Yesterday, Minister Irena Šinko attended, via video conference, the informal ministerial conference of the 4Forests group. Ministers discussed forestry topics common to the four highly forested countries – Slovenia, Finland, Sweden and Austria.

Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon attended a regular meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. The main topics on the agenda were the Russian aggression against Ukraine and its impact on food security, Egypt and the Horn of Africa. Prior to the EU Council meeting, at the invitation of Italy and Finland, ministers held an informal meeting with Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Below is the message delivered by the Minister of the Interior, Tatjana Bobnar, on the occasion of World Refugee Day on 20 June, and statistics on international protection in Slovenia.

Yesterday the Slovenian public were saddened to hear the news of the death of Borut Šuklje, the former minister and diplomat. Part of his long and fascinating political career was spent as culture minister in 1992 and 1993. The Ministry of Culture expresses its deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Artist and illustrator Marlenka Stupica provided the artwork for more than 100 children’s books and picture books over her career of more than 70 years. As culture minister Dr Asta Vrečko wrote following her death, Marlenka Stupica was one of the most important and recognisable artists in Slovenia, whose work is celebrated even outside the country’s borders.

On the second day of his visit, Prime Minister Robert Golob met with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the two interlocutors paid most attention to the war in Ukraine and to the Western Balkans.

Minister for Slovenians Abroad Matej Arčon today paid his first official visit to the autochthonous Slovenian national community in Italy. The minister was accompanied by the state secretary at the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad, Vesna Humar, and the consul at the Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia in Trieste, Peter Golob.

Minister of Finance Klemen Boštjančič today attended the Economic and Financial Affairs Council configuration meeting in Luxembourg, on the margins of which three other events took place over the course of two days: a meeting of finance ministers in their capacity as Members of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Board of Governors, the Eurogroup meeting, and the meeting of finance ministers in their capacity as Members of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Board of Governors.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has approved EU funding for the project ITI Velenje Refurbishment of bus stops and cycle shelters. The project aims to foster urban mobility and contribute to improvement of urban air quality. It is supported by the European Union with over EUR 180,000 coming from the European Regional Development Fund.

Today we celebrated the Slovenian Statehood Day with Slovenian and American flag raising ceremony at the City Hall in Bethlehem, PA and speeches by representatives of the cities of Bethlehem and Murska Sobota, Ambassador Kajzer and Consul General Jerak, as well as a reception for members of the delegations of both cities and the Prekmurje Slovenian community.

On the first day of his working visit to Brussels, Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob met European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. Their talks focused on current European topics that will be on the agenda at the June European Council meeting.

Špela Spanžel, an art historian, curator and cultural heritage expert, became the new head of the Directorate for Cultural Heritage on 17 June of this year.

On Monday, 27th of June we switch to summer opening times.

Acting Director-General Ksenija Škrilec took part in an informal meeting of directors-general for EU Affairs in Paris hosted by France as the current Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob had a telephone conversation with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

At today’s press conference following the Government session, Prime Minister Robert Golob outlined the first step in a strategy to tackle soaring food and energy costs. The Government discussed measures relating to oil and petroleum products.

Today, diplomats and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs paid tribute to the late Boris Pahor. Many had the honour to meet and work with Mr Pahor in Slovenia, abroad and in European capitals. He presented and shared his testimonies in cooperation with the entire diplomatic network and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is why, as of today, one of the conference rooms at the Ministry will bear his name.

Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon hosted the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and Minister of Immigration and Asylum of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Jean Asselborn. Their talks focused on enhancing the excellent and friendly relations between the two countries, strengthening cooperation between the core countries of the EU, enlargement to the Western Balkan countries and the European perspective of Ukraine.

At today’s session of the Government Committee for State Organisation and Public Affairs, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia opened a new budget item with the budget user, the Financial Administration of the Republic of Slovenia, for the payment of redeemed digital vouchers, to which funds in the amount of EUR 28.8 million will be transferred from the financial plan of the Government Office for Digital Transformation.

The Roadpol Operation “Truck & Bus” taking place between 13th and 19th of June 2022: Inspections on European roads. In the framework of the "Truck & Bus Action Weeks: inspections on European roads” and in cooperation with European Labour Authority, on the 13th of June in Vicenza, Italy organized a road transport inspection with road checks in the highway A4 Torino-Trieste (exit Vicenza Ovest), with the participation of Slovenia.

