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Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar participated in an audio-video conference of foreign ministers of the Western Balkans – North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Serbia, foreign ministers of the EU countries bordering the region – Greece, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, and Slovenia, and high representatives of the European Union.

"Children, pupils and students successfully returned to kindergartens and schools yesterday, thanks to the principals and the teachers who thoroughly prepared for the return and made all the necessary arrangements to successfully carry out classes. Students and parents were also very understanding and prepared for a smooth implementation of the education process in schools," stressed the Minister of Education, Science and Sport at today's press conference in her first evaluation of kindergartens and schools reopening yesterday. Schools are reporting good cooperation with local communities and smooth operation of school transport.

At the invitation of his German counterpart, Heiko Maas, Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar today participated in a video conference on lifting restrictive measures at state borders to ease tourist travel. Other participants included the foreign ministers of Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain, the major holiday destinations for German tourists.

Today marks the centenary of the birth of Karol Józef Wojtyła in Poland, later Pope St. John Paul II. He entered history as a remarkable personality and leader, staunchly supporting freedom, justice and peace.

Borders will be gradually reopened, and the amended ordinance gives the state a discretion to refuse entry to EU citizens who do not have temporary or permanent residence in Slovenia and show clear signs of infection or disease, said the Government's spokesperson, Jelko Kacin, at today's press conference. The Government has amended the Ordinance on imposing and implementing measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 at border crossings at the external border and at checkpoints at the internal borders of the Republic of Slovenia, which was adopted on 14 May 2020.

Slovenian minister of the Interior Aleš Hojs and Croatian minister of the Interior Davor Božinovič met in Ormož, Slovenia, on 16 May 2020. They discussed the current situation regarding the COVID-19 epidemic, particularly regarding options of crossing the Slovenian-Croatian state border and issues related to illegal migrations.

Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar today took part in a video conference of EU ministers of foreign affairs, which was led by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. The central topic of the fourth video conference of foreign ministers was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the regions of North Africa and the wider Middle East. Minister Logar was pleased to inform his European colleagues that, as of today, Slovenia has declared an official end to its COVID-19 epidemic as a result of good epidemiological results.

State Secretary Gašper Dovžan represented Slovenia at the virtual meeting of CEI Heads of Government on behalf of Prime Minister Janez Janša and Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar, who had previously scheduled commitments. The 31st CEI Summit focused on a debate about the situation, measures, and regional cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted an ordinance declaring the end of COVID-19 epidemic effective from 15 May, based on a joint assessment by healthcare professionals and the Government Slovenia is thus the first country in Europe to take this step. Since the risk of spreading COVID-19 still persists, the general and specific measures adopted pursuant to the decision on the application of measures under the Communicable Diseases Act will continue to apply based on expert opinion until 31 May 2020.

After the tourist market came to a full stop due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO) responded with a motivational campaign for the domestic market entitled THE TIME IS NOW. My Slovenia. The Government Communication Office (UKOM) is a partner in this campaign. Together with the STO and other partners, we invite Slovenians to discover more or less hidden parts of Slovenia, to spend a short or long holiday in Slovenia, and, above all, to strengthen pride in our country through our joint efforts.

Today the Minister without portfolio, competent for development and the EU cohesion policy, Zvone Černač, visited Žužemberk, Ivančna Gorica and Grosuplje. The Minister and the mayors discussed the topical issues regarding EU Cohesion Policy implementation and visited projects co-financed by European Cohesion Policy funds.

This morning, Prime Minister Janez Janša spoke with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen over the phone. Their discussion was very substantive and constructive. They talked about the proposals for the next EU budget and the recovery fund in response to the coronavirus epidemic.

At today’s extraordinary session of the National Assembly, the deputies discussed the proposed resolution on the acquaintance with the report on the status, reasons, reserves and orders of personal protective equipment and critical medical equipment upon the declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) epidemic and the purchases that enabled Slovenia’s success in overcoming the epidemic. The proposed resolution was submitted for discussion by the Government of the Republic of Slovenian and, at the session, Prime Minister Janez Janša further explained the proposal.

