News

Slovenia welcomes the signing of the Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and the Interim Trade Agreement (ITA) between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur. These agreements are the result of over 25 years of negotiations. The two legally distinct instruments run in parallel and together establish a comprehensive framework for enhanced political, economic and sectoral cooperation between the EU and Mercosur countries.

The success of Slovenian companies in foreign markets is proof that Slovenia has a knowledge-based, quality-driven economy with a long-term focus on development. The companies Ensol 360 and Vinakoper demonstrate that internationally recognised stories can be created from local environments. These companies generate jobs, promote regional development and boost the country's reputation.

Today, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia summoned the Iranian Ambassador for talks. During the meeting, the Ministry expressed its serious concerns about the current situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon hosted a visit by Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium. The visit underscored the close and friendly relations between the two countries and provided an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and political dialogue.

The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has finalised the wording of the draft Act on Treaties and Other International Instruments. This area is currently regulated by the Foreign Affairs Act. However, due to the specific nature and evolving dynamics of international relations, separate legislation is needed to enable more rapid adaptation to new circumstances.

Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain condemn the latest Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA, including measures to cut water, electricity and communications to its facilities. Such actions undermine the UN mandate, violate international law and run counter to the findings of the International Court of Justice, while risking grave humanitarian consequences for the Palestinian civilian population and refugees.

On 1 January 2026, Slovenia begins its three-year term as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, based in Geneva. This marks Slovenia’s third term on this key UN body, whose mandate is to promote, strengthen and protect human rights worldwide.

Slovenia has completed its second Council presidency, thus concluding its two-year membership of the UN Security Council.

During its two-year term on the Security Council, Slovenia has proven its ability to contribute significantly to tackling the most pressing global issues by taking clear positions, upholding its values, sharing its expertise and maintaining consistency. With active, responsible and principled work, Slovenia has left a recognisable mark on the UN’s central body for the maintenance of international peace and security, further strengthening its own reputation as a credible and reliable partner.

The 2nd European Science Diplomacy Conference is being held under the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Peter Japelj, Director-General of the Directorate for Economic, Cultural and Science Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, participated in the opening panel entitled European science diplomacy in a rapidly changing world.

State Secretary Neva Grašič participated in the General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, which focused on the draft European Council conclusions, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034 and conclusions on EU enlargement. The three EU institutions approved the joint declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026, and ministers were briefed on progress on legislative simplification and on the roadmap for the 2026 European Semester.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon led the Slovenian delegation at the Diplomatic Conference for the Adoption of the Convention Establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. This Council of Europe Open Convention establishes an international reparation mechanism for damage, loss or injury arising from the internationally wrongful acts of the Russian Federation in or against Ukraine.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon participated in the meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, where EU ministers discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in all its dimensions. Topics included efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, continued support for Ukraine and maintaining pressure on Russia. Ministers also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and on EU-China relations.

The Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs organised a meeting in Ljubljana for directors of consular crisis centres from Slovenia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary and Slovakia. The meeting was held as part of a Slovenian initiative to strengthen cooperation between centres in the region, and was also attended by representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces and the Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief.

To mark Human Rights Day, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, in her capacity as President of the Security Council, chaired a discussion on the situation in Afghanistan. »Although human rights are universal, inalienable and indivisible, the situation on the ground is a stark reminder that their realisation remains a distant prospect, particularly for women and girls,« the Minister underlined.

On the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of 10 December as International Human Rights Day, with this year’s slogan being Human Rights, Our Daily Essence, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon emphasised: »Slovenia strives to contribute to a world in which everyone can live with dignity and enjoy equal opportunities. In the international community, we systematically support human rights as a universal value«.

In 2015, the UN General Assembly, on the initiative of Armenia, passed a resolution establishing 9 December as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime. The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was one of the first treaties addressing respect for human rights and was adopted one day before the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, on 10 December 1948. Commemoration and memorialisation efforts not only honour the victims and survivors of genocide, but also serve as effective mechanisms for the prevention of future genocides.

State Secretary Melita Gabrič attended this year's Doha Forum in Qatar. Bringing together leaders, politicians, experts and civil society representatives from around the world in joint consideration of key global challenges, this year's Forum focused on substantive justice, accountability and translating words into action.

On the first day of her December visit to New York, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, as President of the Council, chaired a discussion on cooperation between the UN and the OSCE. She emphasised that the fundamental principles and commitments on which both organisations operate must apply equally to all, without exceptions or double standards.

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.