News

On 18 September 2023, a three-day training conference kicked off in Podgorica as part of the international project Her CyberTracks designed by International Communication Union (ITU) and Germany (GIZ) incollaboration with the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) and the University of Montenegro. The project is aiming to bridge the digital gender gap.

State Secretary Marko Štucin took part in the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels. By discussing an annotated draft agenda, Council members started preparations for the European Council meeting in October. In this context, they exchanged views on Ukraine, the proposed revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021–2027, economic issues and the external dimension of migration.

From 18 to 19 September 2023, the Slovenian EUSDR Presidency organised the Joint meeting of the National Coordinators and Priority Area Coordinators of the EU Strategy for the Danube region (EUSDR) in Portorož, which was the last meeting of core governance structure of EUSDR under Slovenian Presidency.

On the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon hosted the first meeting of foreign ministers representing the Incoming 5 members of the UN Security Council.

State Secretary Marko Štucin held political consultations with Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania Jovita Neliupšienė in Vilnius. They reviewed bilateral cooperation between the two countries and exchanged views on current European and global issues, with a focus on the situation in the Western Balkans and Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs welcomes the adoption of the European Council's decision on the composition of the European Parliament for the parliamentary term 2024–2029, which gives Slovenia one additional seat, bringing the total number of seats to nine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today delivered the final State of the Union Address at the European Parliament in this mandate, assessing the political priorities achieved and providing an overview of the challenges ahead of next year's European elections.

State Secretary Marko Štucin took part in a discussion entitled "A strong and resilient EU in response to the challenges of the future", organised by the European Commission Representation in Slovenia on the occasion of this year's State of the Union address by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Minister Tanja Fajon delivered the opening address at the 12th Economic Diplomacy Day, which took place in the framework of the traditional 55th International Trade Fair in Celje with the message: "When I meet with companies, I find that Slovenian companies offer solutions that contribute to solving the challenges of climate change, not only in Slovenia, but also worldwide."

Today, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon attended a commemorative ceremony in honour of the heroes of Basovizza, marking the 93rd anniversary of their death. She delivered a solemn address and laid a memorial wreath.

EU Ministers for Development Cooperation discussed sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda with Deputy Secretary-General of the UN Amina Mohammed. The next day's meeting focused on the triple transition – green, digital and social – and on the reform of the global financial architecture. Slovenia was represented by Director-General of the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Edvin Skrt.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon attended the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers (Gymnich) in Toledo, where the ministers addressed current foreign and security policy issues. They discussed Russia's aggression on Ukraine and the situation in the Sahel, focusing on Niger after the military coup.

The 18th Bled Strategic Forum, which has hosted 32 discussions and brought together nearly 3000 participants, 188 speakers and around 100 representatives of Slovenian and foreign media, is coming to an end. It has once again proven not only to be a hub of ideas and a platform for the most pressing issues of modern society, but also a trademark that is becoming more and more established at the global level.

State Secretaries Samuel Žbogar and Marko Štucin held bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 18th Bled Strategic Forum. State Secretary Štucin participated in the panel on the EU’s decision-making role.

Minister Tanja Fajon opened the 18th Bled Strategic Forum, which this year is held under the title of "Solidarity for Global Security". The theme coincides with the most devastating natural disaster in Slovenia's recent history, which affected many people and destroyed a large number of homes. The guests were also addressed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

In early August, parts of Slovenia were hit by widespread flooding, which also caused great damage to part of the economy. Most of the Slovenian economy is functioning completely normally after the floods, it is safe and open for business.

On 23 and 24 August, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs hosts the 3rd Seminar for young diplomats from the Eastern Partnership countries, with participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

The 18th Bled Strategic Forum international conference will take place in Bled on 28 and 29 August 2023. This year's conference will be held under the title “Solidarity for Global Security” and will be the most globally inclusive and representative forum yet. In light of the recent catastrophic floods in Slovenia, this year's conference will also feature fundraising activities for flood relief.

At the end of the first week of August, heavy rainfall across much of Slovenia resulted in catastrophic floods and devastation. Slovenian rescue teams were joined by helicopter teams from neighbouring Hungary and Croatia on August 7th and 8th to help fortify the Mura River embankments and prevent further destruction.

This year's World Humanitarian Day is dedicated to both the people in need and aid workers delivering life-saving assistance, #NoMatterWhat. In the recent devastating floods, Slovenia experienced the crucial effect of prompt and efficient assistance first-hand.