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Borders will be gradually reopened, and the amended ordinance gives the state a discretion to refuse entry to EU citizens who do not have temporary or permanent residence in Slovenia and show clear signs of infection or disease, said the Government's spokesperson, Jelko Kacin, at today's press conference. The Government has amended the Ordinance on imposing and implementing measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 at border crossings at the external border and at checkpoints at the internal borders of the Republic of Slovenia, which was adopted on 14 May 2020.

Slovenian minister of the Interior Aleš Hojs and Croatian minister of the Interior Davor Božinovič met in Ormož, Slovenia, on 16 May 2020. They discussed the current situation regarding the COVID-19 epidemic, particularly regarding options of crossing the Slovenian-Croatian state border and issues related to illegal migrations.

Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar today took part in a video conference of EU ministers of foreign affairs, which was led by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. The central topic of the fourth video conference of foreign ministers was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the regions of North Africa and the wider Middle East. Minister Logar was pleased to inform his European colleagues that, as of today, Slovenia has declared an official end to its COVID-19 epidemic as a result of good epidemiological results.

State Secretary Gašper Dovžan represented Slovenia at the virtual meeting of CEI Heads of Government on behalf of Prime Minister Janez Janša and Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar, who had previously scheduled commitments. The 31st CEI Summit focused on a debate about the situation, measures, and regional cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted an ordinance declaring the end of COVID-19 epidemic effective from 15 May, based on a joint assessment by healthcare professionals and the Government Slovenia is thus the first country in Europe to take this step. Since the risk of spreading COVID-19 still persists, the general and specific measures adopted pursuant to the decision on the application of measures under the Communicable Diseases Act will continue to apply based on expert opinion until 31 May 2020.

After the tourist market came to a full stop due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the Slovenian Tourist Board (STO) responded with a motivational campaign for the domestic market entitled THE TIME IS NOW. My Slovenia. The Government Communication Office (UKOM) is a partner in this campaign. Together with the STO and other partners, we invite Slovenians to discover more or less hidden parts of Slovenia, to spend a short or long holiday in Slovenia, and, above all, to strengthen pride in our country through our joint efforts.

Today the Minister without portfolio, competent for development and the EU cohesion policy, Zvone Černač, visited Žužemberk, Ivančna Gorica and Grosuplje. The Minister and the mayors discussed the topical issues regarding EU Cohesion Policy implementation and visited projects co-financed by European Cohesion Policy funds.

This morning, Prime Minister Janez Janša spoke with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen over the phone. Their discussion was very substantive and constructive. They talked about the proposals for the next EU budget and the recovery fund in response to the coronavirus epidemic.

At today’s extraordinary session of the National Assembly, the deputies discussed the proposed resolution on the acquaintance with the report on the status, reasons, reserves and orders of personal protective equipment and critical medical equipment upon the declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) epidemic and the purchases that enabled Slovenia’s success in overcoming the epidemic. The proposed resolution was submitted for discussion by the Government of the Republic of Slovenian and, at the session, Prime Minister Janez Janša further explained the proposal.

In a week, on 20 May, Slovenia and the rest of the world will celebrate World Bee Day for the third time. The UN General Assembly proclaimed World Bee Day on 20 December 2017. The main purpose of World Bee Day is to raise awareness among the global public about the importance of bees and other pollinators for humanity, in light of ensuring global food security, eradication of hunger, and care for the environment and biodiversity. With the title "Bee Engaged", FAO as the organiser of the event wishes to draw attention to the importance of engagement and actions of countries, organisations, research and educational institutions, civil society, the private sector, farmers, beekeepers and the public for the conservation of bees and other pollinators.

In today’s telephone conversation with the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok, Minister Dr Logar pointed out The Netherlands as an important trade partner and political ally of Slovenia. The main topics were the cooperation in the run-up to Slovenia’s 2021 EU Council presidency, the coordination in the easing of restrictive measures and joint action aimed at a rapid economic recovery after the pandemic.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy, the Managing Authority for ESIF and Cohesion Fund, has issued a financial support decision for the project “Municipal infrastructure and upgrading the Muta Industrial Zone”. The project worth EUR 528,000 will be implemented by the Municipality Muta and will receive nearly EUR 369,000 of European Regional Development Fund support.

A fable of us as boiled frogs cooked in lukewarm water and of death threats
"There cannot be a war between one person and the media, just as there cannot be a war between one person and the army of a country."

At today’s video conference, Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar and Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Jacek Czaputowicz called for further strengthening of the cooperation between Slovenia and Poland both at the bilateral level and within regional and supra-regional initiatives. Slovenia and Poland are partners within the EU and allies within NATO, sharing numerous positions on significant international issues.

Last year, the Government Communication Office once again collaborated with the Institute for the Promotion of Youth Entrepreneurship. As part of the My Company programme, secondary school students developed a product for the promotion of Slovenia and the I feel Slovenia national brand.

With the new government ordinance on measures on the border, an additional checkpoint Neblo ‒ Vallico di Venco was set up last week on the border with Italy, in the municipality of Brda, which started operating on Saturday, 9 May 2020.

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, the Florence-based Historical Archives of the European Union have mounted an exhibition entitled “Europe and Europeans 1950>2020”.

A united and connected EU remains Slovenia’s priority foreign policy interest, as clearly defined in all relevant strategic documents and confirmed by referendum. Slovenia will remain committed to consolidating the European project and to EU enlargement, provided the strict conditions of the enlargement process are met.

During today's video call, Minister Dr Anže Logar and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain Arancha González Laya confirmed mutual interest in further enhancing friendly cooperation between the two countries, also in view of Slovenia's upcoming EU Council Presidency and combating the Covid-19 pandemic that has hit Spain particularly hard.

On 8 May 2020, a new government ordinance came into force, amending and supplementing the existing border crossing rules on entry into Slovenia. In order to allow economic activities to resume operations on both sides of the Slovenian-Italian border, two additional road checkpoints at the border with Italy and a railway check point at the border with Austria (Šentilj) have been set up.

On 8 May, Iztok Grmek, Acting Director-General for Economic and Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, attended the video-conference of the 17+1 Initiative, led by Qin Gang, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and Secretary General of the 17+1 Initiative.

At today’s video conference, Minister Dr Anže Logar and French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian confirmed mutual interest in further strenghthening the strategic partnership between the two countries, holders of successive EU Council presidencies.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy, the Managing Authority for ESIF and Cohesion Fund, has issued a financial support decision for the project “Road S-J-3 in the Tezno Business Zone (upgrading EPC)”. The project worth EUR 400,000 will be implemented by the Municipality of Maribor and will receive nearly EUR 246,000 of European Regional Development Fund support.

This year's World Bee Day calls on the global public to “Bee Engaged”

Today, a videoconference of EU and Western Balkans leaders took place which was co-chaired by President of the European Council Charles Michel, Croatian prime minister Andrej Plenković and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Zvonko Černač, Minister without portfolio, competent for development and the EU cohesion policy, and State Secretary mag. Monika Kirbiš Rojs visited Slovenska Bistrica. They met with the Mayor dr. Ivan Žagar and discussed the topical issues regarding the implementation of European Cohesion Policy, by also visiting projects that are being implemented with the help of EU funding.

We, the Ministers of South Africa, Sweden, Argentina, Australia, Albania, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cabo Verde, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Fiji, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Italy, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Namibia, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, are honored to issue this joint statement on behalf of the people and governments of 58 countries: Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Cabo Verde, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Namibia, Netherlands, North Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ukraine and Uruguay.

Today, the Minister of Public Administration Boštjan Koritnik attended an informal video conference of ministers responsible for telecommunications and the information society. At the virtual meeting, ministers discussed the possibilities of monitoring the spread of COVID-19 infections through mobile technology and the importance of digitalisation for the exit from the epidemic and the recovery of the EU.

Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar participated at today's virtual pledging event hosted by the European Commission as part of a unified global response to the Covid-19 outbreak. On behalf of Slovenia, Minister Logar pledged EUR 13,760,000 for finding a cure and vaccine, and improving diagnostics to combat the disease.

Published below is the statement of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Mr Janez Janša, on 1 May, the International Labour Day, and the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has today considered the plan to gradually ease the restrictive measures imposed as a result of the coronavirus epidemic.

At today’s session, the Government adopted a plan to gradually ease the lockdown measures introduced due to the coronavirus epidemic and lifted the prohibition of movement outside the municipality of permanent or temporary residence.

