The government has decided to extend the state of epidemic by another 30 days effective as of 18 March. The government also adopted the Ordinance amending the Ordinance determining the conditions for entry into the Republic of Slovenia for the purpose of containment and control of the COVID-19 infectious disease.

Today, a Joint Declaration on the Conference on the Future of Europe was signed by European Parliament President David Sassoli, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa, on behalf of the Presidency of the Council. This paves the way to launching a series of debates and discussions that will enable people from every corner of Europe to share their ideas to help shape Europe’s future. The Conference’s first plenary session is scheduled for Europe Day on 9 May and closes next spring.

The epidemiological situation in Slovenia and abroad was presented by the deputy head of the Centre for Infectious Diseases at NIJZ, Nuška Čakš Jager.

Today, State Secretary Stanislav Raščan held a videoconference call with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen. Their talks took place in the context of preparations for Slovenia's EU Council Presidency in the second half of this year and were aimed at presenting the priority tasks in development cooperation and exchanging views on the development consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pair advocated for regular dialogue and common action in the spirit of “Team Europe”, which is a key element of the EU's global response to the pandemic.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the project Southern cycle route in municipalities Beltinci and Črenšovci. The project budget stands at nearly EUR 1.1 million, of which half, i.e. almost EUR 550,000 comes from the European Regional Development Fund.

In today's phone conversation held on the initiative of the Algerian party, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anže Logar and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Sabri Boukadoum discussed the possibilities of reinforcing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the Call for proposals for co-financing residential care facilities for seniors under the age of 65. The amount of funding made available under the call stands at nearly EUR 7 million, of which over EUR 5.5 million comes from the European Regional Development Fund.

Today’s press conference on the current situation with regard to COVID-19 was given by Nataša Kranjc, acting Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education and Adult education, Fani Al Mansour, president of the Association of Secondary Schools and Student Dormitories of Slovenia and director of SIC Ljubljana, and Jelko Kacin, State Secretary, national logistics coordinator for the mass vaccination campaign against Covid-19.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the Call for co-financing the installation of small wind power plants. The total amount of funding available under the call stands at EUR 4 million and comes from the Cohesion Fund.

Between 5 and 12 March, the 14th NATO and PfP NCO Winter Camp is taking place at Pokljuka.

State Secretary Gašper Dovžan today held a video call with US Deputy Assistant Secretary Molly Montgomery, who is responsible for relations with Western Europe and the European Union. In the context of the preparations for the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will take place in the second half of 2021, the talks establish the basis for continuing the strategic dialogue between the countries

Today’s press conference on the current situation with regard to COVID-19 was held by Mateja Logar, head of the advisory group at the Ministry of Health, and professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Ljubljana Borut Štrukelj.

In cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Ministry of Public Administration organised the Regional Forum for Europe on Meaningful Connectivity on 8 and 9 March 2021. At the event, Minister of Public Administration Boštjan Koritnik, who wrote a blog post for ITU News prior to this event, held the opening address. Acting Director-General of the Information Society and Informatics Directorate Peter Grum also participated at the event's first session on the digital divide and inclusive connectivity in Europe.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the project Industrial Business Zone Cikava. The EUR 3.5 million development project which will be implemented by the Urban Municipality Novo mesto will receive a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund amounting to over EUR 1.7 million.

Blockchain Technologies for Sustainable and Resilient Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Side Event to the UNECE Regional Forum 2021.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the project Renovation of apartments owned by Urban Municipality Kranj. The EUR 260,000 project which will be implemented by the Urban Municipality Kranj will receive a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund amounting to nearly EUR 155,000.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the project Expansion of industrial area in the Industrial Business Zone Lendava. The EUR 318,000 development project which will be carried out by Municipality Lendava will be supported by the European Regional Development Fund with a contribution of EUR 193,000.

Sophie In 't Veld (Renew / D66), who heads the Group for Monitoring Respect for Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights within the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Rights, Justice and Home Affairs, has sent an invitation letter to the Prime Minister Janez Janša and Minister of Culture Vasko Simoniti for in camera exchange of views on the latest development in Slovenia in relation to Democracy, Rule of law and Fundamental Rights".

The Design Austria Gallery in Vienna’s Museum Quarter is hosting an exhibition of contemporary Slovenian design entitled The Future of Living, which brings together products of local origin and adheres to sustainable principles. It presents Slovenian creativity, highlighting the role of the cultural and creative industries as a driver of sustainable development. Its focus is also on the internationalisation of Slovenian design and on the search for entrepreneurial opportunities and international cooperation.

This afternoon’s press conference on the latest situation regarding COVID-19 was attended by Aleš Hojs, Minister of the Interior and Simon Zajc, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology.