SloveniaOn August 28, 2026, the Economic Council of Slovenia supported the goal of improving cash accessibility and consumer choice in payment methods, but emphasized that the method of achieving this must align with principles of proportionality, competitive neutrality, and equal competitive conditions. The council warned against creating new burdens for individual economic entities or business models that could disadvantage the entire market. It stressed the importance of financial inclusion, especially for vulnerable groups, while acknowledging the rapid shift toward digital payments. The council called for flexible regulation that adapts to technological development and user needs. It also urged alignment with European legal frameworks to avoid placing Slovenian businesses at a disadvantage. The council argued that merely defining objectives is insufficient; there must also be a clear analysis of current conditions, user needs, infrastructure costs, and the impact of proposed solutions on the economy and competition. It recommended addressing these issues early in the legislative process through expert discussions involving the Ministry of Finance and all stakeholders.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced stance by supporting the goal of improving cash access while emphasizing the need for regulatory fairness and flexibility. It does not take a clearly left or right-leaning position but rather advocates for a middle-ground approach that considers both consumer needs (e
