On 11 February 2025, the UK Trade and Investors’ Council held a special joint session to discuss key issues affecting trade and investment between the UK and Slovenia.

The session began with a conversation on post-Brexit logistics challenges, featuring two special guests, Borut Zorić, CEO of Intereuropa, and Rok Izlakar, CEO of GLS. In a conversation moderated by Žiga Fišer, Country Trade Director at the British Embassy in Ljubljana, both guests shared the challenges their companies have encountered, as well as some lessons learned. Despite certain obstacles, they explained how their businesses have adapted, implemented new strategies, and strengthened partnerships to maintain efficiency and ensure smooth operations.

With the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system set to take effect in less than two months, on 2 April 2025, Vaishali Patel from the British Embassy in Ljubljana outlined the key requirements introduced by this new travel rule. The presentation outlined the requirements for EU nationals traveling to the UK, including security checks and the processing of applications. Patel also clarified that there are no exemptions for business groups, meaning companies must ensure compliance when planning business travel.

Following this, Barbara Uranjek, CEO of the Chamber, presented a summary of the "Manifesto to Reset UK-EU Trade". The manifesto, published by the British Chambers of Commerce, calls for reforms to improve trade relations between the UK and the EU, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance regulatory cooperation. It highlights the need to address ongoing trade barriers and streamline cross-border business operations.

Further discussions covered new banking legislation in Slovenia, which requires financial institutions to provide reasons for rejecting or closing business accounts. Concerns were also raised about the prolonged process of hiring third-country nationals, with one company reporting that it took nearly a year to bring in foreign employees. The Council also discussed the impact of Brexit on the import of medicines, noting the additional compliance requirements that have complicated trade and above all impact the availability of certain medicines in Slovenia, especially when it comes to rare and orphan drugs.

A special thank you goes to the Law Firm Senica & Partners, Strategic Partner of the Investors' Council, which hosted this meeting.