News

The Consulate General in Cleveland had a busy spring. We were honored to host Minister of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr. Borut Sajovic who visited Cleveland from April 10-12. Among his local engagements were a visit to NASA Glenn Research Center and a reception hosted at the Slovenian Museum and Archives by the Consulate General on April 11. Guests at the reception were treated to a live performance by world champion Slovenian accordionist, Marko Vatovec, along with an address from Minister Sajovic and local dignitaries in attendance.

Prime Minister Robert Golob is attending the regular June meeting of the European Council.

Today, we mark the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter, one of the most important documents of international law. In 1945, representatives of 50 countries gathered at a conference in San Francisco to sign a document, which lay the foundations for a post-war international community and binds all UN member states to an active participation and a moral obligation to protect the world from the horrors of war.

At today's correspondence session of the Government, a proposed Act Amending the Health Care and Health Insurance Act (ZZVZZ) was adopted, representing one of the key legislative steps in the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

After the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of the NATO Heads of State and Government, Prime Minister Robert Golob made the following statement:

Prime Minister Robert Golob, together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon and Minister of Defence Borut Sajovic, is attending the formal meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of NATO Heads of State and Government.

Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, is attending the NATO Heads of State and Government Summit in The Hague as part of the Slovenian delegation led by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Robert Golob. She participated in the NATO-Ukraine Council Working Dinner in Foreign Ministers’ Session, which focused on the Allies' efforts for peace in Ukraine.

Dear Citizens, dear Slovenians at home and abroad, today, the heart of our nation is celebrating, Slovenia is celebrating.

On Tuesday, 24 June 2025, the Republic of Slovenia, rated A3 (positive) / AA (stable) / A (positive), successfully accessed the international capital markets with a EUR 1.0bn Reg S issuance due 2 July 2035. The transaction marks the Republic’s inaugural Sustainability-Linked Bond (SLB) and the first-ever SLB from a European Sovereign.

Minister for Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek attended the Annual Political Dialogue of the Initiative for Coal Regions in Transition that was held in Konin, Poland. At the opening session, Minister Jevšek and other high-level representatives discussed ways for the European Union to support coal regions on their pathways to climate neutrality and social justice.

The Republic of Slovenia's Recovery and Resilience Office has submitted its fourth payment request to the European Commission (EC) for funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), with a total gross value of EUR 502 million.

On the margins of the meeting of the EU Agricultural and Fisheries Council, a meeting of agriculture ministers of the member states of the informal MED9 Group was held and organised on the initiative of Slovenia last night. The discussion focused on sustainable risk management in agriculture. The meeting provided important guidance for the continued discussion at the informal meeting of agriculture ministers to be held in Slovenia in early October.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia will be closed on Wednesday, 25 June 2025, on the occasion of Slovenia's Statehood Day.

Prime Minster Robert Golob met with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in Vinica. The meeting focused on reviewing bilateral relations and issues on the European Council's agenda.

Minister Tanja Fajon participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council to discuss the current situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Iran, Israel and Gaza, Russian aggression against Ukraine, China and European security. The Minister also presented the joint contribution of the MED9 Group towards the preparation of the New Pact for the Mediterranean, which had been led by Slovenia.

The Republic of Slovenia announces a mandate to organise the issue of an inaugural 10-year Sustainability-Linked Bond due July 2035.

Annual leave is one of the fundamental rights of employees in the Republic of Slovenia, and with it arises the question of the holiday allowance – an additional payment intended to cover vacation expenses.

"CERN is more than just a research institution; it is a place where humanity can come together in the search for truth for the sake of development, progress and, above all, peace."

On June 21, 2025, Slovenia officially became the 25th full member of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the international organisation, one of the most prestigeous in the world, announced today.

Slovenia remains devoted to the Alliance's common defensive posture, thus clearly emphasising: all we want is peace.

Minister Tanja Fajon, in her capacity as Chair of the MED9 Group, hosted the MED9 foreign ministers' working dinner. The ministers discussed the recent developments in the wider Middle East region and the joint contribution of MED9 member states to the New Pact for the Mediterranean, which will be presented by the European Commission in autumn 2025. This is only the second meeting in the MED9 foreign ministers' format.

Minister Tanja Fajon is visiting Japan with a strong economic delegation. Japan is Slovenia's key economic partner and the largest Asian investor in the country. While in Tokyo, Minister Fajon opened the Slovenia-Japan Business Forum, an event intended to strengthen ties between companies in both countries. She also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya and Minister of State for Economic Security Minoru Kiuchi.

In the 24th episode of the GOVSI government podcast, Minister of Education Dr. Vinko Logaj joined host Petra Bezjak Cirman to discuss the latest legislative reforms in the Slovenian education system.

The Council of the European Union, composed of finance ministers, has today approved the third amendment to Slovenia's Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). Under the revised plan, Slovenia will have access to EUR 2.23 billion from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), comprising EUR 613.25 million in loans (down from the previous EUR 1.07 billion), and an unchanged EUR 1.61 billion in grants.

At its meeting on 19 June 2025, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia issued an Ordinance amending the Ordinance on the temporary reintroduction of border controls at the internal borders of the Republic of Slovenia with the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Hungary.

Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob welcomed the President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini, who is on a working visit to the Republic of Slovenia.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the draft Healthcare Digitalisation Act, aimed at comprehensively regulating the processing of personal data in healthcare and establishing more efficient and secure data exchange. It also confirmed the draft Animal Health Act and discussed several agriculture-related laws, which will be formally adopted in the coming days through a correspondence session.

Today, the Government took note of the Information on the Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), which will be submitted to the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia. The Government also discussed the Report on the Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan before submitting the fourth payment request.

Yesterday, Minister of Culture Asta Vrečko officially opened Štanjel Castle, which has been completely renovated after many decades. The Ministry of Culture has allocated EUR 2.3 million for the final phase of the renovation.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar has attended a two-day meeting of the Salzburg Forum Ministers of the Interior in Zagreb.

State Secretary Tina Heferle attended a conference of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) on the state of asylum, which took place in Valletta, Malta.

Today in Ljubljana, a two day international workshop on intellectual property (IP) valuation began. Slovenia is among the first countries in Europe to approach this field systematically.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Upgraded ProbIS information system with access to advisory and educational modules.

Extreme temperatures directly impact health by threatening the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature. They can also worsen chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, cerebrovascular disorders, and conditions related to diabetes.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in an extraordinary informal EU foreign ministers meeting by video conference to discuss the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, particularly in light of the recent escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran.
"Together, we must call for an immediate end to military conflict and for the protection of civilians. Respect for the UN Charter is an absolute obligation for all States."

At today's session, the Government determined the breakdown of the 2026 and 2027 budget expenditure. The key priorities remain focused on the business sector and competitiveness, post-flood reconstruction, security and defence, access to housing, and the implementation of measures under the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Prime Minister Golob attended the foundation stone laying ceremony for the new Department of Infectious Diseases in Ljubljana.

Today, Minister of Health Valentina Prevolnik Rupel, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Robert Golob, Jerneja Jug Jerše, Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovenia, and Marko Jug, Director General of the University Medical Centre Ljubljana, symbolically laid the foundation stone for the new building of the Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana.

State Secretary Marko Štucin held political consultations with Turkmen Deputy Foreign Minister Myakhri Hodjamgulyevna Byashimova in Ashgabat. They reviewed bilateral cooperation and called for a strengthening of economic cooperation.

Slovenia has retained 46th place in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, confirming the country’s economic stability in the international environment. Slovenia continues to perform strongly in key areas such as quality of life, international trade, and high-tech exports—placing it among the world’s leading countries in these domains.

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in the United States hosted the ceremonial opening of the first Slovenian School for Learning the Slovenian Language for children in the DMV region (D.C.–Maryland–Virginia).

With the first heatwave hitting Slovenia, the debate around the impact of temperature conditions on the work environment is once again in the spotlight. Rising temperatures not only affect employees’ well-being but can also significantly influence their performance and, most importantly, their safety and health at work.

