News

The Minister of Health, Aleš Šabeder, announced that the Order on the conditions of entry into the Republic of Slovenia from the Italian Republic to prevent the spread of infectious disease entered into force at 6 p.m. today.

Slovenia has not closed its border with Italy but is to impose health checks of passengers to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Six check points will be set up at the following locations: Rateče, Robič, Vrtojba, Škofije, Fernetiči and Krvavi Potok. There will be no restrictions for Slovenian citizens. As regards the envisaged measures imposed at the border with Italy to contain the spread of the coronavirus, it should be noted that since this is not a measure under the Schengen Code, notification based on this Code is not required.

At its meeting by correspondence, the Government adopted a decision to start carrying out border control checks in the vicinity of the border between Slovenia and Italy on 11 March 2020. This measure is aimed at reducing the risk of spreading the contagious disease SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) in Slovenia and at protecting the health of its population.

The prime minister has ordered the health ministry and the interior ministry to make all necessary preparations for closing the border with Italy, as has been done by Austria. This is a vital step if we want to curb the spread of the virus. The border will not be closed to freight, as this would cause additional economic damage. We are trying to stay for as long as possible in the first stage of the spread of the virus. Currently there are 34 confirmed cases. The border with Italy will be closed as soon as the technical and administrative formalities have been completed.

By 2 p.m. today there were 31 confirmed cases of the coronavirus infection in Slovenia; the number of tests performed stands at 1643. To provide information and assistance to the public, a call centre has been set up with the toll-free telephone number 080 14 04; furthermore, notification via text messages has been introduced for travellers crossing the Slovenian border.

There have now been 23 confirmed coronavirus cases and 1227 coronavirus tests have been carried out in Slovenia so far. According to Minister of Health Aleš Šabeder, new infection cases are predictable and are related to the already identified cases. All patients feel well. A call centre has been set up to assist inhabitants in finding information regarding the coronavirus.

There are currently 16 confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in Slovenia, all originating from abroad. The health condition of all patients is good. Prime Minister Marjan Šarec convened a meeting of the National Security Council for tomorrow to take note of the report submitted by the Ministry of Health and other ministries. The professional services assess that there are no reasons to declare an epidemic yet. He stressed the importance of taking proportionate measures.

In Slovenia 12 cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed. The risk level of transmission has increased, therefore the Minister of Health will sign an order banning larger public events. Prime Minister Marjan Šarec will convene a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday.

Minister of Health signed an Order imposing a ban on gatherings at events in public places.

Statements providing updates on the occurrence of the coronavirus infection have been given by the State Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Simona Repar Bornšek, epidemiologist Zoran Simonovič from the Maribor Regional Unit of the National Institute of Public Health and Dr Nina Gorišek, Head of the Department for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions at the Maribor University Medical Centre.

Statements to the press have been delivered by the State Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Simona Repar Bornšek, and Nina Pirnat, Director of the National Institute of Public Health.

Statements providing updates on the occurrence of the coronavirus infection have been given by the Minister of Health, Aleš Šabeder, the State Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Simona Repar Bornšek, Nina Pirnat from the National Institute of Public Health and the Head of the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Dr Tatjana Lejko Zupanc.

Health Minister Aleš Šabeder said in a press release that at 20:44 the Ministry had been informed of the first positive case of novel coronavirus infection in Slovenia.

The Government has adopted the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of the Republic of Slovenia (NEPN) in accordance with the European Regulation on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action.

The possibility of the occurrence of the virus in Slovenia is high, considering the limited outbreaks and confirmed cases of the coronavirus in neighbouring countries and elsewhere around the world.

At its meeting today, the National Security Council (NSC) Secretariat took note of the current situation and activities concerning the coronavirus, which are managed by the Ministry of Health as the competent state authority according to the Infectious Diseases Act.

The Government took note of the corona virus situation in the People’s Republic of China and decided to send the People’s Republic of China, on the basis of a request submitted through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, material assistance in the form of protective masks, cover 25% of transport costs (to the maximum amount of 20,000 EUR), and grant a contribution of 60,000 EUR to the World Health Organisation (WHO) for emergency humanitarian aid.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Marjan Šarec, met today with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, in Brussels. The discussion focused on the negotiations regarding the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework for the 2021-2027 period. Over the past week President Michel has been holding bilateral talks with the EU-27 Heads of State and Government, on the basis of which a compromise agreement should be reached on the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework for the 2021-2027 period. To this end, a special European Council meeting will be held on 20 February 2020.

