News

This year, the sixth Golden Bee Award will be presented, thus concluding the second cycle of fields in which the awards are presented. The award committee received 12 nominations from nine countries for achievements in the field of research on bees and other pollinators.

On July 11, 2026 and July 12, 2026 the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in Enon Valley, Pennsylvania.

On June 3, 2026 the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in Detroit, Michigan.

Representatives of the Slovenian Maritime Administration (SMA) attended the 6th international conference ADRIASPILLCON2026 (Adriatic Oil Spill Conference), which took place in Zadar, Croatia, from April 21 to 23, 2026.

In April Slovenian Water Agency attended meeting of the Permanent Slovenian-Croatian Commission for Water Management in Zagreb, marked the World Earth Day and highlighted the importance of water as a fundamental natural resource affecting health, safety and quality of life, participated in the consultation “Municipal Spatial Plans – (Lost) Opportunities and Risks for the Development of Local Communities and Slovenia,” and presented measures, implemented in operation Reducing flood risk in the Savinja River Basin – Phase 1, that are currently underway.

Dear citizens and residents of Slovenia, and compatriots in neighbouring countries and around the world. Work is one of the most fundamental expressions of human dignity. Through it, individuals fulfil themselves, and communities build their strength and future.

The Archivalia of the Month section features the Archivalia of the month of May, which is dedicated to the Confirmation of the Privileges Granted to the Pleterje Charterhouse. The text was prepared by Jure Volčjak.

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the 40th episode of the government GOVSI podcast was dedicated to reflecting on the importance of workers’ rights in the past and today. The guest of the episode was long-time trade unionist Lidija Jerkič, who stressed that workers’ rights are not self-evident, but the result of long-term struggle and effort.

Yesterday, the Council of the EU approved the fifth amendment to Slovenia's Recovery and Resilience Plan. A total of EUR 2.08 billion from the Recovery and Resilience Facility is now available for its implementation, consisting of EUR 469 million in loans and EUR 1.61 billion in grants.

With the 50th anniversary of the partnership between the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) approaching next year, preparations to bring elevate cooperation to a comprehensive strategic level are at the forefront of the meeting between the EU and ASEAN foreign ministers. Slovenia plans to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation this year, thereby strengthening its cooperation with this dynamic region amid geopolitical tensions.

Dear citizens and residents of Slovenia, and compatriots in neighbouring countries and around the world. On the Day of Uprising Against Occupation, we remember the courage, determination and integrity of our ancestors, who, in the most difficult circumstances, driven by a desire for freedom and for the preservation of our language, culture and national identity, united and began to organise resistance against the destructive occupying forces.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs organised a five-day Global Course for Young Diplomats, where participants learned more about substantive topics and real diplomatic experience in Slovenia and globally.

On World Book Day, observed each year on 23 April, the discussion with State Secretary Vesna Humar focused on the importance of reading in contemporary society. The day, symbolically linked by UNESCO to the anniversaries of the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, highlights the exceptional role of books in the development of both individuals and society.

Today, we mark the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018. On this occasion/day, we emphasise that a world without the multilateral system as we know it today would be a world without engagement with diversity and devoid of dialogue. However, a world without dialogue and the search for compromise can only be a world of power politics.

Many of the measures introduced in Slovenia under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, implemented with the support of EU funds under the Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU, have already been successfully completed or will be by August 2026. Among them are measures contributing to improved water management and, consequently, cleaner and safer water.

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

At today’s session, the Government adopted the Decree on concessions for the construction of new cableway installations at Kanin, which will contribute to the further development of tourism in the area. It also approved amendments to the Act on Remedying the Consequences of Work with Asbestos, took note of the Development Report 2026 and the progress in preparing the Annual Progress Report 2026, and issued the Decree on the determination of psychotherapeutic approaches.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Ministers discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the situations in the Middle East, the South Caucasus and Sudan. Minister Fajon drew particular attention to Israel’s ongoing human rights violations, urging the EU to take more decisive action.

On 16 April 2026, the Faculty of Law at the University of Ljubljana hosted a trilateral conference between Slovenia, Austria and Italy entitled Protecting Civilians and Civilian Infrastructure under International Humanitarian Law. The event was attended by more than fifty representatives of state institutions, the Slovenian, Austrian and Italian Red Cross, academia and student groups.

The Berlin Process, established in 2014 as a platform to strengthen regional cooperation and support the Western Balkans in their path towards EU accession, was hosted by Montenegro for the first time. On behalf of Slovenia, Peter Pogačar, Director-General of the Public Sector Directorate at the Ministry of Public Administration, attended the meeting of ministers for public administration and other high-level representatives.

The European Commission today disbursed just over €230 million to Slovenia under the Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU. This is the maximum possible payment, as Slovenia has met all the milestones under its fifth payment request.

The economic delegation of the Slovenian space industry, including representatives of ten Slovenian companies from the space and defense sectors, attended the Space Symposium, which took place in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from April 13 to 16, 2026.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the Decree on the programmes of services under compulsory health insurance, the capacities required for their implementation, and the scope of funding for 2026. The Government also granted the Municipality of Novo mesto consent to prepare a detailed municipal spatial plan within the area of the national spatial plan adopted by the Decree on the location plan for the Hrastje–Lešnica motorway section.

Podsreda Castle hosted a ceremony marking the completion of a project to upgrade its public tourist infrastructure, improving spatial conditions, service quality, and the overall visitor experience. The project represents a significant functional and content upgrade of the Municipality of Kozje’s central tourist site, transforming it into a modern, accessible, and sustainably oriented destination.

