Slovenia

Political relations

France and Slovenia maintain solid relations, influenced by the enduring memory of the time of the Illyrian Provinces (Ilirske province, 1809-1813) where the Napoleonic Empire introduced the Civil Code, developed public education and established Slovenian as the language of instruction.

The Strategic Partnership signed in 2011, implemented through three-year action plans (currently 2024-2027), embodies the dynamics of our relationship. France’s political, economic and cultural cooperation with Slovenia takes place at bilateral, European and multilateral level. Political dialogue is extensive at European level as well as bilaterally (with visits by the Presidency of the French Republic to Slovenia in October 2025 and the Slovenian Prime Minister to Paris in February 2026).

French Ambassador to Slovenia: Ms Fabienne Runyo
Slovenian Ambassador to France: Ms Renata Cvelbar Bek 

Economic relations

Economic relations between France and Slovenia are long-standing and diversified. In 2025, bilateral trade amounted to approximately €3 billion, making France one of the country’s leading trade partners (11th largest supplier, 6th largest customer). France recorded a €555 million trade deficit with Slovenia. French exports primarily concern transport equipment, mechanical, electrical and IT equipment, and chemical products, fragrances and cosmetics. French imports predominantly concern transport equipment, industrial equipment and pharmaceutical products, a sector of excellence in the Slovenian economy.

French businesses developed a presence in Slovenia even before the country’s accession to the European Union in 2004. There are currently around 50 subsidiaries or offices of French companies in Slovenia, including Renault, E.Leclerc, Decathlon, Lactalis, Veolia, Poclain, Trigano and emeis (formerly Orpea). The French-Slovenian Business Club, founded in 2017 and officially launched in 2018, actively contributes to the development of economic partnerships in both countries.
Revoz remains the most emblematic example of this cooperation; a Renault subsidiary based in Novo Mesto, it is the only Slovenian automaker and has been one of the country’s top exporters since 1972. After the assembly of the Clio V, beginning this year the site now produces the new electric Renault Twingo E-Tech. A cornerstone of the French-Slovenian economic relationship, this project confirms Slovenia’s strategic role in the European electromobility value chain and sustainably strengthens France’s industrial presence in the country.

While the automotive industry continues to account for nearly half of trade between the two countries, French-Slovenian cooperation is becoming more diversified, expanding into the sectors of pharmaceuticals, medical technology, energy transition, circular economy, industrial equipment and digital technology. Thanks to its inclusion in the eurozone, its regulatory framework aligned with that of the European Union and its strategic geographical location, Slovenia is an attractive regional platform for companies looking to develop their businesses in Central Europe and the Balkans.