This week in Slovenia, winter set in. We haven't seen such a beginning of winter with lots of snow and cold weather in a long time. Everyone seems to be excited about it. With signs indicating the COVID‑19 epidemic is in decline in Slovenia, festivities are on the horizon, albeit more cautious ones. However, certain restrictions on public life and all the precautionary measures remain in place.

France is probably looking forward to taking over the Council of the EU's rotating presidency for the next six months, since, with the beginning of December, the Slovenian Presidency is slowly ending. Slovenia is advising the EU on the last decisions that will be taken under its direction. This weekend, the final round of European Citizens' Panels within the Conference on the Future of Europe will take place, while the interior ministers confirmed that Croatia is ready to join the Schengen Area. Indeed, it has been an interesting start of the last month of 2021.