STA, 19 May 2021 - A civil initiative opposing the latest changes to the waters act has submitted almost 50,000 signatures in support of its initiative to hold a referendum on the law, which was passed at the end of March. The National Assembly must now meet to formally call a referendum in seven days.

The opponents associated in the Drinking Water Movement criticise the law for prioritising private capital at the expense of people's health and water ecosystems.

Their representatives said on Wednesday that they had managed to collect almost 48,500 signatures before the 24 May deadline, while 40,000 would suffice.

The changes to the waters law were fast-tracked through parliament despite strong opposition from environmentalists and experts.

While the government says the changes to Article 37 narrow the possibilities for construction on the coast and river banks, the opponents claim the opposite.

Miha Stegel from the Danes civil initiative said today the changes were harmful because they facilitated mass construction of simple buildings on the coast.

The law also expands funds for maintenance of bodies of water from the state budget to also include money from the Water Fund, which Strgel also questioned.

"Cleaning rivers is currently funded from the state budget, the Water Fund is meanwhile meant for research and for ensuring drinking water," he said.

Responding to the delivery of signatures, the Environment and Spatial Planning Ministry said in a written statement that "the signatories were unfortunately misled".

They in fact gave their signatures to oppose drinking water protection, better flood safety and stricter conditions for construction in the mentioned areas.

It pointed out that the changes narrow construction options by eliminating the option of reducing the coastal area from 15 to zero metres.

This means the new law only allows construction of infrastructure that is deemed public good, such as recreation facilities or children's playgrounds.

What is more, such infrastructure can be built only if allowed by individual municipal spacial plans, the ministry said, adding there were several other safety measures to prevent a potentially harmful impact on waters.

The ministry had earlier said that by pooling money from the Water Fund, the funds for the maintenance of bodies of water will increase by EUR 17 million to around EUR 25 million this year.

Once the referendum is formally called, it must be held between 30 days and one year after being called.

The referendum proponents expect the campaign to be tough, said Uroš Macerl from Eko Krog.

"We expect many attempts to make citizens quarrel, divide them among ours and yours, left and right, red and white ... but I'm convinced citizens will prove we understand what a democracy means and what water means. This referendum will be a test of the citizens' maturity."

The new law will be rejected if a majority of those going to the polls vote against it, yet only if at least 20% of Slovenia's voters go to the polls.

STA, 19 May - Slovenia remains in the yellow tier of coronavirus restrictions, but a new exemption has been added for crossing of the border and police checks on the border with Hungary will be lifted, the government decided on Wednesday.

Checkpoints on the border with Hungary will be lifted on 22 May after they were already cancelled on the border with Italy and Austria a few weeks ago.

A new exemption for quarantine-free arrival has been added effective on 22 May as those who have recovered from Covid-19 and have had a single shot of a coronavirus vaccine within eight months after infection will be able to enter the country without restrictions right after they have received the jab.

On arrival, such persons will have to show proof of having had Covid-19 and proof of vaccination.

There are also some changes on the red list of countries which are subject to mandatory quarantine.

Albania has been removed from the list and Sri Lanka added, all of Denmark and Slovakia are now red-listed, and there are changes for individual regions of Austria, Czech Republic, Italy and Norway.

Check the date at the top of the page, and you can find all the "morning headlines" stories here. You can also follow us on Facebook and get all the news in your feed.

This summary is provided by the STA: 

FM Logar calls for EU unity on Middle East

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Foreign Minister Anže Logar called for EU unity and active engagement towards finding a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as he attended a virtual session of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council. A political solution based on negotiations is the only way to achieve just and lasting peace based on the two-state principle that would fulfil the legitimate expectations of Palestine and Israel, Logar was quoted as saying by the Foreign Ministry.

CO2 emission cuts, biodiversity in focus of Slovenian EU presidency's environment agenda

BRUSSELS, Belgium - A demanding legislative package to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and biodiversity will be at the core of Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in the field of environment in the second half of 2021, Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak said during. Biodiversity will be another key priority, and will be given roughly the same attention because it is an important topic for Slovenia. The main goal is to involve the protection of biodiversity in all policies.

Minister presents Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in education

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Minister of Education, Science and Sport Simona Kustec presented the priorities of the upcoming Slovenian EU presidency to her EU counterparts. She said experience related to Covid-19 would be an important topic. Slovenia will strive for the young to be heard, for everyone to obtain quality education and for the European model of sports. A special debate is also envisaged on the experience related to Covid-19 and adoption of measures that would help bring life back to normal.

Simoniti talks Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in culture in Brussels

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti met Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture and Youth Mariya Gabriel, as he was in Brussels to attend a session of the EU Council for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport and to present the priorities in the culture, media and audiovisual sectors during Slovenia's EU presidency. The innovative potential of culture and the competitiveness of European culture will be at the forefront of Slovenia's EU presidency alongside efforts to address the consequences of the pandemic in the culture and creative sectors.

Student self-testing to be launched next week

LJUBLJANA - Student self-testing will be launched next Monday, but only for some secondary school students for now, Health Minister Janez Poklukar said. Others, including older primary school pupils, could start taking swabs a week later or as soon as possible. Student self-testing remains voluntary and will be conducted at home. Initially it had been planned that the self-testing would start in schools on 16 April, however the situation hit a standstill due to delays in testing kits deliveries, which then had to be certified by health authorities.

Almost 500 coronavirus new cases logged as hospitalisations drop below 400

LJUBLJANA - A further 497 people tested positive for coronavirus in Slovenia on Monday and six patients with Covid-19 died as hospitalisations dropped below 400 for the first time in nearly seven months, official data show. Data released by the government show 4,232 PCR tests were performed, for a positivity rate of 11.7%. The latest daily case count marks a slight increase (1.4%) from Monday a week ago, but data from the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) show the 7-day average of new cases remains flat at 444. Hospitalisations were at 383, the lowest figure since 21 October.

Professional firefighters preparing for strike

LJUBLJANA - The trade union representing professional firefighters announced it was preparing for a strike after its calls for implementing the 2018 strike-averting agreement had been completely ignored by the government. "Despite several months of efforts to continue the implementation of strike-averting commitments with the new government after the previous stepped down, the talks have not even started as Defence Minister [Matej] Tonin has been ignoring us completely," the trade union said. Under the agreements, all operative firefighters should get higher wages. It was also agreed that the ministry would change the law on firefighting in the part dealing with a loyalty bonus.

Centre-left opposition still think they lack representation in working bodies

LJUBLJANA - After the unaffiliated MPs got 12 seats in parliamentary working bodies, the centre-left opposition still insist that the new breakdown of seats does not reflect the actual balance of power between the coalition and opposition, noting the opposition is still eight seats short. They propose proposed to parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič two possible approaches to ensure a fairer representation - either assigning additional eight seats to the centre-left opposition or coming up with a completely new structure in the working bodies.

NGO files criminal complaint against UKOM head over STA funding

LJUBLJANA - An NGO that offers legal support to individuals and organisations that find themselves in legal proceedings because of their non-violent public activity has filed a criminal complaint against the head of the Government Communication Office (UKOM) over suspension of funding to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA). The Legal Network for the Protection of Democracy argues that UKOM head Uroš Urbanija has abused his office, crossed the boundaries of his official rights and failed to conduct his official duties, thus causing substantial damage to the STA.

Govt approves EUR 1 million incentive for Hisense TV plant

LJUBLJANA - The government approved the Chinese-owned group Hisense Europe Electronics EUR 1 million in non-refundable funds for its TV production plant at the existing Gorenje operation in Velenje. It included the project to expand TV production capacities in Velenje in the state budget plan of development programmes for the 2021-2024 period, approving up to EUR 997,734 as incentive for the initial investment. "The project crucially contributes to regional development through creation of new and preservation of existing jobs," the government said.

Triglav's group net profit up 18% in Q1

LJUBLJANA - Insurer Zavarovalnica Triglav saw group net profit rise by 18% in the first quarter to EUR 26.6 million as gross written revenue increased by 7% over the year before to almost EUR 372 million. Gross claims paid amounted to EUR 171.3 million, down by 4% year-on-year, as there were no major catastrophic events in the first three months of 2021. Assets managed in mutual funds and discretionary mandate assets increased by 13% to EUR 1.307 billion, the company said in an earnings release.

Church-state dialogue welcomed by both sides in a symposium

LJUBLJANA - National Council President Alojz Kovšca pointed in an online symposium on religious freedom to the importance of the state's role in promoting and protecting religious freedom, while Apostolic Nuncio Jean-Marie Speich recalled the role of Pope John Paul II in Slovenia's independence. Owing to the personal decision of Pope John Paul II, the Holy See was among the first to recognise Slovenia as an independent state, he said. Both welcomed this type of dialogue between church and state as they addressed the event as a prelude to the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence.

Bee Family wins Mugerli EU Prize for Literature

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Anja Mugerli has been declared one of the 13 winners of the European Union Prize for Literature for 2021. The fourth Slovenian author to win the prize, Mugerli convinced the jurors with Čebelja Družina (Bee Family) a book of seven stories. The recurring theme of the seven stories is the old Slovenian customs and traditions that are put into a new context or into a new, contemporary time frame where they gain on a new role. The family features as a central theme.

Wastewater analysis shows drug use in Slovenian cities mostly below int average

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian cities are mostly below international average when it comes to the use of illicit drugs, with the exception of ecstasy levels in Ljubljana and amphetamine in Velenje, an international study based on waste water analysis for 2020 has shown. According to information provided by the Jožef Stefan Institute (IJS), which coordinates the study in Slovenia, Ljubljana recorded the highest levels of biomarkers of cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine in its wastewater, while Velenje had the highest level of traces of amphetamine among the six Slovenian towns included in the study.

STA, 18 May 2021 - Slovenian cities are mostly below international average when it comes to the use of illicit drugs, with the exception of ecstasy levels in Ljubljana and amphetamine in Velenje, an international study based on wastewater analysis for 2020 has shown.

The study, released by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, in cooperation with the SCORE network, involved 99 cities in 27 countries with a total population of 50 million, including six Slovenian cities or urban areas.

According to information provided by the Jožef Stefan Institute (IJS), which coordinates the study in Slovenia, Ljubljana recorded the highest levels of biomarkers of cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine in its wastewater, while Velenje had the highest level of traces of amphetamine among the six Slovenian towns included in the study.

All average levels in the Slovenian urban areas were below the SCORE average, with the exception of MDMA or ecstasy in Ljubljana. The biomarker of cocaine, BE, was just below the average in Ljubljana and Koper.

Compared to European and world capitals, Slovenian cities rank in the upper half of the list of all the cities included in the study when it comes to the levels of benzoylecgonine, the biomarker of cocaine, in their sewage water, while they rank in the lower half in terms of other biomarkers.

Two exceptions are amphetamine in Velenje, in the mid-north-east of the country, and MDMA in the capital Ljubljana, which the IJS notes rank in the upper half of the range.

The analysis has also shown that cocaine and cannabis are the most widely used, with the cannabis leading by the number of doses.

This is the fourth time that Slovenia and Ljubljana have been included in the study. To make out reliable trends, at least five years of monitoring would be needed, although the IJS has detected some specific temporal trends in the use of certain drugs for each Slovenian urban area involved.

Compared with the year before, the use of illicit drugs in Ljubljana declined last year, with the exception of MDMA, the use of which increased. The same trend is observed for cocaine and cannabis over the four years with a general declining trend. So has the use of amphetamine decreased, while the use of methamphetamine was increasing until 2019 before falling in 2020.

The Domžale-Kamnik urban area in central Slovenia and Maribor, Slovenia's second largest city, took part in the study for the third consecutive year. Last year Maribor recorded somewhat lower levels of illicit stimulants but somewhat higher levels of cannabis compared with the year before.

Domžale and Kamnik also recorded a decline in traces of cocaine, amphetamine in their wastewater, as well as comparable levels of MDMA and increased levels of methamphetamine and cannabis compared with 2019. Over the past three years, there is a falling trend for amphetamine and an increase in the use of cannabis.

Koper, Novo Mesto and Velenje were included in the analysis for the second time. Koper saw a drop in the use of all types of the monitored drugs, with the exception of methamphetamine, whose levels were flat. Lower levels of stimulants were also detected in Novo Mesto (SE), and comparable levels in Velenje.

You can find the full report in PDF and interactive forms here

STA, 19 May 2021 - A quarter of residents at the minimum have had one dose of a vaccine against Covid-19 in all Slovenia's regions, Marta Grgič Vitek, the national vaccination coordinator, said on Wednesday. In some regions the share is nearing 30%.

The number of vaccine doses delivered to Slovenia has been rising. The Pfizer vaccine is the one that has topped the supplies so far, accounting for some two thirds of all the deliveries, whereas the AstraZeneca doses accounted for roughly a quarter.

