News

Today, we commemorate Srebrenica with solemn respect and sorrow. It is a place that has become a symbol of one of the darkest chapters in modern European history. The genocide that took place there three decades ago left an indelible mark on humanity's conscience and reminds us that peace, truth and compassion must never be taken for granted.

Today, we are observing the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica. It is a day when we remember the 8,372 victims, and when the wounds of the mothers of Srebrenica and other survivors who lost their loved ones —husbands, sons and brothers — are reopened. Our thoughts are with them in their grief and deep sorrow.

The Slovenian Embassy in Athens joined the celebration of the World Bee Day, this year with several parallel activities across Greece.

At today's session, the Government has approved the draft of the new Business Register of Slovenia Act and took note of the measures, projects and activities undertaken in response to the August 2023 floods and landslides.

This summer, the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in both Illinois and Colorado. During consular hours, Slovenian citizens can apply for personal documents (passports and identity cards).

Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob today received Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, visited the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia.

The European Commission's sixth annual report on the rule of law for the European Union and its Member States for 2025, published today, confirms that Slovenia has made significant progress across all key areas over the past year. According to the European Commission, the majority of the recommendations from the previous report have already been implemented or are nearing completion.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with the members of the Slovenian Bishops Conference (SBC) for a working lunch.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Promoting cultural and creative industries – Centre for Creativity 2025. The call comes with a total budget of €2,028,124.37; it will receive €1,268,965.07 from the European Regional Development Fund. ‬

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Call for proposals for co-financing the activities to enhance entrepreneurial skills in the period 2025-2029. The call will come with a total budget of €3.1 million; it will receive €2.4 million from the European Social Fund Plus.

In the latest episode of the GOVSI government podcast, produced by the Slovenian Government Communication Office, host Petra Prešeren Golob speaks with the Minister for a Solidary Future, Simon Maljevac, about the long-term care system – now established as the third fundamental pillar of social security, alongside pension and health insurance.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the ceremony held in Geneva on the occasion of Slovenia becoming a full member of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Later in the day, Prime Minister Golob met with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.

The Government adopted the proposed amendments to the Companies Act, the proposed amendments to the Electronic Identification and Trust Services Act, and the draft Payment Services and Accompanying Fiscal Services Act. Furthermore, it approved the Report on the Implementation of the Act Regulating Temporary Measures to Improve Personnel and Working Conditions and the Capacities of Providers of Social Assistance and Long-Term Care Services.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended a ceremony in Geneva marking the full membership of the Republic of Slovenia in the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

In front of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, CERN's guard of honour raised the Slovenian flag in the presence of Slovenian political leaders, CERN management and invited guests. The ceremony was dedicated to Slovenia's full membership in one of the most prestigious international organisations in the world.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Cesta na Grad road and Skalna klet school route. The European Regional Development Fund contribution for the project stands at €2.5 million.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Measures to promote collective bargaining and strengthen employee advocacy and representation. The European Social Fund Plus will contribute €3.2 million of EU funding to the project.

Following the parliament's decision of 1 July 2025 to approve an amendment to the Symbols Act, enshrining the Dachsteinlied as the anthem of the Austrian province of Styria, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs reiterates its stance that the use of historically outdated symbols which undermine the achieved coexistence and productive cooperation between Slovenia and Austria is unacceptable.

Following the decision of the Styrian Provincial Parliament, which at its session on 1 July 2025 approved an amendment to the law on provincial symbols enshrining the Dachsteinlied as the anthem of the Austrian province of Styria, the President of Slovenia and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia underlined that such moves – using outdated historical symbolism – undermine the harmony and productive cooperation that has been reached between the two nations and are therefore unacceptable.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Accessible Long-Term Care – Better access to long-term care services and information on long-term care. The project. The project, worth a total of €1,243,363, will receive €777,101.88 of European Social Fund Plus support.

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič took part in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Sevilla, Spain, under the auspices of the UN. The event brought together heads of international financial institutions, as well as representatives of civil society, philanthropic organisations, the private sector and government delegations. Its central objective was to increase financing and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries by 2030.

Today, the Ministry of Defence hosted a presentation of the Slovenian-Croatian Cyber Range Connect project, aimed at establishing a federation of cyber training ranges on the SimSpace platform. This places both countries among the leaders in the European Union and NATO in connecting cyber training ranges outside of multinational projects.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Competent Slovenia project, implemented by the Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia. The European Social Fund Plus contribution for the project, worth €10 million, stands at €7 million.

The Archivalia of the Month July 2025 with the title Few Surviving Written Traces of the Post-War Extrajudicial Killings written by Tadej Cankar.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the laying of the foundation stone for the state-of-the-art production facility for biosimilar medicines by the pharmaceutical company Lek. In addition to representatives from Sandoz and Lek, he addressed the gathered audience as well.

In June, Guyana assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council. This month's agenda was dominated by the situation in the Middle East dominated, particularly the military escalation that followed Israel's attack on targets in Iran. The Council held an open debate on poverty, underdevelopment and conflict, as well as its regular annual debate on children and armed conflict.

It was a Slovenian holiday in a Slovenian place! The Consulate General of Slovenia in Cleveland hosted its annual celebration of Slovenian Statehood Day, this year on June 17, at Cleveland's historic Slovenian National Home on St. Clair Avenue. This was a departure from previous years, when Statehood Day was celebrated in Cleveland City Hall. The celebration was moved in acknowledgement of the centennial anniversary of the Slovenian National Home, a focal point of the Cleveland Slovenian experience since its inception. It is also worth noting that we felt it time to move our holiday back to a place of special meaning for our community.

At the initiative of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Robert Golob, an inter-ministerial operational body was established today within the Prime Minister's Office: the Focal group for comprehensive treatment of children and adolescents displaying dangerous behaviour.

At the 34th session of the Permanent Slovenian-Bavarian Mixed Commission, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, and the Bavarian State Minister for European and International Relations, Eric Beißvenger, signed a joint declaration. It confirms the traditionally excellent cooperation between Slovenia and Bavaria, paving the way for further strengthening the partnership with concrete projects in various fields.

The Consulate General in Cleveland had a busy spring. We were honored to host Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Borut Sajovic who visited Cleveland from April 10-12. Among his local engagements were a visit to NASA Glenn Research Center and a reception hosted at the Slovenian Museum and Archives by the Consulate General on April 11. Guests at the reception were treated to a live performance by world champion Slovenian accordionist, Marko Vatovec, along with an address from Minister Sajovic and local dignitaries in attendance.

Prime Minister Robert Golob is attending the regular June meeting of the European Council.

Today, we mark the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter, one of the most important documents of international law. In 1945, representatives of 50 countries gathered at a conference in San Francisco to sign a document, which lay the foundations for a post-war international community and binds all UN member states to an active participation and a moral obligation to protect the world from the horrors of war.

After the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of the NATO Heads of State and Government, Prime Minister Robert Golob made the following statement:

Prime Minister Robert Golob, together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon and Minister of Defence Borut Sajovic, is attending the formal meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of NATO Heads of State and Government.

Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, is attending the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in The Hague as part of the Slovenian delegation led by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Robert Golob. She participated in the NATO-Ukraine Council Working Dinner in Foreign Ministers’ Session, which focused on the Allies' efforts for peace in Ukraine.

Dear Citizens, dear Slovenians at home and abroad, today, the heart of our nation is celebrating, Slovenia is celebrating.

On Tuesday, 24 June 2025, the Republic of Slovenia, rated A3 (positive) / AA (stable) / A (positive), successfully accessed the international capital markets with a EUR 1.0bn Reg S issuance due 2 July 2035. The transaction marks the Republic’s inaugural Sustainability-Linked Bond (SLB) and the first-ever SLB from a European Sovereign.

Minister for Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek attended the Annual Political Dialogue of the Initiative for Coal Regions in Transition that was held in Konin, Poland. At the opening session, Minister Jevšek and other high-level representatives discussed ways for the European Union to support coal regions on their pathways to climate neutrality and social justice.

The Republic of Slovenia's Recovery and Resilience Office has submitted its fourth payment request to the European Commission (EC) for funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), with a total gross value of EUR 502 million.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia will be closed on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, on the occasion of Slovenia's Statehood Day.

Prime Minster Robert Golob met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in Vinica. The meeting focused on reviewing bilateral relations and issues on the European Council's agenda.

Minister Tanja Fajon participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss the current situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Iran, Israel and Gaza, Russian aggression against Ukraine, China and European security. The Minister also presented the joint contribution of the MED9 Group towards the preparation of the New Pact for the Mediterranean, which had been led by Slovenia.

The Republic of Slovenia announces a mandate to organise the issue of an inaugural 10-year Sustainability-Linked Bond due July 2035.

Annual leave is one of the fundamental rights of employees in the Republic of Slovenia, and with it arises the question of the holiday allowance – an additional payment intended to cover vacation expenses.

"CERN is more than just a research institution; it is a place where humanity can come together in the search for truth for the sake of development, progress and, above all, peace."

On June 21, 2025, Slovenia officially became the 25th full member of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the international organisation, one of the most prestigeous in the world, announced today.

Slovenia remains devoted to the Alliance's common defensive posture, thus clearly emphasising: all we want is peace.

Minister Tanja Fajon, in her capacity as Chair of the MED9 Group, hosted the MED9 foreign ministers' working dinner. The ministers discussed the recent developments in the wider Middle East region and the joint contribution of MED9 member states to the New Pact for the Mediterranean, which will be presented by the European Commission in autumn 2025. This is only the second meeting in the MED9 foreign ministers' format.

Minister Tanja Fajon is visiting Japan with a strong economic delegation. Japan is Slovenia's key economic partner and the largest Asian investor in the country. While in Tokyo, Minister Fajon opened the Slovenia-Japan Business Forum, an event intended to strengthen ties between companies in both countries. She also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya and Minister of State for Economic Security Minoru Kiuchi.

In the 24th episode of the GOVSI government podcast, Minister of Education Dr. Vinko Logaj joined host Petra Bezjak Cirman to discuss the latest legislative reforms in the Slovenian education system.

The Council of the European Union, composed of finance ministers, has today approved the third amendment to Slovenia's Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). Under the revised plan, Slovenia will have access to EUR 2.23 billion from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), comprising EUR 613.25 million in loans (down from the previous EUR 1.07 billion), and an unchanged EUR 1.61 billion in grants.

At its meeting on 19 June 2025, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia issued an Ordinance amending the Ordinance on the temporary reintroduction of border controls at the internal borders of the Republic of Slovenia with the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Hungary.

Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob welcomed the President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini, who is on a working visit to the Republic of Slovenia.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the draft Healthcare Digitalisation Act, aimed at comprehensively regulating the processing of personal data in healthcare and establishing more efficient and secure data exchange. It also confirmed the draft Animal Health Act and discussed several agriculture-related laws, which will be formally adopted in the coming days through a correspondence session.

Today, the Government took note of the Information on the Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), which will be submitted to the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia. The Government also discussed the Report on the Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan before submitting the fourth payment request.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar has attended a two-day meeting of the Salzburg Forum Ministers of the Interior in Zagreb.

State Secretary Tina Heferle attended a conference of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) on the state of asylum, which took place in Valletta, Malta.

Today in Ljubljana, a two day international workshop on intellectual property (IP) valuation began. Slovenia is among the first countries in Europe to approach this field systematically.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Upgraded ProbIS information system with access to advisory and educational modules.

Extreme temperatures directly impact health by threatening the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature. They can also worsen chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, cerebrovascular disorders, and conditions related to diabetes.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in an extraordinary informal EU foreign ministers meeting by video conference to discuss the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, particularly in light of the recent escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran.
"Together, we must call for an immediate end to military conflict and for the protection of civilians. Respect for the UN Charter is an absolute obligation for all States."

