News

To mark the 35th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence, the GOVSI Podcast welcomed Lojze Peterle, the first Prime Minister of independent Slovenia. He reflected on key moments in Slovenia’s path to independence, the efforts to secure international recognition and the values that brought Slovenians together when the country was established.

At today’s session, the Government adopted draft legislation in the areas of migration and foreigners, as well as amendments to legislation on administrative fees and the matura examination. It allocated EUR 1.873 billion for investments in Slovenia’s healthcare system for the 2026–2036 period, established the Government Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Decentralisation and Debureaucratisation, and appointed Iris Kociper Haas Acting Chief of Protocol of the Republic of Slovenia.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding to create green areas in Fiesa. The project will receive over €200 thousand from the European Regional Development Fund.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer hosted Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka on an official visit. They reaffirmed Slovenia’s commitment to closer cooperation with Central European countries, with a particular focus on strengthening economic ties between Slovenia and the Czech Republic. “We would like to see political dialogue accompanied by tangible economic results,” Minister Kajzer emphasised.

Prime Minister Janez Janša attended the Slovenian Business Summit today, where he joined business representatives for a discussion on the competitiveness of the Slovenian and European economies, the importance of a stable and predictable business environment, tax policy, development opportunities and measures to keep energy prices affordable.

In a television interview with VTV, Prime Minister Janez Janša spoke about the first months of the Government's term in office, the key development challenges facing Slovenia, the significance of the law on Slovenia's development, economic competitiveness, efforts to streamline the public sector and the planned changes to healthcare and education.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for greening the city of Gornja Radgona. The project will receive over €1.1 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

Prime Minister Janez Janša attended the official opening of the reconstructed Žalna–Velika Loka road, where he highlighted the importance of investment in local infrastructure, road safety and more balanced development throughout Slovenia. He also outlined the Government's efforts to increase the share of public funds spent at local level and ensure that taxpayers' money is used more efficiently and transparently.

At today's regular session of the National Assembly, Prime Minister Janez Janša answered oral parliamentary questions on the reform of the education system, referendums, the state of Slovenian agriculture, and measures to reduce the tax burden on labour and strengthen the competitiveness of the economy. He devoted particular attention to the Development Act, the importance of tax relief measures and efforts to reduce energy prices.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša attended the second day of the European Council meeting in Brussels today. European leaders discussed the competitiveness of the European economy and energy prices, EU enlargement, continued support for Ukraine, migration and the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2028–2034.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for upgrading the Tolmin wastewater plant. The project will receive over €2.1 million from the Cohesion Fund.

State Secretary Tamara Weingerl Požar hosted Zoran Dimitrovski, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of North Macedonia, for political consultations. They welcomed the political dialogue and excellent relations between their two countries, and exchanged views on current bilateral, multilateral and regional issues.

The latest episode of the GOVSI podcast features Blaž Cvar, President of the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia. In conversation with host Martin Nahtigal, he discusses the challenges facing small businesses, the importance of the development bill and the future of skilled trades.

The interministerial Working Group for the Preparation of the National and Regional Partnership Plan (VFO2), chaired by Minister Kirbiš Rojs, convened for the first time today. Its mission is to ensure the timely, professional and coordinated preparation of the National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) under the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034.

At today's session, the Government adopted measures to support the agricultural sector and improve the functioning of the judiciary, drew up a draft budget and included three major projects in the Development Programmes Plan.

Ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, stressed that discussions among EU leaders would focus primarily on energy prices, negotiations on the European Union's next multiannual financial framework and the current situation in Ukraine. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that energy prices remain stable for households, safeguarding cohesion and agricultural funding, and continuing European support for Ukraine.

Minister for Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs participated in the European Week of Regions and Cities 2026, an annual event on regional and urban development held in Brussels since 2003. This year's event, which brings together EU institutions, local communities and experts, was held under the theme Strong Regions, Strong Europe.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today attended a business breakfast organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Slovenia (AmCham Slovenia) titled 35 Years of Slovenia: What Is Our Ambition?

