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Slovenia's peak tourist season is in full swing despite the floods last weekend, which hit certain destinations and impacted travel. Nevertheless, most of Slovenia remains fully functional, assuring a pleasant getaway. Destinations and tourism providers are doing their best to offer guests a safe and comfortable stay, and the best travel experience, which Slovenia is known for.

Minister Dr Aleksander Jevšek today spoke over the phone with European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira about the scale of devastation caused by the floods that recently hit Slovenia. The Minister thanked the European Commission and EU member states for their fast response and support. He invited the Commissioner to Slovenia to see first-hand the damage caused by the floods.

At its 63rd session today, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia approved the draft revised budget for this year. As Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič said at a press conference, this will provide EUR 520 million to deal quickly and effectively with the consequences of the devastating floods.

On Monday 14/08/2023, intercity public passenger bus services and domestic rail services will operate according to the planned weekday holiday timetable.

Prime Minister Robert Golob hosted the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who paid a working visit to Slovenia to show support and solidarity with all those affected by the floods, and to present the possibilities of EU support for reconstruction and recovery. During her tour of the devastation in Črna na Koroškem, she also met Tina Maze, the I feel Slovenia brand ambassador.

In order to help alleviate the consequences of the floods that have recently struck large parts of Slovenia, please be informed of the State Budget bank account number to which foreign citizens, companies, governments or institutions can make donations.

Due to the immense damage caused by floods, on August 6, 2023, Slovenia requested assistance from the EU and NATO. Both mechanisms were promptly activated.

After the Government yesterday established the inter-ministerial task force that will coordinate the preparation of the application for the EU Solidarity Fund, its members met today for the first time. The task force brings together state secretaries and experts from the ministries who agreed on the timeline and way of working.

Prime Minister Robert Golob hosted the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who paid a working visit to Slovenia to show support and solidarity with all those affected by the floods and to present the possibilities of EU support for reconstruction and recovery.

Prime Minister Golob met today, on 8 August 2023, with the representatives of all three associations of municipalities – the Association of Municipalities of Slovenia, the Association of Urban Municipalities of Slovenia and the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia.

Minister Tanja Fajon today hosted Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman. They visited areas hit by the flooding, accompanied by Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development Aleksander Jevšek.

At its 62nd regular session, the Government discussed the current situation in areas affected by raging waters and floods, and continued to work on emergency measures to facilitate response and subsequent rehabilitation. The Government also adopted draft amendments to the Natural Disaster Recovery Act (ZOPNN) and sent them to the National Assembly for urgent consideration.

Despite the difficult conditions due to the extensive flash floods in the majority of Slovenian territory, the internal security system has been operating normally. We are also closely monitoring the situation so as to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure.

Today's press conference on the current situation in the flood-affected areas was attended by the Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy, Bojan Kumer, Minister of Infrastructure, Alenka Bratušek, Acting Director of the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief, Leon Behin, Commander of the Notranjska Regional Civil Protection Headquarters, Sandi Curk, and Head of the Centre of Environmental Health at the National Institute of Public Health, Nina Pirnat.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has been taking all measures to prepare and timely submit the application for assistance from the EU Solidarity Fund in the wake of the devastating floods that hit Slovenia this weekend.

Report includes information on Intercity Bus Transport, Domestic Rail Passenger Transport and International Rail Passenger Transport.

Heavy rains have caused catastrophic conditions in major part of Slovenia, and lives are also at risk. all available public safety units are on the ground to provide all necessary assistance in rescuing people and minimising material damage.

Prime Minister Robert Golob spoke by telephone this morning with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who expressed the Alliance’s solidarity with Slovenia and its population in the aftermath of the overwhelming disaster of national proportions.

In recent days, Slovenia has been hit by the worst natural disaster in the country's history, and messages of solidarity and support have been conveyed to the Government of the Republic of Slovenia by foreign leaders and the heads of EU institutions.

On Monday, August 14th, the archive, the reading room and the information room will be closed due to a collective leave day.

