News

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, has visited the Slovenian community in Cleveland, Ohio between 25 and 27 September 2025.

"The Crow's Flight is proof that a small nation in the heart of Europe can write a great story"

The Slovenian Science Foundation, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in New Delhi, the Embassy of India in Ljubljana and the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) in New Delhi worked together to organise the first Slovenian-Indian Festival of Science, Innovation, Smart Technologies and the Economy.

The Minister of Finance Klemen Boštjančič on the basis of the third paragraph of Article 40 of the Slovenian Sovereign Holding Act, issued a Decision on the appointment and tasks of the Expert Commission for the preparation of the candidate proposal for two members of the Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH) Supervisory Board.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Renovation of the Narodni dom building (cultural centre).

Slovenia has been a NATO member for more than two decades, yet debates about defense spending and the role of the Alliance remain lively. On the occasion of Civil Defense Day, the guest of the GOVSI podcast was Dr. Jelena Juvan, Head of the Defense Studies Department at the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The High-level Week of the General Debate of the UN General Assembly's 80th session is drawing to a close in New York, where Minister Tanja Fajon participated in numerous high-level meetings. In her addresses, she urged leaders to engage in dialogue, seek political solutions and promote tolerance and the protection of civilians. She expressed hope that by the next session, wars will have ended, the UN will be stronger and debates will focus on the future.

The Slovenian government has approved a financial contribution of EUR 1.2 million to support the Palestinian Authority. In doing so, Slovenia has joined the Emergency Coalition for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority. The Coalition was launched by France, Norway, Spain and Saudi Arabia at last year's Global Alliance for Implementing the Two-State Solution meeting in New York.

State Secretary of European Affairs Igor Mally today received a delegation hailing from the France-Slovenia Friendship Group in the Senate of the French Republic.

The Government approved the draft state budgets for 2026 and 2027, together with accompanying budget documents, and adopted the draft amendment to the Tax Procedure Act. It also adopted a measure against Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the State of Israel, and allocated EUR 1,200,000 for the functioning of the Palestinian Authority in 2025.

The Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia regularly monitors compliance with labour legislation regarding working hours, rest periods, overtime work, and occupational safety and health, including in the retail sector.

State Secretary for Cohesion mag. Marko Koprivc participated in a political panel Role of Industry and Critical Infrastructure in Strengthening Civilian Preparedness and National Resilience at the Dual Use Slovenia 2025 Conference that was held in Ljubljana today.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the Dual Use Slovenia 2025 Conference: The Role of Industry and Critical Infrastructure in Strengthening Civil and National Resilience, where he also addressed the audience.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon attended the opening of the general debate of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. On the same day, she also delivered addresses at two Security Council meetings concerning Ukraine and the Middle East. "In both cases, there is aggression – by the Russian Federation in Ukraine and by Israel in Gaza – directed against significantly smaller countries. This must end," she emphasised.

State Secretary Neva Grašič addressed participants at the development conference Slovenia, Competitiveness and Investments, organised by the National Council. She emphasised the importance of developing a strategic vision for Slovenia in a global context: "The choice of investment is a long-term decision that requires strategic thinking and coordinated action by all stakeholders."

Today, the Slovenian Government and the German Federal Government held bilateral consultations on fighting disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI).

State Secretary Maša Žagar attended the second EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council Meeting under the Danish Presidency. At the meeting, Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall proposed postponing the implementation of the Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR) until the end of 2026, an initiative also supported by Slovenia.

As the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip continues to unfold, there is an urgent need to scale up medical treatment of patients from Gaza.

Dear citizens, dear Slovenians at home and abroad, in Slovenia, a special day is dedicated to sport. On 23 September, Slovenia celebrates sport. A celebration that unites, inspires and reminds us that sport is so much more than competition. Sport means caring for our health and community, it instils in us perseverance and pride.

We strongly welcome today's decision by a group of countries to recognize Palestine. We are pleased that this follows Slovenia's decision from last year. Our wish, which we actively advocated for, was for as many countries as possible to join Slovenia.

The high-level week of the general debate of the UN General Assembly's 80th session has begun in New York, with President Nataša Pirc Musar and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon in attendance. On the opening day, discussions centred on the situation in Gaza, with the Minister urging states to follow Slovenia’s example and intensify efforts for a just peace in the Middle East.

At the opening of the High-level Week of the UN General Assembly’s 80th session at UN Headquarters in New York, State Secretary Melita Gabrič signed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel on behalf of Slovenia, which was also one of the first states invited to adopt the Declaration.

“In today's turbulent, restless and uncertain times, we urgently need concrete action to ensure peace. Each of us has a duty to respond, including by promoting understanding, respect and justice in our daily lives," emphasised Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, on today's International Day of Peace, inviting us to "Act Now for a Peaceful World".

State Secretary Neva Grašič has paid a working visit to Spain, where the Slovenian Presidency of the informal MED9 group of Mediterranean EU Member States hosted a working breakfast for representatives of Slovenia and Spain, and the ambassadors of the group's member states. State Secretary Grašič also met with Fernando Sampedro, State Secretary for the European Union, and Maider Makua García, Director of the Department of European Affairs of the Spanish Presidency of the Government and PM’s sherpa.

A first meeting of the Focal group for comprehensive treatment of children and adolescents displaying dangerous behaviour (FS-ONV) was held in the Prime Minister's Office. The meeting was convened at the initiative of Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob, who established the group on 30 June 2025 as an inter-ministerial operational body to respond to the increase in dangerous, in particular violent, behaviour among children and adolescents.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended a ceremonial opening of the Park of Safe Mobility that took place as part of this year’s European Mobility Week. Prime Minister Golob also addressed the audience.

Minister for Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek, State Secretary Srečko Đurov and their team attended the annual MOS trade fair where they met with the presidents of regional development councils and directors of regional development agencies to discuss the ongoing activities of the ministry regarding cohesion and regional development.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with Nasser Abu Baker, the President of the Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate, to discuss the situation in Palestine, with a focus on the war in Gaza.

State Secretary Melita Gabrič participated in the 2nd Global Summit of the School Meals Coalition in Fortaleza, held under the high patronage of Brazilian President Lula da Silva. The Summit brought together leaders, experts and Coalition partners from around the world to celebrate the progress made since the inaugural global summit in 2023.

At today's session, the Government adopted the starting points for preparing changes in the taxation of natural persons who carry out an activity and for discussing the introduction of a mandatory right of workers to the payment of a 14th monthly salary (Christmas bonus). It also took note of the European Commission's report on the state of the rule of law in the European Union for 2025, which establishes that Slovenia has made progress in practically all the areas discussed.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Development and enhancement of the Centres for the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Addiction.

October 18th and October 20th 2025 the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in the Chicago, Illinois area.

The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in June 2022, entered into force. The Agreement entered into force after it was ratified by a two-thirds majority of WTO members and the instrument of acceptance was deposited. This milestone was reached at the ceremony on 15 September 2025 at the special meeting of the WTO General Council.

The tenth edition of the Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week in Izola concluded with a forum on ecological connectivity as a key element of green infrastructure. The Mediterranean Coast and Macro-regional Strategies Week featured numerous events attended by more than 300 participants from 20 European countries.

As part of the Government's regional visit, Prime Minister Robert Golob also met with businessmen and mayors from Dolenjska and Bela Krajina.

State Secretary Neva Grašič took part in the General Affairs Council meeting, at which ministers responsible for European affairs discussed the agenda for the October European Council, a letter of intent on legislative programming, the annual rule of law dialogue and the developments in the rule of law situation in selected candidate countries.

Minister for Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek paid a visit to the public research institute Rudolfovo as part of the government visit to the region South-East Slovenia where he learned more about good practices in research-industry collaboration. After the visit, the Minister gave statement to the media, outlining amendments to Slovenia's Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027 the Government had earlier approved.

As part of his visit to the South-East region of Slovenia, Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the ceremonial opening of the Julija nursing hospital at the Novo mesto General Hospital.

Slovenia ranks 35th out of 139 economies this year. Switzerland has maintained its leading position among the most innovative economies in the world for more than a decade. The published report shows continued technological progress and the spread of innovations, but at the same time a slowdown in the growth of R&D spending and a continued decline in venture capital deals.

