On Wednesday, the European Commission approved an advance of EUR 100 million from the EU Solidarity Fund for reconstruction efforts after the August floods. The remaining EUR 400 million of the amount for which Slovenia applied, is expected to be paid next year.

Prime Minister Robert Golob said at the Slovenian Business Summit in Brdo pri Kranju that this is a remarkable success for Slovenia. "I dare say that Slovenia's foreign policy position is better today than at any time in the last 20 years. Today's payment, the advance of the first EUR 100 million from the Solidarity Fund, is something that actually no one in the European Union has managed to achieve before. And that is the result of our investment in our foreign policy capital. That is stability."

The Prime Minister also pointed out that never before has so much money been allocated to research, science and development. The State will spend more than half a billion euros next year, and the investment plan for next year includes funds amounting to EUR 1.2 billion. "It is precisely these resources that are most important if we are to build on and create knowledge-based prosperity. Because it is only knowledge that will increase productivity," added the Prime Minister.

A little over three weeks before the Christmas and New Year holidays, places across Slovenia are putting up their festive decorations. Festive lights are being lit. Squares are being filled with Christmas trees and market stalls, from which wafts the alluring aroma of mulled wine. In some places, concerts, fairs and other events are starting.

On Sunday, many cultural institutions in Slovenia will open their doors and invite visitors to free cultural and artistic events on This Merry Day of Culture commemorating the birth of poet France Prešeren on 3 December 1800. More on this event can be found among other news in the Slovenia Weekly.