The National Security Council | Author Danijel Novakovič/STA

It also took note of a report by the Market Inspectorate on inspections of fuel traders carried out in recent days.

The Prime Minister, Robert Golob, warned that the consequences of the escalating situation in the Middle East could surpass the impacts Slovenia faced as a result of the war in Ukraine, and that the emerging energy, economic and food crisis requires timely and coordinated state action.

In light of the above, the National Security Council recommended ensuring the continued close monitoring of developments on energy markets by the crisis task force operating within the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy, and the preparation of appropriate scenarios to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted supply of energy products to the population and the economy. It is also to analyse the impacts of the worsening situation in the Middle East on key segments of the social and economic system, in particular logistics, agriculture and the wider economy, and provide timely warnings.

The implementation of these tasks will be overseen by the Secretariat of the National Security Council.

The National Security Council also took note of a report by the Slovenian Intelligence and Security Agency (SOVA) on foreign interference in elections in Slovenia. In its report, SOVA unequivocally confirmed foreign interference in the conduct of democratic elections in Slovenia. It also presented clear evidence of the activities of a foreign para-intelligence agency, as well as its contacts with entities in Slovenia. The evidence collected both in Slovenia and abroad has already been submitted to the competent law enforcement authorities, the prosecution service, and the police.