Today, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, paid a working visit to Maribor with the Minister of Digital Transformation, Emilija Stojmenova Duh, and the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Irena Šinko.

At today’s Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Slovenia was represented by Deputy Permanent Representative in Brussels Tamara Weingerl Požar and Head of the Special Committee on Agriculture at the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Slovenia in Brussels Simona Vrevc. Ministers focused in particular on the situation on agricultural markets in view of the war in Ukraine. The Council took note of the European Commission's communication on the state of implementation of the EU’s common fisheries policy and consultations for fishing opportunities for 2023.

Gastronomy of Slovenia, a collection of four books by prof. dr. Janez Bogataj, won two prestigious Best in the World awards at the renowned Gourmand Cookbook Awards 2022 ceremony in Sweden. One award was given to the entire collection of four books and the other to the Gastronomy of Mediterranean Slovenia in the category of Mediterranean books.

The 50th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHR), which will run from 13 June to 8 July 2022, is getting under way in Geneva. Among the topics in the focus of the session, Slovenia will pay particular attention to issues related to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, human rights, and the environment, and will also react to the worrying human rights situation in individual countries.

Minister of the Interior, Tatjana Bobnar, attended the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg today.

The Ministry of Culture is flying the rainbow Pride flag during the month of June as a sign of its support for the LGBTQI+ community. The minister Dr Asta Vrečko took part in Ljubljana’s pride parade on 11 June 2022.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the Ministerial Meeting of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Thessaloniki and held several bilateral meetings on the margins of the event.

For the first time ever, the UN General Assembly elected Slovenia to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The Ministry is proud of the successful vote with 176 votes and commends the endeavours of all who played a part in this project.

Mag. Dejan Židan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, attended the Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) in Luxembourg where the ministers agreed on a general approach towards the drafted Consumer Credit Directive.

Dr Dominika Švarc Pipan, Minister of Justice, attended the meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg and visited the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), which celebrated the first anniversary of its operations on 1 June.

Minister of Health Danijel Bešič Loredan and his team met today with the representatives of the Coordination of medical organisations, i.e. the Medical Chamber of Slovenia (ZZS), the FIDES union, the Slovenian Medical Association (SZD) and the Slovenian Professional Association of Private Doctors and Dentists (SZZZZS).

The Government supports the work of the Fiscal Council as the independent and autonomous body overseeing the country’s public finance policy. At the recent meeting with the leadership of the Fiscal Council, Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob expressed his interest in constructive future cooperation and dialogue about the important questions of fiscal stability.

On 9 June 2022, the Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia, Gašper Dovžan, presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović.

The Government has decided to draft an expert analysis of the legal bases that were used in minor offence proceedings against individuals due to violations of measures against the SARS-CoV-2 viral disease by the end of August.

We publish the response of the Ministry to the news about the brutal exploitation of foreign workers by the companies Marinblu and Selea and the inspection procedures which are underway regarding this case. The relevant statement provided below was given by State Secretary Dan Juvan.

At today’s meeting with the representatives of nursing care and the primary level, the Minister set the foundations for solid cooperation.

Acting Director-General for Multilateral Affairs and Development Cooperation Eva Tomič took part in the first Mediterranean Ministerial Dialogue on the Food Security Crisis via audio-video link. The event was organised by Italy within the scope of G7 to enhance regional activities in the area of safe food supply.

The Prime Minister’s Working Group on Mitigation of High Energy and Food Prices today held its first meeting and started drafting preliminary proposals and measures. The working group is headed by the Prime Minister and includes the ministers of the economy, infrastructure, agriculture, labour and finance.

On behalf of Prime Minister Robert Golob, the State Secretary for Foreign Policy in the Prime Minister’s Office, Vojko Volk, today met with the Second Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Olena Kondratiuk. The main topic of the discussion was the situation in Ukraine, in particular its desire to become a candidate country for EU membership as soon as possible.

Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon received Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratiuk, who is paying a visit to Slovenia as a special envoy of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Their discussions focused on the current situation in Ukraine and its European perspective.

Third round of evaluation of implementation of the Council of Europe's Convention on action against trafficking in human beings is taking place in Slovenia from 6 to 9 June. State Secretary dr. Branko Lobnikar received the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (Greta) today at the Ministry of the interior.

Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia in Cleveland congratulates Joe Valencic on his induction into the Hall of Fame on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. He is the seventh Slovenian-American to be awarded this honor.

Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanja Fajon hosted the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria Alexander Schallenberg. This was the first bilateral meeting she has hosted since assuming her duties.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met today with Austrian Minister of European and International Affairs, Alexander Schallenberg, who is paying a visit to Slovenia.

On 20 December 2018, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the decision to proclaim June 7th World Food Safety Day, which is being marked this year for the fourth time. This year’s slogan is “Safer food, better health”.

Ministers responsible for telecommunications held a debate on the digital and green transition at a meeting of the Telecommunications Council on June 3 2022. Ambassador Tamara Weingerl Požar represented Slovenia at this meeting.

A group of hard-working volunteers performed a clean-up and beautifying of the Slovenian Cultural Garden today. The garden is part of the wonderful Cultural Gardens, and it is located at 820 East Boulevard in Cleveland, Ohio. Come for a visit anytime!

On June 2nd, a handover ceremony took place at the Government Office for Digital Transformation. Former minister Mr Mark Andijanič congratulated the new minister, dr. Emilija Stojmenova Duh, who thanked her predecessor for his work and emphasized that her new team will continue the good effort.

Yesterday, the National Assembly confirmed the 15th Government of the Republic of Slovenia and appointed Dr Asta Vrečko as the new Minister of Culture. The handover took place today at the Ministry of Culture. After assuming office, Ms Vrečko thanked outgoing Minister Vasko Simoniti for the handover note, outlined her vision for the management of the Ministry of Culture and announced a strategically oriented cultural policy that has been neglected for 10 years.

Political Director and Director-General for common foreign and security policy Jernej Müller attended the 14th session of the Jordan-EU Association Council in Jordan. The session was chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jordan Ayman Safadi and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and saw the participation of European Commission Olivér Varhelyi and representatives of EU Member States, including ministers of foreign affairs of Cyprus, Luxembourg, Ireland and Greece.

Dr Aleksander Jevšek today took over the reins at the Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy from his predecessor Zvone Černač.

Today, Minister Irena Šinko and outgoing Minister Jože Podgoršek completed the handover at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. Jože Podgoršek thanked all colleagues for their constructive cooperation and encouraged them to maintain their love for the sector and continue to work enthusiastically. He wished his successor every success in her role at the helm of one of the most demanding sectors, in particular in the difficult period ahead. The new Minister thanked the outgoing Minister for his work so far and for a correct handover, wishing him every success in the future. She also presented the areas that will be crucial during her term in office.

After the handover, the newly-appointed Minister of the Interior, Tatjana Bobnar, and the Acting Director General of the Police, Boštjan Lindav gave a statement to the media.

On Thursday, June 2, the handover of business between the current Minister of Defence, Matej Tonin, MSc, and the new Minister of Defence Marjan Šarec.

Today, former Minister Boštjan Koritnik handed over the official business to newly appointed Minister Sanja Ajanović Hovnik. Upon taking up her duties, Minister Ajanović Hovnik thanked her predecessor for his work and outlined her vision at the helm of the Ministry of Public Administration.

Today, former Minister Dr Anže Logar handed over the official business to newly appointed Minister Tanja Fajon. Upon taking up her duties, Minister Fajon thanked her predecessor for his work and outlined her vision at the helm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia under the leadership of Robert Golob met at their inaugural sessions today and adopted multiple decisions.

This evening, Prime Minister Robert Golob and outgoing Prime Minister Janez Janša completed the handover. After the talks, they made a brief statement to the press.

The campaign “30 Years of Slovenia’s UN Membership” concluded with a virtual round table organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Slovenian UN Association to discuss the past and the future of the Organization.

Director-General of the Directorate for Multilateral Affairs and Development Cooperation Igor Jukič took part in the second dialogue of the Global Governance Group (3G) and the chairing G20 Troika. The hybrid event was hosted by Foreign Minister of Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

Today, Prime Minister Janez Janša continues to attend the European Council meeting in Brussels. At the meeting, European leaders are discussing the situation in Ukraine, defence, energy and food security.

Today, Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša is attending a special European Council meeting in Brussels. The European Council meeting will also take place tomorrow with discussions on Ukraine, defence, energy and food security.

On this year's World Bee Day, Mr Mir Mohsen Mousavian, director of the National Union of Beekeepers of Iran, published a post on his Instagram page dedicated to the former Ambassador of Slovenia to Iran, H.E. Mrs. Kristina Radej, and her efforts to develop Iranian beekeeping and to connect Iranian and Slovenian beekeepers.

