Ljubljana related

15 Nov 2021, 04:42 AM

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This summary is provided by the STA

New cases up slightly week-on-week, positivity rate at 44%

LJUBLJANA - A total of 2,365 new cases of coronavirus were recorded in Slovenia on Saturday, which is a slight increase week-on-week, with the positivity rate standing at 44.3%, the National Institute for Public Health (NIJZ) announced. The 7-day average of new cases was up by seven to 3,148, and the 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population increased by 34 to 2,003. The government reported that 990 people are currently treated in hospitals for Covid-19, nine more than yesterday, while 227 persons required intensive care, up by two on a daily basis, as the number of patients in intensive care units reached a new record since the start of the epidemic in March 2020. Another 21 Covid patients died yesterday.

Ministry said major progress made at COP26, further effort needed

LJUBLJANA - The Environment Ministry said that significant progress had been made at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow, while further efforts would be needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It quoted Minister Andrej Vizjak expressing satisfaction that the Slovenian EU presidency was able to contribute to the overall result. "Now is the time to take courageous and responsible decisions for action - for the good of this planet and the younger generations. We are ready to continue our work," the minister said. President Borut Pahor said "this is only the beginning: now we must all contribute to reach our goals and limit global warming at 1.5°C. Words must become actions."

Climatologist says deal in Glasgow just another disappointment

LJUBLJANA - Commenting on the deal reached at the COP26 conference in Glasgow on Saturday, climatologist Lučka Kajfež Bogataj said is was just another disappointment in terms of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, she noted the progress in providing financial assistance to the most vulnerable countries and halting deforestation. Kajfež Bogataj does not agree with some estimates that, despite the latest agreement, the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial age is still attainable. "The world is not able to achieve such a major reduction in eight years."

Calls for more inclusive society on Sign Language Day

LJUBLJANA - On Slovenian Sign Language Day, calls were made for a more inclusive society and accessibility of all areas of life for deaf and hard of hearing, as well as for systemic development of the sign language. The Union of Associations of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing noted that, as the Slovenian sign language had been entered in the Slovenian constitution and the national programme for language adopted this year, "we expect that the state will enable systemic development of sign language on the basis of both strategic documents." The human rights ombudsman called on the authorities to draft implementing regulations to put the rights of such persons in practice.

Škofja Loka Passion Play declared best production at drama festival

KRANJ - Škofja Loka Passion Play staged by the Prešeren Theatre Kranj and directed by Jernej Lorenci received the Šeligo Prize for the best production at the 51st Week of Slovenian Drama, while also receiving the audience's choice award and the awards for actors, as the festival concluded in Kranj on Saturday. The play produced in cooperation with the Ptuj City Theatre "translates historical sediments and weight of the biblical tradition, which envelops the first Slovenian dramatic text, into a modern, pulsating material that actually puts words into flesh," the jury said.

Slovenia's Slokar earns first win in Alpine Ski World Cup

LECH, Austria - Andreja Slokar won the parallel giant slalom event on Saturday as part of the Alpine Ski World Cup to take the overall lead in the competition. This is the fist career win for Slokar and also the first win ever for Slovenia in parallel giant slalom. The 24-year-old from Ajdovščina beat Thea Louise Stjernesund on Norway in the finals by 0.05 seconds, while Norway's Kristin Lysdahl beat Marta Bassino of Italy in the third-place race. "The race was fun. It is a little bit specific, as there is only one such event in the season and you never know what will happen," she said after the win.

Slovenia beat Cyprus to wrap up 2022 World Cup qualifying

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia beat Cyprus 2:1 to wrap up the qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup in the fourth spot in Group H. After a scoreless first half, Miha Zajc and Adam Gnezda Čerin scored for Slovenia to close the disappointing qualifiers on a winning note. Slovenia finished the qualifiers at 14 points from ten matches, the same as the third-placed Slovakia. Head coach Matjaž Kek said that it was a "deserved win that could have been even higher. In terms of the overall result, the goal has not been achieved, while we did play some good games, defeating Croatia for instance."

14 Nov 2021, 04:12 AM

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Epidemic not letting up as record 225 patients need intensive care

LJUBLJANA - As many as 3,666 new coronavirus cases were detected in Slovenia on Friday for a 39.8% positivity rate, slightly up from Thursday's 37.6%, and another 20 Covid patients died. The number of Covid patients in intensive care meanwhile hit a record 225 since the start of the epidemic in March 2020 on Saturday, while the overall number is 981. There are now over 41,500 active cases in the country. The 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population increased by 31 to 1,969. Health Ministry State Secretary Franc Vindišar said there are only nine free beds available in intensive care, so a meeting is planned for this evening with directors of all 15 hospitals treating Covid patients to increase the capacities. "By far the biggest mobilisation is under way in healthcare," he said.

Pahor presents Golden Order of Merit to author Milan Kundera

PARIS, France - President Borut Pahor bestowed the Golden Order of Merit, one of the highest Slovenian state decorations, on Czech-French writer Milan Kundera in Paris on Saturday. Kundera was honoured for having raised his voice for Slovenia's independence and for his outstanding contribution to understanding turbulent times in Europe. Since Kundera, 92, could not attend today's ceremony due to illness, the order of merit was accepted by Paris-based Slovenian photographer Evgen Bavčar.

Army and Red Cross to help in anti-coronavirus efforts

LJUBLJANA - As hospitals are under great pressure from increasing numbers of Covid patients, they will be helped out by the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) and Red Cross Slovenia, while the government is also in talks with the country's Civil Protection force. The army will provide its medical unit to help treat and nurse Covid-19 patients, while Red Cross will give at the hospitals' disposal volunteers to help at Covid units. As many as its 124 volunteers have responded to the call for help.

National budgets for 2022 and 2023 ready for plenary

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Finance Committee completed two days of debate on the draft supplementary budget for 2022 and draft budget for 2023, preparing them to be passed at the plenary starting on Monday. The MPs kept the headline figures as planned but backed a redistribution of EUR 45 million in spending for the two years. With five amendments to next year's budget, EUR 37.9 million was redistributed for areas the MPs deemed neglected; EUR 26.5 million will go for local government. The budgets are accompanied by a bill on their implementation, which allows the state to borrow just over EUR 5 billion in 2022 and slightly less than EUR 4.7 billion in 2023.

Slovenian men start chess championship with win

ČATEŽ OB SAVI - The Slovenian teams competing in the European Team Chess Championship got off to a mixed start to the competition on Friday, with the men's team defeating Ireland and the women's team surprisingly losing to Belgium. The top-ranked teams in both men's and women's competition, Russia, predictably notched up their first wins. The championship lasts nine rounds and will wrap up next Sunday.

13 Nov 2021, 04:33 AM

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Signs of plateauing as 3,431 new cases confirmed, ICU cases at new high

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia confirmed 3,431 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday, the second day in a row that cases declined compared to the week before. The positivity rate declined slightly as well, to 37.6%. However, the number of Covid-19 patients at intensive care units rose by three to reach a record 215, whereas the overall number was up by 34 to 954. A total of 14 patients with Covid-19 died. The Jožef Stefan Institute said that judging by the positivity rate, "the fourth wave of the epidemic has probably reached its peak".

