News

The JP SUB-EV26 public call for electric vehicle purchase incentives will close soon, as the available funding is close to being fully committed. As the scheme is funded by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, which assumed responsibility for the programme following the reorganisation of the Slovenian state administration (previously under the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy), we would like to provide additional information on its financing.

Franci Matoz, Minister of Interior and Public Administration, participated in an informal video conference with the home affairs ministers of the European Union (EU) member states. The meeting focused on the current migration situation in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta.

We are pleased to announce that an upgrade to the Virtual Archival Reading Room (VARR) will take place on Monday, August 3, between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

Pursuant to a decision of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, Matej Grum assumed the duties of Acting Director of the Metrology Institute of the Republic of Slovenia on 1 August 2026.

The Archivalia of the Month section features the Archivalia of the month of August, which is dedicated to the the Earliest Preserved Map in Slovenian Archival Institutions. It is an important source for the study of historical geography of the region between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea in the second half of the 16th century.

Prime Minister Janez Janša, together with the leaders of 21 other European countries, has sent a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, calling for an immediate and coordinated European response to the escalating migration situation in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

Tone Kajzer, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, hosted his first guest in Slovenia: the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Orbán. The two neighbouring countries already cooperate successfully; however, there still remain many unexplored opportunities to further strengthen their partnership.

Tone Kajzer, Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, met Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in Paris. As traditional allies and close partners within the European Union and NATO, Slovenia and France enjoy excellent bilateral relations, underpinned by their strategic partnership.

The documentation relating to the Open Call for Proposals for Small-scale Projects under the Interreg Slovenia–Croatia Programme 2021–2027 (Reference Number 4300-132/2023-1630-4), published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, Number 116/23, on 17 November 2023, is amended with regard to the amount of the available funding and the name of the responsible ministry.

At today’s correspondence session, the Government gave its consent to the signing of a contribution agreement with the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU).

Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning Polona Rifelj attended the informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for the environment and climate that took place in Ireland on 23 and 24 July. The main topics of the meeting were the future of EU climate policy, circular economy, the competitiveness of EU economy and preparations for future international negotiations on climate and the environment.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today attended the inaugural session of the Strategic Council for the Economy, the first of the strategic councils established by the new Government. Its mission is to prepare concrete, feasible and systemic solutions to improve the business environment, strengthen the competitiveness of the Slovenian economy and create the conditions for higher added value and greater prosperity.

At today’s correspondence session, the Government, among other things, adopted the text of the proposed amendment to the Spatial Planning Act and decided on amendments to legislation relating to the tax and financial system. It also issued the Decree on Financial Assistance Due to Unforeseeable Events on Agricultural Holdings and adopted the Framework Plan of Legislative Activities for 2026.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Hydraulic improvement of the Trbovlje water supply system. The project will help reduce water losses and ensure a more reliable supply of drinking water to residents. The Cohesion Fund contribution to the project stands at just over € 800,000.

The Minister of the Economy, Labour and Sport, Dr Anže Logar, has signed decisions and contracts allocating funds to beneficiaries under the Public Call for Co-financing the Implementation of the Annual Programme of Sport at National Level for 2026. More than €19 million will be allocated for the implementation of this programme, representing the highest level of funding to date.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for two projects, namely the project Improving the status of species and habitat types in the Natura 2000 sites of Pohorje - Pohorka and the project Marshes and wetland meadows – MOČvira. The European Regional Development Fund will contribute a total of €5.75 million to the projects, which will help restore threatened habitats and conserve biodiversity.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša today visited the Jožef Stefan Institute, where he met with the management of Slovenia’s largest research institution to discuss the further development of Slovenian science, the strengthening of research infrastructure and closer cooperation between the state and research institutions in areas that are crucial to Slovenia’s future development.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the GIGA Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (GIGA NMR) project. The project will establish a state-of-the-art research infrastructure to develop critical technologies and strengthen research and innovation in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. The European Regional Development Fund contribution stands at €27.5 million.

As part of ongoing efforts to promote Slovenian literature abroad and foster a culture of reading amongst young people in the Philippines, Ambassador Dr Smiljana Knez recently visited key educational and community organisations across the country, donating translated works of beloved Slovenian authors. The initiative promotes English translations of iconic Slovenian picture books designed to introduce young Filipino readers to Slovenia's rich storytelling heritage.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project to build the new Dr Mihajlo Rostohar Elementary School in Krško. The project will receive just over €231,600 from the European Regional Development Fund.

At the invitation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, State Secretary Stanislav Raščan attended the ministerial conference on the resurgence of political terrorism in Washington. The conference hosted more than 70 government representatives and aimed to facilitate an exchange of views on current security challenges and on cooperation between public institutions and the private sector in the prevention of terrorism.

At the coalition summit at Brdo pri Kranju, Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning Polona Rifelj presented the legislative programme for 2026, which is a key development framework for the coming years.

Today marks International Criminal Justice Day. The international criminal justice system contributes to the independent and impartial establishment of facts, ensuring accountability and respect for international law and delivering justice for victims. Its effective operation helps to prevent crimes and foster lasting peace and reconciliation.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Manila, in partnership with the National Archives of the Philippines (NAP) and Philippine Normal University (PNU), officially opened the traveling exhibition titled “Potovanje/Paglalakbay: Two Women Travellers in the 1920s: Alma Karlin of Slovenia and Paz Guazon of the Philippines” at the university premises.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the public call for proposals titled Establishment and development of adapted practical training programmes for special needs students. European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) contribution stands at €800,000.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the text of the draft Act on Specialised Authorities for Dealing with Corruption-Related Criminal Offences and Organised Crime and approved the starting points for the preparation of a revised state budget for 2026. It also launched the process of preparing budget documents for the next two years.

Prime Minister Janez Janša visited Kyiv to mark Ukraine Statehood Day, attending a central ceremony and the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit. The visit reaffirmed Slovenia's ongoing support for the Ukrainian people in their struggle for freedom, sovereignty, and justice.

A ceremonial presentation of diplomas to the participants of consular, diplomatic and higher diplomatic exams took place at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, along with a presentation of Dr Božo Cerar’s new book, Small States in a World of Tectonic Change: 21st-Century Diplomacy in the Case of Slovenia, followed by a lecture by the author on the challenges of modern foreign affairs.

Slovenia’s landscapes recently came to life in Denmark through an immersive culinary event designed to showcase the country not through images, but through flavour, atmosphere, and memory. Bringing together four groups of guests - including diplomats, journalists, tourism professionals, and key partners - the experience invited attendees to explore Slovenia in a way that was both personal and multisensory.

State Secretary Tamara Weingerl Požar attended the General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. Ministers and state secretaries responsible for European affairs were briefed on the plans of the Irish Presidency for further discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. They also discussed the EU’s simplification agenda and adopted conclusions on the evaluation of the annual rule of law dialogue.

On Tuesday, 14 July, the Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces, Major General Boštjan Močnik, met with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus G. Grynkewich. The meeting at the General Staff headquarters formed part of General Grynkewich's official visit to Slovenia.

Speaking at the regular monthly meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer said that due to Russia's escalating activities in several areas – ranging from military attacks and hybrid and information operations to culture and sports – greater pressure should be exerted on Russia, including through the adoption of new sanctions.

The members of the Coalition of the Willing convened in Paris today to confirm their continued support for Ukraine in defending its freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Janez Janša stressed that the meeting had demonstrated a growing readiness to support Ukraine.

Yesterday evening, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tone Kajzer, met the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, Antonio Tajani. The ministers highlighted the close neighbourly relations between the two countries and discussed EU enlargement, the situation in the Western Balkans, support for Ukraine and other current European and international issues.

Thirty-one years have passed since the Srebrenica genocide, one of the darkest chapters in shared European history. On the occasion of this anniversary, we pay deep respects to the memory of the more than eight thousand Bosniak men and boys, who were murdered in Srebrenica in July 1995. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, the survivors and all who are still searching for the missing.

Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer chose Berlin for his first bilateral visit abroad, where he met with his German counterpart, Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The ministers confirmed the excellent relations between Slovenia and Germany and reaffirmed their shared commitment to a strong Europe, the transatlantic partnership and Ukraine, as well as their support for EU enlargement to include the Western Balkan countries.

Today, Prime Minister Janez Janša chaired the session of the Government Council for Slovenians Abroad, which was devoted to discussing the key issues of the situation of Slovenian communities abroad and adopted a number of important decisions to strengthen their cooperation with the homeland.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for a park along the Pekrski potok stream - phase one. The European Regional Development Fund will contribute just over €2.5 million to the project.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the construction of a bicycle path along the Pečke-Slovenska Bistrica local road 440101.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the arrangement of the Podutik wetland forest and pond. European Regional Development Fund contribution to the project stands at €560 thousand.

The Council of the European Union in its configuration of finance ministers today approved the sixth amendment to Slovenia's Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

The implementation of measures and projects under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), supported by the European Union through the Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU, is in its final phase. We present the results of measures aimed at ensuring better access to very high capacity broadband networks for households in white areas.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer welcomed the eight-member delegation from the United States Congress that came to Slovenia as part of its visit to Europe. Before arriving in Ljubljana, the delegation participated in the Annual Session of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly in The Hague.

At today’s session, the Government confirmed Slovenia’s participation in the specialised world exhibition Expo 2027 Belgrade and established the Strategic Council for the Economy.

After the NATO summit, Prime Minister Janez Janša described it as one of the most successful meetings in recent years. He said that it had delivered unified answers to key security challenges and reaffirmed the commitment of Member States to strengthening collective defence further.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer attended the two-day NATO Summit in Ankara, accompanied by Prime Minister Janez Janša and Minister of Defence Valentin Hajdinjak.

Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs, Minister of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development, met today with the leadership of the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia at the Ministry’s future headquarters in Maribor. The working meeting was attended by the President of the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia, Nejc Smole, Vice Presidents Gregor Košir and Gregor Macedoni, and Secretary General Jasmina Vidmar.

The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC) has concluded its 62nd regular session, during which it adopted the resolution “Twentieth anniversary of the Human Rights Council”, which was proposed by Slovenia.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Integrated Territorial Investment project called Urban Municipality of Novo mesto Seidlova – phase 2. European Regional Development Fund contribution to the project stands at €989 thousand.

The Director-General of the Slovenian Prison Administration, Mr Denis Perše, and his colleagues attended the 15th EuroPris Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the 31st Council of Europe Conference of Directors of Prison and Probation Services (CDPPS) in Valletta, Malta.

The Ministry of Finance has today submitted the draft National Demographic Fund Act for public consultation. One of the objectives of the draft act is to establish a long-term sustainable and transparent system for managing state assets, thereby strengthening the long-term stability and security of the pension system and ensuring greater social security for current and future generations.

Mihael Zupančič, Minister of Justice, and Suzana Lep Šimenko, Minister for Relations between the Republic of Slovenia and the Autochthonous Slovenian National Community in Neighbouring Countries, and between the Republic of Slovenia and Slovenians Abroad, met with representatives of the Slovenian national community in Austria.

On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Washington extends its congratulations to the United States of America on this important historic milestone.

At the main ceremony marking the Municipality of Benedikt's 27th municipal holiday, Minister Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs addressed the audience as the keynote speaker and underlined the importance of local communities and smaller municipalities for the country’s comprehensive and balanced progress. As she noted, municipalities like Benedikt are not on the periphery of the country, but rather an important part of it.

On the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia extends its congratulations to the United States of America on this historic jubilee.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Rogaška Slatina Cemetery project. The European Regional Development Fund contribution stands at just over €646 thousand.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the renovation of the town hall in Ptuj. The project will receive €2.95 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for three urban regeneration projects worth a total of €9.74 million. The projects will receive €5.43 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

The latest episode of the government GOVSI podcast features Viktor Mlakar, Head of the Consular Sector at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. In conversation with host Petra Prešeren Golob, he discussed consular assistance for Slovenian citizens abroad, how to act in crisis situations, and the eLastovka application.

A working meeting between the mayors of municipalities of the Podravje region and Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs, Minister of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development, took place today in Maribor. The meeting was organised by the Regional Development Agency for Podravje - Maribor at the initiative of Danijel Vrbnjak, President of the Podravje Regional Council, and hosted by the Urban Municipality of Maribor.

Slovenian companies will now be able to use intellectual property as collateral under SID Bank's new financing programmes. This is the result of several years of systematic work by the Slovenian Intellectual Property Office in the fields of intellectual property (IP) valuation and IP-backed finance, marking an important step towards greater recognition of knowledge and innovation in access to capital.

June 2026 was marked by the intensive implementation of projects by the Slovenian Water Agency in the areas of flood risk reduction, water infrastructure rehabilitation, the digitalisation of water management, and nature conservation. Particular emphasis was placed on post-flood recovery, the implementation of flood protection measures, the removal of invasive species, and cooperation with local communities. The month also marked the beginning of the term of Acting Director Roman Kramer, who assumed the leadership of the Agency.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development hosted a meeting with representatives of the Association of Urban Municipalities of Slovenia and the Association of Municipalities of Slovenia.

On 30 June 2026, Slovenian municipalities received financial incentives for joint municipal administrations in accordance with the act governing the financing of municipalities.

