The epidemic is shrouded in fog. The figures are dropping, however, according to competent authorities, slower than expected; the vaccine is on the horizon, but the number of doses is lower than predicted; a new coronavirus variant is of concern, and there are still many unknowns about it.

The first half of the year will be largely similar to last year in terms of the epidemic and economic upturn, while the second half will be significantly better, said Prime Minister Janez Janša at a meeting held by the Managers' Association of Slovenia. He accepted the cooperation offered in improving the productivity of the economy, for which, in his opinion, debureaucratisation is key, as the Government cannot win this battle without the support of the business sector.

Slovenia has consolidated its position in the group of advanced euro area countries. In a series of positive responses from credit rating agencies since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, the latest confirmation of Creditreform Rating's credit rating for Slovenia is another recognition that Slovenia is a stable and trustworthy countries. The issuance of long-term 60-year euro bonds is also a recognition by international markets and a token of confidence in the Slovenian Government's decisions and measures designed and adopted to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.