Slovenia Intervention Act faces potential referendum

Slovenian unions have collected over 40,000 signatures to trigger a referendum on the Intervention Act for the Development of Slovenia (ZIURS). If the law is rejected by voters, several proposed economic reliefs will not be implemented, including a reduction of VAT to 5% on essential foodstuffs such as flour, bread, meat, milk, and vegetables.

Other measures at risk include lower taxation on rentals, the abolition of contributions for long-term elderly care, and the ability for workers to receive their full pension while continuing to work. If the referendum fails, the current legal framework will remain in place unless the parliament passes new legislation later.

The law, originally passed by the National Assembly in May 2026, also includes targeted measures to assist the agricultural, forestry, and transport sectors facing high fuel costs. These measures include covering up to 70% of additional diesel costs for road transporters and reducing excise duties on fuel used in agriculture.