Prime Minister Robert Golob, together with Minister of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning Uroš Brežan and Commander of the Civil Protection of the Republic of Slovenia Srečko Šestan, visited the areas affected by the flood in three municipalities in the Gorenjska region – Škofja Loka, Radovljica and Medvode.

In most of the areas affected by the floods, the rescue efforts are being shifted to the phase when basic conditions for subsistence and communications are being provided. Due to the extent of the damage in the affected areas, the Republic of Slovenia has decided to request international assistance through EU and NATO mechanisms.

The latest situation on the floods in Slovenia was presented at the press conference by meteorologist Blaž Šter and hydrologist Janez Polajnar, both from the Slovenian Environment Agency, Director of the Slovenian Water Agency Neža Kodre and Commander of the Civil Protection of the Republic of Slovenia Srečko Šestan.

At today's session, the Government allocated EUR 10 million in humanitarian aid to the residents of the affected areas. The funds will be granted to two humanitarian organisations, the Slovenian Red Cross and Caritas Slovenia, which will receive EUR 5 million each. It was also agreed at the session that shops selling food, technical goods and children's equipment will also be open on Sundays and public holidays.

Before the 61st extraordinary Government session, Prime Minister Robert Golob met with the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič.

At today’s session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia earmarked 10 million EUR in humanitarian aid for the population in the affected areas. The funds will go to the Slovenian Red Cross and the Slovenian Karitas, each receiving 5 million EUR. Another agreement reached at the session was to keep grocery, technical goods and children's equipment shops open on Sundays and public holidays.

In response to the natural disaster of national proportions, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob convened the National Security Council (NSC), which met today in an expanded configuration. As he pointed out when he convened the session, the Government, including the opposition, wants to unify the response to maximise the effectiveness of the measures for the benefit of the people.

The latest information on the floods in Slovenia was presented at the press conference by meteorologist Brane Gregorčič and hydrologist Janez Polajnar, both from the Slovenian Environment Agency, Director of the Slovenian Water Agency Neža Kodre and Commander of the Civil Protection of the Republic of Slovenia Srečko Šestan.

The situation in Slovenia was presented at a press conference by Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, Minister of Defence Marjan Šarec, Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar, Commander of the Civil Protection of the Republic of Slovenia Srečko Šestan and hydrologist of the Slovenian Environment Agency Janez Polajnar.

Last night, several parts of Slovenia were hit by severe storms with extreme rainfall, causing multiple landslides, heavy floods and damage to transport infrastructure.

The Environment Agency of the Republic of Slovenia held a press conference to present the first information on the extent of today’s rainfall. In addition to representatives of the Environment Agency, the press conference was attended by Srečko Šestan, Commander of the Civil Protection of the Republic of Slovenia, Neža Kodre, Director of the Slovenian Water Agency, and Marjan Šarec, Minister of Defence.

In a resounding call for sustainability and innovation, Slovenia’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy ushers in the One-Hour Initiative during high-level event commemorating this year's Earth Overshoot Day
A new initiative motivating Slovenia’s businesses to align their strategies with the reality of persistent ecological overshoot

Slovenia is the first EU country to include the Ecological Footprint in its National Development Strategy

Minister Dr Aleksander Jevšek and Minister Sanja Ajanović Hovnik met in Ljubljana with Edin Đerlek, Serbian Minister without portfolio in charge of balanced regional development. The meeting focused on the presentation of the area of local self-government, regional development and EU Cohesion Policy from Slovenia’s accession to the European Union to today.

With the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV) project, lead partner Holding Slovenske Elektrarne (HSE), the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy and the entire consortium of 37 partners, drawn from Slovenia, Croatia and the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia in Italy are proud to position their macro-region firmly ON THE HYDROGEN FUTURE MAP.

The 2023 Maribor European Youth Olympic Festival began on Sunday, 23 July 2023, with a grand opening ceremony. More than 5,000 spectators attended the opening at the stadium. Some 2,419 competitors from 48 countries will be competing in Maribor.

In the contecxt of maintaining regular dialogue and good cooperation, the Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob and the President of the Republic, Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, met for a working lunch.

The Prime Minister, Dr Robert Golob, met today with representatives of the relevant ministries to address the consequences of the recent storms across the country.

