News

Dear citizens, dear residents of Slovenia and Slovenians at home and abroad, my sincere congratulations on May Day, Labour Day, which historically symbolises the struggle of workers for dignity, equality and fair working conditions.

On 20 May, Slovenia and the world will celebrate World Bee Day for the seventh time. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed World Bee Day on 20 December 2017. Its main purpose is to raise awareness among the international public about the importance of bees and other pollinators for humanity in light of food security, the global elimination of hunger and care for the environment and biodiversity.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar has attended the two day Ministerial Conference on Implementation and Operationalization of EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in Ghent, Belgium.

Citizens of other EU Member States can vote in the European Parliament elections in Slovenia. They must first request to be entered in the voting rights register and their names will be added to the electoral register.

Dear citizens, Slovenians at home and abroad, throughout history, our nation has demonstrated its commitment to freedom of thought and liberal values. There have been moments when we have had to stand tall and make it clear that we oppose all forms of oppression and injustice.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for 12 Entrepreneurial approach to addressing challenges (PONI) projects across Slovenia. A total of EUR 12,921,484.80 of European Regional Development Fund support will be allocated to the twelve projects.

The first bilateral economic consultations at Director-General level between Slovenia and Montenegro were held on the sidelines of the official visit by the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, to Podgorica.

On Friday, May 3rd, the Archive, the reading room and the information room will be closed due to a collective leave day.

Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in a round table discussion at the Faculty of Social Sciences in Ljubljana to mark the 20th anniversary of Slovenia's EU membership. The event was organised by the Student Association for International Relations Globallis.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended a foundation stone-laying ceremony for a new investment of the Japanese corporation Yaskawa in Kočevje.

The statement made by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić after yesterday's UN Security Council debate on the report of the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) is unacceptable and insulting, and goes against the spirit of friendly relations between Slovenia and Serbia. The Ministry has therefore summoned the Serbian Chargé d'Affaires over this matter.

The first Cohesion Day event was recently held in Ptuj. At the old glassware factory, the building renovated with the help of EU funds and located in the centre of Slovenia’s oldest city, representatives of the state, municipalities, regional development agencies, local communities and businesses discussed the opportunities that the European Cohesion Policy brings to local communities, cities and regions; they also talked about support for innovative businesses.

At today's session, the Government took note of the starting points for the pension reform, approved the starting point for changes to the disability and pension insurance system and confirmed the basis for initial coordination with the social partners. It also adopted the defence, military and civil defence strategy of the Republic of Slovenia.

Representatives of Slovenia and Carinthia met at Brdo pri Kranju for the 7th session of the Joint Committee Slovenia – Carinthia, co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, and the Governor of Carinthia, Dr Peter Kaiser. The chairs reaffirmed the excellent relations and committed to continuing their successful cooperation.

The delegation responsible for implementing forestry policy in Montenegro started its visit to Slovenia on Monday. During its visit, the delegation met with the representatives of the Slovenian ministry responsible for forestry, the Slovenia Forest Service and the Slovenian Forestry Institute. They were shown examples of various forestry practices on the ground.

On 1 May 2004, Slovenia became a member of the European Union, along with nine other countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Although there were some uncertainties before accession, from today's perspective we can see that membership has helped our country on the path to economic development and international recognition, and has opened up many new opportunities for people to study, work and do business in other Member States.

Today, Minister Han met with the Executive Director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), João Negrão. They discussed the cooperation of the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office with the EUIPO and the preparation of the EUIPO Strategic Plan 2030.

Prime Minister Robert Golob has today convened a meeting with representatives of the trade unions, employers and the Government who participate in the Economic and Social Council (ESC).

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Call for proposals for the establishment and operation of the Slovenian Circular Economy Centre – for Green, Creative and Smart Development (JR CKG).

Following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs met with their counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States at the High-Level Forum. In her address, Minister Fajon stressed the importance of security in the Persian Gulf and advocated joint strategic cooperation between the EU and the GCC Member States.

Prime Minister Robert Golob marked World Earth Day by attending and speaking at the inauguration of the Mrzlek water pipeline and gave a speech. The new pipeline will provide clean water to approximately 1,100 people and increase the security of the water supply. The project was co-funded by the Government.

At the regular monthly meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon made a strong plea for continued support for Ukraine and for European diplomats to do more to resolve the conflict in the Middle East.

Minister of Defence Marjan Šarec attended an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg in the format of a joint session gathering foreign and defence ministers. The topic of the meeting was the acceleration and reinforcement of military assistance to Ukraine and the strengthening of its preparedness and resilience.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tehran once again provides full consular services.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Smart digital public services.

With the decision of the Government and confirmation at the Foreign Policy Committee, the Republic of Slovenia accepts the initiative to conclude an Agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA) regarding the accession of the Republic of Slovenia to the Convention for the Establishment of the European Space Agency and related conditions.

The visit of Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon to China concluded with a round table discussion in Beijing, jointly organised by the Bled Strategic Forum and the Chinese think tank, Center for China & Globalization. During the discussion, the participants agreed that effective multilateralism and respect for international law are key to successfully tackling the challenges posed by climate change.

At today's correspondence session, the Government adopted its opinions on the proposal to call a consultative referendum on the provision of a stable supply of low-carbon electricity and the proposed recommendation that the Government of the Republic of Slovenia ensure the transparent functioning of institutions and the preservation of Slovenia's sovereignty, and took its position on the Fiscal Council's assessment of budget documents.

State Secretary Sanja Štiglic and US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien hosted the fourth Strategic Dialogue between the two countries in Ljubljana. Established in 2020, the Slovenian-US Strategic Dialogue provides a framework for strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on all topical issues facing the international community.

Prime Minister, Dr. Robert Golob, today met with the European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton. They talked about the new EU industrial policy and efforts to increase productivity, competitiveness and economic growth, as well as the future of the EU internal market. After April last year, this is Commissioner Breton's second visit to Slovenia in the last year.

The third phase of the Third periodic safety review of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK) has begun, and it includes the implementation of plan for changes and improvements in the next five years after the Periodic safety review was approved. The aim is transparent notification to the public and therefore, the summary report was prepared in Slovenian.

Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon opened the Slovenia–China Business Forum in Shanghai. Accompanied by a 71-member business delegation, she continues her search for opportunities in the Chinese market. More than 100 Chinese companies took part in the Forum. Minister Fajon also met with Mayor of Shanghai Gong Zeng and opened the exhibition 'Plečnik's Ljubljana'.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended a special European Council meeting in Brussels. EU leaders discussed the current situation in the international community, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine, relations with Turkey, the competitiveness of the European economy, the future of the EU internal market and the Capital Markets Union.

Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon concludes the political part of her visit to China after meeting with Vice Minister and Deputy China International Trade Representative Ling Ji. She is accompanied by a large economic delegation, so the final leg of her Asia tour will focus on economic diplomacy.

Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development Dr. Aleksander Jevšek attended the opening of this year's edition of the international trade fair for construction Megra as keynote speaker. In his remarks, the Minister underlined that the trade fair offered not only excellent business opportunities to businesses and individuals in the construction industry but also served as a platform to explore avenues to advance technological development in many areas. On this occasion, the Minister awarded environmental certifications Quality Label in Construction 2024.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon has begun an official visit to China. She is first stopping in Beijing and later in Shanghai. The four-day visit will focus on political dialogue, both bilateral and in the UN Security Council, strengthening economic cooperation and showcasing Slovenia's cultural diplomacy.

At today's meeting, the Government adopted a draft amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act, which implements three decisions of the Constitutional Court, raises the standard of demonstrating proof and shortens the time limit for obtaining information. It also issued a Decree on the method of determining the conditions and criteria for allocating investment incentives and conditions for strategic investment.

An exhibition dedicated to Ferdinand Augustin Hallerstein and his astronomical observatory in Beijing opened on April 17, 2024, in Beijing, China. The exhibition is the result of many years of fruitful cooperation between the Archives Administration of China, the First Historical Archives of China, and the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia.
The exhibition was opened by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Ms. Tanja Fajon.

The Prime Minister, Dr Robert Golob, today hosted the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón. The two Prime Ministers discussed the situation in the Middle East, with a focus on the war in Gaza. They also touched on the issue of recognition of Palestine and agreed to hold a joint meeting of the two Governments.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended a panel discussion held by the Academy of Sciences for the Sustainable Development of Slovenia at the Faculty of Social Sciences in Ljubljana, where he also addressed the participants. The topic of the panel was the challenges and risks of sustainable development in Slovenia.

Last week, Ambassador Iztok Mirošič attened the 10th Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage, Alaska. He also participated on the panel entitled What happens when the Arctic Doesn't Stay in the Arctic as a guest speaker.

State Secretary Marko Štucin, on behalf of Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, participated in an extraordinary videoconference meeting of EU foreign ministers on the current developments in the Middle East. The meeting was convened by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, following Iran's attack on Israel.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon is concluding her visit to Japan. On the second day, she met with Kazuchiko Iwata, Japan's Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, as well as representatives of Japan's largest business federation Keidanren, namely the CEO of Hitachi Corporation Toshiaki Higashihara and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of SMBC, Japan's second largest bank.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today met with the Mayors of Črna na Koroškem, Ravne na Koroškem, Ljubno and Luče to discuss the progress of post-flood recovery.

In Japan, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in the UN Security Council, particularly in view of the many conflicts that require decisive action by the international community. On the first day of her visit to Tokyo, Minister Fajon addressed the Japan-Slovenia Business Council and gave a lecture at Keio University.

State Secretary Sanja Štiglic attended the International humanitarian conference for Sudan and neighbouring countries in Paris, organised by France, Germany and the European Union. Addressing representatives from some 60 countries, Ms Štiglic stressed the need to protect civilians and allow unimpeded humanitarian access.

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

Consular operations at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tehran are temporarily limited to providing essential consular services in support of Slovenian citizens.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended a consultation of leaders in Vienna to discuss the strategic priorities of the European Union for the next five-year period. The leaders of Cyprus, Denmark, Malta, Slovenia and Denmark attended the working dinner, alongside the hosts, European Council President Charles Michel and Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar accepted the invitation of the Lithuanian Minister of the Interior Agnë Bilotaitë and travelled to Lithuania for a two-day work visit.