Today, the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg delivered its judgment on the admissibility of the Slovenian action against Croatia for infringements of EU law resulting from Croatia’s refusal to implement the Arbitral Award on the border between the countries declaring that it lacks jurisdiction to rule on the action.

Prime Minister Marjan Šarec has announced he is stepping down in a bid to push for a snap election, saying he could not achieve what he set out to do with the current minority coalition.

The Government adopted a nomination of the buildings and urban development works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Government entrusted the Ministry of Culture with the implementation of activities and coordination of procedures for the preparation and submission of the Nomination File, which is the responsibility of the Republic of Slovenia as a signatory of the Convention Concerning Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The Government instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present the Nomination File for the inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage Lists to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris by 31 January 2020 at the latest.

On the second day of the 50th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum taking place in Davos until 24 January, Prime Minister Marjan Šarec took part in a panel debate entitled Unlocking Public Sector Artificial Intelligence.

During the World Economic Forum, Prime Minister Marjan Šarec attended a working lunch where a discussion on 'Generating Growth for Central and Eastern Europe' took place. The main emphases included the economic situations in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The discussion partners spoke about issues concerning necessary measures by governmental decision-makers and businesspeople directed at promoting sustainable development and the ability to adjust economies to new driving forces of growth that must be closely linked with the transition to a low-carbon society.

Prime Minister Marjan Šarec is attending the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos at the invitation of its founder and Executive Chairman, prof. Klaus Schwab, on 21 and 22 January 2020.

At it's session, the Government adopted the wording of the proposed Court of Audit Act, which facilitates the auditing of the correct and prudent use of public funds and increases its efficiency. The act also expands the range of entities that may be audited by the court.

2019 is drawing to a close. Since the end of the year is a good opportunity to look back at what has been accomplished and what lies ahead for Slovenia, we have compiled a list of the key achievements in the recent period and the priorities going ahead.

At today’s session, the government approved the wording of the bill for the Act amending the Waters Act and proposed that the bill be considered under the fast-track procedure.

“Slovenia wants to be an active partner in Serbia’s European journey. Serbia is an exceptionally important economic partner for us in the region. By sharing our knowledge and examples of good practice, we also want to help Serbia face its most significant rural development challenges”, said Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec.

Slovenian prime minister Marjan Šarec is attending the regular meeting of the European Council in Brussels. The first day of the meeting, which is being chaired for the first time by its new president, Charles Michel, was dedicated primarily to discussing climate change.

On the second day of his visit to Kosovo, Prime Minister Marjan Šarec met with members of the 40th Slovenian contingent in Peć. After an official reception with military honours, the prime minister met with commander of the multinational battlegroup Regional Command West (RC West) Daniele Pisani. The majority of the Slovenian contingent is present and established on missions in this area of KFOR’s operations.

After visiting members of the Slovenian contingent in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prime Minister Marjan Šarec spent the afternoon meeting members of the Slovenian contingent serving with KFOR in Kosovo and KFOR commander Major General Michele Risi.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec is currently on a two-day working visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. On the first day he met with members of the Slovenian contingent in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are working as part of EUFOR’s Operation Althea and the NATO forces in Sarajevo.

At today’s session the government adopted the Cultural Heritage Strategy 2020-23, a Plan of Investment in Transport and Transport Infrastructure 2020-25 and a National Strategy for Prevention of Terrorism and Violent Extremism.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec attended the NATO summit in London, the final event of the marking of this year’s 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The government has defined the text of the draft Act amending the Intellectual Property Act and adopted a decision to send material aid to Albania following a bilateral request.

As part of the response of the EU civil protection mechanism, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia has agreed to send two experts to help coordinate international assistance in the aftermath of the recent earthquake in Albania.

Prime Minister Marjan Šarec has visited the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for the Support and Integration of Migrants accompanied by the Minister of the Interior, Boštjan Poklukar.

At today’s session the government approved the wording of the bill for the Act Amending the Code of Property Law.

30 years ago the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

At today's 50th regular session the Government has adopted the Action Plan for the repatriation of applicants of Slovenian descent from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Republic of Slovenia.

