MPs of the opposition and even committee chair Iva Dimic of the coalition New Slovenia (NSi) highlighted the need to invest in science. The Left even sought to restore some of the funding but its motion was voted down.

Education Ministry State Secretary Jure Gašparič however noted that the cut was partially a result of the inability to carry out some projects: EUR 20 million in funds for eight projects will thus be carried over into 2021 and 2022.

He said science would also be helped with a new law on science and research. According to plans, the government will debate it in October.

The Education Ministry will have EUR 2.1 billion available this year, almost EUR 66 million more than in the currently valid budget.