Prime Minister Robert Golob met today with the Chief Executive Officer of the Fortenova Group, Fabris Peruško, who briefed him on the Group's operations and business plans.

State Secretary Marko Štucin attended an ordinary session of the EU General Affairs Council in Luxembourg. The Council members held a thorough discussion on draft conclusions for the European Council meeting, set to be held on 29 and 30 June 2023. They spoke about the EU’s continued response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine, current economic issues, security and defence, and foreign policy issues.

On Day 2 of meeting, the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council discussed agricultural issues. At the core of discussion were the conditions in agricultural markets in the aftermath of Russian aggression on Ukraine, and due to adverse climatic events, the need for certain derogations within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) due to adverse climatic events, and a call on the Commission to clarify the criteria for allocation of existing aid packages, and concerning the preparation of the third aid package.

EU agriculture and fisheries ministers today opened a two-day meeting of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council, attended by Minister Irena Šinko. Council conclusions were adopted on a package of measures to improve the sustainability and resilience of the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector, and ministers were briefed on a proposal for a regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products.

Minister Tanja Fajon attended a regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Key topics of discussion included the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the north of Kosovo, EU–Latin America and Caribbean relations, and digital diplomacy. Minister Fajon thanked the EU member states for their support in electing Slovenia to the UN Security Council.

At today's correspondence session, the Government adopted the proposal for the Long-Term Care Act and the proposal for the amendment of the Social Assistance Act and a decision to recall a member of the Supervisory Board of the Public Transport Management Company.

The deadline for the applications for bilateral scholarships for 2023/2024 has been extended to 15 September 2023.

In the light of yesterday’s events in the Russian Federation, the National Security Council met in a select meeting today.

Message from Prime Minister Robert Golob on the occasion of Statehood Day on 25 of June.

At today’s correspondence session, the Government adopted the text of the amendments to the proposed Act Amending the Health Care and Health Insurance Act, decided to conclude an annex to the Operational Plan agreed by the European Union Agency for Asylum and the Republic of Slovenia, and reallocated budget funds.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's membership in the Council of Europe, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, visited Strasbourg from 20 to 22 June, where she met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly, Tiny Kox, and the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Síofra O'Leary, and addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon hosted Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković on his first visit to Slovenia. Their discussions mostly focused on reviewing further steps towards faster progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards the EU and examined the current situation in the country. They also spoke about the opportunities for enhanced cooperation, particularly in the field of economy.

At its today’s session, the Government adopted the decree on aid to promote the deployment of energy from renewable sources, storage and heat from renewable sources, and the proposal to update the National Energy and Climate Plan. It also adopted the proposed amendment to the Agriculture Act.

The Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Tehran will be closed on 25 June 2023, Slovenia's Statehood Day.

State Secretary Samuel Žbogar attends the conference on Ukraine's recovery hosted by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At the conference, he expressed Slovenia's support for Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction process and announced an additional €6 million in aid.

State Secretary Marko Štucin held bilateral consultations in Copenhagen with the State Secretary for European Affairs and the Arctic of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Carsten Grønbech-Jensen. He also held consultations with the Head of the EU Division at Prime Minister’s Office, Ida Hannibal, and the Chairman of the European Affairs Committee in the Danish parliament, Niels Flemming Hansen.

The Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sports announced a partnership with the Dubai World Trade Center, more specifically Summit for the Future of Blockchain Technology as part of the largest global technology exhibition GITEX Global and COP28.

Joint statement by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Robert Golob, and the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Ms Tanja Fajon.

The Recovery and Resilience Office organised a workshop entitled "Recovery and Resilience Mechanism and Protection of the European Union’s Financial Interests" for representatives of the ministries responsible for implementing the measures of the Recovery and Resilience Plan and thus protecting the EU’s financial interests. The participants of the workshop listened to representatives of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Criminal Police Directorate.

At the invitation of the Alpine Convention under the Slovenian presidency, a delegation from the Andean Mountain Initiative is on a study visit to Slovenia to take the idea behind the Alpine Convention to the seven countries of the Andean Mountain Range.

