News

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon attended an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in Antalya, focused on an in-depth discussion on key issues and elements of the June NATO Summit in The Hague. Ministers reviewed guidelines on the key ambitious priorities of the Summit aimed at maintaining the Alliance’s unity and enhancing its strength.

The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center (WB3C) is proud to announce its collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to host the region’s first Cyber Capacity Building Workshop on 19-20 May 2025 in Podgorica. This high-level gathering will convene global experts and regional stakeholders to strengthen the Western Balkans’ cybersecurity resilience through two critical streams: addressing the cyber talent shortage and enhancing collaborative strategies against cybercrime.

On 9 May 2025, State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič participated in the informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers held in Lviv, Ukraine. She also took part in the meeting of the Core Group on the Establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

Foreign ministers and their guests met in Warsaw during Poland's six-month presidency of the EU. There was ample opportunity for frank discussions on the world's key challenges, including the importance of closer foreign and security policy cooperation with the UK, efforts to achieve an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine and further dialogue with the US in the light of the first 100 days of America First.

Slovenia presented its statement before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, emphasising Israel's obligation to facilitate emergency humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, grounded in the principles of respect for human rights, adherence to international humanitarian law and its obligations as a UN Member State.

The National Assembly has adopted the Declaration on the Activities of the Republic of Slovenia in EU Institutions for the period until June 2026.

During a visit to Austria, Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon met with the new Austrian Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, Beate Meinl-Reisinger. The visit was aimed at developing good neighbourly relations between the two countries and discussing current foreign policy and EU issues, including the Western Balkans and the EU enlargement.

At the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, Minister Tanja Fajon called for more decisive action to bring about a ceasefire and a lasting and just peace in Ukraine, and for the return of more than 19,000 abducted Ukrainian children: “These are war crimes and clear violations of international law. This must remain a humanitarian priority and part of the peace negotiations.”

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon concluded her Asian tour in India, where she participated in the Raisina Dialogue international conference and the Young Raisina Leaders event. She also met with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and visited an education centre in Kolkata founded 17 years ago by a Slovenian woman and her husband.

Minister Tanja Fajon is attending the 61st Munich Security Conference, where European and global security are at the centre of discussions. "Turbulent times call for respectful dialogue and fresh ideas," Minister Fajon stated in Munich, adding, "Slovenia remains a reliable partner in upholding the rule of law, political dialogue and multilateralism. This is the best way forward for us."

Speaking at an open debate of the UN Security Council, a day after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, called on the warring parties in the Middle East to respect the agreements. She emphasised that all members of the Security Council must shoulder their share of responsibility and provide the necessary support to address the ongoing challenges in the Middle East.

Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon attended the Ukraine-Southeast Europe ministerial meeting in Kyiv, where foreign ministers issued a joint statement expressing their continued support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders, and for assistance in reconstruction. She also discussed the prospects for peace with her Ukrainian host and counterpart Andrii Sybiha.

On 1 January 2025, Slovenia will enter the second half of its membership of the United Nations Security Council. In its first year, Slovenia has established itself as a principled, responsible and respected member that consistently applies the UN Charter and international law.

On the first day of the 28th Consultation of Slovenian Diplomats, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted Slovenia’s new foreign policy strategy, which sets out the guidelines for achieving and implementing foreign policy goals. The new strategy is based on inclusiveness, responsibility, security, solidarity and knowledge, and is modern, transparent and long-term.

In recent days, a video with false and misleading claims about the possibility of entering Slovenia has garnered a lot of attention on the social network X.

In November, as the presidency of the UN Security Council was held by the United Kingdom, Slovenia co-sponsored two briefings, one on the denuclearisation of North Korea and the other on imminent famine in Gaza. State Secretary Marko Štucin participated in a high-level meeting on the situation in Gaza and Ukraine, where he called for the Security Council to take more decisive action on the conflicts..

From 20 to 22 November 2024, on-line information days will be held in several languages for international students interested in studying in Slovenia. Full details and a registration link are available in the attachment.

In October, under the Swiss presidency of the UN Security Council, discussions were focused on Africa, the Middle East, Ukraine and Haiti. Two briefings were convened at Slovenia's request, one together with Algeria on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and another with the US on Ukraine. State Secretary Melita Gabrič took part in the open debate on women, peace and security.

State Secretary Melita Gabrič welcomed a delegation from the Polish-Slovenian Parliamentary Group of the Sejm of Poland for discussions focused on bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as current European and international issues.

In September, Slovenia held its first rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during its current non-permanent membership in the period 2024-2025. The September presidency presents an additional organisational challenge, as it coincides with the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly's general debate.