News

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.