News

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Renovation of the first tube of the Karavanke Tunnel.

Dear citizens, dear people of Prekmurje, dear Slovenians at home and abroad, when a wave of joy swept across the Mura River on 17 August 1919, a long period of separation came to an end. Prekmurje returned home, into the embrace of its people.

In 2024, the Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia joined the international European project EURODETACHEMENT – ED6 for the first time. The project was coordinated by the French National Institute for Labour, Employment and Vocational Training (Institut National du Travail, de l'Emploi et de la Formation Professionnelle – INTEFP) and funded by the European Commission.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Slovenj Gradec Community Health Centre Extension.

The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes. Urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation. Humanitarian space must be protected, and aid should never be politicised.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia is proud to support the international project ‘SIT DOWN – Peace Child in Concert’, which marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the end of World War II this year. The project is being carried out under the honorary patronage of Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia operates at the new address: Block C-36, Anand Niketan, 110021 New Delhi, India.

State Secretary Melita Gabrič participated in an extraordinary informal meeting of EU foreign ministers, which took place via video link. The agenda of the meeting, which was convened by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas in light of the announced meeting between the US and Russian presidents and the alarming developments in the Middle East, included Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the situation in Gaza.

Meteorologists are forecasting a new heatwave that will affect Slovenia in the coming days. High temperatures can pose a serious health risk, especially for those working outdoors. The Labour Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia stresses that under such conditions it is essential to ensure adequate protection for workers and to adapt the work process accordingly.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Connected with culture.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain strongly condemn the recent announcement by the Government of Israel of the intensification of the occupation and the military offensive, including in Gaza city. This decision will only deepen the humanitarian crisis and further endanger the remaining hostages’ lives. This operation will lead to an unacceptable high toll of deaths and the forced displacement of nearly one million Palestinian civilians.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Co-financing of multidisciplinary teams to support deinstitutionalisation.

At the initiative of Prime Minister Robert Golob, the Government today approved a decision to provide additional humanitarian aid to the Palestinian civilian population. The security and humanitarian situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly untenable and continues to deteriorate rapidly.

At today's correspondence session, the Government adopted guidelines for the adoption of economic measures in relation to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and instructed two ministries to take all necessary steps to prepare a proposal for measures. It also provided additional material assistance to the Palestinian civilian population affected by the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Construction of the Prapretno 2 and 3 solar power plants with battery storage.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has selected eleven development and humanitarian projects in the Western Balkans, the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as two strategic partnerships aimed at raising public awareness of development cooperation and humanitarian aid and at promoting global learning. These activities will be implemented by Slovenian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) during the 2025–2028 period.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Third development axis – Velenje North-Slovenj Gradec: lot B – Škalsko Lake and lot H – Konovo.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Co-financing of the Centre for Deinstitutionalisation Advocacy. The call will receive €1.24 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

The floods that hit Slovenia in August 2023 had numerous consequences, ranging from major material damage to entirely personal losses. The worst natural disaster in the history of independent Slovenia affected almost two-thirds of the country's territory.

Following the signature of the Joint Communiqué by H.E. Samuel Žbogar, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations and H.E. Mouctar Abakar, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Chad to the United Nations on 1st August 2025 in New York, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Government of the Republic of Chad have decided to establish Diplomatic Relations between the two countries with effect from the date of signature of the aforementioned Joint Communiqué.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Smart human resource management in state administration. The project will receive €1.2 million from the European Social Fund Plus.

In July, the UN Security Council presidency was held by Pakistan. The Council's work this month was dominated by the situation in the Middle East, particularly the further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and inter-ethnic clashes in Syria, in which Israel also intervened militarily.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Enhancing the competencies of all employees in the prison system. The European Social Fund Plus contribution stands at €994,200.

The Archivalia of the Month section features the Archivalia of the month of August entitled »Indecent Dance 'Boogie-Woogie'«: on the Unlawful Prohibition of Performing Jazz and Popular Music, by Izak Špajzer.

At the initiative of Prime Minister Robert Golob, the Government today confirmed the decision prohibiting the exporting and transit of military weapons and equipment from or through the Republic of Slovenia to Israel, and importing from Israel to Slovenia.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in a conference in Helsinki to mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act entitled Helsinki +50; Respecting the Legacy, Preparing for the Future. She participated in a panel discussion on the topic of “How can states and civil society jointly address threats to peace, human rights and democracy?”

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has published a call for proposals under the EUREKA Initiative for the period 2025-2029. The European Regional Development Fund contribution stands at €8.9 million.

The Slovenian Prison Administration hosted two professional delegations from abroad – one from the United States of America and one from France. These visits, which took place at several prison facilities across Slovenia, were the result of close cooperation with relevant domestic and international institutions. Their purpose was to foster professional dialogue, gain insight into the prison and probation systems, and exchange good practices.

At today's correspondence session, the Government took note of the Information on the Issuance of Permits for the Export and Transit of Military Weapons and Equipment to Israel, which states that, due to the armed conflicts (a reason specified in indent three of paragraph three of Article 77 of the Defence Act), the Ministry of Defence has not issued any permits for the export of military weapons and equipment to Israel since October 2023.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Upgrading the central Ljubljana train station – Lot B and C. The Cohesion Fund contribution stands at €174.86 million.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Digitisation in the field of judicial appointment procedures. The European Regional Development Fund contribution stands at €212,339.66.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Digital publishing development, which aims to promote the digital transformation of the Slovenian publishing sector. The European Regional Development Fund will contribute €1.46 million to the project.

Speaking at the UN high-level conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian question and the implementation of the two-state solution at the UN headquarters in New York, Tanja Fajon, Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, emphasised the need for immediate action. “The only way to achieve peace in the Middle East is to implement the two-state solution: Israel and Palestine.”

Prime Minster Robert Golob attended the celebratory reception in Paris marking the conclusion of the Tour de France.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia is greatly concerned about the incident that took place yesterday, on 27 July 2025, at the Peršman Museum, one of the most important memorial sites for Carinthian Slovenians. As the scene of one of the most horrific crimes of the Nazi regime against the Slovenian population in Carinthia, any intervention in this place is particularly sensitive.

Today, ahead of the final stage of the race in Mantes-la-Ville, Prime Minister Robert Golob presented Tour de France Director Christian Prudhomme with a letter of intent to organise the Grand Départ of the 2029 Tour de France in Slovenia.

We inform that the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tehran will resume with the provision of consular services on 3 August 2025.

On July 23, 2025 a ceremonial event took place at the Presidential Palace in Panama City, where Ambassador Mirošič presented the letter of credence from the President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar to the President of Panama José Raúl Mulino.

At today's press conference, Minister of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning Jože Novak, State Secretaries Lidija Kegljevič Zagorc and Miran Gajšek, Director of the Office for Natural Disaster Recovery Ervin Vivoda, Director-General of the Water Directorate Lidija Globevnik and Acting Director of the Water Agency Urška Hočevar presented information on the implementation of works and plans for the future.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project EPK GO!2025 – EPIC, which is implemented by the Urban Municipality of Nova Gorica. The project will receive €2.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund.

At the session, the Government adopted a proposal for the Employee Ownership Cooperative Act, which enables a stable and systemically sustainable model of transferring ownership to employees, bringing positive effects for employers, employees and the economy. It also issued new amendments to the Decree on the compulsory health insurance service programme, the capacities required for its implementation and the amount of funding for services for 2025.

On 1 April 2024, the emergency medical assistance system in Slovenia underwent a significant upgrade. A new mobile unit – an emergency doctor's vehicle (EDV) – was introduced into field work. This change represents a major step towards more flexible, faster and professionally targeted intervention in emergency medical situations.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar attended an informal meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council in Copenhagen.

At the initiative of Prime Minister Robert Golob, a second meeting with representatives of the Slovenian Federation of Pensioners' Associations was held at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Council of the European Union approved the national recovery and resilience plans at the end of July 2021. The ministries responsible for implementing the reforms and investments in the plan have successfully carried out numerous activities to achieve this. Significant progress has been made this year on the most visible reform measures. The investments under the plan are being implemented by stakeholders in all Slovenian regions.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met today with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.

We, the signatories listed below, come together with a simple, urgent message: the war in Gaza must end now.

The 13th Slovenian Development Days will take place on 14–17 October under the title “Business in Support of Global Solidarity”. Today’s global challenges, including the consequences of armed conflicts, climate change and the energy crisis, call for innovative and comprehensive approaches. In this context, cooperation between the public sector, the business community and NGOs is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the ceremonial opening of the renovated Vevče Swimming Pool in Dobrunje near Ljubljana and also addressed those gathered. The Vevče Swimming Pool will be a modern sports and recreational centre designed for active leisure time for all generations.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia yesterday adopted a decision on signing a letter of intent to organise the Tour de France Grand Départ event in Slovenia. This is an expression of Slovenia’s initiative to host one of the biggest and most watched sporting events in the world.

On 16 July 2025, the European Commission published a proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2028–2034, amounting to 1.26% of the EU27's GNI, or €1,985 billion. The proposal forms the basis for the start of complex negotiations among Member States

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Modernising the social protection system and child and family care to improve the efficiency, accessibility and quality of services for the inclusion of target groups. The Social Fund Plus contribution stands at €18 million.

At today’s session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Starting Points for the Adoption of Measures against Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israeli Minister of National Security, and Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Minister of Finance and Defense. It also approved the proposal for the Tax on Gains from the Disposal of Crypto Assets Act, the proposal for an amendment to the Tax on Gains from the Disposal of Derivative Financial Instruments Act, an amendment to the Corporate Income Tax Act, and a draft amendment to the Act on the Elimination of the Consequences of Natural Disasters.

On 17 July 1998, the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC), was adopted. The ICC became operational on 1 July 2002 and now plays a central role in the global fight against impunity for the most serious crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals for the co-financing of the construction and restructuring of district heating and cooling systems based on renewable energy sources (RES) for the period 2025-2029. The Cohesion Fund will contribute €43.5 million for the call for proposals.

Despite the uncertain international situation, Slovenia is proving its reliability as a NATO partner.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended a ceremony to mark the start of the construction of the Velunja section of the northern part of the third development axis. The section is the most challenging part of the future expressway to the Koroška region, both in terms of construction and financing.

The Slovenian Embassy in Greece celebrated Statehood Day on Thursday, 29 May 2025, in the garden of the Byzantine and Christian Museum in the center of Athens with a traditional national reception.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon paid a working visit to Berlin today, where she was hosted by German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul. The visit was aimed at further strengthening political and economic cooperation between the two countries and exchanging views on topical European and foreign policy issues.

Deputy Director-General for European Affairs Jure Vršnak hosted the Director-General for European Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Heleen Bakker, for EU consultations in Ljubljana. During her visit, Director-General Bakker also paid a courtesy call on State Secretary Marko Štucin.

The Regulation amending the Regulation on the requirements for ensuring the safety and health of workers at outdoor workplaces has been published.

Wrapping up the second year of the Diplomatic Bulletin, the July issue addresses topical matters, including the behind-the-scenes preparations for the 20th Bled Strategic Forum international conference. It also provides information on the successful 2025 Africa Day international conference, the Fourth national conference on artificial intelligence and this year's Economic Diplomacy Consultation.

In March of this year, the Government adopted a decision endorsing Slovenia’s candidacy for membership in the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the 2025–2027 term. Slovenia presented its candidacy in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Paris, which is also accredited as Slovenia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, during the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

Wishing to engage in an open and responsible dialogue, Prime Minister Robert Golob called a meeting of parliamentary party presidents on Slovenia’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the issue of holding a referendum on increasing Slovenia’s defence expenditure.

On 10 and 11 July, Rome hosted the Ukraine recovery Conference (URC 2025), the main international event taking place every year to coordinate help and support to Ukraine. The Slovenian delegation at the Conference was led by Ambassador Edvin Skrt, Director-General of the Directorate for International Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

Today, we commemorate Srebrenica with solemn respect and sorrow. It is a place that has become a symbol of one of the darkest chapters in modern European history. The genocide that took place there three decades ago left an indelible mark on humanity's conscience and reminds us that peace, truth and compassion must never be taken for granted.

Today, we are observing the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica. It is a day when we remember the 8,372 victims, and when the wounds of the mothers of Srebrenica and other survivors who lost their loved ones —husbands, sons and brothers — are reopened. Our thoughts are with them in their grief and deep sorrow.

The Slovenian Embassy in Athens joined the celebration of the World Bee Day, this year with several parallel activities across Greece.

At today's session, the Government has approved the draft of the new Business Register of Slovenia Act and took note of the measures, projects and activities undertaken in response to the August 2023 floods and landslides.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Upgrading ARIS applicative projects (JP NAP).

This summer, the Consulate General will be offering consular hours in both Illinois and Colorado. During consular hours, Slovenian citizens can apply for personal documents (passports and identity cards).

Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob today received Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, visited the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia.

The European Commission's sixth annual report on the rule of law for the European Union and its Member States for 2025, published today, confirms that Slovenia has made significant progress across all key areas over the past year. According to the European Commission, the majority of the recommendations from the previous report have already been implemented or are nearing completion.

Ambassador Iztok Mirošič, Plenipotentiary Representative of Slovenia to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), took part in the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, held on 6 July 2025 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

On 4 July 2025, Minister of Culture Asta Vrečko officially opened the Rural Transport Museum in Senožeče. The renovation of the old toll house and Kotlar House cost EUR 2.9 million.

During the 4th of July Independence Day celebrations in Washington D.C. Ambassador Iztok Mirošič had the opportunity to meet with the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. They briefly spoke about future cooperation and collaboration between Slovenia and the United States of America.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with the members of the Slovenian Bishops Conference (SBC) for a working lunch.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Promoting cultural and creative industries – Centre for Creativity 2025. The call comes with a total budget of €2,028,124.37; it will receive €1,268,965.07 from the European Regional Development Fund. ‬

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Call for proposals for co-financing the activities to enhance entrepreneurial skills in the period 2025-2029. The call will come with a total budget of €3.1 million; it will receive €2.4 million from the European Social Fund Plus.