A ceremony presenting awards for the best innovative solutions in the field of circular economy 2025 took place today at Brdo pri Kranju. The event represents the central national platform for recognising, professionally validating, and promoting innovative solutions that contribute to the systemic transition to a circular economy.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has concluded a call for proposals for the revitalisation of public infrastructure facilities in border problem areas for 2026. Ten municipalities were allocated €9.4 million for the renovation of abandoned public infrastructure facilities and the revitalisation of underutilised areas.

The State Secretary at the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad, Vesna Humar, attended a meeting with representatives of Slovenian associations and organisations during the official visit of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, to Croatia.

In 2025, Slovenia allocated 0.22% of its gross national income (GNI) to official development assistance (ODA). Together with EU funds earmarked for this purpose, it allocated just under 152 million euros for humanitarian aid and development cooperation projects and programmes. This is 0.7% lower than in 2024, reflecting a 0.01 percentage point decrease as a share of GNI.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the MED9 Informal Ministerial Meeting in Split to discuss security and cooperation in the Mediterranean. “The situation in the Middle East affects us all. We must insist on diplomacy and respect for the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, which must apply to everyone,” said Minister Fajon.

At today’s session, the Government adopted a decision to ensure the timely provision of sufficient gas reserves, thereby increasing security of supply and strengthening the country’s resilience. It also issued a regulation introducing a requirement for prior approval of price increases for electricity and natural gas for certain groups of consumers, and took note of the draft Social Climate Plan and the GRECO report.

Many of the measures introduced in Slovenia under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, implemented with the support of EU funds under the Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU, have already been successfully completed. Below are the results of the measures taken to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which are causing numerous civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, must stop. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and maximum restraint by all parties. Full respect for international law, in particular international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel is essential.

In the context of growing geopolitical tensions and security priorities, Minister Tanja Fajon discussed the challenges and future orientations in official development assistance with members of the Expert Council for Development Cooperation.

In the wake of the United States' recent bombastic and deeply concerning statements, the agreement on a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a welcome development in the hope that it will lead to lasting peace.

8th of April is International Roma Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage, language and identity of the Roma community, which plays a vital role in shaping our shared cultural landscape.

The Republic of Slovenia welcomes the agreement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran on a ceasefire and the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for safe navigation. This step represents an important opportunity to de-escalate tensions and reduce risks to regional and global security, particularly in the areas of energy and food stability.

The theme of this year’s World Health Day is Together for health. Stand with science. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has joined the calls to strengthen scientific collaboration in order to protect the health of people, animals, plants and the planet. It supports efforts to strengthen global health and food security, as well as to integrate health considerations into scientific, economic and development cooperation.

Dear Citizens, esteemed compatriots at home and abroad, during the Easter season, I wish you peace in your heart, courage in your thoughts and warm, sincere moments of closeness with your loved ones.

At the launch of new emergency humanitarian response projects that Caritas Slovenia will implement in 2026 with financial support from the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič met with Peter Tomažič, Secretary General of Caritas Slovenia.

In the latest episode of the GOVSI podcast, the guest is Michael M. Epstein, a U.S. expert in media law, who highlights the impact of disinformation on democracy, especially in the run-up to elections.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon joined a virtual ministerial meeting convened by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in response to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign ministers from more than 40 countries, spanning all continents, primarily discussed diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe reopening of the Strait to shipping traffic.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the starting points for the preparation of legislative frameworks in the area of energy security and the reliable supply of essential goods and services. It also adopted the Strategy for the Prevention and Control of HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Sexually Transmitted Infections 2026–2035, as well as amendments to the Decree on Drinking Water.

Dr Smiljana Knez today presented her Letter of Credence to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, marking the assumption of her post as the non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to ASEAN, based in Manila, the Philippines.

March was marked by the observance of World Water Day, which highlighted key challenges in water management. During the month, the ceremonial inauguration of completed flood protection measures on the Gradaščica River took place, along with the presentation of upcoming measures on the Gradaščica and the completion of water management works on the Mura River.

The Archivalia of the Month section features the Archivalia of the month of April, which is dedicated to the Results of the First Democratic Elections in Slovenia.
The text was prepared by Alenka Starman Alič.

Slovenia firmly opposes the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances. It is committed to its abolition globally. The approval by the Israeli Parliament of a bill enabling capital punishment represents a step back from Israel’s long-standing de facto moratorium.

Minister Tanja Fajon attended an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv. The visit, which took place four years after the liberation of Bucha, underscored continued support for and solidarity with Ukraine. The discussions focused primarily on holding Russia accountable for its crimes, assessing the situation on the ground and supporting peace efforts.

The 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) has ended. This was Slovenia's first session as a member of the HRC since rejoining. Despite the current global tensions, the session yielded significant results, including discussions on the implementation of human rights in individual countries and the protection of children in armed conflict.

On Monday, 30 March 2026, The Republic of Slovenia (rated A2 (stable) / AA (stable) / A+ (stable)) has successfully priced its inaugural Renminbi-denominated Panda bond in the China Interbank Bond Market (CIBM). This landmark transaction represents the first sovereign Panda bond of 2026 and stands as the largest debut sovereign issuance in the history of the Panda bond market.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Krško Urban Sports Park – Sports and Recreation Centre. The European Regional Development Fund contribution stands at €1.25 million.