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On 7 December 2023, the Government adopted Recommendations for advertising campaigns by ministries, bodies within ministries and government offices (hereinafter: the Recommendations). Their main purpose is to enforce the transparency of advertising practices that make use of public funds as well as the requirements for transparent and non-discriminatory allocation of advertising funds to be introduced by the European Media Freedom Act.

Last week, the Director of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia's Office for Communications (UKOM), Petra Bezjak Cirman, attended the plenary session of the Club of Venice, an association that connects public sector communicators in Europe.

In his role as guest speaker at the 5th Government Communicators Day, Petra Bezjak Cirman, Director of the Government Communication Office (UKOM), said that UKOM’s success in communicating information during the catastrophic floods was all thanks to an excellent and experienced team.

On 27 September 2023, the third conference of the honorary consuls of the Republic of Slovenia began in Nova Gorica and will last until 29 September 2023. It is an important event for promoting Slovenia and its economy abroad.

Twelve representatives of the Slovenian Government's public relations services, led by the Director of the Government Communication Office, Petra Bezjak Cirman, attended a two-day training course in London organised by the UK Government Communication Service (GCS).

In early August, parts of Slovenia were hit by widespread flooding, which also caused great damage to part of the economy. Most of the Slovenian economy is functioning completely normally after the floods, it is safe and open for business.

At the end of the first week of August, heavy rainfall across much of Slovenia resulted in catastrophic floods and devastation. Slovenian rescue teams were joined by helicopter teams from neighbouring Hungary and Croatia on August 7th and 8th to help fortify the Mura River embankments and prevent further destruction.

The State Secretary at the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, Matevž Frangež met with representatives of the international chambers of commerce and industry in Slovenia. He presented the measures taken so far by the Government to help the business sector recover from the floods. He also called on the chambers of commerce to communicate to their industries and businesses that Slovenia is, for the most part, an economically viable and safe country.

The press conference focusing on the organisation of psychosocial support for residents living in areas affected by the floods was attended by the Director of the Government Communication Office, Petra Bezjak Cirman, and Head of Psychological Assistance Unit in Civil Protection System of the Republic of Slovenia, Barbara Čibej Žagar.

Tomorrow, on 14 August 2023, which has been declared Solidarity Day, all of the country's critical infrastructure will be operational, covering the energy, transport, food, drinking water supply, health, finance, environmental protection and information and communication network sectors.

Prime Minister Robert Golob hosted the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who paid a working visit to Slovenia to show support and solidarity with all those affected by the floods, and to present the possibilities of EU support for reconstruction and recovery. During her tour of the devastation in Črna na Koroškem, she also met Tina Maze, the I feel Slovenia brand ambassador.

Heavy rains have caused catastrophic conditions in major part of Slovenia, and lives are also at risk. all available public safety units are on the ground to provide all necessary assistance in rescuing people and minimising material damage.

The 2023 Maribor European Youth Olympic Festival began on Sunday, 23 July 2023, with a grand opening ceremony. More than 5,000 spectators attended the opening at the stadium. Some 2,419 competitors from 48 countries will be competing in Maribor.

In its Rule of Law Report published in July, the European Commission notes that Slovenia has made progress in ensuring the independence of the public media. This was in part due to the resolution of the situation at the Slovenian Press Agency (STA), in which the Government Communication Office (UKOM) played a key role.

"There are many positive aspects to exchanging opinions on social media. However, the conditions for user participation must be clearly defined, so that such discussions are respectful and inclusive. We have done this on the Government's social media profiles," said the Director of the Government Communication Office, Petra Bezjak Cirman, at the 4th meeting of the Strategic Council on Hate Speech Prevention.

With 332 million, the United States of America presents an important market with many opportunities for the Slovenian economy and tourism. It can take several years for companies to successfully penetrate the US market, and Slovenia as a country can open doors through increased promotion.

When sports came under the responsibility of the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, the basis was created to seek increased synergies between these three fields. The newly appointed Minister of the Economy, Tourism and Sports, Matjaž Han, and his partners presented plans in the field of tourism and sports for the current year and highlighted the key measures.

On 16 January, a photographic exhibition was opened in the Park of Military History in Pivka and placed on large billboards in front of the administration building. The 38 photographs selected by different authors will be on display until September.

The FIS Planica World Championships 2023 is the biggest sporting event ever held in Slovenia. Planica, Kranjska Gora and Slovenia will be presented to more than 500 million TV viewers worldwide. For two weeks, Slovenia will become the centre of world sport and a synonym for courage, innovation and development.

Today, two wounded Ukrainians arrived in Slovenia, accompanied by an attendant. Both will receive full medical assistance and care. In the spirit of solidarity, Slovenia is joining 18 other EU member states in the care for the wounded and sick from the warzone. We are thereby expanding our political, humanitarian, material and military support for Ukraine to include medical aid.