News

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Call for proposals for the co-financing of projects of youth career centres+.

Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development, Dr Aleksander Jevšek, participated in the Regional policy dialogue on good governance and women leadership in Southeast Europe. The Minister emphasised that the gender gap in decision-making and leadership positions points to the urgent need for effective strategies and measures to enhance women’s participation across all sectors of society.

Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, accompanies President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar on her official visit to Kazakhstan with a strong business delegation. Minister Fajon met separately with Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu.

In March, Denmark – the first among the new UNSC members – took over the presidency of the Security Council from China. The programme of work included discussions on the Middle East, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Sudan and South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Improving the quality and accessibility of the green urban infrastructure in the Bonifica SRC area.

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

The Archivalia of the Month April 2025 with the title Documentary Film Nepal – »Lost« and Found Again.

At the invitation of British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar attended the Border Security Summit: Organised Immigration Crime in London.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar hosted the Brdo Process Ministerial Meeting. Alongside Minister Poklukar, the meeting was opened by Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today received the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, in Ljubljana.

State Secretary Marko Štucin hosted the new Austrian Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Family, Claudia Plakolm, for consultations. They discussed the most topical issues currently being addressed in the EU and agreed that Slovenia and Austria share similar views on several EU policies.

At today’s meeting in Brussels, which focused on the soon-to-be-published new Cohesion Policy legislative framework, EU Ministers responsible for Cohesion agreed that Cohesion Policy should adapt to better respond to current and future challenges.

Yesterday, Piotr Serafin, European Commissioner for Budget, visited Slovenia as part of the preparations for the European Union’s next long-term budget. During his visit, he was briefed on the protection and rescue system and the reforms underway in this area.

“Interreg GO! is an opportunity to reflect on the future of European territorial cooperation beyond 2027,” underlined State Secretary Marko Koprivc in his opening address on the second day of the biggest Interreg event. The second day of the event was dedicated to parallel thematic panels on topical issues related to the current Interreg 2021-2027 programmes, as well as visiting the projects on both sides of the border.

At the proposal of the Minister of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, Jože Novak, the Environment Council yesterday in Brussels discussed, among other things, the activities and achievements of Slovenia's Presidency of the Barcelona Convention, particularly in the context of the current and upcoming global negotiations on the protection of oceans and waters.

In the 20th episode of the GOVSI podcast, host Petra Bezjak Cirman talks with Mojca Ramšak Pešec, State Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration, and Irena Ilešič Čujovič, President of the Health and Social Care Trade Union. They discuss the importance of the public sector for society and the reform of the public pay system, which brings significant changes for more than 188,000 employees within the public wage framework.

Last June, the Council of the European Union adopted a Regulation on nature restoration. The overarching objective of the Regulation is to restore at least 20% of the EU's terrestrial and marine areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning has therefore started to prepare a National Nature Restoration Plan, which will be a key document for the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation.

At the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the informal meeting of leaders on peace and security for Ukraine.

State Secretary and National Anti-Trafficking Coordinator Helga Dobrin hosted a meeting of the Network of Anti-Trafficking Coordinators of South-East Europe (NATC SEE) at Brdo pri Kranju.

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič is in Paris to attend the Nutrition for Growth Summit. There are more than 700 million people in the world who do not eat enough or do not eat the right food. The reasons are mostly rooted in conflict, poverty and inequality. We need to pay more attention to this global challenge and make financial commitments that will accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

On 27 and 28 March 2025, the border cities of Gorizia and Nova Gorica, which hold the title of European Capital of Culture this year, hosted the Interreg GO! event, which was opened by keynote speakers Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Cohesion and Reform, Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, and Aleksander Jevšek, Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development.

At today's session, the Government adopted the proposal for the Act amending the Electricity Supply Act, a decision on consent to the content of the call for enrolment in master's degree programmes for the 2025/2026 academic year, and the decision on consent to the content of the call for enrolment in doctoral degree programmes.