Altogether, slightly over a million doses have been delivered so far. A total of 870,000 vaccine shots have been administered, Grgič Vitek of the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) told today's coronavirus briefing.

The gap between the two figures is a result of different timelines of deliveries and vaccinations, among other things, she added.

Vaccination rates in age groups above 70 years are relatively high. The 60-69 age group has an almost 50% vaccination rate, but there is still a lot of room for improvement in the 50-59 category, she said.

Region-wise, the rate varies. The regions doing best are close to hit the 30% mark when it comes to the first dose vaccinations.

Those who have recovered from Covid-19 are advised to get a jab as soon as they are out of quarantine, and not after six months as was initially recommended, Grgič Vitek said.

She explained that the delay was recommended when the availability of vaccines was very limited.

If more than eight months have passed since the onset of the disease or if the person is immunocompromised, a full vaccination is necessary.

If one gets Covid-19 after receiving the first dose, they should be administered the second within six months since they first developed symptoms, she said.

She believes the third dose for those who were vaccinated at the very start of the rollout is not likely to be recommended ahead of autumn.

According to NIJZ, 571,797 people have received the first dose and 298,593 have been fully vaccinated, representing 27.2% and 14% of the population, respectively.

See lots of vaccination data, in Slovene, here

Here at TSN we’re not considering Ljubljana open for business this summer until Open Kitchen returns. So it’s with a heavy heart we report that Alma Kochavy, co-founder of the seasonal open-air dining experience that does so much to lift spirits downtown each Friday, has announced the planned launch of the 9^th season on 21 May will be postponed.

The reason why more 40 stalls offering food and drink with the tastes of Slovenia and beyond, from some of the top chefs, restaurants and cafés in town, will not be delighting crowds of locals and visitors is (of course) covid, with a twist. Even with the current restrictions it’s perfectly fine to purchase food and drink and consume it outside, so what’s the problem with Open Kitchen?

As Kochavy explains: “We can shop in shopping malls, we can go to a restaurant, we can walk around the markets, we can even go to a gallery, cinema and theatre, or cheer at a sporting event, but we mustn’t take food to the table ourselves or eat it in public area near the pick-up point. In other words: you can buy ice cream by Tromostovje [Triple Bridge] and eat it sitting on the Prešeren monument, but you can't buy šmorna [shredded pancake] from Open Kitchen and eat it on Pogačarjev trg sitting at a table that is carefully disinfected and placed at the prescribed and safe distance.”

As yet there’s no indication as to when Open Kitchen, and thus summer in Ljubljana, will begin, but we’ll let you know as soon as we do.

STA, 19 May 2021 - Slovenia's entry to the 2021 Eurovision song contest, a power ballad by Ana Soklič entitled Amen, has not made it to the competition's final. Soklič failed to secure enough points in Tuesday's semi-final held in Rotterdam.

A total of 26 entries will vie for the Eurovision victory in Saturday's final: 20 songs picked in both semi-finals plus those who are automatically pre-qualified for the Grand Final, the so-called Big 5, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, and the Netherlands as the host country and latest Eurovision winner.

Soklič, who was chosen to represent Slovenia this year as she did not get the chance to do that in 2020, sang the song in English.

Afterwards, the singer told the press she still stood behind her song as she wrote music that survived the test of time.

"I'm glad you were with me and I hope you'll stay with me going further! Eurovision was a huge thing, but now my journey continues and it'll be filled with music as much as possible," she said.

The inspiration for Amen is life itself, Soklič said at the entry's presentation in February. She co-wrote music along with Žiga Pirnat and Bojan Simončič and lyrics with Pirnat and US lyricist Charlie Mason, whose credits include global hits as well as the 2014 Eurovision winning song Rise Like a Phoenix, performed by Conchita Wurst.

The production of Amen also included the RTV Slovenija Symphony Orchestra and an accompanying choir led by Dorian Holley, who was one of Michael Jackson's backing vocalists. The vocals for the song were recorded in EastWest Studios in Hollywood with acclaimed record producer Tony Maserati on hand.

Slovenia was first represented at Eurovision as an independent country in 1993. Since then, the country has never failed to take part except for 1994 and 2000. The country's best result to date is 7th place, both in 1995 with Darja Švajger and in 2001 with Nuša Derenda.

STA, 19 May 2021 - The Koper cruise terminal is expecting 41 cruise ships with around 61,000 passengers this year, out of the initially planned 88 with around 130,000 passengers.

The list is now getting shorter as shipowners are cancelling their arrivals due to the pandemic, said Luka Koper, the operator of Slovenia's sole commercial port. They are still unable to confirm the arrival date of the first cruise ship this year.

Last year, the maritime sector was struck hard by the pandemic since no cruise liners arrived at the Koper port.

Meanwhile, an all-time high was recorded in 2019, when 72 cruise ships with 115,581 passengers on board arrived at the cruise terminal.

Check the date at the top of the page, and you can find all the "morning headlines" stories here. You can also follow us on Facebook and get all the news in your feed.

This summary is provided by the STA: 

FM Logar calls for EU unity on Middle East

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Foreign Minister Anže Logar called for EU unity and active engagement towards finding a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as he attended a virtual session of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council. A political solution based on negotiations is the only way to achieve just and lasting peace based on the two-state principle that would fulfil the legitimate expectations of Palestine and Israel, Logar was quoted as saying by the Foreign Ministry.

CO2 emission cuts, biodiversity in focus of Slovenian EU presidency's environment agenda

BRUSSELS, Belgium - A demanding legislative package to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and biodiversity will be at the core of Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in the field of environment in the second half of 2021, Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak said during. Biodiversity will be another key priority, and will be given roughly the same attention because it is an important topic for Slovenia. The main goal is to involve the protection of biodiversity in all policies.

Minister presents Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in education

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Minister of Education, Science and Sport Simona Kustec presented the priorities of the upcoming Slovenian EU presidency to her EU counterparts. She said experience related to Covid-19 would be an important topic. Slovenia will strive for the young to be heard, for everyone to obtain quality education and for the European model of sports. A special debate is also envisaged on the experience related to Covid-19 and adoption of measures that would help bring life back to normal.

Simoniti talks Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in culture in Brussels

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti met Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture and Youth Mariya Gabriel, as he was in Brussels to attend a session of the EU Council for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport and to present the priorities in the culture, media and audiovisual sectors during Slovenia's EU presidency. The innovative potential of culture and the competitiveness of European culture will be at the forefront of Slovenia's EU presidency alongside efforts to address the consequences of the pandemic in the culture and creative sectors.

Student self-testing to be launched next week

LJUBLJANA - Student self-testing will be launched next Monday, but only for some secondary school students for now, Health Minister Janez Poklukar said. Others, including older primary school pupils, could start taking swabs a week later or as soon as possible. Student self-testing remains voluntary and will be conducted at home. Initially it had been planned that the self-testing would start in schools on 16 April, however the situation hit a standstill due to delays in testing kits deliveries, which then had to be certified by health authorities.

Almost 500 coronavirus new cases logged as hospitalisations drop below 400

LJUBLJANA - A further 497 people tested positive for coronavirus in Slovenia on Monday and six patients with Covid-19 died as hospitalisations dropped below 400 for the first time in nearly seven months, official data show. Data released by the government show 4,232 PCR tests were performed, for a positivity rate of 11.7%. The latest daily case count marks a slight increase (1.4%) from Monday a week ago, but data from the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) show the 7-day average of new cases remains flat at 444. Hospitalisations were at 383, the lowest figure since 21 October.

Professional firefighters preparing for strike

LJUBLJANA - The trade union representing professional firefighters announced it was preparing for a strike after its calls for implementing the 2018 strike-averting agreement had been completely ignored by the government. "Despite several months of efforts to continue the implementation of strike-averting commitments with the new government after the previous stepped down, the talks have not even started as Defence Minister [Matej] Tonin has been ignoring us completely," the trade union said. Under the agreements, all operative firefighters should get higher wages. It was also agreed that the ministry would change the law on firefighting in the part dealing with a loyalty bonus.

Centre-left opposition still think they lack representation in working bodies

LJUBLJANA - After the unaffiliated MPs got 12 seats in parliamentary working bodies, the centre-left opposition still insist that the new breakdown of seats does not reflect the actual balance of power between the coalition and opposition, noting the opposition is still eight seats short. They propose proposed to parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič two possible approaches to ensure a fairer representation - either assigning additional eight seats to the centre-left opposition or coming up with a completely new structure in the working bodies.

NGO files criminal complaint against UKOM head over STA funding

LJUBLJANA - An NGO that offers legal support to individuals and organisations that find themselves in legal proceedings because of their non-violent public activity has filed a criminal complaint against the head of the Government Communication Office (UKOM) over suspension of funding to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA). The Legal Network for the Protection of Democracy argues that UKOM head Uroš Urbanija has abused his office, crossed the boundaries of his official rights and failed to conduct his official duties, thus causing substantial damage to the STA.

Govt approves EUR 1 million incentive for Hisense TV plant

LJUBLJANA - The government approved the Chinese-owned group Hisense Europe Electronics EUR 1 million in non-refundable funds for its TV production plant at the existing Gorenje operation in Velenje. It included the project to expand TV production capacities in Velenje in the state budget plan of development programmes for the 2021-2024 period, approving up to EUR 997,734 as incentive for the initial investment. "The project crucially contributes to regional development through creation of new and preservation of existing jobs," the government said.

Triglav's group net profit up 18% in Q1

LJUBLJANA - Insurer Zavarovalnica Triglav saw group net profit rise by 18% in the first quarter to EUR 26.6 million as gross written revenue increased by 7% over the year before to almost EUR 372 million. Gross claims paid amounted to EUR 171.3 million, down by 4% year-on-year, as there were no major catastrophic events in the first three months of 2021. Assets managed in mutual funds and discretionary mandate assets increased by 13% to EUR 1.307 billion, the company said in an earnings release.

Church-state dialogue welcomed by both sides in a symposium

LJUBLJANA - National Council President Alojz Kovšca pointed in an online symposium on religious freedom to the importance of the state's role in promoting and protecting religious freedom, while Apostolic Nuncio Jean-Marie Speich recalled the role of Pope John Paul II in Slovenia's independence. Owing to the personal decision of Pope John Paul II, the Holy See was among the first to recognise Slovenia as an independent state, he said. Both welcomed this type of dialogue between church and state as they addressed the event as a prelude to the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence.

Bee Family wins Mugerli EU Prize for Literature

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Anja Mugerli has been declared one of the 13 winners of the European Union Prize for Literature for 2021. The fourth Slovenian author to win the prize, Mugerli convinced the jurors with Čebelja Družina (Bee Family) a book of seven stories. The recurring theme of the seven stories is the old Slovenian customs and traditions that are put into a new context or into a new, contemporary time frame where they gain on a new role. The family features as a central theme.

Wastewater analysis shows drug use in Slovenian cities mostly below int average

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian cities are mostly below international average when it comes to the use of illicit drugs, with the exception of ecstasy levels in Ljubljana and amphetamine in Velenje, an international study based on waste water analysis for 2020 has shown. According to information provided by the Jožef Stefan Institute (IJS), which coordinates the study in Slovenia, Ljubljana recorded the highest levels of biomarkers of cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamine in its wastewater, while Velenje had the highest level of traces of amphetamine among the six Slovenian towns included in the study.

STA, 18 May 2021 - Student self-testing will be launched next Monday, but only for some secondary school students for now, Health Minister Janez Poklukar said on Tuesday. Others, including older primary school pupils, could start taking swabs a week later or as soon as possible. Student self-testing remains voluntary and will be conducted at home.

Initially it had been planned that the self-testing would start in schools on 16 April, however the situation hit a standstill due to delays in testing kits deliveries, which then had to be certified by health authorities.

After the National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food gave its approval, the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices cleared the self-test kits on Friday provided certain conditions are met.

Additional instructions must be provided along with the kits before the self-testing gets under way for older primary school students, Poklukar said after a meeting with student representatives, adding that it was therefore too soon to tell whether the kits will become available for the final three grades of primary school on 31 May or 7 June.

In secondary schools that are ready for this step the self-testing will be launched next Monday. Poklukar noted that the self-testing was not obligatory but it was recommended.

"We're adamant to launch self-testing in secondary and primary schools this [school] year so that we'll be ready for a potential worsening of the situation in the autumn," the minister said, adding that it was key to set up a system before any potential epidemiological escalations to allow for in-classroom schooling.

The self-testing, which is expected to be conducted every Monday before classes, will be mostly performed in the home environment mainly due to logistics. At-home testing for students has been advocated by head teachers of primary and secondary schools.

Slovenia procured the self-test kits in a joint EU public call - in the first round a total of 300,000 were ordered.