President Nataša Pirc Musar deposited on behalf of the Republic of Slovenia its instrument of ratification of the Protocol amending the Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (CETS No. 223).

The 5th National Conference on the Internationalisation of the Slovenian Economy was held in Maribor, Slovenia. Under the slogan "Greenovated in Slovenia", businessmen, entrepreneurs and researchers discussed the visibility of Slovenia abroad, the penetration of companies in foreign markets, market niches for innovative and high-tech solutions, and opportunities for companies in international development cooperation.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development continues to issue support decisions under the EU Cohesion Policy 2021–2027 Programme. This time, it approved EUR 7 million in EU funding for the project “Upgrading and operation of the Slovenian business point (SPOT Global+)”. The funding will be targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises.

The 111th Session of the International Labour Conference, held in Geneva from 5 to 16 June 2023, is attended annually by members of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in a tripartite configuration of representatives of governments and workers’ and employers’ organisations. Important decisions, including the Recommendation concerning quality apprenticeships, were discussed and adopted by the conference in committees and plenary sessions.

The Government adopted a Decree on setting prices for certain petroleum products, amendments to the Decree on the method of determining and calculating the contribution for ensuring support for the production of electricity from high-efficiency cogeneration and renewable energy sources, and decided to make a contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross for emergency humanitarian aid to Sudan.

At a donor conference for humanitarian needs, Slovenia allocated EUR 300,000 of humanitarian funds to Sudan. The sum will be transferred through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

State Secretary Marko Štucin held consultations through a video conference with the State Secretary of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pascual Navarro Ríos. They confirmed the excellent bilateral relations and exchanged views on current European issues, particularly in light of the upcoming Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of this year.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has declared 20 June as World Refugee Day. As they said in their message, on this day the world celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to leave their home countries to escape conflict or persecution.

The Slovenian Development Days, an event which shines a spotlight on the importance and achievements of development cooperation and humanitarian action to the Slovenian public, will take place between 2 and 6 October in Ljubljana. For the first time, the event will also feature the launch of the Slovenian Humanitarian Forum.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met for the second time with the Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin. In Koper, they discussed the situation in the Western Balkans, with a focus on Kosovo and the war in Ukraine.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the charity event "Deafblind Among Us". At the event, he took the opportunity to say that it is necessary to speak loud and clear for those who cannot do so themselves: "Ladies and gentlemen, a deep tribute, a deep tribute to your will to live, to your struggle to be heard and to your struggle to be successful."

Prime Minister Robert Golob, Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy Bojan Kumer and Minister of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning Uroš Brežan visited Krško today.

State Secretary Marko Štucin held consultations in Nicosia with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Kyriacós Kouros.

One of the largest meetings of representatives from European institutions and the Western Balkan countries, the Prespa Forum Dialogue 2023, concluded today in Struga. This time, the meeting was held under the theme "Widened European Family by 2030: Mission (im)possible?". Slovenia was represented by the Minister of Digital Transformation, Emilija Stojmenova Duh.

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the “mineral water drinking protest” – a political action by members of the LGBT community that gave birth to the first Pride Parade in this country.

At the Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting, ministers discussed, among other things, the value added tax (VAT) in the digital age package and the retail investment package. Minister Boštjančič also attended two annual meetings and a meeting of the Eurogroup, which celebrated the 25th anniversary of its first meeting.

On Thursday, 15 and Friday, 16 June 2023, Minister of Defence Marjan Šarec attended the NATO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Brussels.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the opening of Bosch Rexroth production plant. Bosch Rexroth has been operating in Slovenia for 25 years and the opening of the new plant in Brnik will create 123 additional jobs. The investment of EUR 13.2 million will create room for growth and future activities for the electrification of mobile applications.

Prime Minister Robert Golob and Infrastructure Minister Alenka Bratušek attended the official opening of the renovated railway station in Grosuplje.

The government has taken note of the information regarding the distribution of profits and awards to the management of companies within the same group or in related companies that have received aid under the Act Determining the Aid to the Economy to Mitigate the Consequences of the Energy Crisis.

