Slovenia's government has initiated discussions on a draft act to gradually close the Velenje coal mine and liquidate its operator, Premogovnik Velenje, by 2033. This move is a key step in the nation's coal phase-out strategy, supported by over 1.1 billion euros in state funding and EU Just Transition funds, aiming for a fair transition for the region.
Slovenia has recorded a significant trade balance surplus of 2 billion euro in the first eight months of 2025, a notable improvement from a 2.7 billion euro deficit in the same period last year. This positive shift is driven by a substantial 22.3% increase in exports, particularly to non-EU countries, outpacing a 9.4% rise in imports.
Slovenia's budget deficit for the first nine months of 2025 reached 953 million euro, marking a significant increase of 487 million euro compared to the same period in the previous year. This widening deficit is attributed to rising expenditures, including increased transfers to the pension fund, higher labor costs, and ongoing flood reconstruction efforts.
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob stated on October 1, 2025, that no viable peace plan for Gaza can exist without Israel's recognition of an independent Palestinian state. This declaration reinforces Slovenia's consistent diplomatic efforts, including its official recognition of Palestine in June 2024, aimed at fostering a two-state solution.
Slovenia's Ministry of Solidarity-Based Future has allocated 3.14 million euros to social welfare providers. This funding aims to co-finance the development of a quality and safety treatment model, stemming from a new public call under the Law on temporary measures, which came into effect in August 2024.
Slovenia's sole nuclear power plant, Krško, commenced its routine overhaul on September 28, 2025. The maintenance, expected to last until the end of October, includes replacing 56 fuel elements and extensive equipment checks, ensuring continued safe operation and energy supply for Slovenia and Croatia.
Slovenia has declared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu persona non grata, imposing a travel ban due to ongoing international legal proceedings and Israel's actions in Gaza. This marks the first such measure by an EU member state against Netanyahu, citing alleged war crimes and genocide findings.
The international military exercise Triglav Star 2025 has begun in Slovenia's Gorenjska region, involving up to 300 Slovenian Armed Forces personnel and 200 allied forces from nations including Italy, Canada, Hungary, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Spain, and the United States. The exercise, focusing on mountain warfare and interoperability, will run until October 10.
A recent EU-wide survey, including Slovenian respondents, highlights strong public support for climate policies like subsidies for rail transport and home insulation. Conversely, the survey indicates significant opposition to taxes on polluting behaviors, such as those on cars and meat, reflecting a nuanced public preference for climate action.
The Slovenian Enterprise Fund (SEF) has launched a new call offering €20 million in liquidity loans to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The program provides financing from €15,000 to €100,000 at a fixed annual interest rate of 1.8%, with flexible repayment periods and a moratorium option, to support current operations and small investments.
