The 18th Bled Strategic Forum, this year held under the slogan “Solidarity for Global Security”, was opened with speeches by Prime Minister Robert Golob, President of the European Council Charles Michel, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon. In the context of the recent floods that hit Slovenia, the forum also has a humanitarian focus.

The expected extreme meteorological and hydrological conditions in Slovenia were presented at the press conference by meteorologist Branko Gregorčič and hydrologist Janez Polajnar, both from the Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO), a representative of the Slovenian Water Agency, Rok Penec, and the Commander of the Civil Protection Service of the Republic of Slovenia, Srečko Šestan.

Minister Tanja Fajon opened the 18th Bled Strategic Forum, which this year is held under the title of "Solidarity for Global Security". The theme coincides with the most devastating natural disaster in Slovenia's recent history, which affected many people and destroyed a large number of homes. The guests were also addressed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.

Minister Dr Jevšek and Federal Councillor for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Dr Ignazio Cassis signed today in Ljubljana the Framework Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Swiss Federal Council on the implementation of the second Swiss Contribution to reduce economic and social disparities in the European Union. Slovenia is eligible to 16 million Swiss Franks under the second Swiss Contribution.

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 invitation of the Prime Minister, Robert Golob, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, arrived in Slovenia to attend the Bled Strategic Forum. Before that, he and the Prime Minister visited some of the areas affected by the natural disaster in Kamnik. President Michel pledged continued support for Slovenia.

State Secretary Boštjan Šefic, who is responsible for the coordination of measures and activities for post-flood reconstruction, met with the mayors of the flood-affected municipalities in the Upper Savinja Valley.

Construction works at the Domžale railway station have come to an end. The railways station now boasts a modernised platform and rail infrastructure, a new underpass for passengers, and a refurbished station building.

Prime Minister Robert Golob received the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Jagan Chapagain, and the IFRC Regional Director, Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has set out the text of the draft Act Determining Intervention Measures for Flood and Landslide Recovery of August 2023 and is sending it to the National Assembly for consideration under the urgent procedure. The adoption of the draft Act will allow for the taking of urgent and effective measures to deal with the consequences of floods and landslides.

On 23 and 24 August, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs hosts the 3rd Seminar for young diplomats from the Eastern Partnership countries, with participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

State Secretary mag. Marko Koprivc gave an address at the opening of a new interpretive circular trail in the Ljubljansko barje marshes. In his address, the State Secretary underlined the importance of greening people's living environments, which has a significant impact on the quality of life on the one hand, and on improving the state of biodiversity on the other, also taking into account, of course, climate change adaptation.

The 18th Bled Strategic Forum international conference will take place in Bled on 28 and 29 August 2023. This year's conference will be held under the title “Solidarity for Global Security” and will be the most globally inclusive and representative forum yet. In light of the recent catastrophic floods in Slovenia, this year's conference will also feature fundraising activities for flood relief.

The 61st AGRA International Fair of Agriculture and Food will open on Saturday 26 August at the Pomurski sejem trade fair centre in Gornja Radgona and will close on 31 August. Over the six days, 1,700 exhibitors from 35 countries are participating. The fair will be opened in the presence of a number of high-ranking Slovenian and foreign political and economic representatives by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, who will also formally address the guests.

At today's government session, Minister Dr Aleksander Jevšek reported about the progress of the ongoing activities concerning the preparation of the application for the EU Solidarity Fund and about other activities for a fast and efficient post-flood recovery.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, today held a meeting with representatives of the Slovenian banking and insurance systems.

Annual Bled Strategic Forum international conference will take place between 28 and 29 August 2023 in Bled, Slovenia, under the title ‘Solidarity for Global Security‘.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob invited representatives of major humanitarian organisations to a working meeting. They discussed further measures aimed at helping people affected by the floods, including mutual cooperation and the distribution of material and financial aid and activities in the field.

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.

This year's World Humanitarian Day is dedicated to both the people in need and aid workers delivering life-saving assistance, #NoMatterWhat. In the recent devastating floods, Slovenia experienced the crucial effect of prompt and efficient assistance first-hand.