News

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.

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.

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.

Slovenia has completed its second Council presidency, thus concluding its two-year membership of the UN Security Council.

During its two-year term on the Security Council, Slovenia has proven its ability to contribute significantly to tackling the most pressing global issues by taking clear positions, upholding its values, sharing its expertise and maintaining consistency. With active, responsible and principled work, Slovenia has left a recognisable mark on the UN’s central body for the maintenance of international peace and security, further strengthening its own reputation as a credible and reliable partner.

The second European Science Diplomacy Conference is being held under the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Peter Japelj, Director-General of the Directorate for Economic, Cultural and Science Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, participated in the opening panel entitled European science diplomacy in a rapidly changing world.

State Secretary Neva Grašič participated in the General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, which focused on the draft European Council conclusions, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 and conclusions on EU enlargement. The three EU institutions approved the joint declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026, and ministers were briefed on progress on legislative simplification and on the roadmap for the 2026 European Semester.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon led the Slovenian delegation at the Diplomatic Conference for the Adoption of the Convention Establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. This Council of Europe Open Convention establishes an international reparation mechanism for damage, loss or injury arising from the internationally wrongful acts of the Russian Federation in or against Ukraine.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, where EU ministers discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions. Topics included efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, continued support for Ukraine and maintaining pressure on Russia. Ministers also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and on EU-China relations.

The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs organised a meeting in Ljubljana for directors of consular crisis centres from Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary and Slovakia. The meeting was held as part of a Slovenian initiative to strengthen cooperation between centres in the region, and was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces and the Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief.