News

Slovenia’s two-year term on the Executive Council began on 12 May 2026. At the 30th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, held in November 2025, Slovenia received 122 votes, the highest number among candidates from the Eastern European Group. “This is recognition of Slovenia’s active and responsible role in the international community,” emphasised Minister Fajon.

At the meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, Minister Tanja Fajon stressed that the Union must maintain a visible and active engagement in the Western Balkans and that enlargement must remain a political priority. She also expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed Slovenia’s position that the EU and its partners must continue to exert pressure on Russia, as there are no indications that it is prepared to end its aggression against Ukraine.

State Secretary Neva Grašič attended an informal meeting of EU ministers and state secretaries for European affairs in Lefkosia. The agenda, drawn up by the Cyprus Presidency, included the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is also regularly discussed at General Affairs Council meetings. The focus was on how to respond to major crises, as set out in the proposal for the next MFF.

Today, we celebrate both Europe Day and the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, which laid the foundations for the European Union as we know it today. In response to war and destructive nationalism, European states have achieved lasting
peace and prosperity by gradually deepening their cooperation. Today, we celebrate Europe as a beacon of a better future.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended a ceremonial session of the Ljubljana City Council, accompanied by his wife, Tina Gaber Golob.

Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob received European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who is visiting Slovenia this week as part of the Europe Day celebrations.

At today's session, the Government added the final piece to the double-track Divača–Koper railway line's mosaic by adopting an investment programme for a third track and including an Investment in a new construction and Palfinger machinery project in the 2026–2029 Development Programme Plan. It also adopted amendments to the Decree on the method of remitting personal income tax to municipalities, thereby easing pressure on municipal budgets during the annual holiday allowance payment period.

Minister of Finance Klemen Boštjančič stressed that the state of public finances in Slovenia is not catastrophic. However, Slovenia is facing extreme pressures on public finances, as are many other European countries. He said that these developments require a prompt, serious and responsible policy response.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in the Kingdom of Belgium is announcing a vacancy for a full-time driver/courier for a fixed term of one year, with the possibility of extension, starting tentatively in August 2026. The contract will be concluded in accordance with Belgian (local) legislation.

On 9 May, Europe celebrates Europe Day – a day dedicated to peace, cooperation and respect for diversity. These are also the fundamental values of sport.

Minister Klemen Boštjančič attended a meeting of the European Union’s Economic and Financial Affairs Council in Brussels. The ministers discussed new rules that will grant the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Anti-Fraud Office access to VAT data at the EU level, thereby strengthening the fight against fraud. They also discussed responses to the economic consequences of the war in the Middle East.

This year, the sixth Golden Bee Award will be presented, thus concluding the second cycle of fields in which the awards are presented. The award committee received 12 nominations from nine countries for achievements in the field of research on bees and other pollinators.

On July 11, 2026 and July 12, 2026 the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in Enon Valley, Pennsylvania.

On June 3, 2026 the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in Detroit, Michigan.

Representatives of the Slovenian Maritime Administration (SMA) attended the 6th international conference ADRIASPILLCON2026 (Adriatic Oil Spill Conference), which took place in Zadar, Croatia, from April 21 to 23, 2026.

Dear citizens and residents of Slovenia, and compatriots in neighbouring countries and around the world. Work is one of the most fundamental expressions of human dignity. Through it, individuals fulfil themselves, and communities build their strength and future.

The Archivalia of the Month section features the Archivalia of the month of May, which is dedicated to the Confirmation of the Privileges Granted to the Pleterje Charterhouse. The text was prepared by Jure Volčjak.

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the 40th episode of the government GOVSI podcast was dedicated to reflecting on the importance of workers’ rights in the past and today. The guest of the episode was long-time trade unionist Lidija Jerkič, who stressed that workers’ rights are not self-evident, but the result of long-term struggle and effort.

Yesterday, the Council of the EU approved the fifth amendment to Slovenia's Recovery and Resilience Plan. A total of EUR 2.08 billion from the Recovery and Resilience Facility is now available for its implementation, consisting of EUR 469 million in loans and EUR 1.61 billion in grants.

With the 50th anniversary of the partnership between the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) approaching next year, preparations to bring elevate cooperation to a comprehensive strategic level are at the forefront of the meeting between the EU and ASEAN foreign ministers. Slovenia plans to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation this year, thereby strengthening its cooperation with this dynamic region amid geopolitical tensions.

Dear citizens and residents of Slovenia, and compatriots in neighbouring countries and around the world. On the Day of Uprising Against Occupation, we remember the courage, determination and integrity of our ancestors, who, in the most difficult circumstances, driven by a desire for freedom and for the preservation of our language, culture and national identity, united and began to organise resistance against the destructive occupying forces.

On World Book Day, observed each year on 23 April, the discussion with State Secretary Vesna Humar focused on the importance of reading in contemporary society. The day, symbolically linked by UNESCO to the anniversaries of the deaths of William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, highlights the exceptional role of books in the development of both individuals and society.

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

At today’s session, the Government adopted the Decree on concessions for the construction of new cableway installations at Kanin, which will contribute to the further development of tourism in the area. It also approved amendments to the Act on Remedying the Consequences of Work with Asbestos, took note of the Development Report 2026 and the progress in preparing the Annual Progress Report 2026, and issued the Decree on the determination of psychotherapeutic approaches.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Ministers discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the situations in the Middle East, the South Caucasus and Sudan. Minister Fajon drew particular attention to Israel’s ongoing human rights violations, urging the EU to take more decisive action.

On 16 April 2026, the Faculty of Law at the University of Ljubljana hosted a trilateral conference between Slovenia, Austria and Italy entitled Protecting Civilians and Civilian Infrastructure under International Humanitarian Law. The event was attended by more than fifty representatives of state institutions, the Slovenian, Austrian and Italian Red Cross, academia and student groups.

The Berlin Process, established in 2014 as a platform to strengthen regional cooperation and support the Western Balkans in their path towards EU accession, was hosted by Montenegro for the first time. On behalf of Slovenia, Peter Pogačar, Director-General of the Public Sector Directorate at the Ministry of Public Administration, attended the meeting of ministers for public administration and other high-level representatives.

The European Commission today disbursed just over €230 million to Slovenia under the Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU. This is the maximum possible payment, as Slovenia has met all the milestones under its fifth payment request.

The economic delegation of the Slovenian space industry, including representatives of ten Slovenian companies from the space and defense sectors, attended the Space Symposium, which took place in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from April 13 to 16, 2026.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the Decree on the programmes of services under compulsory health insurance, the capacities required for their implementation, and the scope of funding for 2026. The Government also granted the Municipality of Novo mesto consent to prepare a detailed municipal spatial plan within the area of the national spatial plan adopted by the Decree on the location plan for the Hrastje–Lešnica motorway section.

Podsreda Castle hosted a ceremony marking the completion of a project to upgrade its public tourist infrastructure, improving spatial conditions, service quality, and the overall visitor experience. The project represents a significant functional and content upgrade of the Municipality of Kozje’s central tourist site, transforming it into a modern, accessible, and sustainably oriented destination.

A ceremony presenting awards for the best innovative solutions in the field of circular economy 2025 took place today at Brdo pri Kranju. The event represents the central national platform for recognising, professionally validating, and promoting innovative solutions that contribute to the systemic transition to a circular economy.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has concluded a call for proposals for the revitalisation of public infrastructure facilities in border problem areas for 2026. Ten municipalities were allocated €9.4 million for the renovation of abandoned public infrastructure facilities and the revitalisation of underutilised areas.

The State Secretary at the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad, Vesna Humar, attended a meeting with representatives of Slovenian associations and organisations during the official visit of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, to Croatia.

In 2025, Slovenia allocated 0.22% of its gross national income (GNI) to official development assistance (ODA). Together with EU funds earmarked for this purpose, it allocated just under 152 million euros for humanitarian aid and development cooperation projects and programmes. This is 0.7% lower than in 2024, reflecting a 0.01 percentage point decrease as a share of GNI.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the MED9 Informal Ministerial Meeting in Split to discuss security and cooperation in the Mediterranean. “The situation in the Middle East affects us all. We must insist on diplomacy and respect for the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, which must apply to everyone,” said Minister Fajon.

At today’s session, the Government adopted a decision to ensure the timely provision of sufficient gas reserves, thereby increasing security of supply and strengthening the country’s resilience. It also issued a regulation introducing a requirement for prior approval of price increases for electricity and natural gas for certain groups of consumers, and took note of the draft Social Climate Plan and the GRECO report.