The fifth meeting of the Standing Joint Committee of senior representatives of successor States to the former SFRY was convened in Zagreb today, four years – almost to the day – after their last meeting, held in Sarajevo on 11 and 12 November 2015. Headed by Senior Representative of the Republic of Slovenia for Succession Issues Mateja Vraničar Erman, the Slovenian delegation urged for consistent and effective implementation of the Agreement on Succession Issues, for the fulfilment of its obligations in good faith and for continuous dialogue among senior representatives to be continued.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec participated in the second summit of the Friends of Cohesion Group in Prague.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec is today on an official visit to Hungary at the invitation of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Their meeting signals an affirmation of good neighbourly relations and regular political dialogue between Slovenia and Hungary, and at the same time marks the first official meeting between the two current prime ministers.

Slovenian prime minister Marjan Šarec is attending the second day of the regular meeting of the European Council in Brussels.

18 October – EU Anti-Trafficking Day – is intended to raise awareness of human trafficking and to encourage everyone involved to work harder in the fight against this phenomenon. “In Slovenia we are working for the fourth year in a row to increase awareness of forced labour and labour exploitation, which is a too-little recognised form of this serious crime”, said State Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior and National Anti-trafficking coordinator Sandi Čurin.

Slovenian prime minister Marjan Šarec is paying a return visit to Skopje today at the invitation of North Macedonian prime minister Zoran Zaev. The Slovenian PM’s visit to North Macedonia represents a continuation of the regular intensive political dialogue between the two countries.

On his working visit to North Macedonia in Gevgelia, prime minister Marjan Šarec and North Macedonian prime minister Zoran Zaev reviewed the conditions on the North Macedonian-Greek border with respect to the challenges of illegal migration on the so-called Balkan route, and visited a migrant transit centre on the country’s south-eastern border. On the occasion, he met with six members of the Slovenian police who are participating in the joint surveillance of border crossings on Macedonian territory as part of joint measures for managing the increased flow of migrants.

The prime minister Marjan Šarec hosted a visit by the Belgian prime minister and newly elected President of the European Council Charles Michel. The visit by this senior European politician is part of his preparations prior to assuming the role of President of the European Council, having previously paid visits to Berlin and Rome. Mr Michel was elected to the post on 2 July and will start work on 1 December.

At its session today the government approved draft amendments to four tax, adopted the Draft Act amending the Pension and Disability Insurance Act, defined the text of the Draft Act amending the Labour Market Act and adopted a draft amendment to the text of the Aviation Act.

The Slovenian Prime Minister addressed the UN General Assembly at its 74th session, which is centred around the theme of Galvanising multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion.

On the penultimate day of his attendance of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec had a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

Slovenia’s prime minister Marjan Šarec attended the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, and took part in the UN sustainable development goals summit. This year’s General Assembly session is centred around the theme of galvanising multilateral efforts for poverty eradication, quality education, climate action and inclusion.

The prime minister is attending the Climate Action Summit and the 74th meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York between 23 and 27 September.

The Slovenian government put forward the draft state budgets for 2020 and 2021. The draft budgets follow the fiscal rule that requires medium-term balance of general government revenues and expenditures without borrowing. Total state budget expenditures of EUR 10.35 billion are planned in the next year, which is 1.9% higher than set out in the revised budget for 2019, while revenues are planned to rise by 4.5% to just under EUR 10.82 billion.

The first year of the current government’s term of office is ending with stable and strong public support. Since we follow the vision of Prime Minister Marjan Šarec that “our main duty is to work for the people”, increased trust in the work of the government team comes as no surprise. On the anniversary of the election of the government, we are aware of the responsibility that such support entails, and we are once again committed to working in the interest of Slovenia and all of its inhabitants.

As part of Slovenian prime minister Marjan Šarec’s official visit to Russia, a reception was held this evening for Slovenian and Russian business leaders. It was attended by the prime minister, foreign minister Dr Miro Cerar, minister of economic development and technology Zdravko Počivalšek, and minister of labour, family, social affairs and equal opportunities Ksenija Klampfer. The Russian Federation was represented at the event by Russian minister of digital development, communications and mass media Konstantin Noskov.

During his official visit, Slovenian prime minister Marjan Šarec unveiled a memorial to Slovenian victims of both world wars on the territory of today’s Russian Federation alongside Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec is on an official visit to Russia on 10 and 11 September 2019, at the invitation of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

Janez Lenarčič, the Slovenian EU commissioner-designate, has been assigned the portfolio of crisis management in the next European Commission, as President-elect Ursula von der Leyen announced the distribution of posts.