Minister Tanja Fajon met with representatives of the Slovenian minority in Austria at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs in Ljubljana today to discuss topical issues relating to their situation, rights and development.

Minister Tanja Fajon discussed the challenges and future orientations regarding Official Development Assistance (ODA) with the members of the Expert Council for Development Cooperation. She underlined the importance of focused action, predictable funding and the reduction of administrative burdens, and the Council approved the plan to increase funding and strengthen cooperation with the private sector and NGOs.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the projects Renovation of the Bloudek Park in Tivoli, Construction of the Savsko naselje Sports Park and Construction of the children's park by the pool.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the opening ceremony of the new Podbreznik residential neighbourhood in Novo Mesto, which will provide 186 public rental apartments. The neighbourhood was developed by the Housing Fund of the Republic of Slovenia in cooperation with the Municipality of Novo Mesto.

Slovenia recorded its third consecutive year of growth in patent applications at the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2024. With growth surpassing the EU average, a strong presence of women inventors and high adoption of the Unitary Patent, Slovenia continues to demonstrate a dynamic innovation environment and the significance of its expertise within the EU patent landscape.

Due to work on the transformer substation and a power outage, the Archives Reading Room and the Information Room will be open only until 15:30 on Wednesday 26 March 2025.

The March issue features an interview with the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Ambassador Barbara Žvokelj. It also includes articles on the Ministry’s first strategic foresight document and on Slovenia's participation in the advisory proceedings of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, aimed at clarifying the obligations of States in relation to climate change.

Prime Minister Robert Golob is attending the regular Spring European Council, where discussions will focus on competitiveness, including the issue of high energy prices, reducing administrative barriers, challenges in the automotive industry, and strengthening the overall resilience of the European Union. Leaders will also continue discussions on the situation in Ukraine and European defence.

At today's session, the Government adopted the draft amendment to the Game and Hunting Act, the Decision establishing the Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Healthcare Quality and a framework for issuing green bonds. It also decided that the new regional hospital for Gorenjska will be located in Kranj.

On the occasion of World Water Day - 22 March - the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning (MNVP) organised an event to bring together connoisseurs and experts to share their views on the hydrological challenges posed by climate change and human interventions. Altered water runoff and sediment regimes are greatly increasing water-related risks and hazards.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tehran will be closed during Persian New Year holidays (Nowrooz) from 23 March to 24 March 2025.

Prime Minister Robert Golob was the keynote speaker at the closing session of the National Consultation on Strengthening the Resilience of the Republic of Slovenia today. The opening address was delivered by Vojko Volk, State Secretary for National and International Security at the Office of the Prime Minister.

At the invitation of the Polish Embassy, Petra Bezjak Cirman, Director of the Government Communication Office of the Republic of Slovenia, attended a meeting of representatives of the diplomatic corps of EU member states (EU HoMS). At the meeting, she presented activities aimed at raising awareness and increasing resilience against disinformation, foreign information manipulation, and interference. Information security is one of the priorities of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Robert Golob, hosted a working lunch for the President of the Portuguese Republic, Dr Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who is on an official visit to Slovenia.

The Monitoring Committee for Slovenia's EU Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027 held its regular session and approved Programme amendments. It also took note of the progress made in the implementation of the Programme and discussed key challenges and opportunities of Programme implementation.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the SUPER 8 EPK GO!2025 project.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today hosted a meeting of ministers and deputies of the National Assembly from the parties of the government coalition at Brdo pri Kranju. The Coalition Summit reviewed past and planned activities to implement the following commitments: strengthening public healthcare, a sustainable pension system, housing for young people.

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.

Today, State Secretary Marko Štucin participated in the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels. Foreign ministers discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and Syria, relations with Iran and EU-US relations. The FAC meeting was followed by Brussels IX Conference on “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition”, where Slovenia pledged a contribution of EUR 600,000.