At today's session, the Government adopted a proposed Protection of Public Order Act and the starting points for the preparation of a proposed amendment to the Minor Offences Act. It also determined the text of the application for accreditation of a new public higher education institution, a public university based in Novo mesto, thereby taking a new step towards the establishment of this university.

This year, the Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week is celebrating its tenth anniversary. For the past few years, the multi-day event has been held under the theme ''Stronger cooperation for a better future''. Its aim is to raise awareness of the sea and the coast and the need to balance their economic potential and environmental sustainability. State Secretary from the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development mag. Marko Koprivc attended the event.

The September issue focuses on the successfully completed 20th Bled Strategic Forum, which attracted over 2,000 guests from nearly 100 countries; the highlights of this year's Conference of Slovenian Ambassadors; and the 50th anniversary of cooperation between Slovenia and Bavaria.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Construction of the Ormož Technology Park, phase two.

The Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia began carrying out inspections during the summer season, when workloads in the hospitality and tourism sectors are even higher.

October 4th 2025 the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in Duluth, Minnesota.

On 12 October 2025, Slovenia and other EU countries will start implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES) at the external Schengen border, in accordance with Regulations (EU) 2017/2226 and 2025/1534.

Dear citizens, dear people of Primorska, dear fellow Slovenians at home and abroad, 15 September is a day that the Slovenian people hold dear in their hearts. For us people of Primorska this is a day of celebration of joy and remembrance.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with the Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, Wang Yi.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon hosted Wang Yi, Director of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, on an official visit. Their discussions focused on opportunities for strengthening bilateral cooperation, the importance of multilateralism and collaboration within the UN Security Council.

Petra Bezjak Cirman, Director of the Government Communication Office, spoke to European students at the 13th Balkan SAYS 2025 seminar in Ljubljana on a panel entitled "Combating Information Threats through the Promotion of Free and Independent Media in the Western Balkans," presenting the Government's efforts to prevent foreign interference and manipulation of information.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar participated in a meeting of interior ministers of the Salzburg Forum in Czechia.

On 11 September 2025, State Secretary Danijel Levičar attended the international conference Nuclear Energy for New Europe, which took place in Bled.

Slovenia is facing a severe housing crises: young people are living longer at their parents’ homes, housing prices and rents are soaring, and public rental housing is scarce. The Ministry for a Solidary Future has systematically addressed housing policy. As State Secretary in the GOVSI podcast, the government is investing €100 million each year in the construction of new public rental apartments.

In Tomašóv, Minister Tanja Fajon attended a meeting of the informal Central 5 group, comprising the foreign ministers of Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia. “The C5 format is a valuable framework for exchanging views on the most pressing issues in our region and for strengthening ties between countries that share a common Central European identity,” said Fajon.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the draft amendment to the Act Regulating Relations of the Republic of Slovenia with Slovenians Abroad, which lays down measures to strengthen the economic base of Slovenians in neighbouring countries. It also approved the draft amendment to the Act on Cooperation in Criminal Matters with the Member States of the European Union, took note of the Autumn Forecast of Economic Trends 2025, and adopted a decision to prohibit entry into the Republic of Slovenia to Milorad Dodik.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

The Slovenia–Carinthia Joint Committee, chaired by the Governor of Carinthia, Peter Kaiser, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon, met in Celovec/Klagenfurt: “We are not only neighbours but also partners in our shared region in the heart of Europe”.

In her State of the Union address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reviewed the political objectives achieved and presented the main priorities and initiatives for the coming year.

Ahead of the session of the Slovenia-Carinthia Joint Committee in Celovec/Klagenfurt, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon visited the Peršman Homestead, a central site of remembrance for the Slovenian national minority in Austrian Carinthia. The Homestead was the scene of a major police intervention at the end of July this year against participants in a student educational camp.

Prime Minister Robert Golob called a consultation meeting of key long-term care stakeholders to discuss the implementation of long-term care. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of a Solidarity-Based Future, Simon Maljevac, and the Minister of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Luka Mesec.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with the Director-General of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), William D. Magwood, IV.

The traditional informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for agriculture concludes today in the Danish capital, with State Secretary Maša Žagar also in attendance. This session, held at the invitation of the Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Jacob Jansen, was dedicated to improving competitiveness and accelerating the green transition of the EU Agrifood Sector.

The Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia has carried out several inspections at the employer Bobnar, and the proceedings are not yet concluded.

This year marks Slovenia's 24th consecutive year of participation in the largest European initiative promoting sustainable mobility. This year's theme "Mobility for Everyone" highlights the importance of equal access to sustainable transport options.

Today marks the start of the 60th regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Together with several other countries, Slovenia will propose a resolution on the human rights of older persons, aimed at extending the mandate of the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons.

As part of the Latin American and Caribbean Days (LAC Days) 2025, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs continues to hold a series of cultural events organised in cooperation with the embassies of Latin American and Caribbean countries and Slovenian cultural institutions.

On the basis of the Act on Aid to Ensure Enhanced Air Connectivity (hereinafter reffered as: the Act), a Public Tender for Enhanced Air Connectivity of Slovenia was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia and the Official Journal of the European Union on 5. 9. 2025. In accordance with the first paragraph of Article 10 of the Act, the tender documentation is publicly published, however, the English translation is merely an information aid for foreign air carriers when preparing applications for aid.

The application for aid and Annexes must be submitted in Slovene language. Submission deadline is 25. 10. 2025 at 23:59:59.

Minister Dr. Aleksander Jevšek addressed the participants at an event Between Mountains and Data: How do we live in Slovenia and how do we live in Zasavje? held at Dewesoft in Trbovlje. He emphasised that Cohesion Policy funds from the Just Transition Fund, which is expected to provide approximately €75 million, represent an important stimulus for the development of the Zasavje region.

At today's session, the Government adopted the proposed new amendments to the Nature Conservation Act and the proposal for the Co-Financing for Hosting the 2029 European Men's Basketball Championship in Ljubljana Act. The Government also repealed the 2003 decision allowing Israeli security officers to be armed at the Ljubljana international airport.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Intermediate care units in social welfare institutions.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project New services in the network of mental health services, or, in short, New mental health services.

State Secretary Neva Grašič met with Osvaldo Zavala Giler, Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC), on the margins of the Bled Strategic Forum. She reaffirmed Slovenia's commitment to the global fight against impunity for the most serious crimes, and to upholding the rule of law, as well as the independence and impartiality of judicial institutions, with the ICC at their centre.

We invite you to join us to Cultural events!

Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob met today with U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew G. Whitaker. At the outset, the Prime Minister highlighted the excellent and friendly relations between Slovenia and the United States, which are also reflected in their joint efforts for peace and stability in the Western Balkans.

Prime Minister Robert Golob hosted European Council President António Costa at Strmol Castle today. The working visit took place at a critical time as the European Union faces complex strategic challenges.

On the margins of the Bled Strategic Forum, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon and President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Špoljarić signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reaffirming and further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Slovenia and the ICRC in the field of humanitarian action and the promotion of international humanitarian law.

On the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum, Ms. Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, and Mr. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), signed a €4 million agreement to support the Agency’s work over the next four years (2025 – 2028), including €1 million per year in fully flexible funding.

The first panel of the 3rd Slovenian Humanitarian Forum, which was held as part of the Bled Strategic Forum and focused on multilateral action in times of crisis, conveyed a clear message: The withdrawal of countries from international organisations, coupled with reduced funding in the face of mounting crises, poses a serious threat to multilateralism and the effectiveness of humanitarian response.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Establishment of a support system for deafblind learners, also referred to as call for proposals Children with deafblindness.

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the opening of the Bled Strategic Forum, which this year is running under the slogan "A Runaway World". This year's edition focuses on how to strengthen effective governance, strategic sovereignty and trust in an increasingly polarised world in times of geopolitical uncertainty.