In a week, on 20 May, Slovenia and the rest of the world will celebrate World Bee Day for the third time. The UN General Assembly proclaimed World Bee Day on 20 December 2017. The main purpose of World Bee Day is to raise awareness among the global public about the importance of bees and other pollinators for humanity, in light of ensuring global food security, eradication of hunger, and care for the environment and biodiversity. With the title "Bee Engaged", FAO as the organiser of the event wishes to draw attention to the importance of engagement and actions of countries, organisations, research and educational institutions, civil society, the private sector, farmers, beekeepers and the public for the conservation of bees and other pollinators.

In today’s telephone conversation with the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok, Minister Dr Logar pointed out The Netherlands as an important trade partner and political ally of Slovenia. The main topics were the cooperation in the run-up to Slovenia’s 2021 EU Council presidency, the coordination in the easing of restrictive measures and joint action aimed at a rapid economic recovery after the pandemic.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy, the Managing Authority for ESIF and Cohesion Fund, has issued a financial support decision for the project “Municipal infrastructure and upgrading the Muta Industrial Zone”. The project worth EUR 528,000 will be implemented by the Municipality Muta and will receive nearly EUR 369,000 of European Regional Development Fund support.

A fable of us as boiled frogs cooked in lukewarm water and of death threats
"There cannot be a war between one person and the media, just as there cannot be a war between one person and the army of a country."

At today’s video conference, Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar and Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Jacek Czaputowicz called for further strengthening of the cooperation between Slovenia and Poland both at the bilateral level and within regional and supra-regional initiatives. Slovenia and Poland are partners within the EU and allies within NATO, sharing numerous positions on significant international issues.

Last year, the Government Communication Office once again collaborated with the Institute for the Promotion of Youth Entrepreneurship. As part of the My Company programme, secondary school students developed a product for the promotion of Slovenia and the I feel Slovenia national brand.

With the new government ordinance on measures on the border, an additional checkpoint Neblo ‒ Vallico di Venco was set up last week on the border with Italy, in the municipality of Brda, which started operating on Saturday, 9 May 2020.

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the Florence-based Historical Archives of the European Union have mounted an exhibition entitled “Europe and Europeans 1950>2020”.

A united and connected EU remains Slovenia’s priority foreign policy interest, as clearly defined in all relevant strategic documents and confirmed by referendum. Slovenia will remain committed to consolidating the European project and to EU enlargement, provided the strict conditions of the enlargement process are met.

During today's video call, Minister Dr Anže Logar and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain Arancha González Laya confirmed mutual interest in further enhancing friendly cooperation between the two countries, also in view of Slovenia's upcoming EU Council Presidency and combating the Covid-19 pandemic that has hit Spain particularly hard.

On 8 May 2020, a new government ordinance came into force, amending and supplementing the existing border crossing rules on entry into Slovenia. In order to allow economic activities to resume operations on both sides of the Slovenian-Italian border, two additional road checkpoints at the border with Italy and a railway check point at the border with Austria (Šentilj) have been set up.

On 8 May, Iztok Grmek, Acting Director-General for Economic and Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, attended the video-conference of the 17+1 Initiative, led by Qin Gang, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and Secretary General of the 17+1 Initiative.

At today’s video conference, Minister Dr Anže Logar and French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed mutual interest in further strenghthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, holders of successive EU Council presidencies.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy, the Managing Authority for ESIF and Cohesion Fund, has issued a financial support decision for the project “Road S-J-3 in the Tezno Business Zone (upgrading EPC)”. The project worth EUR 400,000 will be implemented by the Municipality of Maribor and will receive nearly EUR 246,000 of European Regional Development Fund support.

This year's World Bee Day calls on the global public to “Bee Engaged”

Today, a videoconference of EU and Western Balkans leaders took place which was co-chaired by President of the European Council Charles Michel, Croatian prime minister Andrej Plenković and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Zvonko Černač, Minister without portfolio, competent for development and the EU cohesion policy, and State Secretary mag. Monika Kirbiš Rojs visited Slovenska Bistrica. They met with the Mayor dr. Ivan Žagar and discussed the topical issues regarding the implementation of European Cohesion Policy, by also visiting projects that are being implemented with the help of EU funding.

We, the Ministers of South Africa, Sweden, Argentina, Australia, Albania, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cabo Verde, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Italy, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, are honored to issue this joint statement on behalf of the people and governments of 58 countries: Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Cabo Verde, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Namibia, Netherlands, North Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ukraine and Uruguay.

Today, the Minister of Public Administration Boštjan Koritnik attended an informal video conference of ministers responsible for telecommunications and the information society. At the virtual meeting, ministers discussed the possibilities of monitoring the spread of COVID-19 infections through mobile technology and the importance of digitalisation for the exit from the epidemic and the recovery of the EU.

Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar participated at today's virtual pledging event hosted by the European Commission as part of a unified global response to the Covid-19 outbreak. On behalf of Slovenia, Minister Logar pledged EUR 13,760,000 for finding a cure and vaccine, and improving diagnostics to combat the disease.

Published below is the statement of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Janez Janša, on 1 May, the International Labour Day, and the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has today considered the plan to gradually ease the restrictive measures imposed as a result of the coronavirus epidemic.

At today’s session, the Government adopted a plan to gradually ease the lockdown measures introduced due to the coronavirus epidemic and lifted the prohibition of movement outside the municipality of permanent or temporary residence.

In a videoconference call, Ministers Logar and Maas confirmed excellent relations between Slovenia and Germany and their shared positions on a number of important international issues. This was Minister Logar’s introductory visit to Berlin, which took place virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister Logar stressed the importance of political and economic ties with Germany, Slovenia’s most important foreign trade partner. He welcomed the strategic partnership between the two countries and expressed support for the activities aimed at implementing the 2019-21 working programme.

At the outset, Minister Logar expressed solidarity and sympathy over the Covid-19 victims in the US.

The Slovenian Foreign Minister and the US Secretary of State called for further strengthening of friendly ties between the two allies and stressed the importance of close transatlantic partnership in dealing with the current pandemic. They addressed a number of topical international issues.

At today’s extraordinary session of the National Assembly, the deputies discussed the draft Act on Providing Additional Liquidity to the Economy to Mitigate the Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic, which was drafted by the Government.

Prime Minister Janez Janša has tweeted his comments about the present situation concerning the coronavirus epidemic in Slovenia, announcing that many restrictive measures for the citizens of Slovenia and the European Union will continue to be in place for the foreseeable future.

Foreign Minister Logar held a videoconference call with Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva, discussing the preparations for the 2021 presidency of the EU Council by Slovenia and Portugal. The counterparts expressed satisfaction with the excellent collaboration between the two countries during the preparations for the 18-month trio presidency.

The checkpoint Rateče (Fusine) on the border with Italy is open again as of Thursday, 23 April 2020.

The international community today marks the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. Efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the importance of transparent and effective multilateral cooperation in seeking joint responses to the crisis.

A video conference of the European Council, called by European Council President Charles Michel, was held today. The heads of state and government and leaders of EU institutions discussed the situation and measures relating to the COVID-19 epidemic. Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša also participated in the video conference.

The operating hours at the checkpoint at Holmec (Grablach) on the Slovenian-Austrian border have been changed as of Wednesday, 22 April 2020.

Today, on 22 April, as we mark Earth Day for the 50th year, the world focuses on climate and environmental challenges.

According to the Austrian security authorities, the border crossing point Svečina – Berghausen was reopened today at midnight, while the old border crossing point Šentilj (on the main road) - Spielfeld (Bundesstrasse) was reopened today at noon.

On 22 April the world marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day draws our attention to the vulnerability and uniqueness of the planet on which we live. The Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning contributes to the protection of the environment through active engagement and multiple projects. Let us take this moment to reassess our habits and create new ones that are better for our planet.

At today's session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia considered the proposed Act Amending the Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic and Mitigate its Consequences for Citizens and the Economy (the ZIUZEOP) or the 'first anti-corona package', and the proposed Act on Providing Additional Liquidity to the Economy to Mitigate the Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic or the 'second anti-corona package'.2]

The police established a temporary border crossing point (BCP) at Predel on the Slovenian-Croatian border in accordance with the State Border Control Act.