At the opening of the four-day Regional Studies Association scientific conference that took place in Ljubljana Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Aleksander Jevšek stressed Slovenia’s commitment to harmonious regional development.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the signing of a contract for 20 new passenger trains and the opening of the renovated Grosuplje railway station.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today paid an official visit to Austria. He and his host, Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Nehammer, discussed the close relations between the two countries, Austria's temporary border controls on the Slovenian border and the improvement of the situation of the Slovenian national community.

Every anniversary is both a celebration and an occasion for reflection. This is also true for the day of the Slovene Intelligence and Security Agency (SOVA) and the 30th anniversary of its operation under this name. It is celebrated at a time full of challenges, but also of great hopes.

Marko Rakovec, Director-General of the Directorate for International Law and Protection of Interests took part in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Plenary in Dubrovnik on 12–15 June 2023.

The reading room of the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia at 1 Zvezdarska Street in Ljubljana will be open from June 19 to September 1, 2023, according to summer working hours, from Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 2 PM.
On Monday, August 14, the archive will be closed due to a collective leave day.

Following the Republic of Slovenia's election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Prime Minister Robert Golob, in a joint press statement, stressed that this was a milestone for the whole country and that we would make sure that our voice is heard and taken into account.

State Secretary Marko Štucin met with First Deputy Prime Minister and Chief Negotiator for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Besnik Bislimi and held political consultations with the State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo, Kresnik Ahmeti.

Prime Minister Robert Golob today participated in the consultation "For a better future for older and retired persons", which was held at the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia.

On 24 March 2023, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) informed the Republic of Slovenia that three complaints by Slovenian fishermen against the Republic of Croatia concerning alleged violations of the European Convention on Human Rights had been submitted to Croatia.

At today’s joint press conference with President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar and Prime Minister Robert Golob following the election of Slovenia as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon outlined the substantive priorities of the membership.

On 9 June 2023, credit rating agencies S&P Global Ratings and DBRS Morningstar reaffirmed Slovenia's credit ratings. S&P continues to maintain Slovenia's credit rating at AA- with stable outlook, while DBRS Morningstar rates it as A (high) with stable outlook as well.

On the basis of the implementation of temporary measures referred to in Article 15 of the Act on Emergency Measures to Ensure the Stability of the Healthcare System (ZNUZSZS) and based on analyses conducted, data were obtained on the utilization and responsiveness of the healthcare system to measures which require immediate state intervention in order to adjust the established Act.

The Ministry of the Environment, Climate, and Energy has notified the European Commission of a new measure of investment aid to promote the production of electricity and heat from renewable sources, as well as the storage of electricity and heat.

A meeting of the Steering Committee of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), established earlier this year in Podgorica by Slovenia, France and Montenegro, is taking place today in Ljubljana.

Following a deferral veto by the National Council, the National Assembly reconsidered and supported the amendment to the Implementation of the Budget for 2023 and 2024 Act. In its response to the submitted veto, the Government emphasized that the adopted budget revision enables adequate financing of all highlighted areas while ensuring the long-term sustainability of public finances.

On Thursday, 8 June, the 11th International Military Exercise Adriatic Strike 2023 was presented to the professional public at the Jernej Molan Barracks at Cerklje ob Krki Airport.

On the occasion of the upcoming National Day of Slovenia, the Embassy in Copenhagen prepared a reception for the Slovenian community and friends.

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Marko Štucin today attended the 15th anniversary of the Euro-Mediterranean University EMUNI in Piran, organised by the President of EMUNI, Prof. Dr Abdelhamid El-Zoheiry.

The Government adopted the proposal for the Healthcare Digitalisation Act, instructed the Ministry of Infrastructure to continue procedures to improve air connectivity, including possible integration with existing airlines, and took note of the information on the activities of the Ministry of Defence for the withdrawal of the Republic of Slovenia from the Boxer programme.

Minister of the Interior Boštjan Poklukar is attending the Home Affairs Ministers Council meeting in Luxembourg. The main topics of today's meeting, as highlighted by the Minister in a press statement, are the Migration and Asylum Pact and the situation in the Schengen area.