At today's session, the Government determined the breakdown of the 2026 and 2027 budget expenditure. The key priorities remain focused on the business sector and competitiveness, post-flood reconstruction, security and defence, access to housing, and the implementation of measures under the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Prime Minister Golob attended the foundation stone laying ceremony for the new Department of Infectious Diseases in Ljubljana.

State Secretary Marko Štucin held political consultations with Turkmen Deputy Foreign Minister Myakhri Hodjamgulyevna Byashimova in Ashgabat. They reviewed bilateral cooperation and called for a strengthening of economic cooperation.

Slovenia has retained 46th place in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, confirming the country’s economic stability in the international environment. Slovenia continues to perform strongly in key areas such as quality of life, international trade, and high-tech exports—placing it among the world’s leading countries in these domains.

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in the United States hosted the ceremonial opening of the first Slovenian School for Learning the Slovenian Language for children in the DMV region (D.C.–Maryland–Virginia).

With the first heatwave hitting Slovenia, the debate around the impact of temperature conditions on the work environment is once again in the spotlight. Rising temperatures not only affect employees’ well-being but can also significantly influence their performance and, most importantly, their safety and health at work.

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič took part in the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Ministerial Meeting, which was hosted by Albania as the current Chairmanship-in-Office. During the plenary session, ministers discussed the crucial role of alliances in encouraging economic growth and involving Process participants that strive towards EU accession.

The 59th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council opened today in Geneva and will run until 9 July 2025. Slovenia will pay particular attention to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, while also responding to human rights situations around the world where the state of affairs is particularly worrying.

Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States, Iztok Mirošič, sat down with Diplomatic Connections journalist James A. Winship for an in-depth interview featured in the magazine’s May/June issue.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the KALMA project – Coordination of entry points for long-term care. The contribution of the European Social Fund Plus stands at €1.56 million.

Both June events under LAC Days 2025 were dedicated to Mexican literature and cinema, focusing on the importance and role of women in Mexican society throughout different periods.

On Saturday, 14 June 2025, Minister Tanja Fajon attended a celebration marking the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, at the invitation of Luxembourg’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel. The agreement was signed in Luxembourg on 14 June 1985. The Schengen area currently comprises 29 countries, four of which are non-EU members.

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 held a working meeting today with representatives of key ministries and professionals to review the current situation and define future directions regarding the approach to dealing with cases of children and adolescents displaying dangerous behaviour.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar attended the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.

"We share the views of all leaders who have expressed serious concern over Israel’s attacks on Iran. Israel’s attacks on Iran represent an escalation in the already tense and difficult situation in the Middle East and lead nowhere.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and the ITF Enhancing Human Security have signed a contract for humanitarian activities in 2025 and 2026. The projects will focus on improving the living conditions of people affected by armed conflicts and their consequences.

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, participated in the International Scientific Conference Euro-Mediterranean - Higher Education, Research and Innovation 2025 (EM-HERI 2025), organised by the Euro-Mediterranean University in Portorož. She opened the high-level panel discussion, which aimed to address the impact of current events on the geopolitical conditions in the Mediterranean.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs hosted consultations on economic diplomacy, bringing together economic advisers from Slovenian diplomatic and consular missions worldwide. These advisers work to strengthen economic cooperation between Slovenia and their respective host countries.

The Government adopted a draft amendment to the Spatial Management Act and discussed a draft amendment to the Labour Market Regulation Act, which is expected to be adopted by the Government in the coming days. The Government issued the Decree on setting prices for certain petroleum products, on the basis of which fuel prices on motorways will no longer be higher than elsewhere in the country. The Government also adopted a letter of intent for the construction of a cable car between Bovec and Kanin.

Minister Dr Aleksander Jevšek, State Secretary Dr Lidija Kegljevič Zagorc, State Secretary mag. Andrej Rajh, and European Commission delegation led by Sofia Alves, Director responsible for Administrative Capacity Building and Programmes Implementation in the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy in the European Commission, were on a field visit to the municipality of Črna na Koroškem to learn more about the projects funded by the EU Solidarity Fund.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the Days of Intergenerational Coexistence Festival at Ljubljana's Exhibition and Convention Centre, which has been organised for the fifth consecutive year by the Association of Pensioners' Societies of Slovenia (ZDUS). The Prime Minister also gave an address to the assembled audience.