Many of the measures introduced in Slovenia under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, implemented with the support of EU funds under the Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU, have already been successfully completed. Below are the results of the measures taken to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which are causing numerous civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, must stop. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and maximum restraint by all parties. Full respect for international law, in particular international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel is essential.

In the context of growing geopolitical tensions and security priorities, Minister Tanja Fajon discussed the challenges and future orientations in official development assistance with members of the Expert Council for Development Cooperation.

In the wake of the United States' recent bombastic and deeply concerning statements, the agreement on a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is a welcome development in the hope that it will lead to lasting peace.

8th of April is International Roma Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the rich cultural heritage, language and identity of the Roma community, which plays a vital role in shaping our shared cultural landscape.

The Republic of Slovenia welcomes the agreement between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran on a ceasefire and the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for safe navigation. This step represents an important opportunity to de-escalate tensions and reduce risks to regional and global security, particularly in the areas of energy and food stability.

The theme of this year’s World Health Day is Together for health. Stand with science. The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has joined the calls to strengthen scientific collaboration in order to protect the health of people, animals, plants and the planet. It supports efforts to strengthen global health and food security, as well as to integrate health considerations into scientific, economic and development cooperation.

Dear Citizens, esteemed compatriots at home and abroad, during the Easter season, I wish you peace in your heart, courage in your thoughts and warm, sincere moments of closeness with your loved ones.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tirana wishes to inform that the Embassy will be closed on the following dates in observance of public holidays:

At the launch of new emergency humanitarian response projects that Caritas Slovenia will implement in 2026 with financial support from the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič met with Peter Tomažič, Secretary General of Caritas Slovenia.

In the latest episode of the GOVSI podcast, the guest is Michael M. Epstein, a U.S. expert in media law, who highlights the impact of disinformation on democracy, especially in the run-up to elections.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tirana is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and proactive professional for the position of Executive Assistant for Administrative and Consular Affairs. This is a one-year contract with the possibility of indefinite prolongation.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon joined a virtual ministerial meeting convened by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in response to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign ministers from more than 40 countries, spanning all continents, primarily discussed diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe reopening of the Strait to shipping traffic.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the starting points for the preparation of legislative frameworks in the area of energy security and the reliable supply of essential goods and services. It also adopted the Strategy for the Prevention and Control of HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Sexually Transmitted Infections 2026–2035, as well as amendments to the Decree on Drinking Water.

Dr Smiljana Knez today presented her Letter of Credence to the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, marking the assumption of her post as the non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to ASEAN, based in Manila, the Philippines.

February was marked by the observance of World Water Day, which highlighted key challenges in water management. During the month, the ceremonial inauguration of completed flood protection measures on the Gradaščica River took place, along with the presentation of upcoming measures on the Gradaščica and the completion of water management works on the Mura River.

The Archivalia of the Month section features the Archivalia of the month of April, which is dedicated to the Results of the First Democratic Elections in Slovenia.
The text was prepared by Alenka Starman Alič.

Slovenia firmly opposes the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances. It is committed to its abolition globally. The approval by the Israeli Parliament of a bill enabling capital punishment represents a step back from Israel’s long-standing de facto moratorium.

Minister Tanja Fajon attended an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv. The visit, which took place four years after the liberation of Bucha, underscored continued support for and solidarity with Ukraine. The discussions focused primarily on holding Russia accountable for its crimes, assessing the situation on the ground and supporting peace efforts.

The 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) has ended. This was Slovenia's first session as a member of the HRC since rejoining. Despite the current global tensions, the session yielded significant results, including discussions on the implementation of human rights in individual countries and the protection of children in armed conflict.

On Monday, 30 March 2026, The Republic of Slovenia (rated A2 (stable) / AA (stable) / A+ (stable)) has successfully priced its inaugural Renminbi-denominated Panda bond in the China Interbank Bond Market (CIBM). This landmark transaction represents the first sovereign Panda bond of 2026 and stands as the largest debut sovereign issuance in the history of the Panda bond market.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Krško Urban Sports Park – Sports and Recreation Centre. The European Regional Development Fund contribution stands at €1.25 million.

At the 23rd PRO PR Conference in Podgorica, the Director of the Government Communication Office (UKOM), Petra Bezjak Cirman, presented the Slovenian Stop Disinformation campaign: reREAD, reTHINK, RECHECK. In recognition of this campaign, the Government Communication Office received the Prizma 2024 Award, a top accolade in the field of public relations.

Prime Minister Robert Golob visited the Gorenjska region today to inspect the damage caused by the severe weather event and windthrow.

The ninth Latin America and Caribbean Days (LAC Days) continued with a visit to the Port of Koper, where a high-level delegation from Latin American and Caribbean countries toured the port and met with the management and President of the Management Board Nevenka Kržan.

The Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Recovery and Resilience has submitted to the European Commission the sixth payment request for funds under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, in a total gross amount of EUR 89.53 million.

Following today's National Security Council session, Prime Minister Robert Golob issued the following written statement: "Given the escalating global tensions and the increasingly frequent forecasts of a looming economic crisis, Slovenia today more than ever needs unity and cooperation, namely a broad coalition or a government of national unity.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project under the agreement on the development of regions, namely the design of the Pomurje regional development strategy. The Cohesion Fund contribution stands at €68,000.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has launched the ninth edition of the Latin America and Caribbean Days international conference (LAC Days), focusing on political dialogue, as well as economic, scientific and logistical integration.

Today, the Government took note of the Information on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan and examined the Report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan before submitting the sixth payment request.

The European Commission today welcomed the fifth proposal to amend the Slovenian Recovery and Resilience Plan. The amendment to the plan also needs to be approved by the Council of the European Union.

During today’s session, the Slovenian Government allocated its contributions for 2026 to various international organisations, funds and other bodies.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia took note of the information on energy supply at today’s session and adopted the Resilience Strategy of the Republic of Slovenia until 2030.

The National Security Council was presented with reports by the Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy, Bojan Kumer, and the Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, Matjaž Han. The reports addressed the current situation in the energy sector in Slovenia and in the international environment, including energy security, security of supply and the impacts on the economy.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the renovation of the Rotovž Town Hall in Maribor. The European Regional Development Fund contribution stands at €4.45 million.

The Republic of Slovenia CNY Panda Bond - Mandate Announcement

The foreign ministers of Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Iceland, Singapore, Slovenia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as part of the so-called Green Group, are issuing a joint statement and appeal on the occasion of World Water Day. This year it focuses on gender equality. As stated in the introduction, a recent report from the UN University's Institute for Water, Environment and Health warns that the world has reached a state of water bankruptcy.

Since the onset of tensions in global energy markets, the Government has been closely monitoring developments and has taken measures to ensure that fuel storage facilities remain adequately stocked. However, developments over the past two days have required the Government to intervene more directly in the logistics infrastructure. The Government has therefore adopted measures to enable fuel distributors to resupply service stations more efficiently.

The Josephine Valencic Scholarship for Voice is intended to encourage the study of vocal music among young people of Slovenian heritage. The fund covers part of the cost of studying at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM).

Joško Kadivnik, the Director of SOVA (Slovene Intelligence and Security Agency), today presented to the members of the National Security Council Secretariat’s operational group a full account of events that took place between 10 and 11 December 2025, along with material evidence of connections of three representatives of the private intelligence corporation Black Cube (Giora Eiland, Liron Tzur and Dan Zorella) to the visit at Trstenjakova ulica 8 in Ljubljana, where the SDS party has its headquarters.

A recent visit to Denmark by a delegation from the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce Legal Department offered valuable insights into how strong cooperation between stakeholders can support a modern, adaptable labour market. The visit was part of the Labour Law Compass on Flexible Forms of Employment and Social Dialogue project and focused on understanding approaches that foster both economic competitiveness and social stability.

February was marked by field visits of works carried out on watercourses, the completion of works of a major flood protection project and ongoing digitalization efforts to improve the accessibility of data on watercourse works for the public.

Prime Minister Robert Golob is attending the regular March meeting of the European Council in Brussels, which, in light of the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, is focusing on the current situation in the region and its possible implications for Europe.

Prime Minister Robert Goloba sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding foreign influence on the elections in Slovenia. He also shared the letter with European Council President António Costa and the leaders of the Renew political group.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Pristina is seeking an Economic, Development and Culture Projects Liaison Officer.

The Ministry of Public Administration today hosted a delegation from the European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE), an organisation that brings together European researchers specialising in electoral integrity.

The State Secretary for National and International Security in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Vojko Volk, summarised the findings of today's meeting of the National Security Council Secretariat (SSNAV), which he convened at the proposal of the Prime Minister.

The Government will further reduce duties, thus mitigating the increase in the prices of petroleum products for the next 14-day period, as such an increase cannot be avoided due to the conflict in the Middle East. Without this intervention, there would be a price increase of approximately 26 cents per litre for diesel and fuel oil, and a price increase of approximately 18 cents per litre for petrol.

During the General Affairs Council discussion on the draft conclusions for the March European Council and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), State Secretary Neva Grašič welcomed the leaders’ plan to focus on the EU’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy, which is particularly important in the context of the heightened security situation in the Middle East, the consequences of which are already being felt in Europe.

We have just completed one of the most challenging diplomatic operations, safely bringing home nearly a thousand Slovenian citizens from the Middle East war zone.

The Prime Minister, Robert Golob, and the Minister of Health, Valentina Prevolnik Rupel, visited the University Rehabilitation Institute of the Republic of Slovenia - Soča (URI - Soča) today, where they met with the management and reviewed the progress of ongoing investments.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon attended a ceremony in Trieste to mark the 30th anniversary of the Executive Secretariat of the Central European Initiative (CEI). She also held a separate meeting with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. Before that, she met with representatives of the Slovenian national minority in Italy at the Slovenian Consulate General.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today visited the University Medical Centre Ljubljana, where he officially opened an energy-refurbished and revitalised section of the first eighth of the main hospital building. The refurbished premises on the eighth floor form part of the Department of Nephrology within the Internal Medicine Clinic.

At the Foreign Affairs Council, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon emphasised that other crises must not divert attention from Ukraine. This was the third meeting of EU foreign ministers this month, two of which were convened on an emergency basis in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East. Ministers continued their discussion on the EU’s response to the ongoing violence in the region, noting with concern that violence continues to replace diplomacy.

Prime Minister Robert Golob hosted representatives of the Slovenian business community at a special event.

The Communication Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia (UKOM) has prepared an interactive quiz entitled Recognising disinformation and techniques for manipulating content, designed to encourage the public to reflect on how misleading information is created and how it can be recognised.

Below we publish a letter of support for Slovenian International Criminal Court Judge Beti Hohler, who is facing serious consequences from sanctions imposed against her by the United States in June last year. The letter is co-signed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, and the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended a ceremony at Ljubljana Castle for the official appointment of Goran Dragić as ambassador of Youth Sports Games. Prime Minister Golob also addressed the audience.

In the latest episode of GOVSI Podcast, our guest is Tomaž Petek, Director-General of the Surveying and Mapping Authority of the Republic of Slovenia. Together with host Petra Prešeren Golob, he explains how Surveying and Mapping Authority manages key spatial records—from the real estate cadastre to building data registers. Director-General Tomaž Petek highlights why accurate geodetic data form the foundation of a well-regulated spatial environment and trust in the legal system.

State Secretary Neva Grašič visited Moldova at the invitation of Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration and Chief Negotiator for EU accession of the Republic of Moldova. The talks focused on Moldova’s rapprochement with the EU and its reform efforts within the negotiation process. The visit reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthening political dialogue as well as economic and development cooperation.

Prime Minister Robert Golob, together with the Minister of Infrastructure, Alenka Bratušek, attended the ceremony marking the successful completion of works on junctions B – Škalsko jezero and H – Konovo on the expressway from Velenje to Koroška and the official handover of the first junction on the northern part of the third development axis (Konovo) to traffic.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the Strategy for the Management and Development of Healthcare and Allied Professionals in the Healthcare System 2026–2036, agreed to an extraordinary adjustment of pensions of one per cent and issued two ordinances: the Ordinance on financial assistance to family farms following the transfer of agricultural holdings, and the Ordinance on the co-financing of vaccination against bluetongue disease.

The Prime Minister, Robert Golob, attended the ceremony marking the completion of works on the Divača–Koper second railway track, together with the Minister of Infrastructure, Alenka Bratušek.