News

In the 32nd episode of the GOVSI podcast, hosted by Polona Prešeren, we welcomed Simon Anholt – a British advisor, researcher and author, and the originator of the term nation brand. The conversation, held in English, focused on the reputation of countries, public perceptions, and strategic thinking about how nations establish themselves in the international environment.

Prime Minister Robert Golob visited the Šiška Care Home where he met employees and residents to discuss their first experiences of the new long-term care system and further steps for its efficient implementation.

"Strengthening public healthcare has been, and remains, one of this Government's key priorities. It is a promise we have made to the people.

Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, participated in the 32nd Ministerial Council meeting of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna. “Despite numerous challenges, the OSCE is an irreplaceable security forum that brings 57 countries to the same table and maintains dialogue even in times of crisis, which is indispensable in diplomacy,” she said.

At today’s session, the Government adopted the draft Act on Salaries and Remuneration of Public Employees and Officials Related to Work Abroad, and the draft amendment to the Act on the First Pension Fund of the Republic of Slovenia and the Transformation of Authorised Investment Companies. It also adopted a decision on claiming partial reimbursement of wage compensation for reduced working hours.

Among the 27 milestones and targets whose fulfilment enabled Slovenia to receive funds under the fourth payment request within the Recovery and Resilience Facility are the introduction of a crisis short-time working scheme, changes to labour market regulation and the pension reform. For the successful implementation of these measures, Slovenia received EUR 400 million in grants and EUR 40 million in loans.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in a meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Brussels. The meeting aimed to review the progress on implementing the decisions made at the June NATO Summit in The Hague and discuss key political and security issues, including Russian aggression against Ukraine, Russian hybrid activities and other security challenges.

Prime Minister Robert Golob and President of the Republic of Slovenia Nataša Pirc Musar met today for their regular working discussion, during which they exchanged views on key domestic and international developments.

On the occasion of International Volunteer Day, marked on 5 December, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the 15th Slovenian Volunteering Congress today, where he also addressed the attendees.

The Ministry hosted the fourth session of the Slovenian-Brazilian Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation, the key mechanism for strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Priority areas of discussion included science, artificial intelligence and digitalisation, space technologies, sustainable fuels, the EU-Mercosur Agreement, trade relations, security and defence.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon leads the Slovenian delegation at the 24th session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is taking place from 1 to 6 December 2025 in The Hague under the topic of strengthening the protection of the ICC and its resilience. Minister Fajon emphasised the importance of the independence and impartiality of the Court and respect for the rule of law.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved financial contribution from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) for the project Integrated approach to safety and health at work. The project aims to establish an integrated approach to safety and health at work and improve the culture of safety and health at work in Slovenia.

Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended a reception for representatives of organisations of people with disabilities at Brdo pri Kranju, where he also delivered the keynote speech.

In November, under Sierra Leone’s presidency, the adoption of the resolution on Gaza resonated most strongly in the Security Council. The resolution welcomes the adoption of a comprehensive plan to end the war and establish a Peace Committee, and authorises the latter to establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza.

The Archivalia of the Month section features the Archivalia of the month of December, which which discusses the first "democratic" elections for the constituent assembly in "New Yugoslavia" on November 11, 1945. Voter turnout in Slovenia was approximately 92%, and around 85% of voters officially cast their ballot for the People's Front, or in favor of the republic.reality.

Slovenia begins its second one-month Presidency of the UN Security Council for the 2024–2025 term, which will be marked by three signature events: a visit by the Security Council to Syria and Lebanon, an open debate on Leadership for Peace and a meeting on Afghanistan held on Human Rights Day. As expected, the Council will also focus on Palestine and Ukraine.

On International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Slovenia reaffirms its steadfast support for the Palestinian people, who have endured immeasurable suffering for decades through the loss of loved ones and homes, forced displacement, and the denial of fundamental rights, including the right to self-determination and independence.