The Slovenian government has adopted the draft priorities of Slovenia’s presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2021, and they will now be presented to the Slovenian National Assembly.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec addressed the attendees of this year’s Bled Strategic Forum, which is focused on sustainable development and resource management.

At today’s session the Slovenian government adopted the draft Act amending the Road Transport Act, received a report on the process of drafting and adopting the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, issued the Decree on Outdoor Storage of Flammable Solid Waste and adopted a decision to initiate repatriation procedures from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for persons who meet the conditions under the Act Regulating Relations between the Republic of Slovenia and Slovenians Abroad.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec is today on an official visit to Serbia at the invitation of Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec is today on an official visit to Serbia at the invitation of Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabić.

In the first half of this year, the state budget showed a surplus of EUR 208,2 million, while in the same period last year it stood at EUR 184.2 million. First-half revenues stood at approximately EUR 5.08 billion this year, up 6.8% on the same period last year, while expenditures rose 6.5% and amounted to approximately EUR 4.87 billion.

At today’s correspondence session, the Slovenian government adopted a decision to propose Janez Lenarčič as a Member of the European Commission from Slovenia. It also decided to establish a Slovenia House in Brussels as a satellite unit of the Slovenian Embassy in Brussels, in order to provide a uniform presentation and promotion of Slovenian creativity, innovation, economic competitiveness, art, science, sports, tourism, gastronomy, winemaking and promotion of the country in general.

Andrej Logar, ambassador-at-large for key and strategic affairs, attended the informal meeting of foreign and internal ministers in Paris, which discussed migration in the Mediterranean. The meeting of the EU and Schengen ministers and heads of several international organisations was convened by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner in the face of the growing challenges of migration management in the Mediterranean, particularly its central part, which is considered the deadliest migration route for migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean Sea.

The rating agency Fitch upgraded the credit rating for Slovenia from A- to A, with a stable outlook. This is the third such upgrade for Slovenia by rating agencies this year, showing that the country is in good shape and has been successfully consolidating its public finances.

The Government Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Development and European Cohesion Policy, the Managing Authority for the European Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund, has issued the decision on financial support for the “Interpretation of Biodiversity and Heritage of Pile Dwellings in the Ljubljana Marshes” project. The European Regional Development Fund will contribute nearly 1.3 million euros to the project, which overall will cost just under 2.3 million euros.

The Foreign Ministry participates in this year’s MetalDays festival taking place between 21 and 27 July in Tolmin, where it displays in an interactive way key sustainable development messages included in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Agenda 2030).

The Government confirms Janez Lenarčič as candidate for European commissioner from Slovenia and adopts a strategy with regard to migrations.

The rule of law, sustainable development and security, and the Western Balkans are the priority areas outlined at today’s ministerial conference in Brdo pri Kranju by the ministers at the invitation of the Prime Minister.

This year’s report on the realisation of the 2030 Agenda sustainable development goals ranks Slovenia in 12th place out of 162 countries.

Prime Minister Marjan Šarec has attended the gala opening of its new paint plant by the Canadian–Austrian firm Magna in Orehova vas in the municipality of Hoče–Slivnica. In his address before the symbolic launch of the facilities (production has actually been in trial operation since March), the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of the success of the investment project and expressed hope for further successful cooperation and business.

Following the inspection of the situation along the border with the Republic of Croatia in the Ilirska Bistrica municipality, Prime Minister Marjan Šarec continued his visit in the municipalities of Kostel and Črnomelj. He was joined by the Mayors of both municipalities and their delegations.

An oral hearing was scheduled this afternoon at the EU Court of Justice on the admissibility of an action that Slovenia filed against Croatia for breaches of EU law resulting from its repudiation of the Arbitral Award. Two years after the Final Award was rendered, Slovenia stands firmly on its position. In accordance with Article 7 of the Arbitration Agreement, the Final Award of the Arbitral Tribunal of 29 June 2017 is binding on both parties and constitutes a definitive settlement of the border dispute.

Prime Minister Marjan Šarec, together with the Minister of the Interior, Boštjan Poklukar and Director General of the Police, Tatjana Bobnar, LLM reviews the situation on the border with the Republic of Croatia in the Municipality of Ilirska Bistrica. He also had a meeting with police officers, members of the Slovenian Armed Forces and the Croatian police operating along the border.

