meta_id 3411405

On August 17, 2026, Slovenia's Ministry of Finance concluded its public consultation on the proposed Law on Accessibility and Use of Payment Services. The ministry received 23 responses from individuals, legal entities, professional bodies, interest associations, municipalities, and other relevant government agencies during the consultation period. The proposed law aims to balance consumer protection with market competition by establishing constitutional protections for cash usage while requiring payment service providers to accept at least one electronic payment method. The bill introduces a free basic payment services package for individuals receiving salaries, pensions, and other regular income, with expanded benefits for vulnerable groups and pensioners. This measure seeks to protect lower-income populations and ensure predictable payment costs for all consumers while maintaining proportionate obligations for financial service providers. Consultation responses addressed several key areas: cash payment acceptance obligations and access to basic payment services; electronic payment acceptance requirements; the free basic payment services package; implementation timelines for compliance; and pecuniary penalty provisions. Stakeholders proposed alternative criteria for cash access points, expanded exemptions from mandatory cash and electronic payment acceptance, and extended adjustment periods for compliance. Some respondents questioned the constitutional validity of certain provisions, while others suggested broadening benefits to include individuals without regular income, such as farmers. The Ministry of Finance will carefully review all submissions in consultation with the Bank of Slovenia (Banka Slovenije) to determine whether further amendments are necessary. The ministry anticipates receiving an opinion from the European Central Bank before finalising the legislation. Following this consultation phase, the ministry will prepare any additional revisions to the draft law to ensure the proposed solutions are well-considered and serve the interests of Slovenian citizens.