State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič took part in the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Ministerial Meeting, which was hosted by Albania as the current Chairmanship-in-Office. During the plenary session, ministers discussed the crucial role of alliances in encouraging economic growth and involving Process participants that strive towards EU accession.

The 59th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council opened today in Geneva and will run until 9 July 2025. Slovenia will pay particular attention to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, while also responding to human rights situations around the world where the state of affairs is particularly worrying.

Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States, Iztok Mirošič, sat down with Diplomatic Connections journalist James A. Winship for an in-depth interview featured in the magazine’s May/June issue.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the KALMA project – Coordination of entry points for long-term care. The contribution of the European Social Fund Plus stands at €1.56 million.

Both June events under LAC Days 2025 were dedicated to Mexican literature and cinema, focusing on the importance and role of women in Mexican society throughout different periods.

On Saturday, 14 June 2025, Minister Tanja Fajon attended a celebration marking the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement, at the invitation of Luxembourg’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel. The agreement was signed in Luxembourg on 14 June 1985. The Schengen area currently comprises 29 countries, four of which are non-EU members.

Consular operations at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tehran are temporarily limited to providing essential consular services in support of Slovenian citizens.

Prime Minister Robert Golob held a working meeting today with representatives of key ministries and professionals to review the current situation and define future directions regarding the approach to dealing with cases of children and adolescents displaying dangerous behaviour.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar attended the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.

"We share the views of all leaders who have expressed serious concern over Israel’s attacks on Iran. Israel’s attacks on Iran represent an escalation in the already tense and difficult situation in the Middle East and lead nowhere.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia and the ITF Enhancing Human Security have signed a contract for humanitarian activities in 2025 and 2026. The projects will focus on improving the living conditions of people affected by armed conflicts and their consequences.

Ambassador Iztok Mirošič met with the U.S. Acting Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Brent T. Christensen at the Slovenian Embassy on June 10th. Their discussion mainly focused on the bilateral cooperation between Slovenia and the United States.

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, participated in the International Scientific Conference Euro-Mediterranean - Higher Education, Research and Innovation 2025 (EM-HERI 2025), organised by the Euro-Mediterranean University in Portorož. She opened the high-level panel discussion, which aimed to address the impact of current events on the geopolitical conditions in the Mediterranean.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs hosted consultations on economic diplomacy, bringing together economic advisers from Slovenian diplomatic and consular missions worldwide. These advisers work to strengthen economic cooperation between Slovenia and their respective host countries.

On June 11, 2025 Ambassador Mirošič met with Congressman Richard Hudson (NC). They had a great conversation regarding the future political and economic cooperation between Slovenia and the United States, particularly on science and technology cooperation.

The Government adopted a draft amendment to the Spatial Management Act and discussed a draft amendment to the Labour Market Regulation Act, which is expected to be adopted by the Government in the coming days. The Government issued the Decree on setting prices for certain petroleum products, on the basis of which fuel prices on motorways will no longer be higher than elsewhere in the country. The Government also adopted a letter of intent for the construction of a cable car between Bovec and Kanin.

Minister Dr Aleksander Jevšek, State Secretary Dr Lidija Kegljevič Zagorc, State Secretary mag. Andrej Rajh, and European Commission delegation led by Sofia Alves, Director responsible for Administrative Capacity Building and Programmes Implementation in the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy in the European Commission, were on a field visit to the municipality of Črna na Koroškem to learn more about the projects funded by the EU Solidarity Fund.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the Days of Intergenerational Coexistence Festival at Ljubljana's Exhibition and Convention Centre, which has been organised for the fifth consecutive year by the Association of Pensioners' Societies of Slovenia (ZDUS). The Prime Minister also gave an address to the assembled audience.

The Ambassador of Italy to Slovenia, His Excellency Giuseppe Cavagna, together with Ms. Sabrina Feletig, formally presented the Order of the Star of Italy, with the rank of Knight, to Mr. Fulvio Dovgan, an employee of the Ljubljana Correctional Institution.

At the fourth Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa, Minister Tanja Fajon emphasised the urgent need for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine, as well as the importance of securing a just and lasting peace. "A peace firmly rooted in the principles of the UN Charter. A peace that is acceptable to Ukraine. We will continue to work with Ukraine and our partners to achieve such a peace."