In the latest episode of the GOVSI Podcast, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Jernej Vrtovec discussed energy prices ahead of the heating season, the future of nuclear energy, major infrastructure projects and the modernisation of transport connections. He emphasised the importance of reliable energy supplies, faster investment implementation and more efficient spatial planning procedures.

State Secretary Tamara Weingerl Požar participated in the regular EU General Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg. The main focus was on the debate concerning the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, based on the revised negotiating box presented by the Irish Presidency, as well as on preparations for the October European Council.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, visited the Ministry of Defence today, where he was welcomed by the Minister of Defence, Valentin Hajdinjak.

Denis Zobarič, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior and Public Administration, has attended an informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for telecommunications in Limerick, Ireland. Discussions focused on the proposed Digital Networks Act, the transition from copper to fibre-optic networks, ensuring competition in the telecommunications market, and the strategic importance of satellite communications for Europe’s connectivity, security and resilience.

Speaking at the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer stated that the world is currently facing an extremely challenging and unpredictable geopolitical situation.

In Dublin, State Secretary Dr Stanislav Raščan attended an informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for development cooperation. The ministers discussed the future of development cooperation, which is shifting from traditional aid towards equal international partnerships, and the Humanitarian Reset, which will set out the policy guidelines for urgently reforming the global humanitarian system.

Tone Kajzer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, accompanied by his spouse, hosted a group of foreign ambassadors accredited to Slovenia on a diplomatic excursion to the Koroška region. The visit aimed to showcase the region’s natural, cultural and economic diversity and to foster direct links between Koroška's business community and international partners.

In an interview with Planet TV, Prime Minister Janez Janša reflected on his first four months in office, addressing upcoming referendums, reforms to social policy, healthcare and the public sector, as well as measures to boost Slovenia's economic competitiveness and strengthen anti-corruption efforts.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Green heart of Radenci. The European Regional Fund contribution exceeds €1.3 million.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for drinking water supply in the Drava River basin, specifically in the Ormož area, for 2021-2027. The Cohesion Fund contribution exceeds €2.4 million.

Minister of the Interior and Public Administration Franci Matoz held a video conference with the European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner. The discussion focused on the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the new solidarity cycle and the functioning of the Schengen area.

At today's session, the Government adopted a proposal to amend the Road Traffic Rules Act, which modifies alcohol testing procedures, regulates the use of approved automated driving systems, and extends the rules governing cyclist training to include triathletes. The Government also approved the proposed amendment to the Environmental Protection Act and further steps toward reopening the Kanin ski resort, which is important for the development of the Soča Valley.

The Prime Minister of Slovenia, Janez Janša, attended the MED9 Summit 2026 in Split today. The summit brought together leaders of Mediterranean EU countries and was held under the motto For a safer, more sustainable and more resilient Mediterranean. The discussion among the leaders focused primarily on security and migration, energy, the EU Multiannual Financial Framework, the enlargement of the European Union, the situation in the Middle East, and the sustainable development of the Mediterranean.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer met with President of the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia (OZS) Blaž Cvar and Danijel Lamperger, its CEO. The meeting focused on possible ways to provide further support to Slovenian craftsmen and entrepreneurs operating in foreign markets and facilitate their cooperation.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals that will fund sustainable development and management of tourist destinations. The European Regional Development Fund contribution stands at just over €10.2 million.

During the 63rd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), Slovenia, as a Council member, actively participated in discussions on the gravest human rights violations worldwide and in negotiations leading to the adoption of numerous regional and thematic resolutions.”

Three years have passed since the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and other armed groups against Israel on 7 October 2023. Slovenia commemorates all those who were killed, injured or taken hostage that day, and stands in solidarity with their families and loved ones. The deaths of hostages, their suffering and the anguish of their families have left deep and lasting scars on Israeli society.

On 5 and 6 October, State Secretary Tamara Weingerl Požar visited Prague, where she held political consultations with Jiří Brodský, the Czech Republic’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. In addition to discussing bilateral relations, they covered current European and international issues.

“Development should not stop at national, regional or municipal borders or be stuck in drawers. It should reach people.” With this message, Minister of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs addressed participants at today’s cross-border meeting of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) Future Paths Ljubljana-Novo mesto-Karlovac-Zagreb. The meeting took place in Grosuplje.

Tone Kajzer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, chaired the first meeting of the Strategic Council for Foreign Affairs in its new composition. Council members discussed the revision of Slovenia’s 2021 Foreign Policy Strategy. Against the backdrop of a changed geopolitical situation, the Strategy is an essential framework for shaping Slovenia’s future activities in international relations.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for a project aimed at enhancing public access to information about judicial proceedings. The project will receive over €120,000 from the European Regional Development Fund.

The President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, received the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, at Palazzo Chigi.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The talks focused on the good bilateral relations between Slovenia and the Holy See, opportunities to further strengthen those relations and further develop the agreement governing relations between the two.

At today’s session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia approved the state budgets for 2027 and 2028 and the draft Act on the Implementation of the Budgets of the Republic of Slovenia for 2027 and 2028. It also approved the final proposal for the closing accounts of the state budget for 2025.

Today, The Government approved the draft amendments to the 2027 state budget and the draft 2028 state budget, together with the accompanying budget documents. The objective of both draft budgets is to keep the general government deficit below 3% of GDP, while measures to promote Slovenia’s development, decentralisation and debureaucratisation remain key priorities.

At today’s session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia approved the state budgets for the next two years and the draft Act on the Implementation of the Republic of Slovenia Budgets for 2027 and 2028, which enables their smooth and uninterrupted implementation. It also adopted the final proposal for the state budget’s closing accounts for 2025.

17 leaders, including Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša, who are members of the Friends of Cohesion group, have written a joint letter with a common goal: to keep agriculture and cohesion as central priorities in the next European budget while also ensuring adequate funding to address Europe’s new challenges.

Prime Minister Janez Janša attended a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of Eltim and the 50th anniversary of IMP Armature in Ivančna Gorica, where he highlighted the importance of a stable business environment, the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy and measures aimed at helping companies respond more effectively to conditions in global markets.

On the eve of German Unity Day, Tone Kajzer, Slovenia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, welcomed Dr Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, to Ljubljana. This visit followed their meeting in Berlin in July and aimed to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Slovenia and Germany.

World Animal Day, observed on 4 October, is dedicated to improving animal welfare worldwide. Slovenia is committed to continuously improving the way we treat animals and raising awareness that animals kept by humans should not be merely as means of production or property. As sentient beings they deserve our care, attention and respect.

As part of the 31st Professional Meeting of the Veterinary Chamber of Slovenia, held in Zreče on 1 October 2026, representatives of the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection presented key considerations for the revision of the Veterinary Practice Act (VPA).

In Trogir, State Secretary Tamara Weingerl Požar attended the MED9 meeting of ministers and state secretaries responsible for European affairs. The meeting was also attended by the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Ms Dubravka Šuica.

In the latest episode of the GOVSI Podcast, Minister of Demography, Family and Social Affairs Mateja Ribič discusses changes to long-term care, workforce challenges and care at home. She emphasises that the goal is a system that works in practice, enabling people to receive the care they need when they need it.

The implementation of the measures and projects under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), supported by the European Union through the Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU, has been completed. The measures to support the sustainable development of tourism are presented below.

Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, visited Slovenia today.

The 3rd Congress of the Managers’ Association has begun in Portorož, this year under the central theme New Leadership Intelligence for a Competitive Slovenia. Prime Minister Janez Janša addressed the business community, focusing on the future direction of Slovenia’s development, the role of a resilient economy and the need for decisive action to remove bureaucratic barriers.

State Secretary Denis Zobarič attended the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg. The main topics of the meeting were the overall state of the Schengen area, improving cooperation with third countries on return and readmission, and reinforcing the EU's migration situational awareness and its capacity to monitor developments and provide early warnings, including during crisis situations.

At today's session, the Government began considering the budget documents for 2027 and 2028 and took note of a report on payments under the European cohesion policy programme. The Government withdrew as a co-founder of the Public Institute for the Development of Contemporary Dance and approved proposed acts on consumer protection in relation to loans, online purchases, green claims and repairs.

In the Archival Item of the Month feature for October, we present the period of the oil crisis between 1979 and 1985, which had a significant impact on everyday life in Slovenia. Due to fuel shortages, the authorities introduced a number of restrictive measures, including the odd-even driving system and fuel ration coupons. Through selected archival records, visitors can explore how the population and the economy adapted to the energy crisis of the time.

Presenting the draft revised budget, Prime Minister Janez Janša emphasised that it provides funding to ensure the smooth functioning of the state, and for public services and key investments, while also enabling the faster absorption of EU funds.

At the invitation of Montenegrin Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer took part in a Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Berlin Process in Pržno, Montenegro. “The Western Balkan countries should continue their reforms and strengthen regional cooperation, while the EU should recognise their progress on this path. The responsibility lies with both sides,” he underlined.

Dear Slovenians,

Today, we mark the International Day of Older Persons. I believe many warm words will be spoken on this occasion, but ultimately, it is actions that truly matter.

Dear students,

A new academic year is beginning. For some of you, it marks a new start; for others, it is a continuation of the path you have already chosen. For everyone, however, it is an opportunity to gain new knowledge, meet new people and take another step forward on your personal and professional journey.

On 1 October, the world marks the International Day of Older Persons. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs regularly emphasises the importance of respecting, caring for and implementing the human rights of older persons, as well as ensuring their full and equal participation in society. For over a decade, Slovenia has been campaigning at the UN for the development of legally binding international standards to implement the rights of older persons.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša and President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar met today for a working meeting.

At its 12th regular session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted decisions giving its consent to the removal of encumbrances, pursuant to the Agreements on the Free Transfer of State Property to the Municipalities of Slovenj Gradec, Kranjska Gora and Krško.

Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Slovenia to the Slovak Republic, Mateja Norčič Štamcar, presented a copy of her Letter of Credence to Petra Ružičková, Director of Diplomatic Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.

Prime Minister Janez Janša met with representatives of the Slovenian Bishops’ Conference on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Janez Janša answered parliamentary questions at today’s session of the National Assembly on Slovenia’s relations with Israel, energy prices, traffic congestion, development measures and the increasingly pressing problem of drug trafficking in Slovenia.

The Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Recovery and Resilience has submitted to the European Commission the seventh and final payment request for funds under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, for a total amount of €271.77 million. These are the remaining EU funds available to the country to aid its recovery and strengthen its resilience following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Janez Janša and Minister of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development Monika Kirbiš Rojs officially opened the ministry’s premises in Maribor.

Minister for Local Self Government, Cohesion and Regional Development Monika Kirbiš Rojs and Prime Minister Janez Janša today officially opened the new headquarters of the Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development in Maribor. The opening of the headquarters marks an important step to achieving the objective of more balanced regional development and strengthening decentralisation efforts across the country.

A meeting of EU defence ministers took place in Brussels as part of the European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council, attended by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Valentin Hajdinjak, MA. The meeting was dedicated to discussing further EU military assistance to Ukraine and the implementation of the Defence Readiness Plan up to 2030. A meeting of the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency also took place on the sidelines of the defence ministers’ meeting.

Koper, Slovenia, hosted the international marine pollution response exercise POLex 2026 on 23 and 24 September 2026. The exercise was organised within the framework of the ASAP project (Adriatic Sensitive Areas Protection mechanism), coordinated by the Executive Secretariat of the Central European Initiative (CEI-ES) in Trieste and co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg IPA ADRION Programme.

World Rabies Day that is marked every year on 28 September aims to raise awareness about this dangerous disease and its prevention, and to advocate for the global eradication of rabies. It had successfully been eradicated in Slovenia, but it still poses a serious public health threat in numerous parts of the world.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer has completed an intensive programme during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. Slovenia’s activities focused on strengthening political and economic cooperation, international security, human rights, support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and Belarus, developments in the Western Balkans and efforts to secure a more effective multilateral system.

On the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Janez Janša held several bilateral meetings.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, today met with representatives of the Slovenian community in New York. The meeting took place at the Slovenian Church of St. Cyril in Manhattan.

On Wednesday, 30 September 2026, the archival reading room and information office will be open only until 12.00.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding to expand the Markovci wastewater treatment plant. The project will receive nearly €300 thousand from the Cohesion Fund.

The Embassy of Slovenia in London will offer consular services in Edinburgh on Thursday 29 October 2026, including passport applications, document authentication, civil registry matters, and other consular assistance. Appointment times will be arranged by the Embassy.

Trieste, 22 September 2026 – As part of MMO ADRIA 2026 (Multipurpose Maritime Operation Adria), the international maritime search and rescue exercise Adriatic Sea SAREX 2026 was conducted in the Gulf of Trieste. The exercise was organized and coordinated by the Italian Coast Guard through the MRSC Trieste (Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre Trieste).

Speaking at this year’s Days of Slovenian Administration, Minister Kirbiš Rojs said that a system built around institutions and administrative procedures should evolve into a more user-centred model. She highlighted the importance of simplifying procedures, ensuring the efficient use of EU funds, advancing decentralisation and implementing digital transformation in a well-planned manner.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Connecting riverside path with urban park facilities. European Regional Development Fund contribution stands at just over €590,000.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Expansion of the sewer system in Vuzenica. The project will receive nearly €1.6 million from the Cohesion Fund.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, addressed the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York today.

On the margins of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša met with Prime Minister of the State of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu as part of a series of bilateral meetings.

On Thursday, September 24, Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States Iztok Mirošič hosted a reception for the Slovenian community in New York at St. Cyril’s Slovenian Church in Manhattan, a central gathering place for Slovenians. The reception was held in honor of the visit of Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša to New York on the occasion of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša attended the sixth summit of the International Crimea Platform in New York, the initiative’s main annual meeting, which is dedicated to maintaining international support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the policy of non-recognition of Russia’s occupation of Crimea.

Prime Minister Janez Janša appeared on two US media outlets, Fox News and Newsmax, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In the interviews, he spoke about the role of the United Nations, the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, Iran, and relations between Slovenia and the United States.

On 23 September, Slovenia celebrates the Day of Slovenian Sport. This year, the celebration also coincides with the start of the European Week of Sport, which, from 23 to 30 September, invites us to get active and embrace an active lifestyle.

The Embassy hosted a delegation of representatives of workers’ councils from Slovenian companies during their study visit to Denmark, which focused on the Danish model of labour and business relations and cooperation between trade unions, employers and employees.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for upgrading the Litija-Šmartno water supply system. The project will receive over €2 million from the Cohesion Fund.

At today's session, the Government adopted new amendments to the Organisation and Financing of Education Act. This represents the first legislative step in the announced comprehensive reform of Slovenia's education system. The Government also repealed the decision to set up temporary branches of the Asylum Centre, and appointed Srečko Šestan as Acting Director-General of the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief.

At the invitation of the United States, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer signed the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity Partnership in New York, linked to the broader Pax Silica initiative. The signing represents a step towards strengthening Slovenia’s cooperation with the US and other trusted partners in the fields of AI and strategic technologies.

Earlier this week in Sarajevo, Franc Kangler, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior and Public Administration, met with the Acting Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivica Bošnjak. During his visit, the State Secretary also visited the Border Police and toured the Lipa temporary reception centre in the Una-Sana Canton near Bihać.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Construction of water supply system Lendava-Pince with telemetry A. The project will receive over €2.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for two INNOVUM projects supporting the development of research infrastructure at the Faculty of Logistics and the Faculty of Energy Technology of the University of Maribor. The projects will receive more than €10 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

Minister Tone Kajzer is in New York to take part in the general debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, entitled “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All”. The Slovenian delegation is led by Prime Minister Janez Janša, while Minister Kajzer is holding a series of meetings and taking part in events on security, the economy, human rights and the reform of the multilateral system.

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša is attending the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Today, he participated in the opening of the General Debate of the UN General Assembly, as well as the traditional welcome reception for heads of delegation hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

The Minister of Agriculture, Janez Cigler Kralj, today hosted the European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, who is paying a visit to Slovenia. After the meeting, the minister emphasised the need for a stronger European approach to preventing and controlling new diseases and pests, as well as the need for adequate, stable and predictable funding for these measures.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for greening the Municipality of Gorišnica. The project will receive €800 thousand from the European Regional Development Fund.