News

Slovenia floating rate bond – new mandate

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) project Digital Urban Municipality of Velenje. European Regional Development Fund contribution amounts to €1.56 million.

The national dietary guidelines are based on the best available scientific evidence and contemporary understanding of the relationship between nutrition, health and sustainable development.

The eighteenth issue of the Diplomatic Bulletin marks the conclusion of its third year of publication. It features reports on this year's Slovenian Diplomacy Day celebrations and the open day event at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, while also offering reflections on the development of Slovenian diplomacy from its beginnings 35 years ago to the present day.

Protecting consumers and maintaining their confidence are key to ensuring the long-term viability of the beekeeping sector, but measures must be taken immediately. This is one of the conclusions reached on the second day of the International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination held in Maribor.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Wastewater infrastructure development in Prebold. The European Regional Development Fund will contribute over €522,000 to support the project.

At today’s session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia reallocated expenditure rights with the aim of improving the general government balance by €133 million. It extended temporary reintroduced controls at the borders with Croatia and Hungary until 21 December 2026 and included the project Battery electricity storage systems – companies in the Development Programmes Plan 2026–2029.

The third annual meeting under the second Swiss Contribution took place on 20 May 2026.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Development of a public park by the Semič Cultural Centre. The European Regional Development Fund will support the project by contributing over €600,000.

State Secretary Neva Grašič participated in the annual quadrilateral meeting held in Fribourg, Switzerland, on 19 May 2026. Bringing together Slovenia, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland at the level of deputy foreign ministers, the meeting was hosted by Swiss State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel.

The sixth Golden Bee Award was presented in celebration of World Bee Day. This year's winners are the Bee-etal Lab research group from Spain which, among other things, develop advanced methods for controlling invasive species. Their most notable achievement to date is the successful eradication of the invasive Asian hornet in Mallorca. The golden statue was presented to them by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar.

On the occasion of World Bee Day, Slovenia is hosting the third International Forum for Action on Sustainable Beekeeping and Pollination today and tomorrow. The event was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with the support of the International Federation of Beekeepers' Associations, Apimondia.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the renovation of the Novo mesto city market. The project will receive €3.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Renovation of the building at Cesta 1. Maja 17 street in Kranj. European Regional Development Fund contribution for the project stands at €1.64 million.

State Secretary for National and International Security at the Prime Minister’s Office, Vojko Volk, stated after today’s session of the Secretariat of the National Security Council that the Director-General of the Police had informed the members of the Secretariat that the Police had received a report on the investigation into the recordings that had been made public before the elections.

On the occasion of Slovenian Diplomacy Day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon for the first time presented new awards to Ministry employees in recognition of their exceptional professional accomplishments: “As a sign of respect and gratitude, I am presenting these awards to the people who, with their knowledge, dedication and professionalism, have played a significant role in the success of Slovenian diplomacy.”

State Secretary Tina Heferle attended the MED9 meeting of interior ministers from Mediterranean EU member states, held on 18-19 May 2026, in Rovinj, Croatia. Discussions focused on preventing irregular migration, protecting the European Union’s external borders to ensure a safer Mediterranean, and combating maritime drug trafficking.

Today we celebrate the first Lipizzaner Day, which was proclaimed by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia earlier this year. For Slovenia, 19 May holds special historical and cultural significance, as it marks the founding of the Lipica Stud Farm in 1580.

On August 15, 2026 and August 17, 2026 the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in Denver, Colorado.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development today hosted a ceremony marking the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Implementation of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2021-2028 and the Memorandum of Understanding on the Implementation of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2021-2028. The event was held at Villa Podrožnik, the protocol residence of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.

Today marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), held this year under the theme At the heart of democracy.

Representatives of the Slovenian Nuclear Safety Administration presented Slovenian practices and experience in the field of nuclear cyber security in Vienna from 11 to 15 May 2026 and took part in discussions on future challenges facing the sector.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the annual session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, hosted by Moldova. “Today, we have taken a significant step towards establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. By doing so, we are sending a clear message that respect for international law is not an option. It is a necessity and a shared responsibility,” she emphasised.

For the second year running, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs welcomed university and high school students, who took on the roles of diplomats and simulated international negotiations within the framework of the United Nations, under the auspices of the United Nations Association of Slovenia.

According to official data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia, Slovenia recorded year-on-year economic growth of 3% in the first quarter of this year. Minister of Finance Klemen Boštjančič emphasised that the figures clearly demonstrate the resilience of the Slovenian economy and counter forecasts of economic stagnation or decline.

On the 71st anniversary of the signing of the Austrian State Treaty (ADP), the Republic of Slovenia once again reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting the Slovenian minority in Austrian Carinthia and Styria in their efforts to fully realise their rights as set out in Article 7 of the ADP.

At today’s session, the Government defined measures to improve the general government balance and took note of the report on the situation at worksites on Slovenian motorways and expressways. It adopted amendments to the programme for the use of Climate Fund resources, thereby providing companies with an additional €10 million, and set the funding for incentives for electro-intensive companies at €30 million for 2026.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Lendava business incubator. The European Regional Development Fund will contribute €1.67 million to the project.

At the ministerial meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans group and the Western Balkan countries in Bratislava, Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon reiterated her country's support for EU enlargement. She also called on EU countries that have not yet endorsed the Slovenian-German proposal for qualified majority voting on certain procedural steps in the enlargement process to do so.

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 or will be by August 2026. Among these measures is the sustainable renovation of buildings to improve their energy efficiency.

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.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Purchase of flats from the Velenje Coal Mine. The Just Transition Fund has ring fenced a total of 5 million euros to support the project.

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.

The Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek today attended the high-level event marking the official launch of the Right to Stay Strategy at the invitation of Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms Raffael Fitto. The event took place in the European Parliament and brought together high-level representatives of EU member states and regions who affirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cohesion and resilience of EU regions.

Did you know that the territory of present-day Slovenia lay along important Roman trade routes? That Slavic-speaking peoples settled here in the sixth and seventh centuries? That after World War I, Slovenians did not live within a single state? How did Slovenia’s path to independence unfold?

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.

In April Slovenian Water Agency attended meeting of the Permanent Slovenian-Croatian Commission for Water Management in Zagreb, marked the World Earth Day and highlighted the importance of water as a fundamental natural resource affecting health, safety and quality of life, participated in the consultation “Municipal Spatial Plans – (Lost) Opportunities and Risks for the Development of Local Communities and Slovenia,” and presented measures, implemented in operation Reducing flood risk in the Savinja River Basin – Phase 1, that are currently underway.

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.

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 or will be by August 2026. Among them are measures contributing to improved water management and, consequently, cleaner and safer water.

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.

March 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.