Minister says new lockdown would cause Slovenia to go bankrupt

NOVO MESTO - A potential new lockdown would cause the state to go bankrupt, Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek said during a government visit to the south-east Slovenia. He said the Covid crisis was not over yet, so everyone should join forces to find solutions as "there will be no more state aid". The latest Covid restrictions are the last attempt at restricting the medical crisis, he said, adding that he was advocating the introduction of the PC rule, meaning only those who have recovered from Covid or have been vaccinated would get the Covid pass.

Mandatory self-testing for school kids deferred to Wednesday

LJUBLJANA - Primary and secondary school students will start self-testing on school premises on Wednesday, the government decided as it delayed the start by two days. Testing will be carried out three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, and will count as a Covid pass for children. Parents will have to sign consent forms to allow their children to self-test at school. Vaccinated school children and coronavirus convalescents will not be required to self-test.

Only one new Luka Koper board member appointed

KOPER - The supervisory board of the state-owned port operator Luka Koper appointed only one new member of the management board for a five-year term, unanimously confirming Robert Rožac, who currently serves as state secretary at the Environment Ministry, while failing to appointing one additional member of the board and its chairman. The supervisors of the operator of Slovenia's sole maritime port are looking for replacements to chairman Dimitrij Zadel and board members Metod Podkrižnik and Irma Gubanec, who recently resigned. Chief supervisor Franci Matoz after the session that the staffing commission had been given until 19 November to conduct interviews with other candidates, and that it was expected to hold a session on this topic on 24 November.

Vizjak optimistic about outcome of Glasgow conference

GLASGOW, UK - Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak told the STA that negotiators at the Glasgow climate conference were making progress on virtually all points. "A solution is in sight. I'm optimistic," he said after the plenary session, adding he expected "some kind of agreement" on Saturday morning at the latest. As the European Commission presented some general statements that accompany such conferences, Vizjak said "there was a lot of optimism at the plenary session that at the end of today, probably during the night or in the first half of Saturday, some kind of agreement will be reached."

Chairman of power utility Elektro Maribor dismissed

MARIBOR - The supervisory board of electricity distributor Elektro Maribor dismissed chairman Boris Sovič, in what is the third major staffing decision in state-owned energy firms in two weeks. The supervisors said Sovič had been dismissed due to delays in the achievement of business goals, inadequate preparation for the green transformation, poor oversight of subsidiaries, and loss of trust. Sovič, an ex-Social Democrat (SD) mayor of Maribor who served as the company's chairman since 2012, rejected all the arguments for his dismissal. The president of the supervisory board, Jože Hebar, will take over as interim chairman.

Minister Vrtovec denies involvement in energy firms' staffing

LJUBLJANA - Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec rejected claims he was involved in the ousting of several directors of state-owned energy firms. He told Delo staffing was in the exclusive domain of supervisory boards and Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH), while corporate governance rules precluded direct political influence on staffing. He acknowledged there had been expectations from some that he would intervene. "I do not consent to this practice, I reject it, it's alien to me."

EU ministers express support for combatting sexual abuse of children

BRDO PRI KRANJU - The EU home affairs ministers hosted by Slovenia's Aleš Hojs at a virtual conference expressed in a joint statement their political support for finding appropriate tools for discovering and investigating sexual abuse of children. "We stressed the importance of preventive action and raising awareness, but we also expressed our political support to finding appropriate tools for discovering and investigating sexual abuse of children," Hojs said.

Slovenia receives EU formal notice regarding fight against terrorism rules

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission decided to open infringement proceedings against Slovenia to ensure correct transposition of EU rules on combating terrorism. The country has now two months to respond to the formal notice from Brussels, or else faces receiving a reasoned opinion, the next stage in the infringement procedure. The other member states that have received the same latter of formal notice on Friday are Hungary, Latvia, Romania, Sweden and Slovakia.

Commission to present interim report on political interference in police

LJUBLJANA - The chair of the parliamentary commission investigating suspicion of political interference in police, Rudi Medved from the opposition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), said after the session held a session that it would send an intermediary report to the National Assembly confirming the suspicion of political pressure on police. The announement comes after the commission interviewed the former head of criminal police, Boštjan Lindav, who said he had been replaced based on a political order.

Pahor labels UNESCO as pioneer in solving world's problems

PARIS, France - President Borut Pahor attended a high-level meeting marking the 75th anniversary of UNESCO and held talks with the organisation's director general Audrey Azoulay. He said in his address that UNESCO had a pioneering role in searching for solutions to the world's most pressing problems and challenges. "UNESCO was born out of a realisation that political and economic cooperation is not enough for achieving a lasting peace and that people need to be brought together through dialogue among cultures, and cooperation in science and education," he said.

Biologist honoured for campaigning against hydro power stations

MUNICH, Germany - Slovenian biologist and environmental activist Andreja Slameršek has received this year's Wolfgang Staab Prize for Nature Conservation, which is given out by the German Schweisfurth Foundation. She was honoured for helping to stop several planned power stations that would destroy unique ecosystems along the rivers Mura and Sava. She received the EUR 20,000 prize, conferred annually for achievements in sustainable development of river and flood areas, on Thursday.

Voice of the People initiative starts election campaign

LJUBLJANA - A network of civil society and non-governmental organisations that is forming the Voice of the People initiative started its election campaign at the anti-government protest, presenting ten out of its hundred demands with which it plans to confront political parties ahead of the general election. The initiative aims to "shape the political agenda for our common future from the bottom up" and will demand answers to questions such as whether the consequences of the "harmful legislation adopted in the past year" would be done away with.

Slovenia draw with Slovakia in World Cup qualifier

TRNAVA, Slovakia - Slovenia played 2:2 against Slovakia in the penultimate qualifying game for the World Cup on Thursday evening, a solid performance given that several key players were missing from the team and Miha Blažič was sent off after the second yellow card in the 57th minute. Slovenia players were happy with the team's performance, which Josip Iličić described as a show of character.

Illegal Iranian migrant hit by train near Kozina

KOZINA - A 31-year-old Iranian citizen who had entered Slovenia illegally was hit by a train travelling on the Kozina-Prešnica route near the village of Brgod in south-western Slovenia on Thursday evening. According to the police, the Iranian was standing on the tracks. The train driver noticed him and started honking and braking immediately, but the collision was unavoidable, with the man being hit by the right step of the locomotive. The man was taken to the Izola hospital with serious injuries.

12 Nov 2021, 04:37 AM

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Minister Vizjak no longer enjoys support from NSi

LJUBLJANA - Defence Minister Matej Tonin announced on Wednesday that Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak can no longer count on the support of his party New Slovenia (NSi) following the statements he made in a leaked conversation with a spa company boss 14 years ago. Appearing on new shows on the commercial POP TV station and the public broadcaster TV Slovenija, the NSi leader suggested it would be best if Vizjak resigned himself. Vizjak today insisted on his intention to "deny all the allegations against him in a detailed and argument-based response to the motion of no confidence".

Energy CEO claims decarbonisation plan reason for his ousting

LJUBLJANA - Robert Golob, the long-serving CEO of the indirectly state-owned electricity retailer Gen-I, said the reason he failed to get endorsed for another term was that the "politics" turned down a decarbonisation plan drawn up by Gen-I and other players. The plan is feasible. We can decarbonise the whole energy industry by 2035 and that's the scenario we have drawn up," but which he said was rejected by politics. He quoted former army brigadier Tone Krkovič, now an employee with GEN-I, who he said disclosed that Rok Snežić, a tax advisor with ties to the ruling SDS, had clearly indicated that Golob would soon be "removed".

Students who do not obey new Covid rules will study from home

LJUBLJANA - Students who refuse to wear masks or self-test will study from home under new rules that will enter into force on 15 November, Education Ministry State Secretary Damir Orehovec said after schools expressed concern over the lack of a legal basis for action against those who violate rules. Forthcoming stricter measures for primary and secondary schools under which all students need to be tested three times a week on school premises was met with concern from school leaderships over how schools should react in case of opposition from students or parents. A civil initiative has announced a school boycott for Monday.

Passengers over 12 will need Covid pass to cross into Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - All passengers over the age of 12 will have to produce proof of vaccination, reconvalescence or testing on entry to Slovenia as of 15 November, the government decided. The age limit has been 15 so far and the change brings it in line with the overall Covid pass mandate requirements in the country. The government decree also specifies that self-testing is not sufficient proof to enter Slovenia.

Slovenia adds 3,568 more cases to its coronavirus total

LJUBLJANA - The number of confirmed active coronavirus cases in Slovenia has increased to almost 40,000 after 3,568 more cases were confirmed on Wednesday. Data released by the government show 920 Covid-19 patients being treated in hospitals this morning, 31 more than yesterday, as ICU cases rose by 21 to 212 after ten more Covid patients lost their lives yesterday. The seven-day case count average dropped by 134 from the day before to 3,188, but the 14-day incidence per 100,000 rose by 45 to 1,894.

Pahor urges people to encourage each other to get vaccinated

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor called on Slovenians to encourage each other to get vaccinated so as to prevent lives from being put at risk due to Covid-19 at a time when there are safe and effective vaccines available. In a special video message, Pahor noted that it seemed that at the end of September people suddenly stopped to get vaccinated due to certain circumstances. "We must not stop now and give up. Now is the time to join forces," he said, adding that "our joint goal is immunisation".

Janša dismisses allegations of govt misconduct during pandemic

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša dismissed the opposition's allegations about government misconduct during the course of the coronavirus pandemic, telling a parliamentary inquiry that its decisions were based on opinions by experts. Opposition MPs quizzed Janša about multiple aspects of government actions, ranging from the decision to roll out mass rapid testing, to the purchase of vaccines and the rationale behind measures that some MPs said had been put in place overnight without giving people adequate time to prepare.

NLB bank nearly doubles Jan-Sep net profit

LJUBLJANA - NLB bank reported net profit almost doubling to EUR 205.5 million in the first nine months of 2021 compared to the year before. Net operating income rose by 30% to EUR 500 million on the back of a 32% growth in net interest income to EUR 224.5 million, largely due to the acquisition of Komercialna Banka in Serbia. CEO Blaž Brodnjak said the results enabled the bank to "to search for new growth opportunities" in the bank's home region in SE Europe, including potential mergers and acquisitions.

XLAB becomes Delo's business star

LJUBLJANA - XLAB, a company providing remote desktop access and solutions for IT-automation and digital transformation, has won the Delo Business Star award, which media publisher Delo has given out for the fifth year running. The jury praised it for its good reputation in the IT industry and its ability to market products on foreign markets. The company generates abroad almost 90% of revenue, which last year increased by 40% to EUR 10.5 million, while its net profit reached EUR 2.7 million.

Brussels upgrades Slovenia's GDP growth forecast to 6.4%

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commissions projected in its autumn economic forecast that Slovenia's GDP will expand by 6.4% in 2021, a 0.7-point upgrade from its July forecast. In 2022, the country's GDP is to grow at 4.2%, a downgrade of 0.8 points. The 6.4% figure for this year is considerably higher than the 5% average forecast for the EU and eurozone. The forecast for next year is meanwhile closer to the EU and eurozone average of 4.3%. For 2023, the Commission forecasts that Slovenia's GDP will expand at 3.5%, which is 1.1 points above the eurozone forecast. On the other hand, the Commission warns about inflation in Slovenia.

Slovenia avoids having to repay EU funds for Maribor airport

MARIBOR - Slovenia has avoided the risk of having to pay back over EUR 10 million in EU funds for the renovation of Maribor airport infrastructure, where a completely new passenger terminal was opened in 2012, as the airport has remained operational, albeit on a very low scale. The Infrastructure Ministry said that, despite the minimum scale of air traffic, the airport's operation has been preserved and the country has thus avoided having to return EUR 10.54 million in EU funds. However, no sign of a revival in business is yet in sight and the airport's future remains uncertain.

Offices for bilingualism to open in Pomurje and Primorska

LENDAVA/KOPER - Two offices for bilingualism, in Pomurje in north-east and Primorska in south-west, will soon be established at the initiative of organisations and MPs representing the Hungarian and Italian minorities. Funding will be provided by the government with the help of the Government Office for National Minorities. The offices are "yet another step towards implementation of an agreement reached between the government and the two minority MPs regarding the use of Hungarian and Italian languages in the bilingual areas," said minority MP Ferenc Horvath.

22nd Pixxelpoint focuses on phenomenon of forest

NOVA GORICA - The 22nd Pixxelpoint international festival of new media art is getting under way in Nova Goricay, offering a glimpse at projects at the crossroads of art, science and modern technologies. Running under the headline Deep Deep Forest until 18 November, the festival has invited eleven artists or artistic groups to explore the phenomenon of forest. The organiser, the Nova Gorica Culture Centre, has announced that the artists come mostly from Slovenia, but also from Russia, Ukraine and South Korea.

Triptych by three foreign choreographers to open in Ljubljana

LJUBLJANA - A ballet triptych in which Albanian, Italian and Serb choreographers offer their innovative takes on music for strings by Alban Berg, Bela Bartok and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky will open at Ljubljana National Opera and Ballet Company today. The Strings is a production choreographed by Eno Peci, Jacopo Godani and Leo Mujić at the invitation of Renato Zanella, the artistic director of ballet at the Ljubljana company. The choreographies are based on fresh and innovative approaches and are "a reflection of our time that instils confidence into the power of art," the ballet company said.

Priest defrocked over sexual abuse of girl

MARIBOR - A priest from the archdiocese of Maribor has been deprived of priesthood after a Vatican church court found him guilty of sexual abuse of an underage person, the archdiocese says on its website. Anton Kmet lost all rights stemming from priesthood in June, and the measure was confirmed by the congregation for the doctrine of the faith in October. The priest was then informed that the procedure was completed on 22 October, "on which day all rights stemming from being ordained priest ceased".

11 Nov 2021, 04:21 AM

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Rok Svetlič elected Constitutional Court judge

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly appointed Rok Svetlič a judge on the Constitutional Court. Svetlič received 46 votes with only 46 MPs picking up their ballots because the centre-left opposition boycotted the vote. The coalition was joined by the SNS, DeSUS and minority MPs in endorsing the candidate. This was the fourth attempt to appoint a replacement for Dunja Jadek Pensa, whose term expired in July 2020 but who has stayed on until her successor was appointed. Svetlič stressed he will do all in his power for every singe person to believe that they have a reliable parter in Slovenian law.

Some 35,000 health and social care staff to get higher pay

LJUBLJANA - Some 35,000 health and social care employees will benefit from a pay rise under an agreement initialled by two trade unions representing the staff and the government. Hospital nurses can expect the highest rise. Valued at nearly EUR 123 million, the deal brings higher wages to more than 80% of the employees in healthcare, 80% of employees in social care and 40% of support employees in those two activities. Health Minister Janez Poklukar said the deal was but the beginning of normalisation of staffing situation in health and social care that would hopefully prevent the outflow of staff.

Over 4,480 new coronavirus infections detected

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 4,481 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday in what is the second highest daily number since the start of the epidemic. The test positivity rate stood at 42.4%. Hospitalisations continued to rise and another 20 Covid-19 patients died, according to government figures. The highest number of daily infections was recorded last Wednesday, 4,515. The number of deaths was the second highest since 2 February.

Report: Prosecution employee arrested over info leak to Kavač Clan

MARIBOR - An employee of the Specialised State Prosecutor's Office has been arrested under suspicion of having leaked confidential information to important members of the Slovenian cell of the Kavač Clan, a notorious Montenegrin crime syndicate. The arrest of the woman, reportedly a secretary, who had access to confidential information about orders for house searches and covert surveillance measures comes as criminal police officers conducted searches at the Specialised State Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday.

Slovenia donating 300,000 shots of Moderna vaccine to Covax

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will donate 300,000 shots of the Covid-19 vaccine produced by Moderna to Covax, the global initiative aimed at equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines. Africa was designated as the priority region. The vaccines are part of the common EU contract and slated for delivery this year. The government said the donation will have a positive impact in the recipient countries in Africa, and on Slovenia's contribution to global health.

Slovenian Jewish community gets synagogue in Ljubljana

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's Jewish community has finally got a place of worship as the Ljubljana Synagogue opened in a residential building in Trubarjeva Street on Tuesday in a joint effort by the Austrian Jewish community from Graz and the Slovenian Jewish community. Yesterday's opening was attended by Ariel Haddad, the rabbi for Slovenia, members of other religious communities in Slovenia, diplomats, including Austrian Ambassador to Slovenia Elisabeth Ellision-Kramer, and Slovenian President Borut Pahor.

Fmr STA director off the hook over contract with Dnevnik

LJUBLJANA - The prosecution has dismissed a report against former STA director Bojan Veselinovič over alleged abuse of office related to a compensation contract with the newspaper publisher Dnevnik, filed by STA supervisory board member Radovan Cerjak. The Specialised State Prosecutor's Office said that suspicion of a criminal act had not been sufficiently argued, and that Veselinovič could not be accused of business disloyalty to the STA either. Veselinovič said he had expected such a decision.

Journalists' Association condemns attempt to criminalise media

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Association of Journalists (DNS) has come out in defence of fellow journalists with the news portal Necenzurirano.si who are facing increasing pressure from a tax advisor. Rok Snežič has brought 39 defamation suits against three journalists of the outlet over their articles about his business dealings and his role in a loan taken out by the Prime Minister Janez Janša's Democratic Party (SDS) in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2017. However, Snežič, who Necenzurirano claims has close ties with Janša, has now stepped up his pressure, reporting the journalists to the National Bureau of Investigation and the Financial Administration.

Upper chamber proposes overturning ban on mayors serving as MPs

LJUBLJANA - Ten years after the adoption of legislative amendments that banned mayors from serving as MPs, the issue has returned to the political agenda after the National Council, the upper chamber of parliament, decided to propose reversing the ban with the argument that the incompatibility of MP and mayoral offices do not have a basis in legislation or the Constitution. The motion will now be put to the National Assembly. The majority of the deputy groups said they opposed reversing the ban.

SDS deputy Ljubo Žnidar resigns

LJUBLJANA - Ljubo Žnidar, an MP for the coalition Democrats (SDS), resigned. The party said he stepped down for personal reasons and decided to continue his professional career in the corporate sector. Žnidar started his term in April last year as a replacement MP. He will be succeeded by Karmen Kozmus Ferjan, a public relations officer at the Finance Ministry.

Krško becomes Slovenia's 12th urban municipality

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly changed the law on the establishment of municipalities to grant Krško the status of urban municipality. The proposal for the status change was filed in September by opposition National Party (SNS) MP Dušan Šiško, who today stressed Krško was the geographic, economic, transport, administrative and cultural centre of Posavje region.

Space and secure connectivity to be a priority for Brussels in 2022

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian presidency of the Council of the EU co-hosted a virtual conference discussing the secure connectivity initiative, the third pillar of the EU space programme. European Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton described space and the initiative as one of the European Commission's priorities in 2022. Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek called for a harmonised approach to secure connectivity between EU member states where the European Space Agency is seen as an important partner.

Five innovative digital solutions awarded

LJUBLJANA - Five of the almost 100 companies taking part in the Festival of Solutions were declared the most innovative companies and won a ticket to the Expo Dubai. Optifarm was rewarded for developing an IT system to manage short local food chains, iHELP for an app allowing injured persons to contact those in their vicinity, Qlector for a solution to help manufacturers, VitalIT for a solution to encourage organisations engaged in top IT practices to keep their processes simple and EpiCoro for a solution for easier and better user experiences.

Lumar enters into partnership with solid wood wall producer

MARIBOR/MENGEŠ - The Maribor-based manufacturer of low-energy prefabricated buildings Lumar has entered into a strategic alliance with iQwood, a producer of innovative solid wood walls. Lumar director and co-owner Marko Lukić values the tie-up at EUR 1.5 million, the bulk of which is an equity investment in iQwood. Lukić said the goal was to increase production at the Mengeš-based company and to bring its product to foreign markets. "At the same time, the goal is for Lumar to include the added value of solid wood in its portfolio," he said.

Industrial output up slightly in September

LJUBLJANA - Industrial output in Slovenia in September was up by 0.2% compared to August, although it only increased in manufacturing, while other segments recorded a drop. At the annual level, industrial output in September was up by 7.8%, the Statistics Office said. Industrial output in manufacturing was up by 0.2% at the monthly level, while in electricity, gas and steam supply and in mining and quarrying it was down by 4.2% and 4.1%, respectively.

Two Italians acquitted of bank robbery charges

NOVA GORICA - The Nova Gorica Court acquitted two men from Sicily who had been charged with robbing two banks in Slovenia in August and October 2020 after some of the evidence was thrown out. Giacomo Pappalardi and Mario Piacente were released from detention where they had been since October 2020. The prosecution will appeal. Judge Darinka Kogoj said that Pappalardi, 44, and Piacente, 27, had been proven to have engaged in preparation for the robberies, which is however not a crime.

Gajser third overall in Motocross World Championship

MANTUA, Italy - Slovenian racer Tim Gajser finished the FIM Motocross World Championship season in the elite MXGP class in third place after taking 2nd place in the finale in Italy's Mantua. The defending champion had merely a theoretical chance to win the title today.

10 Nov 2021, 04:55 AM

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Covid situation critical as beds filling up fast

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian hospitals are filling up fast with Covid patients as the country reported another 3,344 coronavirus cases and a dozen deaths for Monday. Addressing reporters, Health Ministry State Secretary Franc Vindišar said the daily average of new admissions in the past week was nearly 100, compared to 50 discharges. Currently, 874 Covid patients are in hospitals, including 193 in intensive care (ICU). ICU occupancy rate is projected to peak on 24 November at over 250. The country's medical organisations warned the healthcare system is about to collapse, urging citizens to to do their best to avoid requiring urgent medical assistance over the next month or two.

City mayors propose creating legal basis for PC rule

LJUBLJANA - The association of Slovenia's urban municipalities called on the National Assembly to pass legal basis to allow the government to adopt scientifically supported measures to contain the Covid outbreak. The mayors suggested considering introducing the reconvalescent-vaccinated rule (PC), arguing the country is a "hostage of a minority of 200,000 people who oppose vaccination". Echoing the appeal, Ljubljana Mayor Zoran Janković partly blamed the government for vaccination hesitancy but urged people to show their opposition in the election rather by refusing to get the jab.

Slovenia to join three statements on transport at COP26

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will join at the COP26 conference in Glasgow on Wednesday the statements on international aviation climate ambition, on zero emissions in maritime transport by 2050 and on the promotion of transition to carbonless cars and vans. The decision was announced by the government after a correspondence session. The statement on international aviation climate ambition will be signed on behalf of Slovenia by Environment and Spatial Planning Minister Andrej Vizjak.

Slovenia gains one spot in climate protection ranking

GLASGOW, Scotland - Slovenia ranked 50th on the Climate Change Performance Index ranking for 2022, an improvement by one spot, however scientists warn that the country's performance in fighting climate change is still quite poor. What strikes experts from NGO Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network, which publish the index yearly, as particularly problematic in Slovenia's ranking is its performance in tackling the current situation and achieving goals for 2030.

Committee okays agreement to purchase 45 Boxer APCs

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Foreign Policy Committee okayed in a 11:4 vote after hours of debate the government's plan to conclude an agreement with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation for the purchase of eight-wheeled Boxer armoured personnel carries (APCs). The government intends to purchase 45 Boxer APCs, produced by Germany, for what is the currently estimated price of EUR 412 million.
The committee also okayed unanimously the proposal to conclude an agreement with Italy on solidarity measures to ensure reliable natural gas supply. It is expected to be signed on 2 December.

Cigler Kralj in Bratislava for launch of EU Labour Authority

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia - Labour Minister Janez Cigler Kralj was in Bratislava for the inauguration of the headquarters of the European Labour Authority (ELA), whose key task is to support EU institutions and member states in implementing the wide range of EU legislation governing various aspects of workers' mobility. In his address to the ceremony, Cigler Kralj assessed that the ELA will play an important role in the effective functioning of a rapidly changing EU labour market.

Conference urges EU states to draft child guarantee action plans

LJUBLJANA - Labour Minister Janez Cigler Kralj urged EU member states to draft action plans to reduce the number of poor children by at least five million by 2030 as he addressed an online international conference as part of Slovenia's EU presidency in Ljubljana. The ministry organised the conference Child Guarantee - Equal Opportunities for Every Child to urge EU member states to ensure free and efficient access to key services.

ECOFIN relaunches discussion on fiscal rule reform

LJUBLJANA - Chaired by Slovenia's Andrej Šircelj, the EU finance ministers relaunched the discussion on reforming the fiscal rule, which had been on hold since the outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic. The Slovenian presidency said interest had been shown for further talks on how to ensure greater simplicity and transparency of rules and favourable conditions for further recovery. "Our efforts to promote recovery are paying dividends. The response of EU members to the crisis is showing good results," said Šircelj.

Janša in video call with Cambodian PM

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša had a video call with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen with his office saying the pair discussed bilateral relations between the two countries which they both wish to enhance. The screen-to-screen meeting was held ahead of the Asia-Europe (ASEM) summit, which Cambodia will host later this month. The two officials established there was plenty of potential for bilateral economic cooperation between their countries.

EU Commission to keep monitoring STA situation

BRUSSELS, Belgium/LJUBLJANA - The European Commission said it would keep monitoring closely the situation of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) after the agency signed a contract on the STA public service for November and December with the Government Communication Office. Spokesman Christian Wigand said the Slovenian authorities must ensure that the independence of the agency is fully preserved. The agreement was also welcomed by the European Alliance of News Agencies, which underlined the need to also secure a contract for 2022 to ensure the agency's autonomy and allow it to perform its mission. Meanwhile, acting STA director Igor Kadunc said the STA had managed to negotiate some key changes to the contract, but also had to agree to some compromises to avoid bankruptcy.

Zorčič addresses Auschwitz memorial event

OSWIECIM/KRAKOW/Poland - National Assembly Speaker Igor Zorčič attended a two-day memorial event in Poland, where he addressed the participants of a symposium on anti-Semitism in Krakow on Monday before visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp today to deliver a speech and lay a wreath at the Auschwitz Death Wall. Zorčič noted Slovenia's legacy of anti-fascist resistance, while he condemned recent tweets by top Slovenian officials with anti-Semitic tones as intolerable.

Ljubljana synagogue reopens after renovation

LJUBLJANA - The synagogue in Ljubljana, which is part of the Ljubljana Jewish Cultural Centre, reopened after renovation. Addressing the event, President Borut Pahor underlined the importance of tolerance between religions and nurturing an inclusive society. Elie Rosen, the head of the Graz Jewish Community and the president of the Ljubljana Synagogue, noted the importance of the synagogue being opened on the day of memory of the 1938 pogroms, also known as Kristallnacht. The synagogue was refurbished as part of the EUR 1.2 million renovation of the whole building. German Embassy chipped in EUR 25,000. The comm

Car maker Revoz shrinking production

NOVO MESTO - Revoz, the Slovenian subsidiary of Renault, is switching from two shifts to one and a half on Monday, 15 November, to scale down production over uncertainties in the car industry resulting from the global crisis in semiconductors. In the coming months, around 350 of the company's more than 2,400 workers will lose their jobs.

Exports in September up 16.7% year-on-year, imports up 46.7%

LJUBLJANA - The upward trend in Slovenia's trade in goods continues, as the country exported goods worth EUR 3.5 billion in September, or 16.7% more than in the same month in 2020, while imports, totalling EUR 3.9 billion, were up by 46.7%. Slovenia's September figures were also higher than those in the same month in the pre-Covid year 2019.

GEN-I shareholders fail to appoint any candidate for CEO

LJUBLJANA - The shareholders' meeting of GEN-I, Slovenia's largest power supplier, failed to re-appoint Robert Golob as CEO after the supervisory board of Gen Energija, which owns half the company, did not give its consent for the reappointment on Monday. However, Davor Dimič, whom Gen Energija put forward to as successor of Golob, and another candidate for the management board also failed to get appointed in what media reports suggest is a political tug of war. Golob's term runs out on 17 November.

Minister Jaklitsch visits minority in Gorizia

GORIZIA, Italy - Minister for Slovenians Abroad Helena Jaklitsch started a two-day visit to the Slovenian ethnic minority in the Gorizia area as she continued visiting the minority in Italy. She visited a number of cultural and educational institutions and also met Archbishop Carlo Roberto Maria Redaelli and Mayor Rodolfo Ziberna, who presented plans for tourism information signs in Italian, Slovenian and English.

Two doctors detained on suspicion of corruption

MARIBOR - More than a hundred criminal investigators from across the country conducted a series of house raids as part of a criminal investigation into allegations of bribery and abuse of office. Two doctors were detained on suspicion of taking bribes to issue more than 10,000 illegal medical certificates over several years, including Covid-19 reconvalescence certificates and nearly a hundred proofs of negative Covid test results. The pair is thought to have made at least one million euro in unlawful gain.

Olympian Janja Garnbret makes climbing history

LJUBLJANA - Climber Janja Garnbret, who won a gold medal in sport climbing at the Tokyo Olympics, has set a new milestone by becoming the first woman to climb an 8c-rated route on-sight. She made the latest feat during a rock-climbing holiday in Oliana in Spain. In the beginning of November, she managed to climb two different 8c-rated climbing routes in the span of two days.

09 Nov 2021, 04:40 AM

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Covid restrictions tightened up

LJUBLJANA - A number of new Covid restrictions came into effect today to help contain the unrelenting outbreak of infections. Under decisions taken by the government on Friday, gatherings are banned and the Covid pass mandate now applies from the age of 12. Cloth masks are no longer deemed suitable as sporting and cultural events audiences are reduced to half the sitting capacity. A curfew was reimposed on bars and restaurants, which can only serve customers at table, and nightclubs are shut until further notice. Several pharmacies said they were running out of self-test kits, while there is no shortage of surgical face masks, except those for children.

Coronavirus curve keeps rising

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 1,282 new coronavirus cases on Sunday to push the rolling 7-day average and the 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents higher still, to 2,862 and 1,735, respectively. Over 43% of the PCR tests came back positive, and another 13 people died, bringing the national death toll to 5,162. Hospitalisations totalled 843 on Monday morning, up by 46 on Sunday, including 190 patients in intensive care, up by six. With hospital capacities expected to become stretched further, the Health Ministry ordered a mobilisation of the whole health system, including public and private providers.

Janša meets Dodik to discuss situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina

LJUBLJANA - PM Janez Janša met on Sunday Milorad Dodik, the Serbian member of the Bosnia-Herzegovina presidency, to discuss the political situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the region. Janša described the meeting on Twitter as a substantive exchange about the situation in the country. "The future lies in full sovereignty of Bosnia-Herzegovina and EU membership," Janša said, while Dodik informed him of Republika Srpska's commitment to preserve the Dayton Agreement, Serbian press agency Tanjug reported.

Climate summit key step for Earth's future, says Vizjak

GLASGOW, UK - The COP26 climate conference is a key step for the future of our planet and younger generations, Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak said at a press conference in Glasgow, speaking alongside European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans. "It's time we act responsibly and move up from good intentions to concrete actions," Vizjak said. Slovenia represents the EU and is in charge of coordinating the member states' views as it holds the EU presidency. Timmermans said negotiators and the participating countries still had a lot to do, noting the EU's stance that ambitious targets only count if backed by concrete measures.

STA signs public service agreement with UKOM

LJUBLJANA - Igor Kadunc, the new acting director of the STA, and Uroš Urbanija, the director of the Government Communications Office (UKOM), signed a EUR 2 milion contract on the STA's public service valid until the end of the year, which Kadunc said "will enable normal financing and thus also the STA's activities this year, while we will also have something left for next year". STA staff welcomed the signing of the contract, but warned that certain solutions could indirectly affect the editorial autonomy and negatively affect the STA's finances. The STA has been performing its public service without pay since the start of the year.

Accetto elected new president of Constitutional Court

LJUBLJANA - Matej Accetto was elected president of the Constitutional Court after his peers voted to give him a three-year term at the helm of Slovenia's top court. He will take over from Rajko Knez on 19 December. The Constitutional Court did not release the results of the vote, but one of the judges, Klemen Jaklič, announced he would boycott the proceedings to appoint a "pre-arranged candidate" by a majority that had taken the court to where it became the subject of "unprecedented criticism".

Slovenia to roll out biometric identity cards in March

LJUBLJANA - An agreement on the production of Slovenia's new biometric identity cards was signed on Monday. The new IDs, expected to start being issued in March 2022, will cost 29 euro and contain multiple identity markers and security features. The agreement was signed by Roman Žnidarič, the director of the Cetis company, that will produce the cards, by Interior Minister Aleš Hojs and Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik.

Digitalisation in education should be enhanced, EU presidency conference hears

LJUBLJANA - Digital transition is one of the key challenges alongside green transition, Education Minister Simona Kustec said as she addressed a two-day hybrid conference on education starting in Ljubljana as part of Slovenia's EU presidency, which is attended by around 300 participants. "But we have to be aware that digital transition in education is an even more demanding process, which will be successful only if we join forces and act together," she said at the conference Resetting Education and Training for the Digital Age. EU Commission Vice Presidents Margaritis Schinas and Margrethe Vestager stressed the digital transition should be enhanced at all levels.

Sacked Elektro Ljubljana boss turning to court

LJUBLJANA - After being dismissed as chairna of Elektro Ljubljana, the country's largest power distributor, Andrej Ribič announced he would challenge the dismissal in court. He argues he was dismissed for political reasons, saying he was convinced Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec was behind the move, suggesting the reason was Elektro's voting rights related to the government's alleged plan to dismiss the chairman of electricity trader GEN-I Robert Golob. Vrtovec denied any involvement.

Civil society organisations come up with pre-election demands

LJUBLJANA - A network of 57 civil society and non-governmental organisations associated in an informal Voice of the People initiative ahead of the general election presented a number of requests related to the rule of law, climate change, housing policy, the elderly, and welfare state, calling on political parties to take their position on them. The initiative has already outlined ten requests, while a total of 100 are planned.

Govt approval rating lowest in this term

LJUBLJANA - The government approval rating slipped to its lowest point this term in the latest Barometer poll commissioned by the newspaper Delo, with as many as 40% of the respondents giving the cabinet a very negative grade. The gap between the ruling Democrats (SDS) and the opposition Social Democrats (SD) has narrowed, as the two polled at 15.6% and 12.8%, respectively. The SDS and SD are thus less than three percentage points apart, the same as in April.

EU Commission registers Slovenia-led environmental protection initiative

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission has decided to register a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) called Call to Action - Environmental Protection in All Policies, with Slovenia serving as the leading EU member state in the initiative, which aims at declaring an environmental crisis in the EU. If the initiative, registered by the European Commission at the end of October, receives at least one million statements of support within a year from at least seven member states, the Commission will have to react to it. "The creation of the ECI is the result of the work of citizens from eight EU countries," Jure Leben, Slovenia's former environment minister, said on behalf of the initiators.

Slovenia hosting European Team Chess Championship

ČATEŽ OB SAVI - The European Team Chess Championship 2021 will be held between 11 and 22 November at the Terme Čatež spa near Brežice in eastern Slovenia in what will be the biggest chess event in the country since 2002. Slovenia will field the strongest team ever, spearheaded by international master Laura Unuk and grandmaster Luka Lenič. The event will feature more than 500 chess players as part of 70 teams from 38 countries. There will be no spectators, however the matches will be livestreamed.

