Minister Šircelj is also awaiting the opinion of the European Central Bank.

The Slovenian Ministry of Finance has announced it will seek the opinion of the European Central Bank (ECB) before finalizing proposed changes to legislation aimed at ensuring access to and use of payment methods. The public consultation period for the draft law on the accessibility and use of payment instruments, prepared by Finance Minister Andrej Širčelj’s ministry, has concluded after receiving 23 responses from individuals, legal entities, experts, interest groups, municipalities, ministries, and other stakeholders whose areas of work intersect with the proposal. According to the ministry, all feedback received during the public consultation will be carefully reviewed and used to prepare potential further improvements to the draft law. The responses cover multiple areas, including the provision of a free basic package of payment services, obligations regarding cash acceptance and access to basic payment services, and requirements for accepting electronic payment means. Regarding the free basic package of payment services, some respondents suggested expanding the benefits to include individuals who do not have regular income, such as farmers. Others raised constitutional concerns about the proposed solution. On the topic of cash acceptance obligations and the availability of basic payment services, suggestions included alternative or new criteria for cash points, broader exemptions from mandatory cash acceptance, and different regulations concerning free withdrawals and deposits of euros and coins at bank branches. In relation to the obligation to accept electronic payment methods, some stakeholders proposed removing the requirement entirely from the draft law and instead addressing it through a separate legislative process. Others recommended extending exemptions from the obligation to provide electronic payment services and clarifying the characteristics of electronic payment instruments. Some proposals also focused on extending the time frame for adapting to legal requirements and supplementing provisions related to violations. The ministry emphasized that all received comments and suggestions would be thoroughly examined, and discussions would take place with the Bank of Slovenia. Based on this review, possible further amendments to the draft law would be prepared, with the goal of ensuring the proposed solutions are well-considered and serve the best interests of Slovenian citizens. The ministry noted that they expect to receive input from the European Central Bank as part of their decision-making process. This indicates that the proposed legislation could be influenced by ECB perspectives, particularly given the potential implications for monetary policy and financial stability within the Eurozone. The inclusion of ECB views suggests that the Slovenian government is taking a cautious approach, seeking alignment with broader European regulatory frameworks before moving forward with implementation. The draft law aims to ensure that all citizens have equal access to essential payment services, whether through cash, electronic transfers, or other forms of transaction. It seeks to address disparities in service availability and promote financial inclusion. However, the complexity of the issues involved, ranging from constitutional considerations to practical implementation challenges, has led to a wide range of opinions among stakeholders. The involvement of both national and international financial institutions highlights the significance of the proposed legislation. While the Bank of Slovenia will play a key role in reviewing the draft, the anticipated contribution of the ECB underscores the potential cross-border impact of the measures. This step reflects the government's commitment to aligning its policies with European standards while addressing domestic concerns. As the ministry moves forward with evaluating the feedback, it remains unclear how many of the proposed amendments will be incorporated into the final version of the law. The process is likely to involve further consultations and negotiations, particularly with regard to balancing local needs against broader economic and regulatory considerations. The ministry has not yet set a specific timeline for completing the revisions or submitting the finalized bill to parliament.