''If you take a walk through Velenje or Šoštanj, you can see that the restructuring process did not start with the Just Transition Fund. The two municipalities have been implementing this process very successfully for several years now. Actually, a total of over €190 million is currently allocated to the SAŠA coal region,'' said State Secretary Srečko Đurov in his statement to the media on the sidelines of today's visit to Velenje.

Prime Minister Robert Golob met with the German Federal Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, in Berlin. This was Prime Minister Golob's first official visit to Berlin since Friedrich Merz's appointment as Federal Chancellor in May this year.

On the Day of the Mediterranean, 28 November, 43 representatives of the Union for the Mediterranean met in Barcelona to discuss the implementation of the priorities of the new vision, which focuses on people. The EU and 10 countries from Southern Europe have ratified the Pact for the Mediterranean. Minister Fajon highlighted: "Only a shared vision among Mediterranean countries and cooperation in a turbulent geopolitical world can bring peace, dignity and prosperity for all."

The Government visited the Podravje region. At its regular session held during the visit, it endorsed several important legislative and financial measures – ranging from strategic investments at the University of Maribor to amendments to cohesion policy, housing and healthcare measures, and a new regulatory framework for the wine sector. Separate programmes of members of the Government followed, and the day concluded with a consultation with mayors and business representatives on the key challenges facing the region.

As part of the Government visit to Podravje, Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the laying of the foundation stone for the Centre of Excellence for Photonic, Micro and Nano Electronic Technologies. This centre is one of the first and most significant projects to be implemented under the INNOVUM programme, a broader initiative of the University of Maribor. The Prime Minister also addressed the audience.

Slovenian government has approved the second amendment to Slovenia's EU Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027 at today’s regional session in the Podravje region. The amended document provides for alignment with the EU’s new development and strategic priorities as well as national needs. It also aims to boost spending and allows for a sharper focus on areas with the greatest impact.

Members of the Monitoring Committee of Slovenia's EU Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027 today met at the fifth regular meeting and approved the second amendment to the Programme. The amended document that the government has approved as part of its visit to the Podravje region provides for strategic alignment with the EU’s new and emerging priorities and national needs.

At today’s session, the Government adopted draft acts on the gradual closure of the Velenje Coal Mine, on additional emergency measures in the field of healthcare, on wine, and the draft amendment to the Act on the Financing and Promotion of the Construction of Public Rental Housing. The Government approved the second amendment to the European Cohesion Policy Programme 2021–2027 and signed an agreement with the Municipality of Maribor.

State Secretary Neva Grašič met with non-resident ambassadors to Slovenia in the Austrian capital, Vienna. In her address, she highlighted the most prominent achievements of Slovenian foreign policy in 2025: Slovenia's first MED9 presidency and its non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council, which ends with Slovenia’s presidency of the Council in December.

Prime Minister Robert Golob attended the conference "Turning Vision into Homes: Slovenia's Affordable Housing Journey," organised by the Ministry of a Solidarity-Based Future, the European Investment Bank and the Council of Europe Development Bank at the European Union House in Ljubljana.

Today, the European Commission paid €440 million to Slovenia on the basis of the fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). "Slovenia has met all the milestones and targets linked to the fourth payment request and has therefore received the maximum possible disbursement," said Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič upon the inflow of funds.

Today, the General Assembly and the Security Council unanimously adopted twin resolutions with identical wording on the review of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture (Peacebuilding Architecture Review – PBAR). The negotiation process was led by the Permanent Representatives of Slovenia and Egypt, Ambassadors Samuel Žbogar and Osama Abdelkhalek. The adoption of the resolutions and the agreement on strengthening the effectiveness of the UN Peacebuilding Architecture marked the successful conclusion of nearly one year of negotiations.

At the 30th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, held in The Hague, the Netherlands, Slovenia was elected to the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for the 2026–2028 term. The Slovenian delegation at the conference is being led by State Secretary Dr Melita Gabrič.

"We must always stand up for the rights of women and girls. This is a priority of Slovenia’s foreign policy, both in the context of its non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council and its upcoming UN Human Rights Council membership. I would like us to build a world in which all women and girls are safe and do not experience violence."

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon emphasized in a discussion on peace, security and governance at the 7th EU-African Union Leaders' Summit in Luanda that Slovenia has done a lot in recent years to strengthen its partnership with African countries.

Below is Minister Fajon's speech in full.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, represented Slovenia at the seventh EU-African Union Summit in Luanda, attended by more than 40 European and African leaders. She participated in discussions on peace, security and governance, and held numerous bilateral meetings, where she presented Slovenia’s work in the Security Council, with a focus on Africa.

Prime Minister Robert Golob participated today, via video conference, in an informal meeting of the European Council. The leaders were briefed on the latest developments, with the primary objective being the establishment of lasting peace in Ukraine.

The Embassy of Slovenia in Tirana will be closed on 28 November 2025, on the occasion of the National Flag and Independence Day of Albania.

Dear citizens, dear Slovenians at home and abroad,

Today, we pay tribute to the courage and vision of General Rudolf Maister – a man of action, a devoted patriot and someone who understood clearly that a nation grows when it knows how to protect its future, and dares to do so.

The Morningstar DBRS credit rating agency upgraded Slovenia's credit rating from A (high) to AA (low) with a stable outlook. Meanwhile, Standard & Poor's (S&P) confirmed Slovenia’s AA credit rating with a stable outlook.

The newly appointed Minister of the Interior Branko Zlobko has taken the office from the outgoing Minister Boštjan Poklukar.

After several weeks of meetings in New York, the work of the UN General Assembly Committee on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Issues, known as the Third Committee, which focuses largely on human rights issues, has concluded.

At the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe (RC75th), Slovenia highlighted how health, sustainability, and support for local products can be combined into a thoughtful vision for the future. The message was clear: caring for people and caring for the planet are inseparable goals, and meaningful progress requires addressing both simultaneously.

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has approved Cohesion Fund support for projects aimed at establishing and supporting regional mobility centres under the agreements on the development of regions. The approved EU funding will be used to support regional mobility centres in the Koroška and Gorenjska regions, the Ljubljana urban region, the Jugovzhodna Slovenija region and Northern Primorska.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon took part in the Fourth EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels. In her interventions, she underscored the need to enhance economic and security cooperation between the two regions and to work jointly to address shared global challenges.

Slovenia is introducing a temporary residence permit for digital nomads on 21 November 2025.

On the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, we remember one of the most important milestones in modern European history. The Agreement brought peace to Bosnia and Herzegovina and stability to the entire region. The diplomatic victory over war put an end to the immeasurable suffering endured by the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On this day in 1945, the trials of leading Nazi figures from World War II began in Nuremberg. The trials laid the foundations of international criminal justice, ensuring that no serious crime would go unpunished.

Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob attended the ceremonial event marking the completion of construction works on Section 2 of the Divača–Koper second track. The event was also attended by Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, who ceremonially handed over an additional EUR 156 million of non-refundable EU funds to Slovenia.

At today’s session, the Government approved draft amendments to the acts governing Radiotelevizija Slovenija, sport, the legal profession, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, the latter introducing additional measures to improve the accessibility of public-use facilities for persons with disabilities. The Government also discussed the announced ownership changes at the Ljubljana Stock Exchange.

Slovenia has officially been awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 European Road Cycling Championships. The contract was formally signed by the Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sport, Matjaž Han; the President of the Slovenian Cycling Federation, Pavel Marđonović; and the President of the Union Européenne de Cyclisme (UEC), Enrico Della Casa.

The European Commission today welcomed the fourth proposal to amend the Slovenian Recovery and Resilience Plan. The amendment to the plan also needs to be approved by the Council of the European Union.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, where Foreign Ministers discussed Russian aggression in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, the Sahel and Sudan. She also participated in ministerial events: the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the Ministerial Meeting of the Palestine Donor Group and the Fourth EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum.