Each week, we bring you the most relevant stories from across Slovenia, from politics and business to culture, tourism, and local events. Curated from verified sources like the Slovenian government, official tourism boards, and trusted news outlets, this newsletter aims to present a balanced, engaging snapshot of what’s happening right now – with a distinctly Slovenian flavor.
Tadej Pogačar Wins Fourth Tour de France, Slovenian Cycling Shines Again 🚴♂️
Slovenia’s cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar has once again captured the world’s attention—clinching his fourth Tour de France title at just 26 years old. He finished with an overall time of 76 h 00′ 32″, comfortably ahead of rival Jonas Vingegaard by 4 minutes 24 seconds. Despite heavy rain neutralizing the final stage’s general classification, Pogačar fearlessly attacked the Montmartre climbs in a dramatic finale, ultimately finishing fourth while Wout van Aert claimed the stage win.
Throughout the three toughest weeks of racing, Pogačar demonstrated his versatility with four stage victories, including a decisive time trial up Peyragudes and a powerful solo win in the Pyrenees on Hautacam. He also secured the King of the Mountains (polka-dot) jersey, added to points leaderboard success, and now stands with 21 career Tour de France stage wins—a record for any rider under 27.
Slovenia legalises medical marijuana
Slovenia’s National Assembly has passed landmark legislation legalising medical cannabis, positioning it among Europe’s most progressive nations. On 15 July 2025, 50 of 81 deputies voted in favor, 29 against, with two abstentions.
The new law fully regulates the cultivation, production, distribution and use of Cannabis sativa L. for medical and scientific purposes. A licensing system allows public and private entities to apply for permits to grow and process cannabis under strict quality and safety standards. Within ninety days, a government decree will remove cannabis plant material, resin, extracts and THC from Slovenia’s list of prohibited substances.
The Public Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices will oversee cultivation and production licenses, while the Ministry of Health will issue research permits. Doctors can prescribe medical cannabis for any clinically appropriate condition, and patients will collect prescriptions at pharmacies with a ‘cannabis card’ instead of traditional narcotics protocols. The vote follows a non-binding referendum in June 2024, where 66.7 percent of voters supported medical use. Industry forecasts predict the market will grow four percent annually, reaching €55 million by 2029. Advocates say the law will boost innovation, create jobs and establish Slovenia as a regional hub for medical cannabis research and development.
Slovenia First in EU to Expel Two Israeli Ministers Over Human-Rights Concerns
Slovenia’s government—at Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon’s urging—declared far-right Israeli Ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich personae non gratae, citing their incendiary rhetoric and calls for violence against Palestinians. By taking this unprecedented step, Slovenia has underlined its commitment to human-rights principles and strengthened its reputation as a principled, proactive EU and NATO partner.
Slovenia’s Largest Brewery Marks 200 Years of Brewing Heritage
This year, Pivovarna Laško Union, Slovenia’s largest and most storied brewery, proudly toasts its 200th anniversary, celebrating two centuries of crafting the nation’s favorite lagers. Founded in 1825 by Franz Geyer as a modest craft brewer of traditional steinbier, Laško grew steadily through innovative ownerships—surviving two world wars and Yugoslav nationalization—to become a cornerstone of Slovenian identity. Today, under the Heineken umbrella, the brewery not only produces over a million hectoliters of beer annually but also offers immersive experiences: guided tours of its historic Malting Hall, tastings in a modern brewing museum, and even beer-inspired wellness treatments at nearby Thermana Laško. From the fist-shaking camaraderie of its famous Laško Zlatorog pils to its role in regional culture and tourism, Pivovarna Laško Union’s bicentennial is more than a milestone—it’s an invitation to savour Slovenia’s rich brewing tradition.
Pogačar sprints to Stage 7 victory and reclaims yellow jersey
Slovenia’s superstar Tadej Pogačar lit up the Tour de France once again on the demanding 197 km 7th stage from Saint-Malo to Mur-de-Bretagne, launching a perfectly timed sprint in the final 200 m to edge out his fiercest rival, Jonas Vingegaard. This triumph marked Pogačar’s 100th professional win and saw him don the yellow jersey of the overall leader once more. The stage was defined by early breakaways, fierce coastal crosswinds that shattered the peloton into echelons, and a dramatic crash among the favorites. Undeterred, Pogačar seized his moment on the last hill, powering past the front group, while young Briton Oscar Onley claimed third. With this decisive performance, Pogačar now leads the general classification by 54 seconds over Remco Evenepoel and holds a margin of over a minute ahead of Mathieu van der Poel.
73rd Ljubljana Festival Brings World-Class Arts to Slovenia’s Capital
When: June 20 – September 12, 2025
Where: Various historic venues across Ljubljana, including the Križanke Summer Theatre and Congress Square
Who For: Culture and music enthusiasts, theatre and dance lovers, and tourists seeking unforgettable summer experiences
The Ljubljana Festival, now in its 73rd year, transforms the city into a vibrant hub of artistic excellence each summer. With over 70 events featuring symphonic concerts, grand opera productions, chamber music recitals, contemporary dance pieces, and outdoor theatre, the Festival attracts internationally renowned performers alongside Slovenia’s leading artists.
Performances are hosted at iconic venues: the open-air Križanke Summer Theatre—Jože Plečnik’s 13th-century masterpiece—Congress Square’s expansive stage, Cankarjev dom’s state-of-the-art halls, and more prestigious locations throughout the city . Highlights include the spectacular Opening Night on June 20, landmark musicals like The Phantom of the Opera (July 9–20), and boundary-pushing contemporary works alongside jazz and pop concerts.
Tickets and the full programme are available at ljubljanafestival.si or by contacting Festival Ljubljana at [email protected] / +386 (0)1 241 60 00. Don’t miss the chance to experience Ljubljana’s premier summer celebration of the arts!
Prime Minister Golob Marks Slovenia’s Full CERN Membership with Flag-Raising Ceremony
Geneva, 3 July 2025 – Today, Prime Minister Robert Golob joined Slovenian delegates, CERN leadership, and the community of Slovenian scientists in Geneva to officially raise the Slovenian flag at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), commemorating Slovenia’s transition to full member status as the organisation’s 25th member state.
On 21 June 2025, Slovenia concluded years-long negotiations to become a co-owner of CERN’s world-class research facilities, opening new avenues for scientific collaboration, researcher employment, and technology business prospects for the Slovenian economy. The ceremony underscored Slovenia’s commitment to building its future on knowledge and science, with the flag raised by the CERN honour guard to symbolize national pride and global engagement.
During the visit, Prime Minister Golob met with CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti to discuss ongoing projects—particularly the Large Hadron Collider—and signed the CERN guestbook before touring the ATLAS experiment control rooms. In his address, he remarked:
“Slovenia has a clear vision: from nurturing curiosity in preschool to fostering global innovations through high-quality public education, research and investment. In just a few years, we have doubled funding for knowledge. This speaks volumes about our commitment, as only through knowledge can a small country think globally.” gov.si
Golob emphasised that joining CERN at a pivotal moment allows Slovenia to help shape a future where science serves as a force for unity and peace. “At a time when too many build walls, we are building knowledge. At a time of widening divides, we invest in what brings us together,” he stated, adding that the Slovenian flag now flying at CERN “symbolises a nation proud to think beyond itself; a country that believes science can connect where politics divides”.
Later this week, Prime Minister Golob will continue his Geneva visit with a meeting with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Source: gov.si
Slovenian orange wine among the world’s elite
An orange wine from coastal Slovenia has joined an elite club for the first time in five years. Capris Orange Yellow Muscat 2015, produced by Vinakoper, was named Best in Show at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards, an honour given to only 50 wines out of more than 18,000 entries worldwide.
Made from the yellow muscat grape variety, Capris Orange was aged for nearly a decade in barrique barrels. The wine was originally developed as part of an experimental process exploring new techniques and approaches.
According to Vinakoper’s chief winemaker Boštjan Zidar, the wine was allowed to mature without time constraints to follow its natural course. The 2015 vintage was marked by its aromatic profile, structure, and fruitiness, which enabled the creation of a wine that showcases the potential of the variety with time and patience.
Decanter described the wine as “relatively light for an orange wine: deep gold with faint coppery glints. It has commanding aromas in which classic Muscat sweetness meets something darker and earthier, with orange-and-peach fruit behind; on the palate, the wine is fully dry but with an amplitude and wealth rare in ‘normal’ dry Muscat. Its precision and freshness are irreproachable.”
Business Forum in Tokyo: A New Chapter in Slovenia–Japan Economic Relations
A Slovenian–Japanese business forum was held on Thursday in Tokyo, featuring twelve Slovenian companies from diverse sectors, including construction, smart buildings, advanced technologies, public utilities, wellness tourism, and the creative industries.
Slovenia Earns 9 Michelin Stars This Year
Hiša Franko with Ana Roš remains at the pinnacle of world gastronomy also in 2025: The MICHELIN Guide Slovenia has once again awarded it with three Michelin stars and a Green Star for sustainability.
The achievement of Ana Roš and Hiša Franko is significant both regionally and globally. Today, Hiša Franko is one of only 153 restaurants worldwide (140 at the time of the announcement) to hold three Michelin stars. It is also among just 37 restaurants (previously 32) that hold the combination of three stars and a Green Michelin Star. Ana Roš is the eighth female chef in the world to earn three stars, and one of only two women worldwide to hold this unique combination of accolades.
Other Slovenian restaurants also achieved exceptional results. For the third consecutive year, Restaurant Milka, with chef David Žefran, retained its two-star status.
Seven restaurants earned one Michelin star, impressing Michelin’s inspectors:
- COB – Chef Filip Matjaž
- Dam – Chef Uroš Fakuč
- Gostilna pri Lojzetu – Chef Tomaž Kavčič
- Grič – Chef Luka Košir
- Hiša Denk – Chef Gregor Vračko
- Hiša Linhart – Chef Uroš Štefelin
- Pavus – Chef Marko Pavčnik
Slovenia Elected to UN Tourism Executive Board for the First Time
At the 71st session of the UN Tourism Commission for Europe, currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, Slovenia achieved a significant milestone by being elected to the Executive Council of UN Tourism for the 2025–2029 term. This marks the first time in history that Slovenia will serve on this key decision-making body.
The Commission for Europe (CEU) serves as the highest regional coordination platform within UN Tourism, one of the specialized agencies of the United Nations. During this session, elections were held for several governing bodies, including the Executive Council. Slovenia’s election will be officially confirmed at the General Assembly in the autumn.
The Executive Council plays a crucial role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction. It oversees the implementation of the General Assembly’s decisions, receives activity reports from the Secretary-General, reviews work programmes, and ensures that UN Tourism functions efficiently within its budget. The Council is composed of member states elected in a ratio of one per every five full members, with fair geographic representation as a guiding principle. It meets twice a year.
Prime Minister Golob: “Security and dignity for the current and future generations of pensioners”
Prime Minister Robert Golob today attended the Days of Intergenerational Coexistence Festival at Ljubljana’s Exhibition and Convention Centre, which has been organised for the fifth consecutive year by the Association of Pensioners’ Societies of Slovenia (ZDUS). The Prime Minister also gave an address to the assembled audience.
🎁 Gift of the Week: The Slovenia Lakes Quiz
Looking for a fun and educational way to explore Slovenia’s natural beauty? This week’s featured gift is the Slovenia Lakes Quiz, a beautifully designed card game that challenges your knowledge of Slovenia’s most stunning lakes. Whether you’re a local nature lover or a curious traveler, this game is perfect for family nights, road trips, or as a unique souvenir.
With 55 question cards, the quiz covers trivia on Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Lake Cerknica, and more – from geographical facts to cultural stories.
Available at The Slovenia Shop – a great gift idea for adventurers, trivia buffs, or anyone enchanted by Slovenia’s crystal-clear waters.
Order now and make your next game night a journey through Slovenia’s lakes!
Find the Best Events in Slovenia – All in One Place
Looking for concerts, festivals, cultural happenings, culinary experiences, or sports events across Slovenia? 🎉
Our Events Calendar brings you the most complete and curated collection of upcoming events from all over the country. Whether you’re planning a trip, a weekend outing, or just want to discover something new, you can easily filter events by city, venue, date, or category to find exactly what inspires you.
From Ljubljana’s vibrant nightlife to Alpine village celebrations, and from wine tastings to outdoor adventures, we’ve got everything in one place – updated daily, and easy to explore.
Don’t miss out – see what’s happening right now:
Explore Events in Slovenia
