In its response to the enlargement report that the European Commission presented this week, Slovenia welcomes the 2023 enlargement package, which, for the first time, includes ten countries. According to the Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, with this package the EU has sent a clear message that it is serious about its enlargement to the Western Balkans as well as to Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. "Slovenia is confident, and we have been saying this throughout, that Europe is going to be even more stable, secure and prosperous once the enlargement is completed," Fajon stated. She added that the EU's enlargement to the Western Balkans and the East is not only in the interest of the EU and the new member states, but also a geostrategic necessity.

The Slovenian Prime Minister expressed the same message of support while hosting the President of Montenegro, highlighting the fact that Slovenia strongly supports Montenegro's accession to the EU, just as it supported the country joining NATO in 2017.

Several events have taken place this past week in Slovenia. The Slovenian Government adopted Slovenia's first space strategy, which covers the period up to 2030 and defines the guidelines and activities to increase the competitiveness of the Slovenian space industry and for the country to assume a leading role in space areas where Slovenian stakeholders excel. In addition, at the space summit in Seville, Spain, Slovenia officially applied for full membership in the European Space Agency (ESA). Within the next year or so, the ESA authorities and working bodies will review Slovenia's readiness to become a full member. According to the Government, this would provide numerous benefits for Slovenia.

At its session the Government also adopted a draft amendment to the Restriction on the Use of Tobacco Products and Related Products Act. Among other things, the amendment imposes a ban on smoking rooms and all flavours in heated tobacco products other than tobacco flavour, and all flavours in electronic cigarettes other than tobacco and menthol.

We conclude this week's news with Martinmas and the accompanying celebrations. Winemakers, winegrowers and wine lovers in general are looking forward to this special day, which is coming up this weekend. This is an important time of year in the wine-growing regions, when must traditionally turns to wine and the ceremonial "christening" of the new wine takes place. Martinmas symbolically wraps up the winegrowers' efforts in the vineyards, and provides an opportunity for winegrowers and winemakers to present themselves along with their must and new wine. This is an important feast for everyone who makes their living from grapes and wine.