The Minister for Natural Resources and Spatial Planning Uroš Brežan attended the Bled Water Festival, at which he spoke about the importance of water as a key commodity for life. Slovenia is rich in water resources, and its mission is to manage them in a comprehensive way, with the aim of protecting them and using them sustainably, thereby preserving them for future generations.

Below is the message delivered by Prime Minister Robert Golob on the occasion of the national holiday in honour of Primož Trubar.

The Government adopts its opinion on the proposal by Members of the Parliament on the construction of the C0 connecting canal and gives its consent to the amendments to the Draft Resolution on the National Drug Programme 2023–2030.

Prime Minister Robert Golob received Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a world-renowned spiritual teacher, humanitarian leader and ambassador of peace, who was on a visit to Ljubljana.

It is because of the importance of the oceans to our planet and the importance of protecting and preserving them that the United Nations has declared 8 June World Oceans Day.

At the government committee sessions, the Government agreed, among other things, on an amendment to the draft act amending the Judicial Service Act, adopted an opinion on the request of the National Council for a reconsideration of the amendment to the Implementation of the Republic of Slovenia Budget Act, and adopted the Eco Fund's Business and Financial Plan for 2023.

Prime Minister Robert Golob and Minister for Slovenians in Neighbouring Countries and Slovenians Abroad Matej Arčon met with representatives of the Slovenian national community in Austria.

Prime Minister Robert Golob commented on today’s election of Slovenia as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2024-2025 period, saying that: "Today in New York, Slovenia has achieved one of its greatest successes in international diplomacy.

In the context of maintaining regular dialogue and good cooperation, Prime Minister Robert Golob and President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar met for a working lunch.

New York - Today, Slovenia was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2024–2025 term. "The whole of Slovenia can today celebrate our unexpected success: 153 countries voted for us in the first round. The election to the UN Security Council is a great achievement of our foreign policy and a great day for Slovenia. I am happy and proud that we were supported by almost the entire country, which proves that the candidacy is truly national achievement," said the minister Tanja Fajon after successful elections.

On this year's World Bee Day, Ambassador Mihael Zupančič visited a Danish organic beekeeper Mr Peter Sjøgren in Hillerød, 40 km north of Copenhagen.

The State Secretary for Intergenerational Dialogue and Housing Policy, Nataša Sax, and Simona Pirnat Skeledžija from the Office of the Prime Minister received representatives of the Deafblind Association of Slovenia, DLAN, and professionals working in the field.

Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has issued the first grant decision under Slovenia’s Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027 approving 13 million euros for the project “Project learning for young adults” (PUM-O+), which will be implemented by the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. The first funds will be allocated to young people aged 15-29.

The Prime Minister, Dr Robert Golob, hosted the first meeting of mayors of Slovenian municipalities with the aim of strengthening constructive dialogue and partnership between municipalities and the Government.

The Prime Minister, Dr Robert Golob, attended a ceremony to award membership certificates to new full, associate, and affiliate members of the Slovenian Academy of Engineering. The membership certificates were awarded to 31 distinguished Slovenian and foreign engineers who contribute to the progress of society with their knowledge.

The clients are kindly requested to arrange a time slot to approach the Embassy well in advance.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Irena Šinko met today with the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food.

In Chișinău, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the second meeting of the European Political Community (EPC), hosted by the President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu.

State Secretary Samuel Žbogar attended the informal meeting of NATO ministers of foreign affairs in Oslo. On the first day, State Secretary Žbogar, together with ministers of foreign affairs, attended the ceremony for the victims of the terrorist attack that happened in Norway on 22 July 2011. On the second day, he represented Slovenia at the informal ministerial meeting.

State Secretary Marko Štucin and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Josip Brkić held bilateral political consultations in Ljubljana. The consultations focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina's path towards Europe and the necessity to implement reforms to open accession negotiations with the EU.

At yesterday's session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia approved the proposals of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs for contributions to international organisations for development cooperation and humanitarian aid (2023–2025).