At the start of the European Youth Olympics Festival, Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob welcomed the young athletes and wished them a successful participation.

State Secretary Marko Štucin hosted State Secretary of the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Peter Mišík in Ljubljana. They confirmed excellent relations between Slovenia and Slovakia, expressed great interest in further strengthening cooperation between the two countries and exchanged views on current European, regional and international affairs.

At today’s correspondence meeting, the Government adopted an opinion on the request that the National Assembly reconsider the Long-Term Care Act.

Minister Tanja Fajon participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, where the ministers confirmed the EU’s long-term security commitment to Ukraine. They focused on finding solutions for the imminent food crisis resulting from Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative allowing exports of Ukrainian grain. They also discussed the EU’s relations with Türkiye.

In the current Development Programmes Plan 2023-2026, the Government has included three new projects for the budget user Slovenian Armed Forces, changed the value of one project and closed one project. It took note of the Information on the situation and the implementation of measures to prevent and contain the spread of African swine fever and appointed a special mission of the Republic of Slovenia for the membership of the UN Security Council.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has appointed a special mission for the UN Security Council for the period of its membership and observer status from 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2025.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar attended an informal meeting of Home Affairs ministers in Spain.

The Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the 10th meeting of the Strategic Council for the Prevention of Hate Speech today.

Today, the National Security Council (NSC) held its session in the extended formation and discussed national security in the light of Slovenia’s recent election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2024 and 2025. Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob also attended the NSC session.

“Our mission, which is to serve Slovenia and its inhabitants at home and abroad, transcends trying moments and experiences,” wrote the editor, Ambassador Sabina Stadler Repnik, in the editorial of the first issue of the Diplomatic Bulletin. The publication of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs aims to inform the general public about the work and achievements of Slovenian diplomacy.

Minister Matjaž Han presented Slovenia’s current work in the field of space technologies and plans to enhance cooperation with the Agency in order to obtain full membership of the Republic of Slovenia in the ESA to Geraldine Naja, Director of Commercialisation, Industry and Competitiveness at the European Space Agency (ESA).

At the government committee sessions, the government included the construction of the unit of the Domžale Retirement Home in Moravče in the Development Programme Plan for the period 2023–2026 and gave its consent to the General Terms and Conditions of the operation of the Eco Fund.

Secretary-General Ambassador Renata Cvelbar Bek met with DFA Undersecretary Antonio Morales and Assistant Deputy Minister for European Affairs Maria Elena Palo Algabre during her visit to the Philippines, where Slovenia will open a new Consulate General. Their discussions focused on the strengthening of economic and political cooperation between the countries.

In Brussels, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon attended the third summit of the EU with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), a group of 33 countries from the region. The aim of the summit, which brought together more than 50 leaders, was to revive contacts after almost a decade of no dialogue at the highest political level and to strengthen relations between the two regions in the new geopolitical context.

Minister of Defence Marjan Šarec is in the State of Colorado to attend the 30th anniversary of the cooperation between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia and the Colorado National Guard in the State of Colorado. On this occasion, he met with Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Colorado National Guard Commander Brigadier General Laura L. Clellan.

At today's correspondence session, the Government agreed to the proposed amendments to the draft Social Assistance Act and to the proposed amendments to the draft Long Term Care Act.

The Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court, was adopted 25 years ago to this day, and in 2010, States Parties designated 17 July the Day of International Criminal Justice. The Court represents a key step forward in the fight against impunity for the most heinous crimes, which pose a threat to international peace, security, and prosperity, and marks a milestone in the pursuit of international justice.

After the Government approved the proposed amendment to the Recovery and Resilience Plan on Monday, 10 July 2023, the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Recovery and Resilience submitted the proposed amendment to the plan together with all supporting documents to Brussels today. We expect the final approval of the adjustment proposal of the plan by the Council of the European Union this autumn.

This afternoon, Slovenian Prime Minister Golob visited the villages of Orehovec and Pišece in the municipality of Brežice to see the aftermath of the storms.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, today paid an official visit to Croatia at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković. He was accompanied in Zagreb by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, and the Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy, Bojan Kumer.

