago.

Prime Minister Janez Janša met today with the leadership of the Association of Societies of Blind and Partially Sighted People of Slovenia. The meeting focused on the activities of the Association and the current challenges faced by the blind and partially sighted in Slovenia.

Prime Minister Janez Janša visited the Bank of Slovenia today. The visit was part of the celebration of 30th anniversary of the Bank of Slovenia, and the Prime Minister received a gold medal issued on the occasion. The Bank of Slovenia was established on 25 June 1991 with the adoption of the Bank of Slovenia Act. Its first task was to establish an independent currency – the tolar.

At the 29th regular session of the National Assembly today, Prime Minister Janez Janša answered parliamentary questions put to him by Branko Simonovič (Desus) on the adoption of implementing regulations based on the Long-Term Care Act, Zmago Jelinčič Plemeniti (SNS) on the current situation in the Republic of Slovenia, Janja Sluga (non-affiliated deputies) on the amendment to the Communicable Diseases Act, and Mojca Žnidarič (Konkretno) on Slovenia’s international rankings.

State Secretary Dr Stanislav Raščan held talks with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia, Freddy Mamani Machaca via video conference, expressing thanks once again for Bolivia’s recognition of Slovenia’s independence on 28 January 1992.

The reading room and information room will be closed on February 7th, 2022.

The Republic of Slovenia issued an open call for the 2022 Golden Bee Award. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of the Republic of Slovenia has issued an open call to citizens, legal entities or other organisations for candidates for the 2022 Golden Bee Award, which is awarded by the Golden Bee Award Committee

The Minister of Health, Janez Poklukar, the Director of the Postojna Primary Health Care Centre, Irena Vatovec, and paediatrician Denis Baš attended a press conference on COVID–19 updates.

At today's press conference after the Government session, Prime Minister Janez Janša and Deputy Prime Ministers Zdravko Počivalšek and Matej Tonin discussed the adopted emergency measures to aid the citizens and the economy in light of high energy prices.