As of June 1st, 2023, the management of the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia is taken over by Dr Andrej Nared. Upon his personal request Dr Bojan Cvelfar, who managed the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia for the last decade, steps down from his role as the director. The Government of the Republic of Slovenia dismissed Dr Cvelfar from his position and appointed Dr Andrej Nared as the new acting director of the Archives.

The Government has agreed on the text of the proposed Act Amending the Higher Vocational Education Act and submitted it to the National Assembly for consideration under the shortened procedure. The Government also adopted the Medium-Term Defence Programme of the Republic of Slovenia 2023–2028.

"Our main promise we gave to the people when we were elected was that we would live in a normal country again. That means a functioning rule of law, democracy and an open society. We have delivered on that promise," Prime Minister Robert Golob said on the occasion of the 1st anniversary of the Government. Together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Tanja Fajon and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Luka Mesec, they summarised the work of the Government so far.

Agency for Agricultural Markets and Rural Development published beneficiaries of funds, who have received money from the EU agricultural funds.

Minister Irena Šinko attended the Agriculture and Fisheries Council. The presidency informed the ministers on the proposed regulation on packaging and packaging waste and the ministers discussed the situation of the market for agricultural products following the war in Ukraine. There was also a discussion on current practices related to the marketing of frozen products and the need for enhancing tools and strategies for a systemic management and response to the growing risks in agricultural markets.

The May meeting of the EU General Affairs Council focused on preparations for the European Council meeting to be held in Brussels on 29 and 30 June and, under the Article 7 TEU procedure, on the state of the rule of law in Poland and Hungary.

The celebration of World Bee Day in Kalmthout Arboretum was co-organised by the Slovenian Embassy in Belgium with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. State Secretary Tatjana Buzeti and Ambassador Barbara Sušnik attended the event along with other guests. A bee tree was planted on the occasion.

After two weeks of intensive negotiations between nearly 300 experts in public international law and international criminal law, the MLA Conference adopted the Ljubljana-Hague Convention, which will enable countries to cooperate internationally in the investigation and prosecution of the most serious international crimes. It is also the first major treaty in the field of international criminal law since the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Prime Minister dr. Robert Golob visited the Ministry of Defence, where he was greeted with military honours.

On the margins of the diplomatic conference for the adoption of the MLA Convention, which ends today in Ljubljana, State Secretary Marko Štucin met with the Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine, Iryna Mudra. Their discussions focused on the importance of ensuring accountability for war crimes.

Today, Prime Minister dr. Robert Golob received the European Commissioner for Budget and Administration, Johannes Hahn, who is currently visiting member states.

Prime Minister Robert Golob and deputies of the Italian and Hungarian national communities, Felice Žiža and Ferenc Horváth, today formalised their cooperation by signing an agreement.

State Secretary Marko Štucin hosted Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs of North Macedonia Bojan Maricikj. They discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries and Slovenia's continued support for North Macedonia's European integration path.

The government adopted a proposal for the amendment to the Pension and Disability Insurance Act and a resolution on pension indexation. It decided that the eligible costs of interventions during windstorms in north-eastern Slovenia are to be reimbursed to the municipalities.

The Slovenian Embassy in Addis Ababa is now open and is headed by the Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Vesna Dolinšek. This is Slovenia’s second resident embassy in Africa, which will significantly strengthen Slovenia's political and economic relations with Ethiopia and countries in the wider region. It will also contribute to the accessibility of consular assistance to Slovenian citizens travelling in East African countries.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon paid the first official visit to Indonesia at the level of foreign minister since 2006. In Jakarta, she was received by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, with whom she discussed the strengthening of political and economic relations and EU-ASEAN relations. She also met with Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, and Arsjad Rasjid, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Minister Irena Šinko attended the 2023 Golden Bee Award ceremony. Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, presented the award to the winner. The third Golden Bee Award was awarded for research into bees and other pollinators. Among the 12 candidates, the Golden Bee Award Committee selected Dr Slobodan Davidović from Serbia.

Prime Minister Robert Golob addressed participants at today's opening of the Days of Intergenerational Coexistence. He said that the Government would adopt a package of measures to alleviate the hardships of pensioners.