On June 9, 2025 Ambassador Mirošič met with the congressman Joe Wilson to discuss strengthening U.S.–Slovenia relations. They exchanged views on key areas of cooperation, including trade and security.

The reading room and information room of the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia at Poljanska cesta 40 in Ljubljana will be open from June 23 to August 29, 2025, according to summer hours from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 2 PM.

On June 9, 2025 Ambassador Iztok Mirošič attended the roundtable on evolving economic and political perspectives on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), hosted by The Heritage Foundation.

On her first visit to the Republic of Moldova since taking office, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, spoke with the representatives of the country in Chisinau about strengthening the positive relations between the two countries and the potential for improving economic cooperation, as both sides have expressed interest in this. Minister Fajon expressed her support for Moldova's efforts on its path towards the European Union.

The conference titled “Artificial intelligence - new trends in development and challenges for Slovenia" was held at Jablje Castle. The focus was on the rapidly developing trends and complex challenges that position artificial intelligence (AI) in all societal domains – from public administration and the economy to education, new models of behaviour and organisation, as well as current issues of ethical use, hybrid protection, security and defence.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Embassy of Ukraine to the Republic of Slovenia, the Bled Strategic Forum organised a discussion entitled Lost childhoods, unwavering courage and hope for a bright future: Three years of Ukrainian resilience, in Ljubljana. The event was opened by the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Slovenia, H.E. Petro Beshta.

Today, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon met with three representatives of the Mothers of Srebrenica movement, who are being hosted by the President of the Republic, Nataša Pirc Musar, on their visit to Slovenia. The purpose of the meeting was to reiterate Slovenia's support for the movement and the memory of the Srebrenica genocide in light of this year's 30th anniversary, which will be commemorated on 11 July.

Today, State Secretary Marko Štucin hosted the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Eduard Hulicius, in Strunjan. In addition to bilateral relations, they focused on topical European and international issues. Slovenia and the Czech Republic enjoy friendly relations and, as like-minded countries on many issues, they have well-established political cooperation.

Ambassador Mirošič hosted the 34th Statehood Day of the Republic of Slovenia & Slovenian Armed Forces Day at the Slovenian Embassy in Washington on June 4, 2025.

Slovenia firmly supports the moratorium on deep-sea mining in keeping with its commitment to environmental sustainability and international legal obligations. In order to ensure the protection of marine ecosystems and the preservation of the common heritage of humankind, all decisions relating to the exploitation of deep-sea resources must be based on the precautionary principle.

Prime Minister Robert Golob was the keynote speaker at today’s event at Brestanica marking Slovenian Exiles Day and the 80th anniversary of their return from exile.

On Friday, 6 June 2025, Standard & Poor's (S&P) credit rating agency raised Slovenia's credit rating from AA- to AA with a stable outlook. Among European countries, Ireland, Belgium and the United Kingdom also have an AA S&P rating. This made Slovenia a country with the highest credit rating among Central and Eastern European countries.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the project Construction of the central operating theatre and intensive care unit at the Ptuj General Hospital.

Prime Minister Robert Golob was a keynote speaker at the ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the Vipava Centre for Education, Rehabilitation and Training (CIRIUS).

At today's session, the Government adopted the proposed Climate Act, a development opportunity for Slovenia, its people, and businesses. It approved the proposed amendments to the Construction Act, adapting the issuing of permits to the needs of modern times. The Government also took note of the planned signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Government of the State of Palestine on the development of relations between the two countries.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Support to early career researchers.

In the 22nd episode of the Gov.si podcast, produced by the Slovenian Government Communication Office, host Petra Bezjak Cirman welcomed Dr. Erik Brecelj, a surgeon at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana and Chair of the Strategic Council for Healthcare. Their conversation shed light on the key challenges and reforms in Slovenia’s healthcare system, as well as the role of the strategic council as an advisory body to the Prime Minister.

On the sidelines of the official visit of Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar to Ethiopia, State Secretary Marko Štucin held political consultations with the Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera, in Addis Ababa. During the meeting, they called for closer bilateral relations and stronger economic and development cooperation.

