PM: Educational system changes needed to preserve EU social model
PORTO, Portugal - Prime Minister Janez Janša called for profound changes in educational systems as a means of preserving the EU's social model as he arrived for an informal meeting of EU leaders. To preserve the European way of life, prosperity and the existing social model, it is essential to significantly change the educational system and systemically introduce lifelong learning, he said.
EU presidents invite citizens to engage in EU future debate
LJUBLJANA - The presidents of 21 EU member states addressed a letter to Europeans on the eve of the Conference on the Future of Europe, inviting them to take part in shaping a common European future. The presidents say that the conference will be an opportunity for an open discussion on the EU and an opportunity to listen to European citizens, especially the young. The initiative came from the Slovenian and Italian presidents, Borut Pahor and Sergio Mattarella.
Steady improvement as 632 cases confirmed, one death
LJUBLJANA - The latest coronavirus figures indicate the epidemiological situation in Slovenia is steadily improving, as 632 new cases were confirmed for Friday, down more than a third from a week ago. One patient with Covid-19 died. The positivity rate was 14.6%, the lowest weekday rate since early April. Hospitalisations dropped by 34 to 504, a level last seen in late March. ICU cases dropped by 12 to 129.
Pahor marks VE Day with diplomats of Allied countries
LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor was joined by diplomats from France, Russia, the UK and US on Saturday in marking Victory in Europe Day by laying wreaths to a monument in Ljubljana that honours the victims of all wars. The ceremony featured French Ambassador Florence Ferrari, Russian Ambassador Timur Rafailovich Eyvazov, British Ambassador Tiffany Sadler and Susan Falatko, the charge d'affaires at the US Embassy.
New green party established
LJUBLJANA - A new green party led by Jure Leben, a former environment minister, was established, entering the political arena just over a year before the next scheduled election. The Party of Green Action (Z.DEJ) promises to strike a balance between sustainable economic development and protection of the environment. For example, Leben has spoken in favour of nuclear energy as a source of zero-carbon emissions.
Additional easing of restrictions in hospitality
LJUBLJANA - Bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve guests indoors across the country and large hotels will be able to offer half their rooms to guests from Monday as part of an easing of restrictions in tourism and hospitality amidst a gradually improving epidemiological situation. The decision was adopted by the government on Friday.
EBA boss says loan moratoriums no longer viable
LJUBLJANA - José Manuel Campa, the director of the European Banking Authority (EBA), told Delo that loan moratoriums were no longer a viable blanket measure to help companies, an indication that the Slovenian loan deferral scheme might not be extended as hoped for by business associations. "Moratoriums were very helpful during the crisis, but after a year it is time for individual assessments of the needs of individual clients, not generally applicable rules in this field," he said.
Silver and bronze for Slovenia at European canoe championships
AOSTA, Italy - Slovenian canoeists have been going from strength to strength, with silver for Eva Terčelj and bronze for Peter Kauzer at the European Canoe Slalom Championships raising hopes for top positions at the Tokyo Olympics.