08 Nov 2021, 06:59 AM

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Over 2,300 coronavirus cases confirmed Saturday

LJUBLJANA - Another 2,313 people tested positive for coronavirus in Slovenia on Saturday as over 42% of the PCR tests came back positive. Hospitalisations rose by nearly 50 from the day before to 797 with 184 being treated in intensive care. Eleven more Covid-19 patients died, bringing the total death toll to 5,149, data released by the government show. The National Institute of Public Health estimates there are now over 36,000 active cases in the country as the 14-day incidence per 100,000 rose to 1,707.

Self-testing for pupils to be mandatory

LJUBLJANA - The Education Ministry announced that self testing for primary and secondary school children and youths will be mandatory starting from 15 November after initially announcing that it would continue to be voluntary. Self-testing will be performed on school premises three times a week under new rules that the government adopted on Friday. The Association of Head Teachers expects the new rules to cause problems at schools and objections by the parents who oppose Covid rules.

Minister Logar recovering after surgery

LJUBLJANA - The Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Anže Logar was recovering at Ljubljana's medical centre (UKC) after undergoing surgery for appendicitis yesterday. In a post on its Twitter profile, the ministry noted that Logar attended a reception on Friday for the diplomatic corps as well as hosted his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Thursday, and visiting Athens the day before for talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias.

List of Slovenia's top 100 visual artists released

LJUBLJANA - A list of Slovenia's top hundred living visual artists has been released by the agency Artindex in a bid to restore trust in the Slovenian art market. Now listed in alphabetical order, the artists will be ranked in a list to be published in June next year. The final index will be released once data have been collected on the sale of the artists' works. The sum of the works sold will represent a third of the score, while the rest will be based on assessment by experts.

Katja Fain wins bronze at European Swimming Championship

KAZAN, Russia - Katja Fain secured bronze for Slovenia in the women's 200 metre freestyle at the European Short Course Swimming Championship in Kazan, Russia. The 20-year-old clocked 1:53.88 minutes to set a new national record, with a 0.3 gap to Czech Barbora Seemanova in second and an 1.13 lag behind the winner Marrit Steenbergen of the Netherlands. Slovenia's success was rounded off by Janja Šegel in fourth. Slovenia's last medal at such a major competition was six years ago.

Wine production drops as quality improves

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will this year produce 10-15% less wine than last year, mostly due to the Dolenjska wine region being strongly affected by the spring frost. However, wine growers around the country report above-average vintage in terms of quality. Marjan Colja, director of the wine producer Vina Kras, noted that the production was close to normal in the western region of Primorska, while the Kras area had been affected by wild boars and birds. Slovenia produces 80-90 million litres of wine a year.

06 Nov 2021, 21:50 PM

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Covid restrictions stepped up, but no new lockdown

LJUBLJANA - Amidst surging infections, the government decided late on Friday evening to tighten Covid restrictions instead of imposing another lockdown. From Monday, the Covid pass mandate is expanded to apply to people older than 12, opening hours of bars and restaurants restricted, night clubs closed, gatherings banned and only surgical or FFP2 masks allowed. Shops will be restricted to accepting one customer per at least 10 square metres. At cultural and sports events and religious services physical distancing will have to be observed. Schools will remain open, however the frequency of voluntary self-testing among primary and secondary school students will increase to three times per week from 15 November.

Over 3,660 Covid cases reported for Friday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia logged 3,662 new coronavirus infections on Friday with the positivity rate standing at 38.1%, up slightly on the day before, show fresh figures by the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ). Government data show 14 Covid-19 patients died, and hospitalisations dropped by 13 to 748 this morning, including 175 ICU cases, down by two on the day before. Both the seven-day average of new cases and the 14-day incidence per 100,000 population increased, by 95 to 2,766 and by 66 to 1,669, respectively, NIJZ data show.

Supervisors dismiss Elektro Ljubljana chairman, report says

LJUBLJANA - The supervisory board of Elektro Ljubljana, Slovenia's largest electricity distributor, dismissed on Friday the company's chairman Andrej Ribič, reported the N1 portal, quoting the Pozareport portal's Twitter post. The reason for the dismissal is not known, N1 said, adding that the current chief financial officer Marjan Ravnikar was to take over the management of the company.

Committee throws out pharmacy bill after upper chamber veto

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Health Committee rejected amendments to the pharmacy act on Friday evening after the National Council vetoed the changes in late October. The bill was thrown out in an 8:7 vote. The centre-left opposition and the coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC), the initiator of the changes, supported the bill, whereas the coalition Democrats (SDS) and New Slovenia (NSi) voted against.

Committee debates staff shortages in primary care

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Health Committee heard on Friday experts' warnings about major issues in primary care, including staff shortages, problems with patients' access to GPs and a non-stimulating environment. The MPs mainly agreed with this assessment of the situation with some urging the experts to propose concrete solutions. Željko Cigler of the Left proposed a public consultation on the matter, but the proposal was rejected in a 7:7 vote.

Foreign Minister Logar admitted to hospital, report says

LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Anže Logar has been admitted to the UKC Ljubljana medical centre, reported the news portal Siol.net. According to unofficial information, the minister has appendicitis and is awaiting surgery. No further information on his condition is yet available.

Student Radio raises nearly EUR 88,000 in donations to carry on

LJUBLJANA - Radio Študent, an independent radio station that has been struggling in the wake of funding cuts, has raised EUR 87,820 in a campaign that ended with September. The donations will enable the radio station to finish this year as planned if there are no "new major surprises", Ana Kandare, the head of the Radio Študent institute, told the STA.

Famed Swiss organ unveiled in Koper cathedral

KOPER - The Koper cathedral inaugurated its new organ at a mass, which was attended by Apostolic Nuncio to Slovenia Jean-Marie Speich and President Borut Pahor. The organ, which came as a donation from the famous Tonhalle concert hall in Zurich, is the second largest in Slovenia and will sound in a concert for the first time in the country on Sunday.

26 Jan 2022, 04:50 AM

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Pahor, Janša note good relations with neighbours in address to diplomats

BRDO PRI KRANJU - President Borut Pahor and Prime Minister Janez Janša highlighted Slovenia's good relations with all of its neighbours as they hosted the annual reception for the diplomatic corps at Brdo pri Kranju, which was attended by some 85 diplomats. Pahor also put in his word for sincere ties with Russia and China. He said Slovenia expected Russia to refrain from threats and while reaffirming Slovenia's one-China policy said Taipei's trade office would be welcome as was in other EU countries.

Slovenia sinks in Corruption Perception Index

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia placed 41st among 180 countries in Transparency International's 2021 Corruption Perception Index, its poorest showing since 2013, having slipped six spots and losing three points. The organisation's Slovenian chapter said this was the result of corruption prevention being pushed to the political margins and reform failure. Nor does the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption find the result surprising, while the Justice Ministry believes the ranking does not necessarily reflect the actual situation in the country.

Hojs talks Croatia's accession to Schengen in Zagreb

ZAGREB, Croatia - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs met his Croatian counterpart Davor Božinović in Zagreb for talks focusing on Croatia's accession to the Schengen passport-free zone and bilateral cooperation. Slovenia supports Schengen enlargement. "At the same time, we need to ensure a high level of security for the whole Schengen area, thus we expect future members to fully implement the tasks under the Schengen law and control the EU's external borders as their daily practice," Hojs was quoted as saying.