World No Tobacco Day is commemorated on 31 May. This year’s focus is on the harmful effects of tobacco on the environment under the slogan, Tobacco: Threat to Our Environment. To this end, the Ministry of Health together with the National Institute of Public Health, the WHO Regional Office for Europe and non-governmental organisations involved in tobacco today organised a national symposium on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day.

One of the most important Slovenian writers, a fighter for the national rights of Slovenians living abroad and an advocate of the importance of a nation, a Slovenian living in Italy and a great man has died today aged 108.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has approved EU funding for the project Energy-efficient renovation of the Soča Curricular and Extra-Curricular Centre.

State Secretary Dr Stanislav Raščan took part in the celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of Slovenia’s membership of the United Nations (UN) and World Bee Day in Vienna.

The 11th Africa Day International Conference, organised under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor and in the framework of the Bled Strategic Forum, focused on the opportunities for cooperation between Africa and Europe in promoting responsible innovation and responsible governance of new technologies, as well as the role technology can play in shaping creative and cultural sectors.

State Secretary Stanislav Raščan is paying a working visit to Bratislava to talk about strengthening economic cooperation between Slovenia and Slovakia. He met with Lucia Kišš, Director General for Economic and Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has approved EU funding for the project Utility infrastructure development in Zlatoličje manufacturing zone - municipality Starše.

Minister Jože Podgoršek attended the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. The European Commission reported on the market situation for agri-food products in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ministers adopted Council conclusions on vaccination as a complementary tool to current measures for the prevention and control of the highly pathogenic avian influenza. Numerous initiatives launched by member states were discussed as AOB items.

The Europe day event in Ulanbataar, Mongolia was held on the 24th of May. The opening speeches were delivered by H.E. Ambassador of the European Union to Mongolia, Ms. Axelle Nicaise, H.E. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Battsetseg Batmunkh, and the Governor of Ulaanbaatar Mr. Sumiyabazar Dolgorsuren, the Governor of the Capital City and the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar. The Slovenian booth was promoting the Slovenian Green Nature and Green sustainable Tourism program.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Mexican recognition of Slovenia on 22 May 1992, State Secretary Dr Stanislav Raščan held an audio-video conference with the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Carmen Moreno Toscano.

Prime Minister Janez Janša met today with the representatives of Fides – trade union of doctors and dentists of Slovenia.

Today, Prime Minister Janez Janša took part at a working meeting via videoconference before the forthcoming extraordinary session of the European Council.

Minister of Health Janez Poklukar addressed delegates at the 75th World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO). The Assembly is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 22–28 May 2022. The theme of this year’s Health Assembly is ‘Health for peace, peace for health.’

From 17th to 19th May, Slovenian Nuclear Safety Administration hosted an international cyber security exercise in nuclear facilities – KiVA2022, which represents the interface between nuclear safety, security, emergency preparedness and cyber security.

State Secretary Gašper Dovžan took part in the regular General Affairs Council session in Brussels. The state secretaries and ministers focused on the preparations for the special meeting of the European Council scheduled for 30 and 31 May 2022. They also exchanged views on how to follow up on the proposals of the Conference on the Future of Europe and continued the Article 7(1) TEU procedure relating to the hearing held by the Council on the values of the Union in Hungary.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs marked Slovenian Diplomacy Day, which is celebrated every year on 22 May, the anniversary of Slovenia’s admission to the United Nations.

This year’s Forest Week (23–29 May 2022) focuses on forest care, which is the main tool guiding forest development as the foundation of diligent forest management. All properly maintained forests have a diligent owner and professional forester. Contemporary forest care takes into account conventional forest care principles, is geared towards the streamlining of measures, subjecting a portion of the forest stands to natural regeneration, and closely adapts to natural and social circumstances and to forest management objectives in an environment with an unstable climate.

On May 21, a big event took place at the Right Queen Colonies farm in Spencer, Ohio, where the Consulate General celebrated all three Slovenian projects, which have been successfully implemented in Ohio and other US states for the past 3 years already: World Bee Day, Planting Honey-bee Friendly Plants Day, and Traditional Healthy Honey Breakfast .
Around 200 visitors were able to attend an educational workshop on beekeeping, see a bee farm and many other domestic animals, honey and wax products, taste honey dishes, learn about Amish life, and the younger visitors could attend children's program with games, bee workshops and ride in the Amish carriage. There was even a “World Bee Day” cake available!

International Geneva celebrates bees today to raise global awareness on the crucial role of bees and pollination for food security, the elimination of hunger and and biodiversity. This is the fifth time that World Bee Day is celebrated in Geneva after it was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2017 at Slovenia’s initiative with support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

European Commission has approved the proposed amendments to Slovenia’s Operational Programme 2014-2020. The approval comes after 18 months of joint activities of the Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy (GODC) and line ministries related to the programming of the funding from the React-EU initiative.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Provision of telecare services for patients with chronic diseases.

The second Golden Bee Award was awarded today on World Bee Day. Boštjan Noč, President of the Slovenian Beekeepers' Association, received the award. Alojz Kovšča, President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia, presented the award at the ceremony attended by Jože Podgoršek, Minister and Chair of the Golden Bee Award Committee, and Urška Klakočar Zupančič, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia. Numerous events were held around the world to celebrate today's World Bee Day.

State Secretary Dr Stanislav Raščan addressed via video link the participants of the festivities on World Bee Day in Ghana organised by the Ghana Beekeepers Association. He stressed the vital role of bees in ensuring food security and the value of expert exchanges between Slovenia and Ghana for the protection of bees.

The Embassy in Copenhagen, in cooperation with the European Environment Agency, organized a "Bee Engaged" awareness event on the occasion of this year's World Bee Day. The discussion took place at the headquarters of the European Environment Agency and was also available online.

State Secretary Dr Stanislav Raščan took part in the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in its development configuration. The ministers discussed the global implications of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, with special focus on food security, on refugee issues with the guest, United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, on a coordinated approach in multilateral forums and on the new financial architecture for development.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar took part at the 132nd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe organized by Italian Presidency in Turin. At the heart of the discussion was Council of Europe's response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Russian Federation was expelled from the Council of Europe on 16th of March 2022.

Today marks the fifth World Bee Day, declared by the UN General Assembly on Slovenia’s initiative on 20 December 2017. In this European Year of Youth, World Bee Day is dedicated to the future of beekeeping and the role of young people in raising awareness of its importance.

We will be celebrating three very important nature-related events in the upcoming days – the European Natura 2000 Day (21 May), the International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May), and the European Day of Parks (24 May). Slovenia is one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe. This is also witnessed by the fact that our country has the largest share of Natura 2000 areas among all the EU member states, comprising approx. 37 per cent of the country’s area. We are making great efforts of preserving nature in Slovenia in our secured areas, which comprise 14 per cent of Slovenia’s area.

On 18 May 2022, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Research Infrastructure Roadmap 2030 (NRRI 2030). NRRI 2030 is an implementation document of the Resolution on Research and Innovation Strategy of Slovenia 2030 (ReZrIS30) revising all field segments, i.e. priority international projects as well as national priority areas within research infrastructures. This will be followed by a presentation and definitions of links with the Smart Specialisation Strategy and a presentation of different ways of funding research infrastructures.

On Friday, Slovenia and the entire world will, for the fifth time, commemorate World Bee Day, a celebration declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UN) on 20 December 2017. The main purpose of World Bee Day is to raise the awareness of the global public about the importance of bees and other pollinators for humanity in light of food security, global eradication of hunger and care for the environment and biodiversity.

The Minister of Defence Matej Tonin today attended a session of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels composed of the defence ministers of the European Union. The session was intended for discussion on the implementation of the Strategic Compass, with an emphasis on the future operations and missions of the Common Security and Defence Policy and the military aggression against Ukraine.

Members of the Monitoring Committee for the Operational Programme for the Implementation of the European Cohesion Policy in the Period 2014-2021 (OP) today met in 9th regular session at Brdo pri Kranju.

State Secretary Gašper Dovžan took part in the Adriatic and Ionian Council/EUSAIR Ministerial Meeting in Tirana, hosted by the Albanian AII Chairmanship/EUSAIR Presidency in the framework of the 7th EUSAIR Annual Forum. The Meeting was chaired by Megi Fino, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania.

Prime Minister Janša today met with Qatari Emir Tamim Sheikh bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who is on an official visit to Slovenia at the invitation of Slovenian President Borut Pahor.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar attended the regular EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Brussels. The main topics were the Western Balkans and the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The EU–Canada Joint Ministerial Council meeting took place prior to the Council session.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted last week the strategic starting points for the promotion of the use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency in the economy.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar attended a two-day informal meeting of NATO ministers of foreign affairs in Berlin. The ministers discussed the current security challenges resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.