Foreign minister says "phantom non-paper" does not exist
LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Anže Logar said the "phantom non-paper" on Western Balkans that some media attributed to Slovenia does not exist and discussion on that damaged Slovenia as well as Bosnia-Herzegovina, at a debate by the foreign policy and EU affairs committees late on Monday. The minister reiterated that Slovenia's strategy to Western Balkans had not changed. On the contrary, Slovenia has invested additional efforts since the preparation of an EU-Western Balkans was a major priority for Slovenia's upcoming EU presidency.
Checkpoints on border with Austria, Italy gone as of Wednesday
LJUBLJANA - Checkpoints on Slovenia's border with Italy and Austria, introduced to help contain the coronavirus epidemic, will be removed under a new decree that takes effect on Wednesday. The checkpoints on Slovenia's other internal Schengen border, with Hungary, remain in place. Another change is the recognition upon arrival of PCR tests performed in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Israel and Russia.
Liberation Front's foundation remembered on Resistance Day
RIBNICA/LJUBLJANA - Slovenia observed Resistance Day, remembering the day 80 years ago when the Liberation Front, an organisation that spearheaded armed resistance against the occupying forces in WWII, was established. The keynote speaker at the main ceremony, Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek, highlighted the role resistance has played throughout the nation's survival, describing it as "a pillar of our identity". President Borut Pahor urged Slovenians to respect each other, stressing that what brings the nation together outweighs what tears it apart with regard to recent history.
Anti-government protest held in Ljubljana
LJUBLJANA - Several thousand people defied the ban on gatherings to mount an anti-government protest that wound its way through the centre of Ljubljana, with protesters stopping in front of the Government Palace, Presidential Palace and Parliament House. The rally was organised by the same leftist activist groups that have staged weekly anti-government demonstrations since last spring and was timed to coincide with Resistance Day. Protesters chanted slogans against the government and demanded a return to democracy.
Law introducing tougher foreigner residence conditions takes effect
LJUBLJANA - Amendments to the foreigners act that tighten residence conditions for foreign citizens in Slovenia and introduce the concept of a complex migration emergency took effect. If a complex emergency is declared under deteriorating migration-related conditions, implementation of the international protection act could be suspended, and access to asylum in Slovenia would be restricted.
Daily count ticks up to 807 as share of positive cases climbs
LJUBLJANA - Slovenia reported 807 new cases of coronavirus for Monday, a tenth higher than a week ago despite a lower number of overall tests. More then 22% of all PCR tests were positive. Seven patients with Covid-19 died. The total number of Covid-19 patients rose by six to 649, of whom 161 were in intensive case, up by three.
Slovenia to open embassy in South Korea, consulate in Las Palmas
LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will open an embassy in South Korea and a consulate under a decisions published in the Official Gazette. Slovenia currently has two consulates in South Korea, in Seoul and Daegu. The Official Gazette also carries the announcement of the opening of a consulate in Las Palmas, Spain, which will be headed by honorary consul Pedro Gomez Fernandez and will cover the Canary Islands.
Mercator ended 2020 deep in the red despite higher revenue
LJUBLJANA - Mercator, Slovenia's largest retailer, saw revenue rose by 1.6% to EUR 2.17 billion in 2020. But it ended the year with a net loss of EUR 156.7 million, largely due to revaluation of property and impairments to other assets. Excluding non-recurring results, the group would have posted a net profit of EUR 4.7 million, on a par with the figure for 2019.
Sip Šempeter revenue, profit down in 2020
ŠEMPETER V SAVINJSKI DOLINI - Sip Šempeter, which specialises in the development and production of farm machinery, saw both revenue and profit decline in 2020 after four years of rapid growth. Revenue declined by 3% to EUR 32.5 million, and net profit, at EUR 2.8 million, was down by 17% over the year before, according to director Uroš Korže, who said the year was still good overall.
Tourism businesses want "senseless restrictions" gone
LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Tourism and Hospitality Chamber demands that the government immediately change of scale back restrictions in the industry that it deems "senseless" and a drag on business. The chamber made the appeal a day after accommodation was allowed to reopen after several months of complete closure. However, establishments may only open up to 30 rooms.