In the latest episode of the GOVSI government podcast, produced by the Slovenian Government Communication Office, host Petra Prešeren Golob speaks with the Minister for a Solidary Future, Simon Maljevac, about the long-term care system – now established as the third fundamental pillar of social security, alongside pension and health insurance.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the ceremony held in Geneva on the occasion of Slovenia becoming a full member of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Later in the day, Prime Minister Golob met with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.

The Government adopted the proposed amendments to the Companies Act, the proposed amendments to the Electronic Identification and Trust Services Act, and the draft Payment Services and Accompanying Fiscal Services Act. Furthermore, it approved the Report on the Implementation of the Act Regulating Temporary Measures to Improve Personnel and Working Conditions and the Capacities of Providers of Social Assistance and Long-Term Care Services.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended a ceremony in Geneva marking the full membership of the Republic of Slovenia in the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

In front of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, CERN's guard of honour raised the Slovenian flag in the presence of Slovenian political leaders, CERN management and invited guests. The ceremony was dedicated to Slovenia's full membership in one of the most prestigious international organisations in the world.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Cesta na Grad road and Skalna klet school route. The European Regional Development Fund contribution for the project stands at €2.5 million.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Measures to promote collective bargaining and strengthen employee advocacy and representation. The European Social Fund Plus will contribute €3.2 million of EU funding to the project.

Occupational safety and health are among the key priorities of modern society. In Slovenia, this area is governed by a strategy aimed at creating safe work environments and reducing occupational risks.

Following the parliament's decision of 1 July 2025 to approve an amendment to the Symbols Act, enshrining the Dachsteinlied as the anthem of the Austrian province of Styria, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs reiterates its stance that the use of historically outdated symbols which undermine the achieved coexistence and productive cooperation between Slovenia and Austria is unacceptable.

Following the decision of the Styrian Provincial Parliament, which at its session on 1 July 2025 approved an amendment to the law on provincial symbols enshrining the Dachsteinlied as the anthem of the Austrian province of Styria, the President of Slovenia and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia underlined that such moves – using outdated historical symbolism – undermine the harmony and productive cooperation that has been reached between the two nations and are therefore unacceptable.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Accessible Long-Term Care – Better access to long-term care services and information on long-term care. The project. The project, worth a total of €1,243,363, will receive €777,101.88 of European Social Fund Plus support.

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič took part in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Sevilla, Spain, under the auspices of the UN. The event brought together heads of international financial institutions, as well as representatives of civil society, philanthropic organisations, the private sector and government delegations. Its central objective was to increase financing and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing countries by 2030.

Today, the Ministry of Defence hosted a presentation of the Slovenian-Croatian Cyber Range Connect project, aimed at establishing a federation of cyber training ranges on the SimSpace platform. This places both countries among the leaders in the European Union and NATO in connecting cyber training ranges outside of multinational projects.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Competent Slovenia project, implemented by the Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia. The European Social Fund Plus contribution for the project, worth €10 million, stands at €7 million.

The Archivalia of the Month July 2025 with the title Few Surviving Written Traces of the Post-War Extrajudicial Killings written by Tadej Cankar.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the laying of the foundation stone for the state-of-the-art production facility for biosimilar medicines by the pharmaceutical company Lek. In addition to representatives from Sandoz and Lek, he addressed the gathered audience as well.

In June, Guyana assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council. This month's agenda was dominated by the situation in the Middle East dominated, particularly the military escalation that followed Israel's attack on targets in Iran. The Council held an open debate on poverty, underdevelopment and conflict, as well as its regular annual debate on children and armed conflict.

It was a Slovenian holiday in a Slovenian place! The Consulate General of Slovenia in Cleveland hosted its annual celebration of Slovenian Statehood Day, this year on June 17, at Cleveland's historic Slovenian National Home on St. Clair Avenue. This was a departure from previous years, when Statehood Day was celebrated in Cleveland City Hall. The celebration was moved in acknowledgement of the centennial anniversary of the Slovenian National Home, a focal point of the Cleveland Slovenian experience since its inception. It is also worth noting that we felt it time to move our holiday back to a place of special meaning for our community.

At the initiative of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Robert Golob, an inter-ministerial operational body was established today within the Prime Minister's Office: the Focal group for comprehensive treatment of children and adolescents displaying dangerous behaviour.

At the 34th session of the Permanent Slovenian-Bavarian Mixed Commission, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, and the Bavarian State Minister for European and International Relations, Eric Beißvenger, signed a joint declaration. It confirms the traditionally excellent cooperation between Slovenia and Bavaria, paving the way for further strengthening the partnership with concrete projects in various fields.