News

The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Irena Šinko, met with the Croatian Minister of Agriculture, Marija Vučković, at a farm in Sela pri Ratežu.

At today's correspondence meeting, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia issued a Decree setting the maximum price of the complementary health insurance premium. It also adopted several replies to parliamentary questions.

The Government extended electricity price regulation for households and small business customers until the end of the year. It also extended the validity of the decree setting the maximum allowable electricity price for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

In the first three months of this year, the Ljubljana Administrative Unit has made significant progress in resolving pending cases in the Civil Registers, Aliens and Nationality Division, Aliens Departments, with more cases being resolved each month than were received. Thus, since January this year, we have reduced the number of pending cases by almost eight thousand.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar met with his Italian counterpart Matteo Piantedosi in Rome today.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon concludes her visit to Ethiopia. Today she met with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed. They discussed the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, the opening of Slovenian embassies in Africa, migration and other current topics.

Slovenia increased its ODA by 48.7% in 2022 compared to the year before. This significant increase is mainly due to Slovenia's exceptional contributions to Ukraine, the care of Ukrainian refugees in Slovenia, the cancellation of the clearing debt of the Republic of Angola and the increased development aid from the EU budget.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the 33rd plenary session of the national Children’s Parliament held at the National Assembly.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon is visiting Addis Ababa, where she is hosted by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen. This is the first visit at foreign minister level and an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between Slovenia and Ethiopia, as well as in the light of the forthcoming opening of the Slovenian Embassy in Addis Ababa.

The Government has adopted decree designating 411.36 hectares of the Češeniške and Prevojske gmajne area as the Češeniško Prevojske gmajne Landscape Park.

From April 2023, citizens aged 12 and over will only need to present their new biometric ID card when visiting doctors, pharmacies, opticians and other healthcare providers and suppliers of medicines and medical devices. This means that citizens are now able to use just one document, as the photo on the identity card also removes the need for additional verification of the insured person’s identity.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the framework for the preparation of general government budgets for the 2024–2026 period. The Government also approved the proposed amendment to the State Border Control Act and the Resolution on the National Programme in the Field of Illicit Drugs for the 2023–2030 period.

State Secretary Samuel Žbogar visited Gaborone to meet with Botswana’s Foreign Minister Dr Lemogang Kwape. The visit was aimed at strengthening Slovenia's partnerships in the international community and exchanging views on challenges in the region and in the international community.

At today's correspondence meeting, the Government adopted a motion to disqualify Constitutional Court judge Dr Dr Klemen Jaklič from ruling on the case of reviewing the constitutionality of the Radiotelevizija Slovenija Act, and at the same time sent the motion to the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Slovenia.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tehran will be closed for Easter on Sunday, 9 April, and Monday, 10 April 2023.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the two-day Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels, which coincided with the 74th anniversary of the signing of NATO's founding document in 1949, and she also officially welcomed Finland as NATO's 31st member.

Today, the Ministry of the Interior hosted representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for the Care and Integration of Migrants, and NGOs, in order to develop an integration strategy.

Dr Igor Papič, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, met with Matjaz Gruden, Director for Democratic Participation at the Council of Europe. They discussed current issues and activities planned by the Council of Europe.

In March, the Government adopted the starting points for the preparation of proposed adjustments to the Recovery and Resilience Plan, which will, among other things, address the objectives of the REPowerEU plan to reduce dependence on Russian energy. Government representatives today discussed the starting points for the new chapter of the Slovenian Recovery and Resilience Plan with the interested public at a public consultation.

The 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council adopted two important initiatives in which Slovenia is participating. The key UN body responsible for human rights approved the renewal of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on minority issues and confirmed that the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment represents a link between the environment and human rights.

On the basis of the Act on Aid to Ensure Enhanced Air Connectivity, a Public Tender for Enhanced Aviation Connectivity was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia on 04/04/2023. In accordance with Article 10 of the law, the tender documentation is publicly published, however, the English translation is merely an information aid for foreign air carriers when preparing applications for the grant of aid.

The application for aid must be submitted in Slovene language. Submission deadline is 4. 5. 2023.