At the fourth Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa, Minister Tanja Fajon emphasised the urgent need for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, as well as the importance of securing a just and lasting peace. "A peace firmly rooted in the principles of the UN Charter. A peace that is acceptable to Ukraine. We will continue to work with Ukraine and our partners to achieve such a peace."

The reading room and information room of the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia at Poljanska cesta 40 in Ljubljana will be open from June 23 to August 29, 2025, according to summer hours from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 2 PM.

On June 9, 2025 Ambassador Iztok Mirošič attended the roundtable on evolving economic and political perspectives on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), hosted by The Heritage Foundation.

On her first visit to the Republic of Moldova since taking office, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, spoke with the representatives of the country in Chisinau about strengthening the positive relations between the two countries and the potential for improving economic cooperation, as both sides have expressed interest in this. Minister Fajon expressed her support for Moldova's efforts on its path towards the European Union.

The conference titled “Artificial intelligence - new trends in development and challenges for Slovenia" was held at Jablje Castle. The focus was on the rapidly developing trends and complex challenges that position artificial intelligence (AI) in all societal domains – from public administration and the economy to education, new models of behaviour and organisation, as well as current issues of ethical use, hybrid protection, security and defence.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Embassy of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia, the Bled Strategic Forum organised a discussion entitled Lost childhoods, unwavering courage and hope for a bright future: Three years of Ukrainian resilience, in Ljubljana. The event was opened by the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Slovenia, H.E. Petro Beshta.

Today, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon met with three representatives of the Mothers of Srebrenica movement, who are being hosted by the President of the Republic, Nataša Pirc Musar, on their visit to Slovenia. The purpose of the meeting was to reiterate Slovenia's support for the movement and the memory of the Srebrenica genocide in light of this year's 30th anniversary, which will be commemorated on 11 July.

Today, State Secretary Marko Štucin hosted the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Eduard Hulicius, in Strunjan. In addition to bilateral relations, they focused on topical European and international issues. Slovenia and the Czech Republic enjoy friendly relations and, as like-minded countries on many issues, they have well-established political cooperation.

Slovenia firmly supports the moratorium on deep-sea mining in keeping with its commitment to environmental sustainability and international legal obligations. In order to ensure the protection of marine ecosystems and the preservation of the common heritage of humankind, all decisions relating to the exploitation of deep-sea resources must be based on the precautionary principle.

Prime Minister Robert Golob was the keynote speaker at today’s event at Brestanica marking Slovenian Exiles Day and the 80th anniversary of their return from exile.

On Friday, 6 June 2025, Standard & Poor's (S&P) credit rating agency raised Slovenia's credit rating from AA- to AA with a stable outlook. Among European countries, Ireland, Belgium and the United Kingdom also have an AA S&P rating. This made Slovenia a country with the highest credit rating among Central and Eastern European countries.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Construction of the central operating theatre and intensive care unit at the Ptuj General Hospital.

Prime Minister Robert Golob was a keynote speaker at the ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the Vipava Centre for Education, Rehabilitation and Training (CIRIUS).

At today's session, the Government adopted the proposed Climate Act, a development opportunity for Slovenia, its people, and businesses. It approved the proposed amendments to the Construction Act, adapting the issuing of permits to the needs of modern times. The Government also took note of the planned signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Government of the State of Palestine on the development of relations between the two countries.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Support to early career researchers.

In the 22nd episode of the Gov.si podcast, produced by the Slovenian Government Communication Office, host Petra Bezjak Cirman welcomed Dr. Erik Brecelj, a surgeon at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana and Chair of the Strategic Council for Healthcare. Their conversation shed light on the key challenges and reforms in Slovenia’s healthcare system, as well as the role of the strategic council as an advisory body to the Prime Minister.