Tally of new cases at 12,772 on Monday, second highest on record

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia confirmed 12,772 new cases of coronavirus on Monday, an increase of 47% on the week before and the second highest daily figure since the start of the pandemic. While the number of patients hospitalised with Covid-19 rose slightly, to 653, the number of ICU cases continues to decline and stood at 130 this morning. Eleven patients with Covid-19 died.

Tourist arrivals up by 31% in 2021

LJUBLJANA - Tourist arrivals in Slovenia increased by 31% in 2021 to reach just over four million, while overnight stays were up by 22% to 11.3 million, Statistics Office data show. Both figures are still far behind the records of 2019. Domestic tourists accounted for 2.2 million arrivals last year, an annual increase of 17%, while the number of foreign tourists rose by 51% to 1.8 million. Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek noted the contribution of tourism vouchers to the results.

Economy Ministry to provide EUR 640m in development incentives

LJUBLJANA - The Economy Ministry will provide a total of EUR 640.7 million in development incentives this year, intended to raise productivity through the green and digital transition and to ensure a balanced development of Slovenia's regions. The ministry said EUR 479.2 million of the sum is to be provided in the form of grants and EUR 161.5 million in reimbursements or subsidies for businesses, municipalities and other target groups.

Lower fees mulled in tackling energy crisis

LJUBLJANA - Media have reported that the Infrastructure Ministry, as it drafts a legal basis for mitigating the consequences of the rising energy prices, plans to provide around 150,000 vulnerable individuals with EUR 140 in energy vouchers. The ministry is also expected to propose a cut in certain fees on electricity bills. Things are apparently not running as smoothly when it comes to aid for businesses with reports there is some confusion as to which ministry should prepare the proposal.

Central bank finds current economic impact of epidemic small

LJUBLJANA - The central bank assessed in its latest bulletin that the aggravated epidemiological situation brought by an increased number of coronavirus infections with the Omicron variant has had a relatively small impact on the economy. Despite the current situation being favourable, the central bank assesses that some macroeconomic risks remain high - including the risk of increased absenteeism with record numbers of coronavirus cases. Another issue is a shortage of skilled workforce.

Slovenia sees surge in work permit applications

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's Employment Service recorded a significant rise in applications for the employment of foreigners last year. It received a total of 52,281 applications, the most since the current system was put in place in 2015. The figure compares to 48,127 applications in 2019, when employment of foreigners in Slovenia was at its highest in recent years. Of the 52,281 applications received in 2021, 46,264 were approved.

Ex-minister says govt could have acted better in epidemic

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary inquiry into the government's response to Covid-19 interviewed former Health Minister Tomaž Gantar to hear that in some cases the government could have acted better in dealing with the first two waves of the epidemic. He was critical of communication with the public, and of closure of schools while the economy kept running. Meanwhile Klemen Nicoletti, one of the owners of the company that supplied rapid tests to the state, failed to appear with his lawyer saying his answering questions could undermine his position in expected criminal proceedings against him.

Controversial changes to penal code unlikely to get passed

LJUBLJANA - The four centre-left opposition parties called for controversial changes to the panel code to be withdrawn from the agenda of the National Assembly's upcoming plenary session. The bill, filed by the opposition National Party (SNS) and endorsed on the committee last week, could result in white-collar crimes becoming statute-barred relatively quickly. The two junior coalition parties and the opposition DeSUS also announced they would not back the bill.

Number of cases against Slovenia at ECHR up 30% last year

STRASBOURG, France - A total of 234 lawsuits against Slovenia were submitted last year to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), 30% more than in 2020, shows the annual report of the Strasbourg-based court. Last year, the court handed down two judgments in connection with Slovenia in seven cases. It noted at least one violation of the European Convention on Human Rights in both judgments - these were violations of the right to an effective legal remedy and of the protection of property.

Report shows police performance improved in 2020

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Home Policy Committee discussed the 2020 annual reports on the work of the police, and it was noted that police officers had successfully investigated more than half of suspected criminal acts, or 2% more than in 2019. There were seven murders or attempted murders, and and there was some more domestic violence than in 2019. Deputy Police Commissioner Danijel Žibret told the MPs the Covid-19 epidemic had impacted on the internal organisation of the police.

MPs discuss situation of Roma community

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Home Policy Committee was briefed on the latest report on the position of the Roma community in Slovenia, covering 2020. The debate noted progress on some acute problems but also continuing issues pertaining to living conditions, education and employment. The report was presented by Stanko Baluh, director of the Government Office for National Minorities, who noted increase in funding for municipalities with Roma communities as a major change.

Catholic group urges independent inquiry into church sex abuse

LJUBLJANA - A Catholic advocacy for victims of sexual abuse in the Slovenian Catholic Church urged appointing an independent commission of individuals of high moral integrity to investigate and crack down on the abuse as soon as possible. The group called Dovolj.je (It's Enough) is headed by Janez Cerar, the first Slovenian priest to reveal being a victim of sexual abuse in the Church himself. He complained of too slow progress in dealing with the problem and a lack of empathy for the victims.

Slovenia remains attractive to Austrian investors

LJUBLJANA - Austrian companies had a successful 2021 and are optimistic about this year, shows a survey conducted by the Austrian trade office Advantage Austria Ljubljana among its members. Almost 80% said that Slovenia will remain an attractive environment for investments this year, citing market proximity, the skilled workforce and the availability of local suppliers as the main benefits. The main downsides are red tape, inflexible economic policies and operating costs.

Softnet plans expansion into Africa and Indonesia

TRZIN - Softnet, a telecomms operator which focuses on B2B services and is currently present in 16 countries, plans to expand into new markets in Indonesia and Africa. The company's director and owner Andrej Boštjančič said they had already planned before the pandemic to gain a foothold in Indonesia. They also plan to open at least one office in Africa. The company is currently present in the region of former Yugoslavia, central and eastern Europe, China, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Trimo on sale again as takeover by Kingspan falls through

TREBNJE - The newspaper Finance reported the Irish concern Kingspan will not take over Trimo, the Trebnje-based maker of prefabricated building components, as the European Commission has not cleared the transaction due to concerns about its impact on competition an price hikes. The Polish private equity fund Innova Capital signed the contract to sell the outright stake in Trimo to Kingspan in August 2020. Finance reports that a new sale procedure is to be concluded soon.

Business sentiment improves slightly

LJUBLJANA - Business sentiment improved slightly in January, rising by 0.6 percentage point on the month before on the back of improved sentiment in the services sector, show Statistics Office data. The sub-indicator in services accounted for 0.5 points of the total increase, with retail adding another 0.1 point.

EUR 11,000 in fines issued for drone infringements in 2021

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's Civil Aviation Agency recorded 17 infringements in 2021 that were related to flying unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, and 9 cases concluded with fines in the combined amount of EUR 10,900. In addition to the Civil Aviation Agency, the police and municipal traffic wardens are also responsible for monitoring all activities related to flying drones in Slovenia under new European legislation that became fully effective at the end of 2020.

 

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