On the basis of the Act on Aid to Ensure Enhanced Air Connectivity (hereinafter reffered as: the Act), a Public Tender for Enhanced Air Connectivity of Slovenia was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia and the Official Journal of the European Union on 14. 3. 2025. In accordance with the first paragraph of Article 10 of the Act, the tender documentation is publicly published, however, the English translation is merely an information aid for foreign air carriers when preparing applications for aid.

The application for aid and Annexes must be submitted in Slovene language. Submission deadline is 14. 4. 2025 at 23.59

Prime Minister Robert Golob today hosted a working meeting on the amendment to the Placement of Children with Special Needs Act (ZUOPP-1). The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education, experts in the field of education and representatives of organisations advocating for children with special needs and their families.

At today's session, the government adopted the draft Hospitality Act, which also includes regulations on short-term rentals. It also reviewed a presentation on the Winter Olympic Games, which will be held next year in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy, Bojan Kumer today met with the European European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra. The visit was an opportunity for an in-depth discussion about the new European Commission's priorities in the areas of clean transition, climate policies, and sustainable EU growth and
the Clean Industry Deal and upcoming legislative initiatives, among which the revision of the European Climate Law, announced by the Commission in the first quarter of this year, stands out.

Prime Minister Robert Golob visited the National Institute of Chemistry, where he was briefed on the Institute's activities and its prospects for further development. The presentation of the Centre for the Technologies of Gene and Cell Therapy (CTGCT) was at the forefront.

Ministry of Digital Transformation and Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
Slovenia joins the countries that will play a key role in the future of AI in Europe. Under the EU's latest initiative, Slovenia will host one of six new AI factories, backed by a high-performance supercomputer. This is a strategic step towards the development of a state-of-the-art computing infrastructure that will strengthen research, innovation and digital sovereignty of Slovenia and Europe.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon concluded a two-day official visit to Manila, the first visit by a Slovenian foreign minister to the country. On the second day, she was received by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. She also addressed the participants of the Slovenia-Philippines Business Forum and held a lecture and discussion with the students of the Far Eastern University.

The European Commission has today officially announced that Slovenia has achieved the highest possible score in the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking Call for Proposals. This success is due to the high quality of Slovenia's proposal and the expertise of the experienced team behind it.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon is on a two-day official visit to Manila with nearly 40 representatives of Slovenian companies and institutions. The first day was marked by the strengthening of political cooperation between the two countries, including the opening of the Slovenian Embassy in Manila, and the establishment of intergovernmental cooperation in the field of employment.

On the occasion of Slovenia's success in the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking's European call for proposals for a supercomputer and an artificial intelligence factory, we would like to present a statement by Prime Minister Robert Golob:

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals to strengthen social dialogue. The aim of the call is to strengthen the capacity of the social partners to cooperate more effectively in the design and implementation of policies in the fields of labour market, lifelong learning and improving the working environment.

Ambassador Dr Andrej Benedejčič, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to NATO, took part in the visit of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) to KFOR, the NATO-led mission in Kosovo, and the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT), on 11 March 2025.

During its presidency of MED9, Slovenia will focus on strengthening Europe's resilience and competitiveness, youth empowerment and capacity-building in higher education, digitalisation and culture as well as the EU enlargement and other foreign policy issues. A number of events will be organised during the Presidency, which you can follow on the dedicated MED9 website.

In the latest episode of the government’s GOVSI podcast, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Mateja Čalušić sheds light on the key challenges and opportunities facing Slovenian agriculture, as well as the country’s strategy for the future of food supply.

Slovenia welcomes the decision by Arab countries to adopt a comprehensive plan for Gaza’s reconstruction at the extraordinary Arab summit in Cairo on 4th March 2025. This important step demonstrates a strong and unified Arab commitment, with genuine Arab ownership of the process and a clear focus on safeguarding the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination, to their land, and ultimately to statehood.

On March 6th, 2025 Ambassador Iztok Mirošič and Congressman Paul Gosar met for a meeting, where they discussed about possibilities in strengthening the economic bilateral cooperation between Slovenia and USA & Arizona.

Prime Minister Robert Golob is attending a special European Council meeting in Brussels devoted to strengthening European defence and ensuring a lasting peace in Ukraine.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Copenhagen is seeking to recruit two professionals for the following positions:

1. Public Diplomacy Coordinator
2. Communication Officer and Events Coordinator

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs organised the National Consultation on EU Macro-Regional Strategies, which was held at Brdo pri Kranju and brought together representatives from ministries and other stakeholders involved in the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP), the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR).

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, today took part in the conference on the subject of “Science is – science can”, which was held at the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar attended the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

At today’s session, the Government adopted amendments to the Scientific Research and Innovation Activity Act, which provides for additional funding for science, and the proposal for the Act Regulating the Partial Reimbursement of Wage Compensation for Reduced Working Hours. It also took note of the guidelines for the drafting of calls for tenders for the allocation of public funds under the Programme of measures to promote entrepreneurship and competitiveness.

On Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 President of the Commission for Relations with Slovenes Abroad, Suzana Lep Šimenko, held an online meeting for the representatives of Slovenian associations from various U.S. states. The Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States also joined the meeting.

How do global crises affect young people's lives? How can their resilience and creativity contribute to a better world? The European Network for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Training is organising a special video competition addressing these very questions in the context of EXPO 2025, the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, from 13 April to 13 October 2025.

A seminar on business opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) was held at the Centre of Excellence in Finance, organised by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, as part of the LAC 2025 Days, the public agency SPIRIT and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Model of early vocational and occupational rehabilitation on the process of returning to work in terms of health (ZPZR-2).

Slovenia is gravely concerned about the decision to completely block humanitarian aid access to Gaza. This could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, severely affecting the civilian population already suffering from the conflict. Such actions are in clear violation of international law, particularly international humanitarian law and human rights law.

The 42nd Slovenian Week Against Cancer is taking place under the slogan: "A new breeze in the fight against cancer – developing the LUKA and PETER programmes". The event, organised by the Association of Slovenian Cancer Societies in cooperation with the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, the Ministry of Health, and the National Cancer Control Programme, brought together experts to discuss future cancer screening programmes.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Libertas cultural hub project.

Under this year's theme "Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet", World Wildlife Day (WWD) 2025 highlights the urgent need for innovative and sustainable financial solutions to preserve the planet's biodiversity and secure a prosperous future for both wildlife and humanity.

The Archivalia of the Month March 2025 with the title Donate to Winter Help is published in the Online Column Archivalia of the Month.

In February, the UN Security Council was chaired by China, which organised an open debate on multilateralism. Among other things, the Security Council discussed Syria and other issues relating to the Middle East, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ukraine.

At today's session, the Government adopted a draft amendment to the Confiscation of Assets of Illicit Origin Act, the Decree on the compulsory health insurance service programmes, the capacities required for their implementation and the amount of funding for 2025. It also adopted measures to speed up the absorption of EU funds.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has approved measures to improve the absorption of the funds available under Slovenia’s EU Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027. The Government also approved amendments to the Programme and issued a supplemented decree regarding Cohesion Policy implementation. The draft measures were prepared by the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, together with the other line ministries.

Ambassador Iztok Mirošič met with Congressman Pete Sessions of Texas in D.C. on February 24, 2025. They discussed the strengthening of the bilateral relations between Slovenia and United States of America, and agreed to work closely together to advance them.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Integrated improvement of the Savska cesta Road.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović. This was Milanović’s first visit abroad since the start of his second term. The Prime Minister and the President confirmed that bilateral relations between the two countries were excellent and exchanged views on current international topics.

On the second day of the high-level segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC 58), the Permanent Mission of Slovenia to the United Nations in Geneva hosted a high-level side event titled: “Implementing Foreign Policy Goals with A Human Rights Lens: Advancing Equality through Multilateralism”.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the Golden Ambassador for Children with Cancer Award ceremony, organised by the Zlata Pentljica Institute. The Golden Ambassador Award is a token of appreciation for individuals and organisations that contribute with their acts of kindness to the mission of helping children with cancer.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended, via a web lnk, the "Defence and Security Strategy of Unity" Summit, convened by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the third anniversary of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

On 19 February 2025, a joint traffic control under the auspices of the European Labour Authority (ELA) took place at the Tarvisio - Ugovizza rest area, led by the Italian traffic police and involving control authorities from Slovenia, Croatia and Austria. The focus was on monitoring mobile workers, checking postings, working time, rest periods and pay.

"After three years of blatant violations of international law, Russian aggression must come to an end. A ceasefire must be achieved, along with adequate security guarantees for Ukraine. Slovenia remains committed to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and both Ukraine and EU Member States must engage in negotiations," emphasised the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, on the third anniversary of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the projects Development of Slovenj Gradec Sports Park, Urban Culture Centre and Langer Villa. The projects that follow urban strategies of respective urban municipalities will receive EUR 9.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

Together with the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Bled Strategic Forum (BSF), a discussion was organised on strategic foresight and the document of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs entitled Niches and excellence in Slovenian diplomacy 2030/2040. The document is the result of months of work on the strategic foresight project, in which diplomats and external experts have envisaged four possible scenarios for future developments.

At today's session, the Government adopted a proposal for a new Public Employees Act, aimed at enhancing the competence and independence of public employees. It also approved the proposal for the Public Office Holders Act, which sets out the requirements for holding office and the rights of public office holders in state bodies and self-governing local communities.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Promotion of R&D programmes (TRL 3-6). The call seeks to strengthen collaboration between the research sector and businesses, while fostering innovation in Slovenia. The call is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, its contribution standing at over EUR 31 million.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today took part in an informal meeting of a group of states organised by French President Emmanuel Macron.

In winter, even in seemingly fine weather, snow and ice can form on the roof of a semi-trailer, the cab of a truck or the roof of a bus. A little rain or high humidity during the day and low temperatures at night are enough to cause this.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals that aims to co-finance the network of multi-purpose Roma centres. The call makes a total of EUR 5.5 million available, with over EUR 4.4 million coming from the European Social Fund Plus.

After the successful first retail issue last year, the Ministry of Finance is preparing for the second issue of retail bonds. This is a part of the Ministry’s continued efforts to develop the capital market, disperse the savings of retail investors and improve financial literacy.

Minister Dr Aleksander Jevšek held his first meeting with the newly appointed Commissioner for Cohesion and Reform, Raffaele Fitto. The meeting, which took place in Brussels, focused on the future of Cohesion Policy and measures to improve EU funds absorption.

At the invitation of the Polish Presidency, State Secretary Marko Štucin attended an informal meeting of European affairs ministers in Warsaw. The members of the General Affairs Council discussed the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework, the impact of hybrid threats on the enlargement process and the strengthening of Europe's civilian and military preparedness.

On February 13, 2025 Ambassador Mirošič joined as a guest speaker at the webinar 'From Washington to Ljubljana: How Trump's New Policies Will Reshape Business & Opportunity' hosted by the American-Slovenian Club.

The delegation of eight Slovenian space technology companies, which visited Algeria from 11 to 14 February to learn about the Algerian space sector and explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation, has returned to Slovenia. The visit represents an important step in strengthening economic cooperation in the field of space technologies and opens up new opportunities for Slovenian technological solutions on the North African market.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project “Systemic treatment of frailty with a focus on pre-frailty for healthy and quality ageing”, the short title “Frailty treatment”.

"Today's informal meeting of European leaders in Paris is primarily seen as a gathering of influential European NATO members.

In mid-February 2025, the General Office of the Slovenian Prison Administration held an official handover between the new Director-General, Denis Perše, who has taken up the office on 15 February 2025, and the former Head of the Office, mag. Bojan Majcen, who became Deputy Director-General on the same day.

"In recent days, we have seen numerous proposals aimed at achieving lasting peace in Europe. Slovenia has been providing unwavering and heartfelt support to Ukraine since the very first day of Russia's aggression, and we are rightfully proud of this.

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."