News

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 €2.7 million available and will receive nearly €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.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon met with Sunita Lyn Williams, a former NASA astronaut of Slovenian descent who is currently visiting Slovenia, at the Center Noordung in Vitanje. “The visit of one of America’s most successful female astronauts to Slovenia will undoubtedly inspire many young people, researchers and anyone who believes in the power of knowledge,” emphasised the Minister.

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.