News

Today saw the third session of the Slovenian-Brazilian joint Commission for Economic Cooperation, held this time in virtual form. The Slovenian side of the Joint Commission was chaired by the Director-General for Economic and Public Diplomacy at the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Iztok Grmek, and the Brazilian side by Ambassador Kenneth Félix Haczynski da Nóbrega, Secretary of Bilateral Negotiations in the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Slovenia is suspending administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine pending Tuesday’s decision of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), said Minister of Health Janez Poklukar.

Mateja Logar, head of the advisory group at the Ministry of Health; Marko Pokorn, medical director of the Pediatric Clinic of the University Medical Centre Ljubljana; and Mariča Lah, president of Slovenian Chamber of Commerce (TZS), participated at today’s press conference on the current situation regarding the Covid-19 disease.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anže Logar and Minister of the Interior Aleš Hojs today attended a joint virtual meeting of EU Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Ministers. The purpose of the session was to make progress in negotiating the pact on migration and asylum in the context of external aspects of migration, which is an important pillar of the European Union’s comprehensive migration policy. The ministers were in firm agreement that the underlying causes of migration should be addressed and partnership with third countries should be established. Progress is also needed with regard to the return and readmission of migrants.

The Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning, Andrej Vizjak, received on a courtesy visit H. E. Tiffany Sadler, Ambassador of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland to the Republic of Slovenia.

Today we celebrate the World Consumer Rights Day. The following text presents consumer rights that fall under the remit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, and the Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection (a body within the Ministry).

Prime Minister Janez Janša attended a service to commemorate the deceased during the COVID-19 epidemic and express sympathy to their families. On 14 March 2020, the first flame of life expired due to COVID-19 in Slovenia. A mourning ceremony was held on the occasion of the first anniversary during which Slovenia paid tribute to the memory of all those who have died due to COVID-19 and expressed condolences and sympathy to their relatives.

Prime Minister Janez Janša was the guest of a talk show on Planet TV, in which he discussed the first anniversary of the current Slovenian government, the fight against the epidemic, the division in the Slovenian society, and the current political issues.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, Latvian Prime Minister Arturs Krišjānis Kariņš, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša addressed a letter to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the European Council Charles Michel concerning the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines.

Minister of the Interior Aleš Hojs, accompanied by the delegation, participated at the informal videoconference of Home Affairs Ministers.

At today’s press conference at Brdo pri Kranju, Prime Minister Janez Janša, Deputy Prime Minister Zdravko Počivalšek, Matej Tonin, and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Jože Podgoršek presented the achievements at the occasion of the first anniversary of this administration of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the priorities of work for the coming period.

At today’s press conference at Brdo pri Kranju, Prime Minister Janez Janša, Deputy Prime Minister Zdravko Počivalšek, Matej Tonin, and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Jože Podgoršek presented the achievements on the occasion of the first anniversary of this administration of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the priorities of work for the coming period.

Prime Minister Janez Janša had a meeting today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, Arancha González Laya, who is on an official visit to Slovenia. The two discussed bilateral relations, which they assessed as very good, cooperative and amicable. They also discussed the current pandemic situation, the measures to curb the pandemic, the course of vaccination and efforts for a common approach to vaccination certificates.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today met with two representatives of OTB Bank, Chairman of OTP Bank’s Board of Directors Dr. Sándor Csányi and member of the Board of Directors László Wolf. The Prime Minister and the representatives discussed the state of the Slovenian and European economy, particularly the banking sector.

A press conference on the current situation regarding the COVID-19 virus was held today by Director of the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), Milan Krek, Acting Director-General of the Public Health Directorate at the Ministry of Health, Vesna Kerstin Petrič, Director of the National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, Tjaša Žohar Čretnik, Deana Potza of the Health Inspectorate, and the head of the Department for General Security and Security Planning at the Uniformed Police Administration of the Slovenian Police, Alojz Sladič.

Today, at the invitation of Foreign Minister Anže Logar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain Arancha González Laya travelled to Slovenia for a working visit. The visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two Mediterranean European countries and exchanging views, which will play a vital role both before and during Slovenia's EU Council presidency in the second half of this year.

The government has decided to extend the state of epidemic by another 30 days effective as of 18 March. The government also adopted the Ordinance amending the Ordinance determining the conditions for entry into the Republic of Slovenia for the purpose of containment and control of the COVID-19 infectious disease.