With her address, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon opened the 20th edition of the Bled Strategic Forum international conference entitled "A Runaway World". “In a world that often seems to be spinning out of control, principled leadership matters. Slovenia is an excellent proof that even a small country can lead – with courage, conscience and a commitment to justice, human dignity and international law," stated Minister Fajon.

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič held political consultations in Bled with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Muzaffarbek Madrakhimov. These consultations followed the successful visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who came to Slovenia in May this year with a large economic delegation.

Shortly before the start of this year's 20th anniversary edition of the Bled Strategic Forum international conference, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon hosted a high-level women's forum comprising foreign ministers, senior representatives of international organisations and members of national parliaments and the European Parliament. Their discussions focused on decency in politics, a highly relevant matter in the current climate of rising authoritarianism.

In August, Panama held the presidency of the UN Security Council. The situation in the Middle East dominated the Council’s work this month, particularly the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has led to famine being declared. Due to Iran's non-compliance with its obligations under the nuclear agreement, France, Germany and the United Kingdom demanded that UN sanctions be reimposed.

The Archivalia of the Month section features the Archivalia of the month of September, which presents the interesting life story of oncologist Majda Mačkovšek Peršič, from the concentration camp to the Oncology Institute, prepared by Anja Paulič

Before the official start of the Bled Strategic Forum 2025, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon engaged in dialogue with the participants of the 14th annual Young Bled Strategic Forum (Young BSF). They discussed how values can be a driving force in global politics. Minister Fajon emphasised that, in politics, it is important to maintain strong principles and uphold them.

At the Informal Meeting of EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen, under the Danish EU Presidency, ministers addressed the decision of the United States to deny visas to the Palestinian delegation to the UN General Assembly in September. Minister Fajon urged her EU counterparts to take measures against Israel, either by consensus or, if necessary, by qualified majority.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Slovenia and Spain strongly condemn the most recent Israeli offensive launched in the Strip and the announcement to establish a permanent presence in Gaza City.

As part of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, an informal meeting of European Union defence ministers was held in Copenhagen on 28 and 29 August 2025, attended by Minister of Defense Borut Sajovic.

Minister Jevšek attended the grand opening of Super 8 in Nova Gorica, a building located at the junction between the urban areas of Gorizia in Italy and Nova Gorica in Slovenia. With the revitalization of the area along the railway tracks, the two countries are developing what is to be the first European conurbation. ''I am sure this place will become a vibrant cultural venue and a fun and lively meeting place for people from all walks of life'', said Minister Jevšek in his opening remarks.

Mateja Čalušić, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, is hosting a meeting in Maribor of representatives of the member states of the extended Forest Group +, which is chaired by Slovenia this year. At the meeting, Italy and Latvia formally joined the group consisting of the founding members – Austria, Finland, Sweden, Slovenia – and France by officially signing the guidelines.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon opened the 29th Consultation of Slovenian Diplomats attended by the heads of Slovenian diplomatic and consular missions abroad. Slovenian diplomats were addressed by Prime Minister Robert Golob. Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha, also participated as a special guest via video link.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar met with his Macedonian counterpart Panče Toškovski in Ohrid.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the annual consultation of Slovenian diplomacy held on 28 and 29 August 2025.

At today's session, the Government adopted plans to implement the financial instrument for two financial engineering measures and increased Slovenia's contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to help alleviate global humanitarian crises. The Government also adopted the Decree on the National Spatial Plan for the connecting road – Maribor Western Bypass, which will improve traffic flow in the city.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Medical equipment for hospitals.

Following intense diplomatic efforts, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs is delighted to see the return of Venetian renaissance painter Vittore Carpaccio’s painting depicting Madonna with Child and Saints to the monastery church of St. Francis in Piran.

The meeting between Prime Minister Robert Golob and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, focused mainly on presenting the current situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

Minister Tanja Fajon hosted the Palestinian Authority's State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin during her first official visit since Slovenia recognised Palestine. The two ministers used this opportunity to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of relations between the two countries, which enables the establishment of a formal framework for a systematic dialogue and regular political and practical cooperation.

Ambassador Tina Vodnik presented her letters of credence to the President of the Argentine Republic, Javier Gerardo Milei at the Casa Rosada Presidential Palace.