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The Government has been briefed on the Assessment of the epidemiological situation in the EU Member States, the Schengen Area countries, the Balkan countries and the selected third countries, the Assessment of the epidemiological situation in countries and the European Commission's recommendation Re-open EU, and the definition of the criterion for a worsening epidemiological situation and the epidemiological trends in the cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 people prepared by the National Institute of Public Health. The Government has assessed the expert justification of the restrictions laid down in the Ordinance on imposing and implementing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the external border crossings and at control points at the internal borders of the Republic of Slovenia and decided that these restrictions will continue to apply.

At today's meeting by correspondence, the Government of the Republic of Slovenia issued the Ordinance on imposing and implementing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at the external border crossings and at control points at the internal borders of the Republic of Slovenia, which will be published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia.

Metoda Dodič Fikfak, Director of the Institute of Occupational, Traffic and Sports Medicine, and the Government spokesperson, Ambassador Jelko Kacin spoke about the current situation regarding COVID-19 at a press conference.

On Thursday, 24 September 2020, Germany, Portugal and Slovenia organized a joint Trio event, currently presiding the Council of the EU, as a side event of the 75th United Nations General Assembly: “Digital Societies: towards a human-centred, trustworthy and value-based digital transition”.

New York, 24 September 2020 – On the margins of the Climate Week taking place during the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), members of the Green Group (Cape Verde, Costa Rica, Iceland, Singapore, Slovenia and the United Arab Emirates) call for action in combating climate change in their joint statement.

Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar took part in the virtual ministerial meeting of the Central European Initiative (CEI) Member States. He apprised the participants of Slovenia’s successful response to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing out that the general and special measures adopted by the Slovenian government to curb the epidemic remain in effect.

The press conference on the latest situation regarding the Covid-19 disease was attended by the Minister of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Janez Cigler Kralj, the deputy head of the Centre for Infectious Diseases at the National Institute of Public Health, Nuška Čakš Jager, and Government spokesman Jelko Kacin.

At it's session, the Government discussed the proposal for the Act Determining the Intervention Measures to Mitigate and Remedy the Consequences of the COVID-19 Epidemic for Citizens and the Economy, took note of the Autumn Forecast 2020, and discussed the proposal for the National Demographic Fund Act.

The European Commission has published the latest results of the regular comparative analysis of the development of e-government services in the European Union 2020 ("e-Government Benchmark"), measurements were carried out in 2019. Compared to other European countries, Slovenia still ranks around the European average in terms of development of e-government services. An example of good practice is the IT solution of electronic sick leave, which was established with the cooperation of the Health Insurance Institute and the Ministry of Public Administration.

A two-day workshop on internationalization as an important part of smart specialization strategies in the countries of the Adriatic-Ionian Macro-region is being held today and tomorrow as part of the fifth consecutive Mediterranean Coast and Macro-regional Strategies Week.

For the first time in the history of independent Slovenia, a broad-ranging Diplomatic Academy programme was launched at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Academy will provide education for future Slovenian diplomats and permanent training for experienced diplomats. At the beginning of its operation, Minister Dr Anže Logar pointed out the importance of the Academy’s role in Slovenian diplomacy, which must “keep up with the times and be constantly updated”, adding that Slovenia remains a staunch advocate of a stronger, more cohesive, efficient and transparent Union. This ability to keep pace was reaffirmed during the recent pandemic crisis when Slovenian diplomacy performed outstandingly, especially in providing assistance to our citizens, responding quickly and reporting on measures taken in other countries, thus demonstrating perseverance, flexibility and hard work.

Today, on 23 September, State Secretary Tone Kajzer participated in a ministerial meeting of the Global Governance Group held on the margins of the UN General Assembly General Debate. The meeting focused on key global issues, including the post COVID-19 recovery.

Today, State Secretary Gašper Dovžan attended the General Affairs Council meeting, held in person for the first time since the outbreak of the new coronavirus. Council members focused primarily on the preparations for the special European Council meeting (later postponed to 1 and 2 October) and on the coordination of measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic at the EU level.

Today, Ambassador Milan Predan presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Steve Pendarovski. The ambassador said that the relations between the two countries have been sincere throughout the period of their independence, without hidden agendas and based on mutual trust and understanding of each other, so today they are excellent and practically without open issues.

Due to the deterioration of the epidemiological situation regarding COVID-19 the use of masks is mandatory on all premises of the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia from September 23th, 2020. When handling archival records the use of gloves is also mandatory. Visitors may enter the Archives only by prior appointment and after their date of arrival has been confirmed by the reading room staff.

The Minister of Public Administration Boštjan Koritnik met with the European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton in Brussels today. They talked about the digitalization process in Slovenia, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country's activities in the digital and telecommunications field, 5G technology, Slovenia's priorities during the EU Council presidency in the field of digitalization and data management and Slovenian activities in the field of artificial intelligence.

Minister of Public Administration Boštjan Koritnik is paying a working visit to Brussels today.

Prime Minister Janez Janša: If Slovenia has the capacity to draw European funds, this year’s drop in GDP will be just a brief episode in the country’s fiscal life.

Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar, as Head of the Slovenian Delegation, addressed in a video message the 64th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna.

For the ninth time in a row the European Cooperation Day is commemorated by a series of events taking place throughout Europe. Today we presented the results and importance of cross-border cooperation projects in the cross-border area of Slovenian and Austrian Carinthia. We marked the 30th anniversary of Interreg programmes by planting two trees on each side of the border in the spirit of sustainability and integration. The event was attended also by State Secretary mag. Monika Kirbiš Rojs who underlined the importance of cross-border cooperation programmes.

At today's session of the National Assembly, Prime Minister Janez Janša answered deputies’ questions. Questions concerning the health system and waiting times were addressed by Andrej Rajh (SAB – Party of Alenka Bratušek), and Lidija Divjak Mirnik (LMŠ – List of Marjan Šarec), Zmago Jelinčič (SMS – Slovenian National Party) asked about the status of immigrants from third countries and their eligibility for social transfers, and Jurij Lep (DeSUS - Democratic Party of Pensioners of Slovenia) asked about measures concerning the status of pensioners. Mr Lep asked the Prime Minister to explain in what phase the Government's preparation of the Long-Term Care Act is, what is happening with the legislation on the Demographic Fund, and what the timeline for the adoption of these acts is.

Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels at which the foreign ministers focused on the situation in Libya and Belarus, and European Union-African Union relations. During the working lunch, the ministers discussed the relations with the Southern Neighbourhood, particularly against the backdrop of the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Janez Janša, accompanied by Simona Kustec, Minister of Education, Science and Sport, and Marjan Dolinšek, State Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for sport, met today with Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee.

At the press conference, Government spokesperson Jelko Kacin provided the latest information on the COVID-19 situation in Slovenia.

Today, the Minister of Public Administration Boštjan Koritnik met with Chargé d'Affaires of the British Embassy in Slovenia Paul Jancar. They talked about cooperation between the two countries in the field of digitalization and smart cities, facing the pandemic of the Covid-19 virus and Slovenia's preparations for the presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2021.

Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar hosted Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias on an official visit to Slovenia. The ministers agreed on closer cooperation during the preparations for Slovenia’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2021. Minister Dendias expressed gratitude to Slovenia for showing solidarity by providing material aid after the blaze that swept through the island of Lesbos. Today’s was the first official visit between Slovenian and Greek foreign ministers in the last ten years.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today addressed the participants of a consultation organised by the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia about the 2021–2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and the development of the West Slovenia cohesion region.

On the occasion of the European Cooperation Day Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy, in cooperation with project partners of the project Mura Raba Tour, organised the event Following the path of privates of the guard. The event focused on the presentation of the projects implemented under the Interreg cooperation programme Slovenia-Hungary 2014-2020 which have a significant impact of the quality of life in the border area.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the project Wastewater collection and treatment in the Sotla River basin – Municipality of Rogaška Slatina. The 2.3 million euro infrastructure project will receive a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund amounting to over EUR 900,000.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a grant decision for financial instruments for mitigating the effects of the economic crisis due to the COVID-19 epidemic for the period 2020-2023. The available European Regional Development Fund financing in the amount of EUR 65 million will be managed by SID Bank through the Fund of Funds.

Today, Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar received a farewell call from the Ambassador of Japan to Slovenia, Masaharu Yoshida, at the end of his two-year term of office.

The nature conservation centre has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund under the project Nature Ties. In his address, the minister underlined the importance of cross-border projects for tackling common challenges in border areas and of working across borders to find common solutions.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a funding decision for the project Business incubator network – Commercial building Aurea Gorica pri Slivnici which will be implemented as part of the agreement for the development of the Savinja region. The nearly 1.3 million euro project will receive a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund amounting to over EUR 500,000.

Ivan Simič, chair of the government’s strategic council for reducing bureaucracy, today unveiled the measures proposed in a number of areas.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today attended the 32nd session of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia. The prime minister outlined the government’s position on the EU’s 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework and the recovery package.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her first State of the European Union speech at the European Parliament, in which she highlighted the current situation and laid out the concrete plans of the European Commission for the following 12 months. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the priorities and messages set out by the Head of the EU Commission in her address to the Plenary.

At the site of the old Frischauf Lodge at Okrešelj, a foundation stone was laid today for a new lodge. With a design based on local, natural materials, the basic construction work is scheduled for completion this year to make the building ready for winter, with completion of the new lodge expected by 2022. The ceremonial laying of the foundation stone was attended by Prime Minister Janez Janša, who also gave a speech.

A press conference on the current Covid-19 situation was held jointly by Robert Smrdelj, mayor of Pivka, Jelko Kacin, the government spokesperson, and Adolf Lukanovič, a retired doctor who spent two months in a coma on a ventilator at the Infection Clinic in Ljubljana with Covid-19.

Firms will have to adapt in a number of ways to the risks of infection. In today’s press conference about the current Covid-19 situation, Urška Blaznik, who is responsible for public health at work organisations at the National Institute of Public Health, emphasised that all the general preventive measures also apply at firms. These include the use of masks and hand sanitiser, social distancing, and also the highly recommended daily measurement of body temperature on arrival at work.

At Brdo pri Kranju, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar hosted today the Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic Austria Alexander Schallenberg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Tomáš Petříček and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic Ivan Korčok. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjárto excused his absence, as he was to attend the signature of the agreement on the normalisation of relations between Israel and UAE at the White House. The unofficial Central 5 initiative of foreign ministers was launched during the new coronavirus disease outbreak in spring to better coordinate containment measures. The third meeting reaffirmed the commitment of ministers to deepen the cooperation and ties among neighbouring countries and in the Central European region, including in other areas of common interest.

The Day of the Return of Primorska to its Homeland is a holiday that unites not only the people of Primorska region, but also the entire Slovenian nation. We are celebrating the survival of a nation that has been put to many difficult tests throughout history. Today's holiday is a holiday of love of our homeland, or as the Slovenian cross-border writer Boris Pahor wrote: "Despite all the ascents of the human mind, despite the acquisitions of the human spirit with which we rise above ethnic boundaries, the national community is still the most noble homeland of the human heart".

The firth traditional Mediterranean Coast and Macro-regional Strategies Week, organised by Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy (GODC) together with Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, Municipality of Izola and numerous other partners, will be marked by various events focusing on Slovenia’s international cooperation in three European macro-regional strategies, namely the Adriatic-Ionian, Alpine and Danube.

Today, 15 September, marks the International Day of Democracy, which recalls the importance of democratic values and fundamental elements of democratic governance. It also provides an opportunity to review the state of democracy in the world, as the COVID-19 pandemic has put to the test the important acquisitions of our civilisation, which include democracy and its values.

A record 2758 tests were conducted yesterday, with 108 new infections confirmed, said official spokesman Jelko Kacin at the beginning of today’s press conference.

Today, Prime Minister Janez Janša met with the representatives of the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia (the MRAS).

Condé Nast Traveler, a world-renowned luxury travel magazine dedicated to top experiences for the most demanding travellers, has published its list of the best holiday destinations for 2021. This time Slovenia ranked highest, followed by Yorkshire in England and Melides in Portugal. Placing Slovenia at the very top of such a list is further proof of the quality, uniqueness and reliability of its tourism products and services.

Slovenian Government has submitted the Report on the Implementation of EU Cohesion Policy for the Investment for Growth and Jobs Goal in the Second Quarter of 2020 to the National Assembly.

A record number of tests (as many as 2,560) and a record number of infections marked yesterday – 79 coronavirus infections were confirmed.

Before the upcoming meeting of the European Council, Prime Minister Janez Janša took part in a videoconference with Charles Michel, president of the European Council, and Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany and current holder of the presidency of the Council of the EU, discussing the tensions in the eastern Mediterranean and relations with China.

Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar held his first press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, six months after he took office. He outlined the achievements, goals and vision of Slovenia’s foreign policy, which is seeking to put Slovenia back on the international map as a reliable partner within the EU and a credible member of international organisations while pursuing Slovenia's interests. Minister Logar stressed that Slovenia will follow the Foreign Policy Strategy adopted in 2015 and build “a safe, successful and globally respected” state.

Government speaker Jelko Kacin presented the epidemiological situation in Slovenia and in neighbouring Italian regions at a press conference on COVID-19.

Today, the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Janez Janša, hosted a working visit by the Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, Sebastian Kurz, in Ljubljana. The main subjects of talks related to the COVID situation; the interlocutors also discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and current European issues. The relations between Slovenia and Austria are considered to be excellent.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a grant decision for the programme “Mobility of students from socially-disadvantaged areas for 2019, University of Primorska”. The said programme is one of the several initiatives through which the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport each academic year supports the mobility of students of Slovene universities.

Prime Minister Janez Janša and his wife, Urška Bačovnik Janša, attended a ceremony today at Pristava nad Stično in honour of the 30th anniversary of an event at which the key players in the formation of the defence and security system adopted and formalised the strategic documents that served as the basis for the final phase of the organisation of a joint military and police organisation (the National Defence Manoeuvring Structures, or MSNZ), on which the barely independent Slovenia based its effective and successful armed resistance against the aggression of the Yugoslav People’s Army (JLA). In those documents, the JLA was for the first time clearly defined as a potential aggressor, or a clear and present danger to Slovenian independence.

At the press conference, Government spokesperson Jelko Kacin presented the current data on the epidemiological situation in Slovenia and neighbouring countries.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today attended the 24th Slovenian Diplomatic Consultation, which took place at Brdo pri Kranju, and addressed the assembled diplomats. In his speech he set out views on current topics in the international community, marked principally by Brexit and the novel coronavirus pandemic.

In scope of the HIA project, funded by the European Comission and coordinated by TECOS with the help of SRIP FoF, SRIP FoF is launching an open call for the international expert group, where they invite Industry 4.0 experts to apply. This is the first of the overall three open calls within this project.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a grant decision for the “Call for proposals for the financing of incentives for the start-up of businesses in disadvantaged border areas – COVID 1”. The total amount available under the call for proposals, which was published today by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, is EUR 5 million of which European Regional Development Fund contribution amounts to EUR 3.7 million.

Slovenian designers and companies will present themselves at the Danish annual design event 3daysofdesign held in Copenhagen, Denmark that opened today and will conclude on 5 September 2020, with the exhibition The Circle.

Prime Minister Janez Janša met today with the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Yves Le Drian in Brdo pri Kranju at the margins of the meeting of Slovenian diplomats.

On the second day of the Consultations at Brdo, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, who is paying an official visit to Slovenia, took part in the event at the invitation of the Slovenian Foreign Minister, Dr Anže Logar. In his opening address, Minister Logar stressed that his French counterpart’s participation in the EU panel confirms the two countries’ shared commitment to a strategic partnership and to the EU core. The French Foreign Minister immediately responded to the invitation to visit Ljubljana and take part in the Consultations of Slovenian Diplomats.

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian is paying an official two-day visit to Slovenia at the invitation of Slovenian Foreign Minister Dr Anže Logar.

At today’s Government session, the Government adopted an ordinance temporarily imposing mandatory use of protective masks in enclosed public spaces, which includes public transport. The Government also adopted the Act Amending the Environmental Protection Act.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša, met today with representatives of the leadership of the Association of Paraplegics of Slovenia, namely President of the Association Dane Kastelic, Vice-President Damjan Hovnik and Head of Professional Services Špela Šušteršič.

The two-day 24th Consultation of Slovenian Diplomats began at the Brdo Congress Centre today. For the first time since he has taken office, Minister Dr Anže Logar presented to heads of diplomatic missions and consular posts the direction and vision of Slovenian foreign policy. He outlined Slovenia's aspiration to be a responsible member of the EU, NATO, and the international community, not merely a silent observer, and to return to the diplomatic map.

The renewed strategy will represent one of the numerous strategic bases for the 2021-2027 European Cohesion Policy implementation. The workshop organised by the Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy (GODC) as the coordinator of Slovenia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy was attended also by the representatives of ministries and 9 strategic research and innovation partnerships (SRIP).

In an extended interview for the Hungarian weekly Figyelo published last Thursday, the Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša talked about the country’s struggle against the coronavirus crisis, the economic recovery measures adopted by the government, and further government plans. He also reflected on the cooperation between Hungary and Slovenia, and the European future.

The speakers at the press conference on the current situation regarding COVID-19 were epidemiologist Mateja Logar from the Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Conditions at the University Medical Center Ljubljana, Polonca Truden Dobrin from the NIPH, who is an expert on child and adolescent health, and the Government spokesperson, Ambassador Jelko Kacin.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today in Bled met with the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The prime ministers discussed the relations between the two countries and their close and comprehensive cooperation.

Prime Minister Janez Janša was a guest of the show Conversations with the people who fought for our independence on RTV Slovenija. In the interview, he spoke of the events that happened 30 years ago during the time of the independence process, about the victory of Demos, the plebiscite, the unity of the Slovenian people at the time of gaining our independence, about the political division of the time, the destroyed archives, the diving line in Slovenian politics, and the subsequent reinterpretation of the events from 30 years ago.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today attended the 15th Bled Strategic Forum and participated in the introductory European Leaders' Panel on "Europe after Brexit and COVID–19".

Today, Prime Minister Janez Janša is attending the 15th Bled Strategic Forum. Eight heads of state from the region, six foreign ministers, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and numerous other esteemed guests will attend this year’s Forum and participate in the discussions.

At the second panel of the 15th Bled Strategic Forum morning programme, Minister Dr Anže Logar hosted his counterparts from Croatia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary, alongside EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and the German Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office. The discussion focused on the role of regional integration within the EU, the establishing of links within the Central European region, especially through traffic and energy infrastructure, and on the importance of awareness of the transatlantic partnership.

Due to technical upgrades of the database the ScopeQuery search engine will be disabled from September 4th, 2020.

Every year, the organisers of the Bled Strategic Forum present the BSF Distinguished Partner Award. In 2020, the award was presented to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

At the 15th Bled Strategic Forum, attention was also paid to the burning issues of cyber security, namely within the panel "Is the Future of Cyberspace Only as a Domain of Conflict?", which was opened by the Minister of Public Administration Boštjan Koritnik.

In the margins of the Bled Strategic Forum, Prime Minister Janez Janša met today with Christian Pawlu, Member of the Sandoz Executive Board and the Global Head of Strategy, Portfolio and BD&L, Robert Ljoljo, Novartis President for Slovenia, and Gregor Makuc, the Head of Public Affairs for Slovenia in Novartis.

Today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar opened the 15th Bled Strategic Forum (BSF). In his address in the Bled Festival Hall he expressed his satisfaction that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reshaped the world, this year’s edition of the BSF is taking place in person. He commended the large attendance of high representatives of states and institutions, among them eight prime ministers and six foreign ministers, which will present their visions of tackling the challenges after the pandemic during the Forum.

Today, Minister Dr Anže Logar held a separate meeting with the new Foreign Minister of Poland Zbigniew Rau on the sidelines of the 15th Bled Strategic Forum. The ministers advocated for further strengthening of cooperation between Slovenia and Poland both at the bilateral level and within regional and supra-regional initiatives. Slovenia and Poland are EU partners and allies within NATO, sharing numerous positions on major international issues.

At today's correspondence meeting, the Government adopted the draft revised national budget for 2020. It also adopted the Act amending the Implementation of the Republic of Slovenia's Budget for 2020 and 2021 Act, which will enable the implementation of this year’s budget after the revised budget comes into effect.

Prime Minister Janez Janša met tonight with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

At the invitation of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borell and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Minister Dr Logar attended an informal two-day meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Berlin. On the second day, the foreign ministers turned to topic of the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey’s activities in the region.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar is attending an informal two-day meeting of EU foreign ministers in Berlin at the invitation of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borell and German Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Heiko Maas. On the opening day, the ministers discussed the situation in Belarus and possible EU responses.

Prime Minister Janez Janša today met with the President of the Management Board of NLB d.d., Blaž Brodnjak.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a grant decision for the project “Entrepreneurial approach to addressing the challenges in Podravje - PONI Podravje”. The European Regional Development Fund will contribute a good EUR 1 million for the project which is worth almost EUR 1.4 million. This is the last of eight projects within the overall project “Entrepreneurial approach to addressing challenges”, which will be implemented throughout Slovenia. The project aim is entrepreneurial training of people who want to realise an entrepreneurial idea.

The goal of all of us is to enter the school year healthy and, above all, to stay healthy, said the government spokesman Mr Jelko Kacin at today’s press conference. Currently, all our efforts are focused on the timely detection of new infections. We mostly focus on the prevention of the introduction and spread of infections among pupils and students, and especially among teachers and other school staff.

In a telephone conversation today, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar and Argentinian Foreign Minister Felipe Solá reaffirmed the excellent relations between the two countries and expressed their interest in their further strengthening.

At a press conference on the current situation regarding COVID-19, Minister of the Interior, Aleš Hojs, and the government spokesman, Jelko Kacin, spoke about Croatia's placement on the list of epidemiologically unsafe countries related to the expiry of the deadline for a timely return without mandatory quarantine.

On Friday, 21 August 2020, credit rating agency DBRS Morningstar confirmed Slovenia's credit rating at A (high) with a stable trend. This is once again proof that the measures implemented by the Government during the COVID-19 epidemic were appropriate and that external observers continue to see Slovenia as trust-worthy despite the difficult situation created by the epidemic.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia issued the Ordinance on imposing and implementing measures to prevent the spread of epidemic of COVID-19 at border crossing points at the external border, inspection points at the internal border and within the Republic of Slovenia and published it in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia.

This year, the Study Centre for National Reconciliation marked the Europe-Wide Day of Remembrance for the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes on Friday, 21 August 2020, by laying flowers in three memorial locations in Ljubljana; in front of the memorial plaque of the American Embassy, in front of the Monument to the Victims of All Wars in Kongresni trg, and in front of prison cells in Beethovnova. The ceremony was adapted to accommodate the current health situation.

Today at the Brdo Congress Centre, Prime Minister Janez Janša held a consultation with municipalities and development agencies on the projects and investments for which Slovenia will earmark funding from the EU coronavirus recovery package, to ensure Slovenia's efficient absorption of the hard-won EU funds. Government ministers also participated in the consultation.

The Government adopted the decision to include Croatia in the red list as the neighbouring country exceeded 40 infections per 100,000 inhabitants on Wednesday. The mandatory quarantine for travellers from Croatia and other related measures were presented by Minister of the Interior Aleš Hojs, who attended the press conference following the Government's session together with Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Aleksandra Pivec and Government spokesman Jelko Kacin.

Today, we mark World Humanitarian Day under the slogan ‘Real Life Heroes’. With the COVID-19 pandemic posing a grave challenge to all humanitarian operations, this year’s humanitarian day is dedicated to promoting solidarity and cooperation during severe crises.

Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has issued a grant decision for the project “Wastewater discharge and treatment in the municipality of Koper and Ankaran”. The project worth EUR 15.8 million will receive Cohesion Fund support in the amount of EUR 7.3 million.

Today, Prime Minister Janez Janša attended an informal video-conference meeting of the European Council. At the meeting, the members of the European Council exchanged views on the developments in Belarus and took note of incidents in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The #OstaniZdrav (#StayHealthy) mobile app is now available to Android OS users in Google Play. At the press conference on the current situation regarding COVID-19, the mobile app was presented by Minister of Public Administration Boštjan Koritnik, while Government spokesman, Ambassador Jelko Kacin spoke about controlling the spread of coronavirus, particularly in the light of the situation in Croatia.

The Slovene Enterprise Fund has published a call for proposals »Financial support for the digital transformation of SMEs (P4D-C19)". The total amount of funds available under the call for proposals is EUR 15 million which is contributed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Anže Logar met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at Ljubljana Airport and they held a brief bilateral meeting.

The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food, Aleksandra Pivec, today attended the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in Brussels (AGRIFISH). On the margins of the meeting, the Ministers of Agriculture of Germany, Portugal and Slovenia made a joint declaration in which they presented the programme of work of the future Trio Presidency regarding agriculture, fisheries and forestry.