News

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has launched a new web and mobile eLastovka application for Slovenian nationals travelling abroad. The application allows faster and easier access to key information and significantly more effective notification in case of emergencies or crises.

Speaking ahead of the European Council meeting in Brussels, Prime Minister Janez Janša said that the positions adopted at the recent G7 summit opened more possibilities to achieve peace in Ukraine. "Any steps that could lead to an end to the fighting and the start of negotiations should be welcomed. As long as weapons do the talking, diplomacy has little power," he emphasised.

The newly-appointed State Secretary, Tamara Weingerl Požar, participated in the regular General Affairs Council (GAC) meeting in Luxembourg. Ministers and state secretaries focused on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 and the preparations for the meeting of EU leaders.

Minister Tone Kajzer participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Luxembourg for the first time since becoming Minister of Foreign and European Affairs. Ministers discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and EU-China relations. On the sidelines, Minister Kajzer held multiple bilateral meetings and took part in the Intergovernmental Conference with Montenegro.

Ljubljana is hosting the 25th Regional Meeting of the Member States of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Organised by the OPCW Technical Secretariat in cooperation with the Chemicals Office of the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the meeting serves as an important regional forum for discussing measures aimed at the complete elimination of chemical weapons.

Today, State Secretary Grašič is attending the General Affairs Council’s regular monthly meeting. Key topics on the agenda include preparations for the June European Council and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2028–2034.

Today marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), held this year under the theme At the heart of democracy.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the annual session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, hosted by Moldova. “Today, we have taken a significant step towards establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. By doing so, we are sending a clear message that respect for international law is not an option. It is a necessity and a shared responsibility,” she emphasised.

At the meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, Minister Tanja Fajon stressed that the Union must maintain a visible and active engagement in the Western Balkans and that enlargement must remain a political priority. She also expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed Slovenia’s position that the EU and its partners must continue to exert pressure on Russia, as there are no indications that it is prepared to end its aggression against Ukraine.

State Secretary Neva Grašič attended an informal meeting of EU ministers and state secretaries for European affairs in Lefkosia. The agenda, drawn up by the Cyprus Presidency, included the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is also regularly discussed at General Affairs Council meetings. The focus was on how to respond to major crises, as set out in the proposal for the next MFF.

Today, we celebrate both Europe Day and the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, which laid the foundations for the European Union as we know it today. In response to war and destructive nationalism, European states have achieved lasting
peace and prosperity by gradually deepening their cooperation. Today, we celebrate Europe as a beacon of a better future.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the regular meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Ministers discussed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as the situations in the Middle East, the South Caucasus and Sudan. Minister Fajon drew particular attention to Israel’s ongoing human rights violations, urging the EU to take more decisive action.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the MED9 Informal Ministerial Meeting in Split to discuss security and cooperation in the Mediterranean. “The situation in the Middle East affects us all. We must insist on diplomacy and respect for the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, which must apply to everyone,” said Minister Fajon.

Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which are causing numerous civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, must stop. We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and maximum restraint by all parties. Full respect for international law, in particular international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel is essential.

Minister Tanja Fajon attended an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Kyiv. The visit, which took place four years after the liberation of Bucha, underscored continued support for and solidarity with Ukraine. The discussions focused primarily on holding Russia accountable for its crimes, assessing the situation on the ground and supporting peace efforts.

During the General Affairs Council discussion on the draft conclusions for the March European Council and the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), State Secretary Neva Grašič welcomed the leaders’ plan to focus on the EU’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy, which is particularly important in the context of the heightened security situation in the Middle East, the consequences of which are already being felt in Europe.

At the Foreign Affairs Council, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon emphasised that other crises must not divert attention from Ukraine. This was the third meeting of EU foreign ministers this month, two of which were convened on an emergency basis in response to the escalating situation in the Middle East. Ministers continued their discussion on the EU’s response to the ongoing violence in the region, noting with concern that violence continues to replace diplomacy.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in an informal video conference with the foreign ministers of the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The discussion focused on Iran and the situation in the broader Middle East. Speaking on behalf of Slovenia, Minister Fajon thanked the Gulf partners for their invaluable assistance to Slovenian citizens and for facilitating their repatriation from the region.

At an informal video conference of EU foreign affairs ministers, Slovenia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon warned of the risk of a wider regional conflict and called for immediate de-escalation and restraint. She stressed that the people of Iran must be free to determine their own future.

At the meeting of the General Affairs Council, held on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, ministers and state secretaries responsible for European affairs started preparations for the European Council meeting in March. An exchange of views was held with the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, to mark today's launch of the Centre for Democratic Resilience.