Slovenian prime minister Marjan Šarec has taken part in the 6th summit of the heads of government of the countries of the Berlin Process in Poznań. The aim of the Berlin Process meetings is to ensure that EU expansion to the Western Balkans continues in accordance with the European agenda: to bring the region closer to European and global corridors via infrastructure, energy and economic projects and, at the same time, to keep up the pressure on the countries of the region to maintain a positive reform dynamic and continue to resolve outstanding issues.

At the Tartu Call for a Healthy Lifestyle seminar organised by the European Commission, the Kuhnapato project was rated among the best practice in Europe in the area of health and sustainability.

On a working visit to Paris, foreign minister Miro Cerar and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian signed a new action plan for strategic partnership between their two countries for the 2019 to 2022 period.

Slovenians from neighbouring countries and from around the world embarked on the traditional visit to the homeland on Wednesday for the start of the Welcome Home event. The main part of the event will take place on Saturday in Radovljica, but the meeting opened on Wednesday with football matches in Brdo pri Kranju.

At today’s session the government adopted an itemisation of budget expenditure by individual budget spending unit. In line with the approved fiscal framework, the ceiling on state budget expenditure was set at EUR 10.45 billion for 2020 and EUR 10.46 billion for 2021. The government is drafting the budget with welfare and stability in mind, but will also take account of the fiscal rule.

At the opening ceremony of the new production line of Renault’s model BJA (the fifth generation of the Clio), Prime Minister Marjan Šarec honoured the official start of serial production of the aforementioned vehicle at Revoz in Novo Mesto with an address. The Slovenian Government has provided Revoz with a financial incentive amounting to EUR 6 million for the implementation of this project.

Slovenia is in 16th place among the 28 EU member states in the EU's Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), being above the average only in digital public services (14th). Slovenia performs particularly well in the access to open data and eHealth services, where it ranks sixth.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec was today on an official visit to the Vatican, where this morning he had a private audience with Pope Francis and a meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

Prime Minister Marjan Šarec is on an official visit to the Vatican today. This morning he had a private audience with Pope Francis. He also had a meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

Two years after the entry into force of the arbitral award, the Slovenian government’s position remains unchanged. Pursuant to Article 7 of the Arbitration Agreement, the award of the Arbitral Tribunal (29 June 2017) is binding on both countries and constitutes a definitive settlement of the border dispute.

European Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc has symbolically presented to Infrastructure Minister Alenka Bratušek a check of EUR 109 million in EU funds Slovenia secured for a rail expansion between the port of Koper and the inland hub Divača.

The prime minister is in Brussels for the ordinary meeting of the European Council. In the afternoon of the first day of the meeting the leaders discussed the adoption of the EU’s strategic agenda for 2019-2024, where the main focus was on climate change, the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework, and EU enlargement. The first day of the meeting ended with a working dinner, where there were discussions of nominations for the top positions in EU institutions for the next institutional cycle.

The Jožef Stefan Institute and the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning have issued the second Climate Mirror for Slovenia.

The best practices of Slovenian industry were presented on Wednesday at the Industry of the Future conference at the Conference Centre in Brdo pri Kranju.

On 7 June, eight supercomputer centres in the European Union were selected to host the EuroHPC supercomputer infrastructure, including one in Slovenia.

The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg (ECHR) on Wednesday convened an oral hearing on the admissibility of the inter-state application filed by Slovenia against Croatia relating to the Ljubljanska Banka (LB) claims towards Croatian companies.

Slovenian prime minister Marjan Šarec took part in the high-level segment of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva on the occasion of the ILC’s centenary.

In 1972 the United Nations General Assembly declared 5 June to be World Environment Day, the aim being to raise awareness of the environment and of specific environmental issues. Slovenia is one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe.

Slovenian Prime Minister Marjan Šarec gave the welcoming address at the Ljubljana Fairgrounds to the second Three Seas Initiative (3SI) business forum, which is being held alongside the two-day summit of the initiative. The forum, which will be attended by around 600 participants from more than 40 countries, was organised jointly by the Slovenian government, the Centre for European Perspective and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia.

The National Electoral Commission has released full results of the 26 May European parliamentary election in Slovenia, having added the vote from abroad.