Slovenia has so far donated 1,835,000 euros for mine clearance and the rehabilitation of war victims. Mine clearance is a precondition for Ukraine's sustainable recovery, post-war reconstruction and the protection of its people.

State Secretary Štucin stressed that as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Slovenia will pay particular attention to human security issues, including mine action, in addition to conflict prevention, the protection of civilians and the most vulnerable groups of people. He said that this year the Slovenian government has almost doubled last year's humanitarian funding for Ukraine by allocating an additional 5 million euros to help the country mitigate the consequences of the war. One million has already been earmarked for demining activities. Slovenia has allocated an additional 835,000 euros from its regular budget for demining activities and rehabilitation of war victims in a two-year project implemented by the ITF – Enhancing Human Security. An additional half a million euros will be earmarked for mine action as early as this year, while funding for future years will be planned according to budgetary possibilities.

Since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression, Slovenia has provided Ukraine with humanitarian and material aid, and also generous military assistance. Our focus is on mine clearance, medical rehabilitation of war victims and psychosocial support for children and their families. A large number of Ukrainian refugees have also found shelter in Slovenia.

The conference, co-hosted by the prime ministers of Croatia and Ukraine, aims to raise funds for the humanitarian mine action in Ukraine and to bring together national experts for a professional debate. The first day of the conference was devoted to an exchange of views between ministries from the EU and partner countries, while tomorrow's focus will be on discussions with national experts who will present the best ways to clear Ukraine of mines in the shortest possible time.

Slovenia has extensive experience and expertise in the field of post-war mine clearance in the Western Balkan region.