On 4 April, the Alliance marks its 74th anniversary. On 29 March 2004, the Republic of Slovenia becomes part of the Alliance with the overwhelming support of its citizens.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar hosted the 11th informal meeting of the Ministers of the Interior of the Brdo Process countries in Portorož.

State Secretary Samuel Žbogar held consultations with Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of Namibia Jenelly Matundu in Namibia from 3 to 4 April 2023. Their discussion focused on enhancing political dialogue and exchanging views on the situation and challenges in the region, with an emphasis on the work of international organisations.

Prime Minister Robert Golob hosted the Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia Dimitar Kovačevski on an official visit.

The new Transnational Provision of Services Act (ZČmIS-1) was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia. The Ministry drew up the Act in order to comprehensively address the position of posted workers when carrying out transnational services provided by Slovenian companies and self-employed persons, economic operators, for clients in other EU member states.

At today's correspondence session, the Government decided to include the registered project "Greater Air Connectivity of Slovenia" in the current Development Programmes Plan 2023-2026.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Alenka Bratušek, hosted the Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Goran Vesić, on a working visit. They have agreed to propose the establishment of a joint standing committee with Croatia, Austria, and Italy, in order accelerate rail transport.

On Friday, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia sent the National Assembly a reply to the interpellation on its work and the accountability of its work, in which it completely dismissed as unfounded all of the SDS party’s accusations regarding the alleged inadequacy of its conduct.

Following the visit of Prime Minister Robert Golob to Kyiv yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the Slovenian nation for its support.

In the second part of his visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Robert Golob met with the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk.

Acting Director-General of the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Edvin Skrt participated in the meeting of EU Directors-General for development cooperation, which took place within the framework of the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Prime Minister Robert Golob on a bilateral visit to Ukraine at the personal invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

At the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Wopke Hoekstra, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in an online “talk show” event "Media Freedom as a Cornerstone of Democracy". Held in the framework of the second Summit for Democracy, the event started yesterday and featured a video message by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar.

At today’s session, the Government adopted several proposals for amendments to the acts and approved a project to provide drinking water for Slovenian Istria and the Karst hinterland. It also adopted a reply to the interpellation on the work and responsibilities of the Government, in which it rejects in their entirety all the allegations made in the interpellation as unfounded.

State Secretary Marko Štucin met with the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia, Fatmire Isaki. They were pleased to note the intensive political dialogue and the very good relations between the two countries.

The Prime Minister, Dr Robert Golob, hosted the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, Andrej Plenković, in a working visit at Brdo pri Kranju. In the second meeting of the prime ministers in Slovenia, they talked about cooperation in the areas of energy, migration and economy. The two leaders agreed to sign a solidarity agreement on gas supply and also expressed their support for the construction of a second unit of the nuclear power plant in Krško.

Members of parliament have approved the bill on amendments and additions to the Employment, Self-employment and Work of Foreigners Act (amendment to the law).

On 28 March 2023, the President of the National Assembly, mag. Urška Klakočar Zupančič met with the President of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Belgium, Eliane Tillieux.

At an EU Energy Council meeting, EU ministers discuss the reduction of gas consumption, changes in the electricity market and the green transition.

State Secretary for National and International Security Dr. Andrej Benedejčič paid a visit today in Bratislava to the Director of the Office of the Security Council of the Slovak Republic Mr. Pavel Franko.

State Secretary for National and International Security Andrej Benedejčič has met today with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană at NATO Headquarters.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob has received representatives of the Glas ljudstva (Voice of the People) network, who have informed him of their proposals for measures to reform the healthcare system.

State Secretary Marko Štucin hosted Tiago Antunes, Secretary of State for European Affairs at the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their consultations focused on current European and international issues, and they also discussed bilateral cooperation.

On 20 March 2023, the Republic of Slovenia ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Official Documents, becoming the 14th State Party to the Convention. The Convention will officially enter into force for Slovenia on 1 July 2023.

Prime Minister Robert Golob took part in the volunteer tree-planting campaign Rejuvenate Forests 2023, which took place near Renče in the Goriška Karst region.

Minister of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning Uroš Brežan actively participated in the UN 2023 Water Conference, which took place in New York from 22 to 24 March 2023.

The adoption of the Scientific Research and Innovation Activities Act allows for more effective and consistent implementation of scientific research and innovation policy measures.

On the final day of the UN Water Conference, Minister Fajon participated in the roundtable entitled “Water Action Decade: Accelerating the implementation of the objectives of the Decade”. She also held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event.

Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob attended the Euro Summit in Brussels, attended by ECB President Christine Lagarde and Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe.

At today’s correspondence meeting, the Government agreed to the draft amendments to the proposed Act Amending the Foreigners Act. Under the Act Determining the Aid to the Economy to Mitigate the Consequences of the Energy Crisis, funds totalling almost €400 million will be allocated to the economy to mitigate the high prices of electricity, natural gas and process steam.

The University Medical Centre Maribor (UKC Maribor) hosted a presentation of a project to introduce the recycling of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 with the support of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. “In addition to innovation, the added value of this project is that it brings together the University of Maribor, the local medical centre and companies,” said Aleksander Jevšek, Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development.

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

State Secretary Helga Dobrin attended the 3rd Danube Security Conference in Brussels. The conference focused on strengthening police cooperation in the Danube region in the areas of illegal migration, smuggling and trafficking in human beings, protection of critical infrastructure and the consequences of the war in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attends the March ordinary meeting of the European Council in Brussels.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon is attending the United Nations Water Conference in New York. This is only the second time in 45 years that a conference has been devoted exclusively to water. “Slovenia has succeeded in getting 150 countries to support its proposal for the appointment of a UN Special Envoy for Water. This is a great success for Slovenian diplomacy”, said Minister Fajon.

At today’s session, the Government set the expenditure ceiling for the rebalancing of this year’s budget, and adopted a proposal for an amendment to the Companies Act and a proposal for an amendment to the Industrial Property Act. The Government did not grant a discharge to the Management Board and Supervisory Board of 2TDK, Družba za razvoj projekta, d.o.o.

Today the Government adopted a draft amendment to the Industrial Property Act and will send it to the National Assembly for consideration under the ordinary procedure. The amendment aims to simplify and cheapen some existing procedures and further align Slovenian regulation with European and international rules.

At today's correspondence meeting, the government decided to temporarily suspend the execution of individual expenditures relating to integral items of the state budget as of 23 March 2023.

Between 14 March and 8 April, the Metro cinema, one of the most important institutions in the field of film in Vienna, is hosting a retrospective entitled SLO: MOTION, prepared by the Slovenian Cinematheque in cooperation with the Slovenian Cultural and Information Centre SKICA in Vienna, the Austrian Film Archives and the Slovenian Film Centre.

The Slovenian Nuclear Safety Administration participates in the Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Nuclear Safety and signs a bilateral agreement with the USA.

On the occasion of World Water Day, Štanjel Castle played host to the Business-to-Diplomacy (B2D) event "World Water Day 2023 – Accelerating Change". Slovenian water technology companies and institutions presented themselves to the foreign diplomatic corps.

The amendment to the Fiscal Verification of Invoices Act, which is being adopted by the National Assembly today, is aimed at addressing both the control of the shadow economy and the protection of the rights of customers. In the light of protecting the environment and the green transition, we advocate e-receipts wherever possible. We emphasise that the purpose of re-introducing the fine for customers is primarily to raise awareness that the receipt must be accepted.

The Government of Slovenia took note of the report of the Slovenia Nuclear Safety Administration (SNSA) on the EPREV follow-up mission activities (Emergency Preparedness REView follow-up) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the field of preparedness and response for a nuclear or radiological emergency. The mission was undertaken from 3-7 October 2022. 14 response organizations have participated in the review. The EPREV follow-up mission team consisted of five experts from Canada, Belgium, Ireland, Netherland, Spain, and the IAEA.

The Animal Protection Working Group led by Maksimiljana Polak, State Secretary for the Establishment of Dialogue with Civil Society and Coordination of Citizens’ Initiatives in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, today met with Hari Arčon, President of the Cynological Association of Slovenia.

World Water Day, celebrated on 22 March each year, highlights the importance of water. The theme of this year’s World Water Day is “Accelerating Change”. Clean (drinking) water is not a commodity to be taken for granted, it is also part of a carefully planned framework of regulations and measures to ensure water conservation.

State Secretary Marko Štucin attended the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels. Ministers and state secretaries for European affairs focused on preparations for the European Council, EU-UK relations and the rule of law.

At the meeting of the Government Committee for State Regulation and Public Affairs, the government, inter alia, changed the value of the projects “Unmanned aircraft with NRC (nuclear, radiological, chemical) upgrade”, “Arrangement of hangars for JLTV vehicles (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle)”, “Triglav VNL (multipurpose ship)”, “Pro Line 21 advanced avionics for Falcon” and “Cougar helicopter upgrade” in the applicable Development Programmes Plan 2023–2026.

With 332 million, the United States of America presents an important market with many opportunities for the Slovenian economy and tourism. It can take several years for companies to successfully penetrate the US market, and Slovenia as a country can open doors through increased promotion. This is why, for the second year in a row, Slovenia will hold the Business Investment Conference in Dallas and the Slovenian Tourism Workshop, where economy, tourism and investment opportunities on both sides will be presented in a comprehensive manner. Dallas can be an excellent springboard for Slovenian companies thanks to the visibility and popularity of basketball star Luka Doncic.

Prime Minister Robert Golob, Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy Bojan Kumer and State Secretary Tina Seršen met with Dejan Paravan, Managing Director of Gen energija.

Minister of Public Administration Sanja Ajanović Hovnik presented the timetable for the reform of the salary system. As she pointed out in a press statement today, negotiations will first start on the elimination of all disparities in the basic salaries, while the new salary scale will be gradually introduced.

The following statement has been issued in the name of the Group of Friends for an Ambitious EU Climate Diplomacy by Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Sweden.

On the occasion of World Social Work Day, we are publishing a message from Minister Luka Mesec. “Our goal is to make social work socially recognised and properly rewarded,” the minister emphasized.

The first meeting of the Steering Committee of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), launched by the Republic of Slovenia together with the French Republic and Montenegro in 2022, will take place in Paris on 21–22 March.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which proclaims that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. That is why, on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we issue a call for tolerance, respect and an end to hate speech. This is the only way we can move forward as a society.

Prime Minister Robert Golob and Minister of Finance Klemen Boštjančič held a regular meeting with the Governor and Vice-Governor of the Bank of Slovenia Boštjan Vasle and Primož Dolenc.

The focus of the working meeting between the two ministers, who were joined by the Mayors of Nova Gorica and Gorizia Samo Turel and Rodolfo Ziberna, was on the preparations for the European Capital of Culture with the slogan GO! BORDERLESS.

Marjan Šarec, Minister of Defence, attended a joint meeting of foreign and defence ministers of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union in Brussels.

Minister Tanja Fajon attended a regular meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. The main themes were the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and Tunisia. The event was followed by a joint meeting of foreign and defence ministers on EU assistance to Ukraine and the implementation of the Strategic Compass. The ministers also adopted conclusions on Afghanistan and EU priorities in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tehran will be closed during Persian New Year holidays (Nowrooz) from 21 March to 23 March.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Athens, in cooperation with the Municipality of Piraeus and the Municipal Theatre of Piraeus, organised on 16 March 2023 a Slovenian-Greek music evening at the foyer of the Municipal Theatre of Piraeus. The Slovenian and Greek enthusiasts of classical music, members of the diplomatic community as well as members of the Slovenian community in Greece enjoyed a beautiful music evening with the duo Basili-Kosovinc, the Greek cellist Cristina Basili and the Slovenian guitarist and composer Timotej Kosovinc.

Prime Minister Robert Golob and Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Robert Tajani have pledged ever closer cooperation between the two governments on migration, energy and joint efforts in the Western Balkans.

In an effort to raise the level of communication, promote respectful dialogue and eliminate hate speech, Prime Minister Robert Golob established the Strategic Council for the Prevention of Hate Speech, which held its inaugural meeting today.

With 332 million, the United States of America presents an important market with many opportunities for the Slovenian economy and tourism. It can take several years for companies to successfully penetrate the US market, and Slovenia as a country can open doors through increased promotion.

State Secretary Marko Štucin today hosted the Polish Minister for the EU, Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk in Ljubljana. In addition to bilateral relations, the talks focused on topical European and international issues.

The Government has adopted a basis for the preparation of a proposal for amendments to the Recovery and Resilience Plan to address the reduction in available funding and the objectives of the REPowerEU plan to reduce dependence on Russian energy. It will be followed by coordination with the European Commission and other stakeholders and the preparation of a proposal to adapt the plan.

At an extraordinary session of the National Assembly, Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, presented the reasons for the rejection of the resolution that would classify Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. She reiterated Slovenia’s strong support for Ukraine and emphasised that, instead of creating division and separation, all efforts should be directed towards ending Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Priority Area Coordinators (PAC) of the EU Strategy for the Danube region (EUSDR) met in Maribor. At the meeting, there were 12 EUSDR thematic teams from 14 countries of the region, representatives of the Danube Region Programme, the European Commission, the Danube Youth Council (DYC) and the secretariat of the EUSDR, the Danube Strategy Point. The event was organised by Slovenian EUSDR Presidency with the support of the Danube Strategy Point and the University of Maribor.

At today's regular session, the Government took note of the starting points, priorities and dynamics of the negotiations with the representative trade unions of the public sector. It also adopted the starting points for the adjustment of the Recovery and Resilience Plan and decided to make available EUR 50 million in SID Bank’s loans to companies affected by the energy crisis.

State Secretary for the Establishment of Dialogue with Civil Society and Coordination of Citizens’ Initiatives Maksimiljana Polak and Head of the Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Dejan Süč met with representatives of the Society for the Protection of Horses and Other Animals and other representatives of animal advocates.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon met with representatives of the Slovenian national minority in Italy to exchange information and views on current issues relating to the minority, ahead of the visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic, Antonio Tajani, to Slovenia on Friday, 17 March. The meeting was also attended by Minister for Slovenians Abroad Matej Arčon.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon handed over two Ljubljana Passenger Transport buses, which the Municipality of Ljubljana donated to Ukraine, to the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia, Andriy Taran. “Today we continue our assistance to Ukraine, this time, too, supporting the most vulnerable in the war – children and young people –, so that they can get to school more safely in these difficult circumstances.”

In an effort to adopt balanced and sustainable systemic measures, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, established the Strategic Council for Macroeconomic Issues, which held its inaugural meeting today.

At the meetings of the Government committees, the Government responded to the adopted conclusions of the National Council on the issue of the growing scope of environmentally sensitive areas of permanent grassland, included in the Development Programmes Plan for 2023-2026 a new project titled Construction of the central kitchen in the Nova Gorica General Hospital and increased the value of the project titled Logistics Centre of the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ).

In the framework of the quadrilateral meeting between Slovenia, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland, Acting Director-General of the Directorate for International Law and Protection of Interests, Dr Marko Rakovec, hosted the meeting of legal advisers. This was the first meeting at the level of legal advisers in the quadrilateral format, which has been held at deputy foreign ministers level since 2011.

Prime Minister Robert Golob hosted the fifth meeting of coalition deputies and Government representatives at Brdo pri Kranju. The coalition continued the discussion on important systemic changes that it has set to implement in this term of office.

Minister Dr Emilija Stojmenova Duh opened her chairmanship of the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva, the most important global event on the impact of information and communication technologies on the development of society.

The Ministry of Finance has conducted an analysis and completed the groundwork for tax system reorganisation in order to make it more transparent, simple and balanced. We also wish to raise awareness about the need for a new social consensus regarding the reform package and the level of prosperity we are aiming for.

At today's correspondence session, the Government adopted a bill on amendments to the Employment, Self-employment and Work of Foreigners Act and will send it to the National Assembly for consideration under fast-track procedure.

On 13 March, Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob paid an official bilateral visit to Sarajevo. The Prime Minister’s visit follows the European Council’s decision in December to grant Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) candidate status for membership of the European Union. It was Slovenia, including Prime Minister Golob, which actively endeavoured to confirm the geostrategic decision of the European Council last year.