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This summary is provided by the STA:
Govt adopts European semester docs, leaves things open for new cabinet
LJUBLJANA - The government adopted and forwarded to the European Commission the Stability Programme and the National Reform Programme for 2022. Citing the recent general election and major uncertainty in light of the Ukraine war, it inserted no new measures in the plans, deciding to leave these to the incoming cabinet. The Stability Programme, which was adopted with a delay, only includes a scenario of unchanged policies. The National Reform Programme features an overview of key measures, reforms and investment plans adopted in the recent period.
IMAD projects 4.2% growth for Slovenia this year
LJUBLJANA - The Institute of Macroeconomic Analysis and Development (IMAD) downgraded its growth projection for Slovenia for this year from 4.7% in the autumn forecast to 4.2% in the spring forecast, expecting growth to slow down to 3% next year and to 2.8% in 2024 on the back of uncertainties linked to the war in Ukraine, high energy prices and disrupted supply chains. The government was supposed to sign off the forecast, which is a basis for government budgeting, a month ago, but it waited until today, after the general election.
Pahor talks Ukraine war, W Balkans situation with Steinmeier
BERLIN, Germany - President Borut Pahor held working talks with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier to discuss the Russian aggression against Ukraine and exchange views on the situation in the Western Balkans. They spoke about Russia's aggression against Ukraine and expressed their deep concern about this flagrant violation of the international order. They agreed that the situation should provide an additional inspiration for Europe to take a step forward in its deepening cooperation, said Pahor.
Reduced excise on energy products extended by end of July
LJUBLJANA - The government extended the validity of reduced excise duties on electricity, motor fuels, heating oil and natural gas for heating for three more months until 31 July. The reduced excise duties on energy products first kicked in on 1 February as part of a package of measures to mitigate the impact of energy price hikes on the population and businesses. Meanwhile, it is not clear whether the government will extend administered prices of petrol and diesel fuel beyond the end of this month.
Motion to end terms of several ambassadors
LJUBLJANA - The government proposes that the terms of five ambassadors - to Slovakia, Denmark, Italy, United Arab Emirates and Egypt - end in the summer. It is now up to President Borut Pahor to consider the proposal. The centre-left opposition has raised issues with certain appointments affiliated with the outgoing government. By the end of August, some fifteen ambassadors are expected to leave for new posts.
Govt more than doubles funds for army's ICT system
LJUBLJANA - The government raised the funds allocated for the purchase of relocatable communication and information systems for the Slovenian Armed Forces from EUR 12.8 million to EUR 30.4 million, VAT included. A press release issued by the Defence Ministry said the initial value was based on a rough estimate, which had to be adjusted based on investment documentation and market research.
SD vice president Nemec to replace Fajon in European Parliament
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Matjaž Nemec, a SocDem vice president and MP, is to fill the European Parliament seat to be vacated by the party's head Tanja Fajon as she starts her term in the Slovenian National Assembly, which was entrusted to her at last Sunday's general election. Nemec came in third among the party's candidates in the 2019 European Parliament election. Fajon and Milan Brglez ended up going to Brussels.
SSH looking into appointment of postal operator boss
LJUBLJANA - Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH) is reported to have launched an independent inquiry into the appointment of Tomaž Kokot, who became full-fledged director general of postal operator Pošta Slovenije several months ago amid allegations of political staffing. The newspaper Delo and portal Necenzurirano reported law firm Ulčar & Partnerji was commissioned to look into relevant procedures to establish whether they were carried out professionally and in line with the law and the company's rules.
Sole bid for Koper-Divača track tunnel systems rejected
LJUBLJANA - 2TDK, the state-run company managing the construction of the new railway track between the port city of Koper and the Divača junction inland, discarded the sole bid for the construction of rail and tunnel systems on the track because it was too expensive. The value of the contract subject to the tender was capped at EUR 142.2 million, VAT excluded, while the sole bid estimated the cost at EUR 198.54 million, which means it was more than EUR 50 million above the limit value.
Only 279 new Covid-19 cases on bank holiday
LJUBLJANA - Another 279 people tested positive for coronavirus in Slovenia on Wednesday, a bank holiday, as the 7-day average of new cases dropped to 855 and the 14-day notification rate per 100,000 of the population dropped to 640. The number of patients treated in hospitals for Covid-19 remained level at 99 but the number of those requiring intensive care dropped by two from yesterday to 12, as one patient died, according to the Health Ministry.
Three Slovenian cities picked for EU climate-neutral project
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Eight Slovenian cities applied for the European Commission's Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities 2030 Mission, and three of them, Ljubljana, Kranj and Velenje, have been chosen to participate in the 100-city project, which
will receive EUR 360 million in 2022-2023 through the Horizon Europe programme.
Ljubljana club fail to make EuroCup semis
LJUBLJANA - Cedevita Olimpija ended its winning streak in the EuroCup Basketball competition by losing to Frutti Extra Bursaspor of Turkey 83:85 to the disappointment of the capacity crowd in Ljubljana's Stožice Arena on Wednesday evening. The home team had a 14-point deficit at half-time but got a chance to win in the final two minutes as Yogi Ferrell scored two three-pointers and three free throws as well as doing a lay up. Jacob Pullen then scored a three-pointer a tenth of a second after the buzzer sound.