In a videoconference call, Ministers Logar and Maas confirmed excellent relations between Slovenia and Germany and their shared positions on a number of important international issues. This was Minister Logar’s introductory visit to Berlin, which took place virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister Logar stressed the importance of political and economic ties with Germany, Slovenia’s most important foreign trade partner. He welcomed the strategic partnership between the two countries and expressed support for the activities aimed at implementing the 2019-21 working programme.

At the outset, Minister Logar expressed solidarity and sympathy over the Covid-19 victims in the US.

The Slovenian Foreign Minister and the US Secretary of State called for further strengthening of friendly ties between the two allies and stressed the importance of close transatlantic partnership in dealing with the current pandemic. They addressed a number of topical international issues.

At today’s extraordinary session of the National Assembly, the deputies discussed the draft Act on Providing Additional Liquidity to the Economy to Mitigate the Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic, which was drafted by the Government.

Prime Minister Janez Janša has tweeted his comments about the present situation concerning the coronavirus epidemic in Slovenia, announcing that many restrictive measures for the citizens of Slovenia and the European Union will continue to be in place for the foreseeable future.

Foreign Minister Logar held a videoconference call with Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva, discussing the preparations for the 2021 presidency of the EU Council by Slovenia and Portugal. The counterparts expressed satisfaction with the excellent collaboration between the two countries during the preparations for the 18-month trio presidency.

The checkpoint Rateče (Fusine) on the border with Italy is open again as of Thursday, 23 April 2020.

The international community today marks the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. Efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the importance of transparent and effective multilateral cooperation in seeking joint responses to the crisis.

A video conference of the European Council, called by European Council President Charles Michel, was held today. The heads of state and government and leaders of EU institutions discussed the situation and measures relating to the COVID-19 epidemic. Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša also participated in the video conference.

The operating hours at the checkpoint at Holmec (Grablach) on the Slovenian-Austrian border have been changed as of Wednesday, 22 April 2020.

Today, on 22 April, as we mark Earth Day for the 50th year, the world focuses on climate and environmental challenges.

According to the Austrian security authorities, the border crossing point Svečina – Berghausen was reopened today at midnight, while the old border crossing point Šentilj (on the main road) - Spielfeld (Bundesstrasse) was reopened today at noon.

On 22 April the world marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Earth Day draws our attention to the vulnerability and uniqueness of the planet on which we live. The Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning contributes to the protection of the environment through active engagement and multiple projects. Let us take this moment to reassess our habits and create new ones that are better for our planet.

At today's session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia considered the proposed Act Amending the Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic and Mitigate its Consequences for Citizens and the Economy (the ZIUZEOP) or the 'first anti-corona package', and the proposed Act on Providing Additional Liquidity to the Economy to Mitigate the Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic or the 'second anti-corona package'.2]

The police established a temporary border crossing point (BCP) at Predel on the Slovenian-Croatian border in accordance with the State Border Control Act.

Slovenia joined the joint initiative of 16 EU Member States for greening the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. The European Green Deal (Green Deal) is central to the European economic recovery.

At today's session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia considered the proposed Act Amending the Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Contain the COVID-19 Epidemic and Mitigate its Consequences for Citizens and the Economy (the ZIUZEOP) or 'the first anti-corona package', and the proposed Act on Providing Additional Liquidity to the Economy to Mitigate the Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic or 'the second anti-corona package'.

In exactly a month’s time, on 20 May, Slovenia and the rest of the world will celebrate World Bee Day for the third time. The UN General Assembly proclaimed World Bee Day on 20 December 2017 as a result of cooperation between the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association, as the initiator, and the Republic of Slovenia. The main purpose of World Bee Day is to raise awareness among the global public about the importance of bees and other pollinators for humanity, bearing in mind food security, global elimination of hunger, and care for the environment and biodiversity.

On 20 April 2020, at the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General Robert Glavaš assumed the post of Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces.

At its regular session of 16 April, the Government took a new step towards the gradual easing of measures to contain the COVID-19 epidemic.

The Minister of Finance M.Sc. Andrej Šircelj on the basis of the third paragraph of Article 40 of the Slovenian Sovereign Holding Act, issued a Decision on the appointment and tasks of the Expert Commission for the preparation of the candidate proposal for the members of the Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH) Supervisory Board, which will carry out the process of obtaining and evaluating candidates and prepare for the Minister for Finance the proposal of the relevant candidates. The candidate selection process is underway due to the expiration of the term of office of two members of the SSH Supervisory Board on July 16, 2020.

On Wednesday, 15 April 2020, Minister of Public Administration Boštjan Koritnik held a videoconference with Zoran Stančič, Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovenia. They discussed cooperation between the Ministry of Public Administration and the Representation in the field of digitalization of public administration and measures to deal with the Covid-19 epidemic. They agreed that the cooperation is constructive and will continue in the future. The head of the representative office, Zoran Stančič, also praised the operation of e-Government during the epidemic.

Slovenia declared an epidemic on 12 March 2020 due to the growing number of coronavirus infections. In order to contain the spread of infection, many countries, including Slovenia, introduced changes in their border crossing regime.

Dear citizens, dear fellow Slovenians abroad, dear Friends,

Today, the Ordinance on imposing and implementing measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 at border crossings at the external border and at control points at the internal borders of the Republic of Slovenia was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia. The Ordinance determines the locations of control points at the internal borders with Italy, Austria and Hungary, when they are open and who can cross the border at a particular control point. In addition, it determines who is and who is not ordered to undergo a quarantine, and who is and who is not allowed entry into the country. The Ordinance repeals the legal acts previously regulating this area. It enters into force on the day following its publication, which is tomorrow, on 12 April 2020.

Today, after the 10th session of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, Prime Minister Janez Janša said that the government took note of the reports from all five working groups that prepared proposals for the second anti-corona legislative package.

Today, retired Archbishop of Ljubljana Alojz Uran passed away at the age of 76.

Today, Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar received the Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the Republic of Slovenia, Archbishop Jean-Marie Antoine Joseph Speich.

Today Prime Minister Janez Janša visited the University Medical Centre Maribor, which provides secondary and tertiary healthcare in the Maribor, Pesnica, Ruše, Ormož, Lenart, Ptuj and Slovenska Bistrica areas, including some subspecialty services for the needs of north-eastern Slovenia and the Koroška region.

At today’s Eurogroup video conference, EU Ministers of Finance agreed on short-term measures to mitigate the effect of the coronavirus pandemic. During the crisis, all euro area Member States will be able to access the resources within the newly established Pandemic Crisis Support, which will be based on the existing precautionary credit line of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). A temporary European instrument to support national safety nets – called SURE, and EIB guarantee schemes will also be created. Fiscal and state-aid rules are relaxed, and the work on mid-term measures continues as well.

In a video conference today the Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša and the President of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG) autonomous region, Massimilano Fedriga, exchanged information on the current situation regarding COVID-19 and the measures adopted by Slovenia and the FVG region to combat the epidemic.

Prime Minister Janez Janša pointed out today on Twitter, in connection to the easing of measures adopted by the Government to contain and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, that Japan, which appeared to have contained the epidemic in the first wave, declared a state of emergency again today. “Let me state once again that easing lockdown measures is possible only if we cumulatively meet certain conditions that I mentioned on Tuesday and that are respected in all the countries which have been successful in the fight against the coronavirus.

The emergence of a novel coronavirus, its rapid spread and subsequent declaration of a pandemic have posed a common challenge to the employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs both in internal and foreign service: Covid-19.

At the outbreak of the pandemic, the Slovenian authorities advised against all travel and repeatedly called on Slovenian citizens to postpone their travel plans. This also applies to the coming Easter season.

State Secretary Tone Kajzer attended an informal meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in the format of development cooperation ministers via an audio/video conference. The ministers discussed the EU’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and upheld a joint approach to assist partner countries termed ‘Team Europe’. The main goal is to ensure emergency assistance to partner countries, particularly the most vulnerable countries in Africa, the European neighbourhood and the Western Balkans, and at the same time to strengthen the EU’s role and increase the visibility of its development and humanitarian aid.

In his statement to the press today, Prime Minister Janez Janša spoke about the situation in Slovenia at the time of the COVID-19 epidemic and the gradual resumption of economic activities.

On the 7th of April 2020, the Republic of Slovenia successfully returned to the markets with a triple-tranche transaction, consisting of a €1.15bn Mar-23 tap, a new €1bn 10yr (Jul-30) issuance and a €100m Aug-45 tap.

The Holmec border crossing reopened on 6 April and it will remain open every day from 5.00 to 8.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00.

A call centre has been operating ever since the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic in Slovenia to provide the public with reliable and up-to-date information on the new coronavirus. Information is available at the toll-free telephone number 080 1404 (+38614787550 for calls from abroad) every day between 8:00 and 20:00.

Upon their arrival from abroad, all healthy persons are required to remain in quarantine due to a possible infection with the new coronavirus. Persons with signs of COVID-19 infection must be isolated.

The Government Communication Office manages the national brand ‘I feel Slovenia’, which represents our country both at home and around the world. Promotional events, campaigns, presentations and performances of Slovenia were commonplace until recently. Due to the current events, we have postponed our planned promotional events, but this does not mean you cannot feel Slovenia in a different way.

The Organization for European Cooperation and Development (OECD), in partnership with the European Union and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Administration, has completed a joint project to review, analyse and propose improvements for public procurement in Slovenia.

The Republic of Slovenia, rated Baa1 (positive) / AA- (stable) / A (stable), has mandated Barclays, BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole CIB, Deutsche Bank and J.P. Morgan to lead manage a multi-tranche transaction consisting of a new 10-year SLOREP benchmark due 15 July 2030 and a reopening of the 0.200% notes due 31 March 2023 (ISINSI0002103974). A reopening of the 3.125% notes due 7 August 2045 (ISIN SI0002103552) will be considered subject to reverse interest from investors. All tranches will be Regulation “S” transactions in dematerialized registered form. The deal is expected to be launched in the near future, subject to market conditions. Relevant stabilization regulations apply. Manufacturer target market (MIFID II product governance) are eligible and professional counterparties (all distribution channels) and also retail investors (all distribution channels).

Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša visited the University Medical Centre Ljubljana where he took note of the situation and what adjustments the medical centre had implemented to control the COVID-19 disease. The Prime Minister visited the temporary emergency unit, the pediatric intensive care unit and was informed about the current situation in the Department of Infectious Diseases.

During the last days, Foreign Minister Logar led a coordinated diplomatic action aimed at reopening the Holmec border crossing. As part of the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Republic of Austria has decided to close down the border crossing.

At today’s informal videoconference, EU ministers of foreign affairs called for continued intensive efforts to repatriate EU citizens from third countries, and for consular cooperation between Member States. They underlined the importance of the free movement of goods and the possibility of transit within the EU for EU citizens returning via airports outside their home countries. The ministers agreed that the EU must strengthen its assisting role in third countries as part of its response to the pandemic, particularly in Africa, the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership countries. They also called for more proactive provision of information to EU citizens on the EU’s role and activities undertaken to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy, Managing Authority for ESIF and Cohesion Fund, has issued a grant decision for the project “Energy-saving renovation of the Gradišče Residential Care Home” in Dornberk. The project is worth over EUR 1.3 million and will receive EUR 364,000 of Cohesion Fund support.

We have set up a special email address to provide advice to people who have questions concerning the new measures being implemented to contain COVID-19 and associated movement restrictions.

The Government is also drafting a second anti-corona package, the purpose of which will be in particular to resolve the issue of liquidity in the Slovenian economy, and a third package in which the legislator will outline the exit strategy for the period following the end of the epidemic.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar attended the regular meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers today. Due to the changed circumstances following the spread of the COVID-19 disease, NATO Foreign Ministers met via a secure video conference, for the first time in the history of NATO, with the COVID-19 crisis at the top of the agenda. They assessed further measures NATO and the allies can take to enhance the collective fight against the virus.

Following a political crisis in Slovenia, at the session of the National Assembly on 3 March 2020, Janez Janša was elected as the 14th President of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. We interviewed him on the health emergency in Europe, the respnses of the European Union and the migrant crisis.

As of 6am Thursday, 2 April 2020, the following two border points are open at the Slovenian-Hungarian border: Čepinci - Verica and Hodoš – Bajasenjye.

As a member of the Core Group of the MLA Initiative, which also includes Argentina, Belgium, Mongolia, the Netherlands and Senegal, we regret to inform that after careful consideration and in response to the continuing developments surrounding COVID-19 pandemic, the Diplomatic Conference for the negotiation of the Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of the Crime of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes, which was scheduled for 8–19 June 2020 in Ljubljana, is postponed until further notice.

Austria has put in place new restrictions on the border with Slovenia. As of 2 April 2020, the checkpoints (former BCPs) at Holmec, Jurij, Šentilj (that is on the main road) and Korensko sedlo will close down. Nine border points will continue to remain open on the Slovenian-Austrian border.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anže Logar spoke on the phone with his Hungarian counterpart, Péter Szijjárto, today. The ministers agreed to support the initiatives put forward by both national communities and ease the crossings of border residents.

As of 31 March 2020, third-country nationals seeking to enter Slovenia will be checked not only for their fulfilment of regulatory entry conditions but also whether their travel is really essential. This regime will be in operation at all border-crossing points along the external Schengen border.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently undertaking one of the biggest repatriation efforts in the history of both the Ministry and the state. Since the evacuation of Slovenian citizens from the cruise ship quarantined at Yokohama in the beginning of February, the Ministry is constantly and intensively seeking for new ways and solutions to bring home Slovenian citizens.

At yesterday's regular session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the text of the act proposal on the intervention measures to stem and mitigate the consequences of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) communicable disease epidemic for citizens and the economy. The act proposal was presented at today's press conference by Prime Minister Janez Janša, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Aleksandra Pivec, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Technology Zdravko Počivalšek, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Matej Tonin and Minister of Finance Andrej Šircelj.

At its 8th regular session, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the text of the Act on the intervention measures to mitigate the consequences of the communicable disease SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) for citizens and the economy and submitted it to the National Assembly for consideration and adoption under an emergency procedure, in accordance with Article 143 of the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Ordinance on the temporary general prohibition of movement and public gathering in public places and areas in the Republic of Slovenia and the prohibition of movement outside the municipality of permanent or temporary residence, to be published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia. The Ordinance will enter into force on 30 March 2020 at 00.00 and will remain in force until revoked.

At today's session, the Government adopted the proposal for an act on the intervention measures to mitigate the consequences of the communicable disease SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) for citizens and the economy, known as the #PKP1 #antiCorona legislative package. One of the measures adopted by the Government to contain and control the new coronavirus epidemic was the Ordinance on mandatory disinfection of multi-dwelling buildings. The Government also adopted amendments to the Ordinance on the temporary prohibition of offering and selling goods and services to consumers in the Republic of Slovenia, which dictates that purchases from 8.00 to 10.00 can only be made by vulnerable groups (e.g. persons with disabilities, pensioners, pregnant women). Pensioners can carry out their purchases only in this period.

A video conference of the European Council, called by European Council President Charles Michel, was held today. The heads of state and government and leaders of EU institutions discussed the situation and measures relating to the COVID-19 epidemic. Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša also participated in the video conference.

Minister for Development, Strategic Projects and Cohesion Zvonko Černač today participated in a video conference of Cohesion Policy ministers. The ministers unanimously welcomed rapid response of the European Commission and the joint measures it put forward to help EU Member States tackle the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Slovenia called on the Commission to allow maximum flexibility in developing and implementing Cohesion Policy measures.

In 2020, Slovenia commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Slovenian-Paraguayan anthropologist, Dr Branislava Sušnik, whose life and achievements made an indelible mark on science and established links between Slovenia and the South American cultural area.

A special meeting of four presidents, including the President of the Republic of Slovenia Borut Pahor, Prime Minister Janez Janša, President of the National Assembly Igor Zorčič, and the President of the National Council Alojz Kovšca, was held today. The four presidents discussed the operation of political institutions during the coronavirus crisis, their cooperation, and their joint efforts to achieve political unity in order to take concerted action. In their discussions, they focused especially on making various decisions that need to be effective, democratic, and protected by all democratic standards.

In a joint letter addressed to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, nine leaders of EU Member States, i.e. Belgium, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and Slovenia, called for action to establish a joint European debt instrument with regard to the fight against the new coronavirus. They stressed that the emergency situation and the coronavirus crisis, which affected all Member States, require coordinated and unified action that is undertaken in the spirit of solidarity and with an intensity corresponding to the scope of the challenge.

Slovenia, on behalf of eight participating countries, submitted to the UNESCO Secretariat in Paris a multinational nomination of the "Lipizzan Horse Breeding Traditions" for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Government has issued the Ordinance on the conditions of entry into the Republic of Slovenia from the Republic of Austria to contain and manage communicable diseases, which will be published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia.