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The 18th Bled Strategic Forum, this year held under the slogan “Solidarity for Global Security”, was opened with speeches by Prime Minister Robert Golob, President of the European Council Charles Michel, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon. In the context of the recent floods that hit Slovenia, the forum also has a humanitarian focus.

The expected extreme meteorological and hydrological conditions in Slovenia were presented at the press conference by meteorologist Branko Gregorčič and hydrologist Janez Polajnar, both from the Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO), a representative of the Slovenian Water Agency, Rok Penec, and the Commander of the Civil Protection Service of the Republic of Slovenia, Srečko Šestan.

Minister Tanja Fajon opened the 18th Bled Strategic Forum, which this year is held under the title of "Solidarity for Global Security". The theme coincides with the most devastating natural disaster in Slovenia's recent history, which affected many people and destroyed a large number of homes. The guests were also addressed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

Minister Dr Jevšek and Federal Councillor for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Dr Ignazio Cassis signed today in Ljubljana the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Swiss Federal Council on the implementation of the second Swiss Contribution to reduce economic and social disparities in the European Union. Slovenia is eligible to 16 million Swiss Franks under the second Swiss Contribution.

In early August, parts of Slovenia were hit by widespread flooding, which also caused great damage to part of the economy. Most of the Slovenian economy is functioning completely normally after the floods, it is safe and open for business.

At the invitation of the Prime Minister, Robert Golob, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, arrived in Slovenia to attend the Bled Strategic Forum. Before that, he and the Prime Minister visited some of the areas affected by the natural disaster in Kamnik. President Michel pledged continued support for Slovenia.

State Secretary Boštjan Šefic, who is responsible for the coordination of measures and activities for post-flood reconstruction, met with the mayors of the flood-affected municipalities in the Upper Savinja Valley.

Construction works at the Domžale railway station have come to an end. The railways station now boasts a modernised platform and rail infrastructure, a new underpass for passengers, and a refurbished station building.

Prime Minister Robert Golob received the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Jagan Chapagain, and the IFRC Regional Director, Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has set out the text of the draft Act Determining Intervention Measures for Flood and Landslide Recovery of August 2023 and is sending it to the National Assembly for consideration under the urgent procedure. The adoption of the draft Act will allow for the taking of urgent and effective measures to deal with the consequences of floods and landslides.

On 23 and 24 August, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs hosts the 3rd Seminar for young diplomats from the Eastern Partnership countries, with participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

State Secretary mag. Marko Koprivc gave an address at the opening of a new interpretive circular trail in the Ljubljansko barje marshes. In his address, the State Secretary underlined the importance of greening people's living environments, which has a significant impact on the quality of life on the one hand, and on improving the state of biodiversity on the other, also taking into account, of course, climate change adaptation.

The 18th Bled Strategic Forum international conference will take place in Bled on 28 and 29 August 2023. This year's conference will be held under the title “Solidarity for Global Security” and will be the most globally inclusive and representative forum yet. In light of the recent catastrophic floods in Slovenia, this year's conference will also feature fundraising activities for flood relief.

At today's government session, Minister Dr Aleksander Jevšek reported about the progress of the ongoing activities concerning the preparation of the application for the EU Solidarity Fund and about other activities for a fast and efficient post-flood recovery.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, today held a meeting with representatives of the Slovenian banking and insurance systems.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob invited representatives of major humanitarian organisations to a working meeting. They discussed further measures aimed at helping people affected by the floods, including mutual cooperation and the distribution of material and financial aid and activities in the field.

At the end of the first week of August, heavy rainfall across much of Slovenia resulted in catastrophic floods and devastation. Slovenian rescue teams were joined by helicopter teams from neighbouring Hungary and Croatia on August 7th and 8th to help fortify the Mura River embankments and prevent further destruction.

This year's World Humanitarian Day is dedicated to both the people in need and aid workers delivering life-saving assistance, #NoMatterWhat. In the recent devastating floods, Slovenia experienced the crucial effect of prompt and efficient assistance first-hand.

The State Secretary for National and International Security in the Prime Minister's Office, Dr Andrej Benedejčič, attended a cultural event dedicated to Ukraine’s national day in Kranj.

In an effort to produce comprehensive solutions and measures to help everyone affected by the floods, Prime Minister Robert Golob called a working meeting with the heads of all parliamentary parties.

The State Secretary at the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, Matevž Frangež met with representatives of the international chambers of commerce and industry in Slovenia. He presented the measures taken so far by the Government to help the business sector recover from the floods. He also called on the chambers of commerce to communicate to their industries and businesses that Slovenia is, for the most part, an economically viable and safe country.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has adopted the initiative to conclude the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Swiss Federal Council on the implementation of the second Swiss Contribution to selected member states of the European Union to reduce economic and social disparities in the European Union. Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek has been authorised by Slovenian Government to sign the Framework Agreement.

On the eve of the Day of the Unification of the Prekmurje Slovenians with the Mother Nation, a ceremony was held at the Prekmurje trg square in Ljubljana. The keynote speaker, Minister Dr Aleksander Jevšek, emphasised that the unification of the Prekmurje Slovenians with the mother nation was a bright moment in the history of the Slovenian nation and that a united Slovenia is a strong Slovenia.

Below is the message by Prime Minister Robert Golob on the Day of the Unification of Prekmurje Slovenians with the Mother Nation.

Many families in Slovenia have been affected by the natural disaster. Some of them have lost everything. "The mayor and I agreed that we should speed up the procedures for assessing the damage so that we can have the relevant data in a few weeks and be able to help effectively", said the Slovenian Prime Minister, adding that the Government would discuss the first information on the measures to help people already on Thursday, and then prepare an intervention law.

The press conference focusing on the organisation of psychosocial support for residents living in areas affected by the floods was attended by the Director of the Government Communication Office, Petra Bezjak Cirman, and Head of Psychological Assistance Unit in Civil Protection System of the Republic of Slovenia, Barbara Čibej Žagar.

Below is a message from Prime Minister Robert Golob on Solidarity Day.

Tomorrow, on 14 August 2023, which has been declared Solidarity Day, all of the country's critical infrastructure will be operational, covering the energy, transport, food, drinking water supply, health, finance, environmental protection and information and communication network sectors.

After 16 hours' drive, a convoy of heavy machinery arrived in Slovenia from Uzhhgorod in Ukraine to help us in the Upper Savinja Valley.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, today visited the Upper Savinja Valley as part of his working visits to the areas affected by the severe natural disaster.

Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek today visited Prevalje to thank the German THW team (German Federal Agency for Technical Relief) that started building a pre-fabricated temporary bridge across the Meža River in Prevalje. Ensuring transport links is currently one of the government's priorities for flood relief efforts.

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.