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This summary is provided by the STA:
Appeal for responsibility to avert lockdown
LJUBLJANA - Senior officials issued appeals for personal responsibility to avert a new lockdown. "The Covid-19 danger is still present, but responsibility for your health and the health of your loved ones is entirely in your hands," Prime Minister Janez Janša said on Twitter. "We don't need new restrictions, only responsibility and solidarity." In a similar vein, New Slovenia (NSi) leader Matej Tonin said the party was not in favour of new lockdowns and restrictions on business, the focus should be on the promotion of vaccination.
Appeals for vaccination as WHO regional director visits
LJUBLJANA - WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge, President Borut Pahor and Health Minister Janez Poklukar stressed the importance of vaccination and warned of the rapid spread of the Delta variant in view of the resurgence of infections, as they visited the Ljubljana vaccination centre. Poklukar explained that infections with the delta variant of Covid-19 have increased significantly in Slovenia in the last week, with 66 such cases recorded.
Opposition mulling another govt ouster attempt
LJUBLJANA - The centre-left opposition are considering mounting a fresh attempt to oust the Janez Janša government after failing with a vote of no confidence in February and an impeachment in May. This time, they will carry out the plan only if they are certain of their majority. If the opposition gathers 46 votes, it will table a motion of no confidence, SocDem leader Tanja Fajon said. The Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) remains the key factor.
Slovenia debate at EU Parliament postponed
BRUSSELS, Belgium - A debate on Slovenia scheduled for Thursday on the European Parliament's democracy monitoring group, which was to focus on the country's failure to appoint its European delegated prosecutors, has been postponed as not all the participants could attend it tomorrow. A new date has not yet been set. The debate was to feature Slovenian Justice Minister Marjan Dikaučič and European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova.
Last-minute change to border restrictions
LJUBLJANA - Tougher restrictions for crossing into Slovenia enter into force on Thursday, but Slovenia made last-minute changes to the decree by adding transit passengers and international transport among the exemptions. The decree as a whole remains valid at least until 23 July, the exemption for transit applies until 15 August. Under the new rules, the colour-coded lists of countries was replaced with the requirement that passengers who wish to enter the country need to have a Covid certificate regardless of where they come from.
Slovenia to launch debate on Fit for 55 immediately
BRUSSELS, Belgium - The Slovenian EU presidency will launch a debate on Fit for 55 next week. "We will ensure a coherent and comprehensive approach in the treatment of individual dossiers," Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak told MEPs. Addressing the European Parliament's Environment Committee, Vizjak said Fit for 55 would be a top priority for the presidency, highlighting the importance of rapid action, ambition and justice.
Logar quizzed by MEPs on Western Balkans non-paper, Iran statements
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Presenting Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in foreign affairs to the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Anže Logar faced questions by MEPs about a non-paper on redrawing Western Balkan borders, the situation of North Macedonia and Albania, PM Janez Janša's statements about Iran, and media freedom in Slovenia. On Iran, he said that Slovenia was not meddling in internal affairs of other countries but would always advocate human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Judges' association protests over non-appointment of supreme judges
LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Association of Judges expressed concern and indignation after the National Assembly failed to endorse two candidates for supreme judges over their past decisions, a move that they say undermines judges' independence and fundamental principles of the rule of law. The proposal by the Judicial Council to appoint Stanka Živič and Aleksander Karakaš supreme judges was rejected by 43 votes to 42 as the ruling coalition, minority MPs and opposition SNS voted against.
Illegal migration down by a third in half year
LJUBLJANA - Police dealt with 3,343 illegal border crossings in the first half of the year, almost a third fewer than in the same period last year, when there were 5,127. The most frequently processed illegal migrants were from Afghanistan (644) and Pakistan (633). The police report noted a sharp decline in the number of Pakistani and particularly Moroccan nationals, as the number of illegal migrants continues to be affected by the limited mobility due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Pahor congratulates new Israeli president
LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor held a phone conversation with Isaac Herzog, the new president of Israel, to congratulate him on the election and assure him he would strive for open and fruitful bilateral relations. The presidents also discussed the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic fallout, emphasising the importance of vaccination. Herzog accepted Pahor's invitation to visit Slovenia.
Govt appoints defence intel director for full term
LJUBLJANA - Jaroš Britovšek was appointed director general of the Defence Ministry's Intelligence and Security Service (OVS) for a full term by the government on Tuesday, having served as acting director since March. He will start his five-year term on 1 August. Britovšek has been employed with the OVS since 2008 and has served in international missions and operations abroad.
Over 80 new coronavirus cases for second straight day
LJUBLJANA - A further 83 people tested positive for coronavirus in Slovenia on Tuesday, almost as many as the day before, to bring the rolling 7-day average up by a further two to 61 and the cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents to 30. The National Institute of Public Health estimates there are now 646 active cases in the country. No patient died and hospitalisations dropped to 34.
Unions quit task force for coal restructuring
LJUBLJANA - Two energy trade unions quit an Infrastructure Ministry task force in charge of drafting measures to restructure Slovenia's two coal regions as part of an emerging national strategy. It said the ministry had ignored all our their proposals. The unions want to push back the date of the coal phaseout to 2042, the government's current target is 2033.
Race leader Pogačar wins 17th stage of Tour de France
PAU, France - Slovenia's cycling star and yellow jersey wearer Tadej Pogačar won the 17th stage of the Tour de France to increase his overall lead. Pogačar (UAE Emirates) is five minutes and 39 seconds ahead of the second-placed Jonas Vingegaard from Denmark (Jumbo-Visma) with four stages to go.
Mura advance to next round of Champions League qualifying
MURSKA SOBOTA - Mura, Slovenia's football champions, made it to the second round of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League after crushing North Macedonia's Shkendija 5:0 in Murska Sobota on Tuesday to advance on an aggregate score of 6:0. Mura will play the second round against Bulgarian champions Ludogorec later this month.
