"This is a technical mission that is a part of regular process and has nothing to do with speculations about possible aid to Slovenia," the European Commission's Office in Slovenia told the STA.

The mission is looking into Slovenia's progress in meeting nine recommendations the European Commission issued for Slovenia in May. Brussels decided back then that no measures would be taken as regards Slovenia.

Instead the country was instructed to clean the balance sheets of banks, launch privatisation, solve the issue of indebted companies, continue fiscal consolidation, boost competitiveness and reform the pension system as well as the labour market.

The Office of the European Commission said that members of the mission will be speaking to representatives of bodies and institutions in charge of fulfilment of the Commission's recommendations: the Finance Ministry, the Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Ministry, the central bank and the SOD fund that manages state's assets.

The recommendations also touched on the justice system, advising Slovenia to reduce the duration of judicial procedures at the first instance. This issue will be debated on Thursday, when representatives of the European Commission's Justice Directorate visit Slovenia.

Another mission of the European Commission and the ECB will visit Slovenia in mid-October to assess the situation in the country before the Commission releases the autumn forecast for EU members on 5 November.