At the 53rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), which took place between June 19 and July 14, 2023, Slovenia took an active stand against discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation and gender identity. Slovenia advocated for the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and girls and called for the fight against all forms of violence against women and girls.

State Secretary Marko Štucin attended an event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and held several talks with representatives of the Netherlands and international organisations in The Hague, the “international city of peace”.

At today's correspondence session, the Government adopted decisions on the dismissal of the Secretaries of State at the Ministry of Health, mag. Tadej Ostrc, Tjaša Vidic and Azra Herceg. At the same time, the decisions appointed new State Secretaries, namely Azra Herceg, Dr Valentina Prevolnik Rupel and Marjan Pintar.

At today’s session, the Government learned about the Report on the realisation of self-sufficiency and the use of agricultural land drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food.

A two-day summit of the NATO Alliance in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius has concluded. It was attended by the Prime Minister, Dr Robert Golob, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, and the Minister of Defence, Marjan Šarec.

The women’s programme taking place on the margins of the NATO Summit of heads of state and government in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, was also attended by the Slovenian Prime Minister’s partner, Tina Gaber.

Prime Minister Robert Golob responded to media coverage of attacks on police officers:

At today's correspondence session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia agreed to the proposed amendments to the draft Social Assistance Act and will send them to the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia.

At the Government Committee session, the Government, among other things, included the new project Strengthening Capacities in the Field of Terrorist Threats in the current Development Programme Plan 2023–2026.

A two-day summit of the heads of state and government of the NATO Alliance is taking place in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, attended by the Prime Minister, Dr Robert Golob, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, and the Minister of Defence, Marjan Šarec.

Today we remember the innocent victims who were murdered in a horrific way, in the very heart of Europe, right before the eyes of the international community. It was the worst crime on European soil since the Second World War. Our thoughts are with the mothers, wives, relatives and friends who lost their loved ones that day.

State Secretary Marko Štucin attended the July meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels. The main focus of the discussion was an exchange of views on the priorities of the Spanish Presidency and the mid-term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021–2027.

Prime Minister Robert Golob informed the President of the National Assembly that he would temporarily perform the office of the Minister of Health in place of Danijel Bešič Loredan who resigned.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the fourth meeting at the level of foreign ministers of Slovenia, Croatia and Italy in Ancona on cooperation in the management and protection of the northern Adriatic Sea. The ministers also adopted a joint declaration committing their states to exchanging information on the implementation of Exclusive Economic Zones and the regulation of maritime traffic.

The Government confirmed the proposed amendment to the Recovery and Resilience Plan that complies with the significant changes of circumstances that occurred after it was approved by the EU Council in July 2021. The Government will submit the amended plan to be formally harmonised and approved by Brussels by the end of the week.

The Government continues to draft the budgetary documents for 2024 and 2025. The breakdown of budgetary expenditure by ministries was adopted today. The Government also confirmed the proposed amendment to the Recovery and Resilience Plan that follows the significant changes of circumstances that occurred after it was approved by the EU Council in July 2021.

The Prime Minister, Robert Golob, and the President of the National Council, Marko Lotrič, met today at the premises of the Government.

At today's meeting, the Government adopted urgent measures to ensure a smooth supply of medicinal products and a Dementia Management Strategy to improve the quality of life of people with dementia and their families.

“The European Commission’s Fourth Annual Rule of Law Report on the Rule of Law Situation in EU Member States in 2023 shows that Slovenia has made progress in almost all areas. Nevertheless, we will continue to work actively to improve the rule of law and to take into account new recommendations,” said Minister Tanja Fajon, State Secretary, Dr Igor Šoltes, Minister Asta Vrečko, and Minister Boštjan Pokuklar at the publication of the report.

This week, the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs hosted an award ceremony for this semester’s participants of the training for the diplomatic exam, which they recently passed with great success.

Today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, attended the solemn ceremony at the start of construction of the BioCampus, the centre for biotherapeutics development, in Mengeš.

The Government agrees to the proposed amendments to the draft Act Amending the Agriculture Act.