At the special invitation of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the opening session of the Olympism365 Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland, as a keynote speaker.

Rector of the Brezje Basilica, Fr. Dr. Robert Bahčič visited the Embassy of Slovenia in Washington D.C. on June 3rd 2025, where he met with Ambassador of Slovenia to the United States, Iztok Mirošič. They discussed the importance of preserving spiritual and cultural heritage of the Slovenian community in the United states of America.

On this day, Slovenia, by recognising Palestine as an independent and sovereign state, sent a clear signal about the need to reinstate peace in the Middle East and implement the two-state solution, in the hope that other countries would follow suit. A responsible member of the EU and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia strives for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid in the region.

During her visit to Madagascar, President Nataša Pirc Musar, in the presence of the President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina, inaugurated a new primary school in Bemasoandro, a suburb of Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, built with the support of Slovenia.

With these awards, now in their 19th year, the Commission recognises the most innovative, inspiring and effective Life projects in three categories: nature and biodiversity conservation, the environment and climate action.

Yesterday, a ceremony was held in Borovnica to mark the completion of work on the Borovnica railway station, where Minister of Infrastructure Alenka Bratušek also addressed those gathered. The project, worth almost EUR 112 million, is part of record investments in the development of transport infrastructure in Slovenia during this term of office.

In his talks with European Council President António Costa yesterday, Prime Minister Golob once again called on the EU Member States to discuss the freezing of the EU-Israel Association Agreement at the upcoming European Council meeting.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with representatives of agricultural organisations who presented their views on the current situation in agriculture and the legislative package being drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today met with two ministers of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria – the Minister of Health, Abelhak Saihi, and the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Fayçal Bentaleb.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the Slovenian Automotive Industry Innovation Conference GREMO, where he participated in a panel discussion entitled "Innovation and the Importance of the GREMO Mission for the Slovenian Research and Development Environment".

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the Call for proposals for co-financing investments in new solar or wind power installations in the period 2025-2029. The contribution of the European Regional Development Fund to the call stands at €63.5 million.

Portorož, 2 June 2025 – On June 1-2, as part of Slovenia’s Presidency of the MED9 group, Bojan Kumer, Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy hosted a two-day meeting of energy and environment ministers.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, together with the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, organised a forum "Translating Policy into Practice – Slovenia and Kenya Empowering Communities, Protecting Ecosystems, Fostering Peace". During her state visit to Kenya, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, inaugurated the event in her introductory address.

The Archivalia of the Month June 2025 with the title Request Made to Archduke Charles II for the Transfer of the Fief Holding after the Sale of the Part of the Fief-Based Tithe in Draga on the Sora Plain written by Lilijana Žnidaršič Golec.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved EU funding for the call for proposals Improving the teaching-learning process to support vulnerable learners in lower vocational education programmes.

State Secretary Marko Štucin received the Deputy Governor of Styria, Manuela Khom. During the meeting, the State Secretary spoke favourably of the halt of the procedure for the constitutional amendment in the Provincial Government of Styria. The amendments included the addition of the controversial Styrian anthem, which mentions the Slovenian territory.

2024 was a year of significant shifts, modernisation and challenges for the Geodetic Survey Administration. The focus of the tasks for 2024 was on providing reliable, up-to-date and high-quality spatial data and integrating it into modern information systems.

On 5 March 2025, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, based on a resignation statement, relieved Anthony Tomažin of his duties as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Slovenia in Sydney, Australia. The procedures related to this matter were concluded on 29 May 2025.

At the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister Robert Golob visited Madrid today. On the occasion of the anniversary of Palestine’s recognition, Prime Minister Golob and Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez issued a joint statement, in which they called, among other things, for an immediate end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, the respect for international law, and urged Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government to stop the massacre in Gaza.

The Forum of Slovenian-Ukrainian cooperation: Strengthening Partnership for Recovery and Rebuilding is taking place on 28–30 May in the Ukrainian city of Lviv, as part of the "U-LEAD with Europe" programme. The Forum brings together mayors and representatives of local governments, as well as political representatives and development experts from both countries.