Today, a Joint Declaration on the Conference on the Future of Europe was signed by European Parliament President David Sassoli, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa, on behalf of the Presidency of the Council. This paves the way to launching a series of debates and discussions that will enable people from every corner of Europe to share their ideas to help shape Europe’s future. The Conference’s first plenary session is scheduled for Europe Day on 9 May and closes next spring.

The epidemiological situation in Slovenia and abroad was presented by the deputy head of the Centre for Infectious Diseases at NIJZ, Nuška Čakš Jager.

Today, State Secretary Stanislav Raščan held a videoconference call with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen. Their talks took place in the context of preparations for Slovenia's EU Council Presidency in the second half of this year and were aimed at presenting the priority tasks in development cooperation and exchanging views on the development consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pair advocated for regular dialogue and common action in the spirit of “Team Europe”, which is a key element of the EU's global response to the pandemic.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the project Southern cycle route in municipalities Beltinci and Črenšovci. The project budget stands at nearly EUR 1.1 million, of which half, i.e. almost EUR 550,000 comes from the European Regional Development Fund.

In today's phone conversation held on the initiative of the Algerian party, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anže Logar and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Sabri Boukadoum discussed the possibilities of reinforcing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the Call for proposals for co-financing residential care facilities for seniors under the age of 65. The amount of funding made available under the call stands at nearly EUR 7 million, of which over EUR 5.5 million comes from the European Regional Development Fund.

Today’s press conference on the current situation with regard to COVID-19 was given by Nataša Kranjc, acting Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education and Adult education, Fani Al Mansour, president of the Association of Secondary Schools and Student Dormitories of Slovenia and director of SIC Ljubljana, and Jelko Kacin, State Secretary, national logistics coordinator for the mass vaccination campaign against Covid-19.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the Call for co-financing the installation of small wind power plants. The total amount of funding available under the call stands at EUR 4 million and comes from the Cohesion Fund.

Between 5 and 12 March, the 14th NATO and PfP NCO Winter Camp is taking place at Pokljuka.

State Secretary Gašper Dovžan today held a video call with US Deputy Assistant Secretary Molly Montgomery, who is responsible for relations with Western Europe and the European Union. In the context of the preparations for the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will take place in the second half of 2021, the talks establish the basis for continuing the strategic dialogue between the countries

Today’s press conference on the current situation with regard to COVID-19 was held by Mateja Logar, head of the advisory group at the Ministry of Health, and professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Ljubljana Borut Štrukelj.

In cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Ministry of Public Administration organised the Regional Forum for Europe on Meaningful Connectivity on 8 and 9 March 2021. At the event, Minister of Public Administration Boštjan Koritnik, who wrote a blog post for ITU News prior to this event, held the opening address. Acting Director-General of the Information Society and Informatics Directorate Peter Grum also participated at the event's first session on the digital divide and inclusive connectivity in Europe.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the project Industrial Business Zone Cikava. The EUR 3.5 million development project which will be implemented by the Urban Municipality Novo mesto will receive a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund amounting to over EUR 1.7 million.

Blockchain Technologies for Sustainable and Resilient Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Side Event to the UNECE Regional Forum 2021.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the project Renovation of apartments owned by Urban Municipality Kranj. The EUR 260,000 project which will be implemented by the Urban Municipality Kranj will receive a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund amounting to nearly EUR 155,000.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the project Expansion of industrial area in the Industrial Business Zone Lendava. The EUR 318,000 development project which will be carried out by Municipality Lendava will be supported by the European Regional Development Fund with a contribution of EUR 193,000.

Sophie In 't Veld (Renew / D66), who heads the Group for Monitoring Respect for Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights within the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Rights, Justice and Home Affairs, has sent an invitation letter to the Prime Minister Janez Janša and Minister of Culture Vasko Simoniti for in camera exchange of views on the latest development in Slovenia in relation to Democracy, Rule of law and Fundamental Rights".

The Design Austria Gallery in Vienna’s Museum Quarter is hosting an exhibition of contemporary Slovenian design entitled The Future of Living, which brings together products of local origin and adheres to sustainable principles. It presents Slovenian creativity, highlighting the role of the cultural and creative industries as a driver of sustainable development. Its focus is also on the internationalisation of Slovenian design and on the search for entrepreneurial opportunities and international cooperation.

This afternoon’s press conference on the latest situation regarding COVID-19 was attended by Aleš Hojs, Minister of the Interior and Simon Zajc, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology.

A press conference on the current situation regarding the COVID-19 virus was held by Minister of Education, Science and Sport Simona Kustec, Tjaša Žohar Čretnik, Director of the National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, Deana Potza of the Health Inspectorate, and the head of the Department for General Security and Security Planning at the Uniformed Police Administration of the Slovenian Police, Alojz Sladič.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the project COVID-19 – Hospital renovation to extend capacities of Ljubljana Intermediate Care Department. The EUR 5.6 million project will be implemented by the Ministry of Health and supported by the European Regional Development Fund, with the contribution standing at EUR 4.5 million. This is already the second investment in a series of REACT-EU investments made under the massive NextGenerationEU instrument which helps EU countries recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sophie In 't Veld (Renew / D66), who heads the Group for Monitoring Respect for Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights within the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Rights, Justice and Home Affairs, has sent an invitation letter to the Prime Minister Janez Janša and Minister of Culture Vasko Simoniti for in camera exchange of views on the latest development in Slovenia in relation to Democracy, Rule of law and Fundamental Rights".

The Strategic Council for Foreign Affairs, headed by Foreign Minister Anže Logar, held its first meeting in its new composition today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the update of the current Slovenian Foreign Policy Strategy.

At the end of 2013, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 March as UN World Wildlife Day. It has thus become the world’s most important annual event dedicated to wildlife and plant species. This year, World Wildlife Day will be celebrated under the theme "Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Plane"’.

At the government press conference, Minister of Health Janez Poklukar presented the second version of the national COVID-19 vaccination strategy.

Minister Zdravko Počivalšek attended a virtual meeting of EU ministers responsible for trade, where they discussed the new medium-term trade strategy, which was published on 18 February. It sets out the political direction of the EU trade and investment policy for the upcoming years in estimating the contribution of the trade policy to a fast and sustainable recovery and to open strategic autonomy.

At today’s correspondence session, the Government adopted the second version of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy. The strategy was updated due to new circumstances relating to the course of vaccination. Priority vaccination groups were defined anew or in more detail in the strategy, including certain new vaccination locations. Furthermore, the possibility of storing vaccines, currently waiting on the completion of the registration procedure at the European Medicines Agency (EMA), was also defined.

On Monday, 1 March 2021, Prime Minister Janez Janša met the representatives of the company, Lek, d. d. Robert Ljoljo, President of the Management Board and President of Novartis AG in Slovenia, and Gregor Makuc, Head of Communications and External Engagement at Sandoz Slovenia, attended the meeting on behalf of the company, Lek, d. d.

At today’s 63rd extraordinary session of the National Assembly, Prime Minister Janez Janša responded to questions from deputies mag. Alenka Bratušek from SAB, Zmago Jelinčič Plemeniti from SNS, Marjan Šarec from LMŠ and Anja Bah Žibert from SDS about the effects of the adopted anti-crisis measures, reopening of catering establishments, government measures in the field of public finances, the national vaccination strategy, and measures for containing the spread of COVID-19 and mitigating the consequences of the epidemic.

At the invitation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, State Secretary Stanislav Raščan today represented Slovenia in an international High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Situation in Yemen, in his capacity as Minister for Development Cooperation. He announced Slovenia’s additional contribution for humanitarian aid to the affected population in Yemen.

Minister Zdravko Počivalšek attended a video session of the Informal Ministerial Conference on European Tourism, a top-level debate. The Portuguese EU Council presidency convened a meeting at the initiative of some Mediterranean countries whose economies depend on tourism to improve the free movement of people within the EU's internal and external borders, as well as possible additional EU tools to help launch the EU tourism industry in the short and medium term.

At the press conference, Sanja Vuzem of the Maribor regional unit of the National Institute of Public Health spoke about the current confirmed case of the South African coronavirus strain in Slovenia.

In cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Ministry of Public Administration will hold the Regional Forum for Europe on Meaningful Connectivity on 8 and 9 March 2021. At the event, Minister of Public Administration Boštjan Koritnik, who wrote a blog post for ITU News prior to this event, will hold the opening address. He expressed his thoughts on the development and progress of digitalisation in Slovenia and described how and where digital technology is used in Slovenia to combat the COVID-19 epidemic.