News

At the invitation of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, State Secretary Stanislav Raščan attended the ministerial conference on the resurgence of political terrorism in Washington. The conference hosted more than 70 government representatives and aimed to facilitate an exchange of views on current security challenges and on cooperation between public institutions and the private sector in the prevention of terrorism.

Today marks International Criminal Justice Day. The international criminal justice system contributes to the independent and impartial establishment of facts, ensuring accountability and respect for international law and delivering justice for victims. Its effective operation helps to prevent crimes and foster lasting peace and reconciliation.

A ceremonial presentation of diplomas to the participants of consular, diplomatic and higher diplomatic exams took place at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, along with a presentation of Dr Božo Cerar’s new book, Small States in a World of Tectonic Change: 21st-Century Diplomacy in the Case of Slovenia, followed by a lecture by the author on the challenges of modern foreign affairs.

State Secretary Tamara Weingerl Požar attended the General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels. Ministers and state secretaries responsible for European affairs were briefed on the plans of the Irish Presidency for further discussions on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. They also discussed the EU’s simplification agenda and adopted conclusions on the evaluation of the annual rule of law dialogue.

Speaking at the regular monthly meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer said that due to Russia's escalating activities in several areas – ranging from military attacks and hybrid and information operations to culture and sports – greater pressure should be exerted on Russia, including through the adoption of new sanctions.

Yesterday evening, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tone Kajzer, met the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, Antonio Tajani. The ministers highlighted the close neighbourly relations between the two countries and discussed EU enlargement, the situation in the Western Balkans, support for Ukraine and other current European and international issues.

Thirty-one years have passed since the Srebrenica genocide, one of the darkest chapters in shared European history. On the occasion of this anniversary, we pay deep respects to the memory of the more than eight thousand Bosniak men and boys, who were murdered in Srebrenica in July 1995. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, the survivors and all who are still searching for the missing.

Slovenian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer chose Berlin for his first bilateral visit abroad, where he met with his German counterpart, Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. The ministers confirmed the excellent relations between Slovenia and Germany and reaffirmed their shared commitment to a strong Europe, the transatlantic partnership and Ukraine, as well as their support for EU enlargement to include the Western Balkan countries.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer welcomed the eight-member delegation from the United States Congress that came to Slovenia as part of its visit to Europe. Before arriving in Ljubljana, the delegation participated in the Annual Session of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly in The Hague.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer attended the two-day NATO Summit in Ankara, accompanied by Prime Minister Janez Janša and Minister of Defence Valentin Hajdinjak.

The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC) has concluded its 62nd regular session, during which it adopted the resolution “Twentieth anniversary of the Human Rights Council”, which was proposed by Slovenia.

On the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia extends its congratulations to the United States of America on this historic jubilee.

The latest episode of the government GOVSI podcast features Viktor Mlakar, Head of the Consular Sector at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. In conversation with host Petra Prešeren Golob, he discussed consular assistance for Slovenian citizens abroad, how to act in crisis situations, and the eLastovka application.

Minister Tone Kajzer presented the key objectives of Slovenian foreign policy and his own priorities for the coming period to the staff at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, diplomatic missions and consular posts. He stressed the importance of a professional, efficient and connected diplomacy that will serve security, prosperity and the national interests of the Republic of Slovenia.

The Agreement on Succession Issues was signed in Vienna on 29 June 2001, confirming the historic fact that Yugoslavia disintegrated and five sovereign and equal successor states emerged on its territory: Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia (then still known as Federal Republic of Yugoslavia), Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia.

Minister Kajzer attended the Dubrovnik Forum, one of the key international conferences in the region, held this year under the slogan of fostering dialogue and cooperation in a time of complex geopolitical circumstances. In his addresses and talks, he highlighted the importance of Slovenia’s cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly Croatia and Italy, with regard to the Mediterranean, and dialogue in solving key international challenges.

The Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tone Kajzer, attended the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, where he reaffirmed Slovenia’s ongoing support for Ukraine. He announced that Slovenia would co-finance the construction of three civil protection shelters in the Kharkiv region through official development assistance, and that it would join the International Civil Protection Shelter Coalition for Ukraine.

Following the inauguration of the new government, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tone Kajzer and State Secretaries Dr Stanislav Raščan and Tamara Weingerl Požar presented the priorities of Slovenian foreign policy to the diplomatic corps. In their presentation, the Ministry’s leadership emphasised that ensuring the security and well-being of citizens remains at the forefront of Slovenian foreign policy.

Today, 24 June, we celebrate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. Declared in 2022 by the United Nations, it provides an important opportunity to acknowledge the participation, influence and progress of women in diplomacy.

On the 35th anniversary of Slovenia's independence, the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tone Kajzer, presented the highest award for a lifetime's work in diplomacy to Dr Dimitrij Rupel, the longest-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs. This award is presented to individuals who, through years of outstanding service, have left an indelible mark on Slovenian diplomacy and helped establish the country's international reputation.