The implementation of the measures and projects under the Recovery and Resilience Plan, supported by the European Union through the Recovery and Resilience Facility – NextGenerationEU, is in its final phase. Below are presented the results of measures aimed at improving governance and strengthening investment in research, development and innovation – RDI.

The Archivalia of the Month section features the Archivalia of the month of July, which is dedicated to the Instructions of Franz Karl von Hohenwart to the Steward of his Ravne near Pivka Estate. The text was prepared by Igor Gardelin.

Minister Tone Kajzer presented the key objectives of Slovenian foreign policy and his own priorities for the coming period to the staff at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, diplomatic missions and consular posts. He stressed the importance of a professional, efficient and connected diplomacy that will serve security, prosperity and the national interests of the Republic of Slovenia.

The Agreement on Succession Issues was signed in Vienna on 29 June 2001, confirming the historic fact that Yugoslavia disintegrated and five sovereign and equal successor states emerged on its territory: Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia (then still known as Federal Republic of Yugoslavia), Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia.

Electricity sharing is a new mechanism introduced under both European and Slovenian legislation and represents an important step towards a more modern and efficient energy system. It enables owners of renewable electricity generation facilities to share surplus electricity with other users. In Slovenia, electricity sharing will become available from 1 July 2026 onwards.

Minister Kajzer attended the Dubrovnik Forum, one of the key international conferences in the region, held this year under the slogan of fostering dialogue and cooperation in a time of complex geopolitical circumstances. In his addresses and talks, he highlighted the importance of Slovenia’s cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly Croatia and Italy, with regard to the Mediterranean, and dialogue in solving key international challenges.

Prime Minister Janez Janša visited the Bukovnik farm, the highest-lying farm in Slovenia, which was recently struck by a devastating fire. The fire deeply affected both the local community and the wider Slovenian public. It caused extensive material damage and, above all, severely impacted the family who live and work on the farm, preserving life in the mountain landscape. Events such as this remind us how quickly life can change and how important mutual assistance and solidarity are.

Dr. Tomaž Žagar, State Secretary for Energy at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, attended the meeting of the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy (Energy) Council of the European Union. EU energy ministers endorsed the legislative package on European energy networks, discussed the future framework of the EU's energy policy beyond 2030, and exchanged views on energy security in light of the situation in the Middle East.

In an interview with Planet TV on the occasion of Statehood Day, Prime Minister Janez Janša underlined the importance of Slovenia’s independence as a shared achievement of the nation and the state. Reflecting on the War for Slovenia, he said he most strongly remembered the unity, enthusiasm and joy that accompanied the creation of an independent Slovenia, rather than the military threats. “Slovenia’s independence belongs to the Slovenian nation and to our civic community,” he said.

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tone Kajzer, attended the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, where he reaffirmed Slovenia’s ongoing support for Ukraine. He announced that Slovenia would co-finance the construction of three civil protection shelters in the Kharkiv region through official development assistance, and that it would join the International Civil Protection Shelter Coalition for Ukraine.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Copenhagen hosted a reception to mark Slovenia’s Statehood Day. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate Slovenia’s national holiday, showcase Slovenian culture and cuisine, and further strengthen the longstanding friendship between Slovenia and Denmark.

Slovenia proudly celebrated the 35th anniversary of its independence, marking over three decades of sovereignty, resilience and expanding global partnerships. While the national celebration in Ljubljana returned to its historic roots at Republic Square—where independence was first declared—the milestone was also vibrantly honoured over 10,000 kilometres away in Southeast Asia.

Dear fellow Slovenians, citizens of Slovenia and Slovenians living in neighbouring countries and around the world, on Statehood Day we look back with profound gratitude on the most momentous decision in the history of the Slovenian nation and on its fulfilment.

Prime Minister Janez Janša, accompanied by his wife Urška Bačovnik Janša, attended the central state ceremony marking Slovenia's Statehood Day, where, alongside the President of the Republic, he also delivered a ceremonial address. In his speech, he emphasised the importance of honouring the will of the people, as expressed in the independence plebiscite. "The Republic of Slovenia is a sovereign and independent state."

Ahead of Statehood Day, Prime Minister Janez Janša attended two ceremonial sessions. In the National Council, those gathered were addressed by President Marko Lotrič, while in the National Assembly the keynote speaker was President Zoran Stevanović.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today attended a reception for the relatives of fallen members of the Territorial Defence of the Republic of Slovenia and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Slovenia, as well as for civilian victims and those wounded in the War for Slovenia.

Following the inauguration of the new government, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer and State Secretaries Dr Stanislav Raščan and Tamara Weingerl Požar presented the priorities of Slovenian foreign policy to the diplomatic corps. In their presentation, the Ministry’s leadership emphasised that ensuring the security and well-being of citizens remains at the forefront of Slovenian foreign policy.

Today, 24 June, we celebrate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. Declared in 2022 by the United Nations, it provides an important opportunity to acknowledge the participation, influence and progress of women in diplomacy.

Prime Minister Janez Janša attended the ceremonial unveiling of the statue of General Rudolf Maister at the Park of Military History in Pivka, where he also delivered a speech.

Marking its third consecutive year of active cultural diplomacy, the Republic of Slovenia returned to the prestigious Cine Europa film festival for its 29th edition.

Franci Matoz, Minister of the Interior and Public Administration, met with his Croatian counterpart Dr Davor Božinović in Marija Gorica, Croatia. They discussed current issues in the field of home affairs, with a special emphasis on strengthening cooperation on security in the region.

At today’s session, the Government took note of the information on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) and expressed concern that complications could arise in the final projects financed under the Plan due to delays in their operational implementation. The Government therefore instructed all stakeholders to accelerate the completion of projects and make up for the delays.

On the 35th anniversary of Slovenia's independence, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tone Kajzer, presented the highest award for a lifetime's work in diplomacy to Dr Dimitrij Rupel, the longest-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs. This award is presented to individuals who, through years of outstanding service, have left an indelible mark on Slovenian diplomacy and helped establish the country's international reputation.

The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development, the Slovenian Regional Development Fund, and the Slovene Enterprise Fund jointly developed a plan for calls for proposals and financial instruments for 2027 and 2028. Through these initiatives, €85.4 million will be made available.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša spoke to Visegrád 24 about the challenges posed by illegal migration, the importance of effective border protection, and the need for the West to awaken and defend the values on which European civilisation is founded.

Following the European Council meeting, the Prime Minister said that this year's discussions had been more substantive than those held four years ago, as preparations for the meetings were of a higher quality and leaders had access to more analytical data. Nevertheless, negotiations on the EU's multiannual budget remain challenging, given the widely differing interests of the Member States.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, together with the leaders of 18 other EU Member States, signed a joint letter addressed to the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, in which the signatories call for more decisive and effective European solutions in the area of migration.

Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The focus of this year’s event is to highlight the urgent need to combat sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence against children.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has launched a new web and mobile eLastovka application for Slovenian nationals travelling abroad. The application allows faster and easier access to key information and significantly more effective notification in case of emergencies or crises.

A development conference of the Savinjsko-šaleška coal region called Forging a New Direction took place on 18 June 2026 in the Logarska dolina valley. The conference brought together representatives of national institutions, local communities, development institutions, business community, education institutions, and civil society to discuss the region’s key development challenges and opportunities and next steps in the just transition process.

Speaking ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Prime Minister Janez Janša said that the positions adopted at the recent G7 summit opened more possibilities to achieve peace in Ukraine. "Any steps that could lead to an end to the fighting and the start of negotiations should be welcomed. As long as weapons do the talking, diplomacy has little power," he emphasised.

Defence ministers from NATO member states met today in Brussels, where they discussed key security challenges facing the alliance and assessed progress in implementing the decisions adopted at the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague. The meeting, which was also attended by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Valentin Hajdinjak, M.A., served as preparation for the summit of NATO heads of state and government to be held in Ankara in July.

Slovenian cuisine has once again achieved remarkable international recognition. For the seventh consecutive year, the globally renowned Michelin culinary guide has recognised the best Slovenian restaurants, reaffirming the exceptional quality, sustainable focus and diversity of Slovenia's cuisine. This year's guide recommends 74 restaurants, ten of which have earned a total of 13 Michelin stars.

The European Commission today positively assessed the proposal for the sixth amendment to the Slovenian Recovery and Resilience Plan. The amendment is still subject to final approval by the Council of the European Union.

At today's session, the Government took note of the consolidated balance sheet of the general government budgetary accounts and the state budget. Minister of Finance Andrej Šircelj expressed serious concern about growth in budget expenditure, attributing it to measures introduced during the previous term. Never before has the growth in expenditures during the final year of a term increased as dramatically as it has this time.

Prime Minister Janez Janša and his wife, Urška Bačovnik Janša, attended a ceremony marking the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. In his speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the historical parallels between the Slovenian and American aspirations for freedom and the importance of common democratic values in a time of geopolitical turbulence.