In its Rule of Law Report published in July, the European Commission notes that Slovenia has made progress in ensuring the independence of the public media. This was in part due to the resolution of the situation at the Slovenian Press Agency (STA), in which the Government Communication Office (UKOM) played a key role.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, today attended an extraordinary session of the Economic and Social Council (ESC) to discuss the conduct of social dialogue.

At the meetings of the Government Committees, the Government increased the earmarked assets of the Public Fund of the Republic of Slovenia for Entrepreneurship, approved the Business and Financial Plan of the Fund, and included a new project "Smart Survey Implementation" in the current Development Programme Plan 2023–2026.

Since 14 February 2022, residence permits and residence registration certificates have been issued in a new format with additional security features.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the European Council meeting in Brussels. The war in Ukraine, migration, security and defence, the economy and relations with China were the key topics of this summit.

On the last day of their joint visit to Seoul, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon and Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport Matjaž Han held multiple meetings at the highest political level. They also visited KIA's Research and Development Centre and met with KIA's President and CEO.

Slovenian Minister of Defence Marjan Šarec hosted his Romanian counterpart Angel Tîlvăr on an official visit to Slovenia. The meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation in the field of defence and military affairs, with a focus on Slovenia's possible participation in the NATO eVA Battle Group in Romania.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon visited the Republic of Korea to officially open the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Seoul, where she and Minister of the Economy Matjaž Han hosted diplomats, business representatives and other foreign guests to mark Slovenia's Statehood Day.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon and Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport Matjaž Han are visiting Korea accompanied by a strong business delegation. They attended the official opening of the Slovenian Embassy in Seoul, held political talks and participated in a number of promotional activities where Slovenia is presenting its business investment environment, economy, tourism and opportunities for foreign investors.

The 7th UNESCO conference of ministers and senior officials responsible for physical education and sport concluded today in Azerbaijan. The conference adopted the Fit for Life partnership document, designed to accelerate COVID-19 recovery, support integrated policy making in sports, and enhance the wellbeing of youth around the world.

The Government adopted the decision on consent to limit the enrolment and increase the number of enrolment slots for foreigners, the citizens of countries that are not EU member states, in undergraduate and integrated Master’s study programmes, the decision on determining the proportions of collecting waste grave candles from public utility service providers for the period until 30 June 2024 and declared 2024 the year of General Rudolf Maister.

Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob today met with ambassadors of EU Member States at the House of the European Union in Ljubljana.

State Secretary Marko Štucin met with Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Minister of Immigration and Asylum Jean Asselborn. He also held consultations with Director-General for European Affairs and International Economic Relations Jean-Louis Thill.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met today with the Chief Executive Officer of the Fortenova Group, Fabris Peruško, who briefed him on the Group's operations and business plans.

State Secretary Marko Štucin attended an ordinary session of the EU General Affairs Council in Luxembourg. The Council members held a thorough discussion on draft conclusions for the European Council meeting, set to be held on 29 and 30 June 2023. They spoke about the EU’s continued response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, current economic issues, security and defence, and foreign policy issues.

On Day 2 of meeting, the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council discussed agricultural issues. At the core of discussion were the conditions in agricultural markets in the aftermath of Russian aggression on Ukraine, and due to adverse climatic events, the need for certain derogations within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) due to adverse climatic events, and a call on the Commission to clarify the criteria for allocation of existing aid packages, and concerning the preparation of the third aid package.

EU agriculture and fisheries ministers today opened a two-day meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council, attended by Minister Irena Šinko. Council conclusions were adopted on a package of measures to improve the sustainability and resilience of the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector, and ministers were briefed on a proposal for a regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products.

Minister Tanja Fajon attended a regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Key topics of discussion included the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the north of Kosovo, EU–Latin America and Caribbean relations, and digital diplomacy. Minister Fajon thanked the EU member states for their support in electing Slovenia to the UN Security Council.

At today's correspondence session, the Government adopted the proposal for the Long-Term Care Act and the proposal for the amendment of the Social Assistance Act and a decision to recall a member of the Supervisory Board of the Public Transport Management Company.