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Widespread condemnation in wake off Wednesday's riot

LJUBLJANA - Officials and politicians from both sides of the isle condemned Wednesday's rioting in which seven police officers were injured and several police vehicles were damaged after an initially peaceful protest against the Covid pass mandate turned violent. Nine rioters were apprehended. PM Janez Janša said the government will not yield to pressure and Interior Minister Aleš Hojs described the rioting as "scandalous for a democratic society" and a "realisation of left fascism in practice". First estimates by Ljubljana city put the damage of riots at EUR 7,000.

Opposition demands changes to Covid pass mandate

LJUBLJANA - The opposition Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) filed for a session of the parliamentary Health Committee to discuss the Covid pass requirement for virtually all activities and services that entered into force yesterday. The party opposes the requirement being mandatory for access to health services, public transport and petrol stations. The opposition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) wants the rules changed to allow all children and youth unlimited access to medical service, while the equal opportunities ombudsman and the SocDems urged lifting Covid pass mandate for access to charities.

More than 1,300 new coronavirus cases, six deaths

LJUBLJANA - A total of 1,324 new coronavirus infections were confirmed in Slovenia on Wednesday in 6,703 PCR tests, with the positivity rate down slightly. According to the government, hospitalisations are down by six to 341, but the number of patients in intensive care increased to 83. Six people died of Covid-19. As the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control updated its Covid-19 map of Europe, the western half of Slovenia turned dark red, while the eastern part remains red, although the whole country has already met the criterion for dark red with 14-day incidence per 100,000 over 500.

Covid pass mandatory at gatherings of over 50

LJUBLJANA - Th government mandated that a Covid pass will be required at gatherings of over 50 people, be it organised public events or public indoor or outdoor gatherings. This means participants will need to be vaccinated, tested or have proof of recovery. So far, the Covid pass was required for events with up to 100 participants and at indoor public events regardless of the number of participants. The government also extended existing border restrictions.

Janša dismisses alleged lobbying contacts

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša dismissed alleged lobbying contacts with the lobbyist Božo Dimnik and businessman Andrej Marčič as having nothing to do with lobbying. Speaking for Planet TV on Wednesday night, Janša said that over twenty years he had played golf with practically everyone who has played golf in Slovenia. "I have never done any deals with the gentlemen you have mentioned and it is sad that the self-proclaimed KUL opposition, which does not have a programme, now uses this to create the impression it is doing something."

Commission session on lobbying suspended after no-show by Janša

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Commission for Oversight of Public Finances was supposed to debate allegations of improper lobbying contacts by Prime Minister Janez Janša. The session was suspended because Janša did not attend. Janša was offered three dates and the possibility to set a date himself, but he excused himself saying that he had "obligations concerning the performance of the presidency of the EU and pre-agreed commitments," according to commission chair Igor Peček.

Slovenia growth forecast substantially upgraded

LJUBLJANA - The Institute of Macroeconomic Analysis and Development, the government's economic forecaster, upgraded Slovenia's growth forecast for the year to 6.1%, 1.5 percentage points up from its spring outlook. It projects for GDP growth to then ease off to 4.7% in 2022 and 3.3% in 2023. The improvement is due to more upbeat projections in the international environment, faster than expected growth so far this year a fast adjustment of businesses and consumers to the new situation.

Portorož hosts European Asylum Support Office meeting

PORTOROŽ - A two-day meeting of the management board of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) is being held in Portorož, with one of the topics being reforming the EASO into a European agency for asylum, with which it would assume new obligations and tasks. Interior Minister Aleš Hojs addressed the press on the occasion, pointing to the flexibility of the office in supporting EU member states, and expressed the expectation that aid is also directed towards third countries.

Tonin meets Hungarian counterpart to debate defence cooperation

CELJE - The Slovenian and Hungarian defence ministers, Matej Tonin and Tibor Benko, discussed bilateral military and defence cooperation as they held a meeting on Wednesday. Tonin thanked his counterpart on Hungary's assistance to Slovenia in controlling Slovenia's air space, with Benko assuring him that assistance would continue to be provided. Tonin and Benko touched on the efforts to ensure stability and peace in the Western Balkans, with both countries labelling this as priority for stability in the broader region.

Slovenia gets ownership of Rome flat through Yugoslav succession

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will become the owner of a diplomatic apartment in Rome as part of the succession process after the break-up of Yugoslavia. The country already uses the apartment as a residence of the ambassador to the Holy See. The agreement was reached at the latest session of the relevant joint committee. It was agreed that Serbia will hand over the documentation on the apartment by the end of the year, which will be followed by the transfer of ownership to the Republic of Slovenia.

Minister for Slovenians abroad starts US visit

CLEVELAND, US - Helena Jaklitsch, the minister for Slovenians abroad, started a 10-day visit to Slovenians in the USA, beginning in Cleveland, Ohio and concluding in Lemont, Illinois. The overarching theme is the 30th anniversary of Slovenian independence. The 30th anniversary of Slovenian independence will be celebrated on Thursday at Cleveland City Hall with the opening of the exhibition "Us and Them without Frontiers" and a presentation of Slovenian cuisine.

Počivalšek gets mandate to merge SMC with pro-business party

CELJE - Delegates of the coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC) gave party leader Zdravko Počivalšek the mandate for a merger, a tie-up and cooperation with other related parties and lists at the next general election. They also adopted a manifesto and programme for the election and elected ten new members of the party council. The party is to merge with the Economically Active Party (GAS), a pro-business party headed by National Council President Alojz Kovšca, possibly before the end of the year.

BSH Hišni Aparati to receive EUR 7.7 million subsidy

NAZARJE - The Nazarje-based home appliance maker BSH Hišni aparati, a Slovenian subsidiary of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, will receive a state subsidy worth EUR 7.7 million. The investment will create 62 new jobs, including at least 12 for highly qualified employees, the Economy Ministry said. Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek will sign a subsidy agreement with BSH Hišni Aparati CEO Boštjan Gorjup on Friday at the International Trade Fair in Celje.

Ana Roš among the world's top 10 chefs

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian Michelin starred chef Ana Roš from Hiša Franko has placed seventh in the rankings of the world's top chefs compiled by The Best Chef Awards 2021. Roš, who is the highest-ranked female chef on this year's list, has climbed 11 places from last year, according to The Best Chef Awards website. Adding to Hiša Franko's success, Maša Salopek, who has been with the Kobarid-based eatery since 2018, won the best chef pastry award for the year 2021.

Innovator and sound engineer Emilija Soklič wins Badjura award

LJUBLJANA - The recipient of this year's Badjura Award, given out for lifetime achievements in film since 1995, is the innovator and film sound engineer Emilija Soklič, one of the first Slovenian professional female film industry workers and an innovator in sound design. She will receive the award at the opening of the 24th Slovenian Film Festival on 12 October.

Drama Ljubljana's new season brings mixture of old and new

LJUBLJANA - SNG Drama Ljubljana, the country's leading theatre, will stage some old plays, some based on films and others it has commissioned itself, Drama's manager Igor Samobor said as the company presented its new season, which will open on 25 September with The Arsonists, a production based on Max Frisch's play. Milan Kundera's Jacques and His Master, directed by Dorian Šilec Petek, will follow in October, and Simona Hamer's newly written Everything OK (Vse OK) will be staged in December.

Classical music from Balkans in centre of Maribor Festival

MARIBOR - The Western Balkans is in the centre of musical exploration at this year's Maribor Festival which got under way with a concert featuring the artist-in-residence, North Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski, and the SNG Maribor Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Romanian conductor Gabriel Bebeselea. The festival will bring canon works of the classical repertoire and popular works of the western music tradition.

Robert Simonišek wins best essay collection prize

LJUBLJANA - Robert Simonišek, an author and art historian born in Celje in 1977, has won the 2021 Rožanc Prize for best collection of essays for Pejsaži - Sanjati na Soncu (Landscapes - Dreaming in the Sun). In his collection of 15 essays Simonišek reflects on themes as diverse as loneliness, love, populism, culture, artistic creativity and the virus. Named after essayist Marjan Rožanc, the prize will be presented on Saturday in the village of Rašica.

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Janša and Orban address Celje trade fair opening

CELJE - Prime Minister Janez Janša opened the 53rd International Trade Fair (MOS), saying the major challenges brought about by the Covid epidemic had been successfully weathered and that he was optimistic about the future. Welcoming Hungary as this year's partner country at the fair, Janša said bilateral economic cooperation was intensifying, noting that trade in goods reached EUR 1 billion in the first five months. Hungarian PM Viktor Orban said that 2020 had been a black year for the global economy, and that 2021 was a kind of an economic milestone, as a new global economic era was emerging although not everyone was aware of it yet.

Slovenian and Hungarian ministers discuss security, migration

CELJE - The home affairs ministers of Slovenia and Hungary, Aleš Hojs and Sandor Pinter, met in Celje on Wednesday on the sidelines of a meeting between the two prime ministers, Janez Janša and Viktor Orban, to discuss the security situation and migration. A press release from the Slovenian Ministry of Interior Affairs, said the two ministers had agreed about the urgent need to prevent mass migration flows in the EU and pressure on the bloc's external borders.

Slovenian, Hungarian governments expanding cooperation

CELJE - The governments of Slovenia and Hungary held a joint session with officials conducting an overview of existing cooperation and signed additional bilateral agreements. Government officials signed a letter of intent on a joint fund for Prekmurje and Porabje, the border regions populated by the Hungarian and Slovenian ethnic minorities, and a memorandum of understanding on development cooperation.

Entrepreneurs laud work of commercial diplomacy

CELJE - Business executives and entrepreneurs taking part in debate at the 10th Day of Commercial Diplomacy at the International Trade Fair in Celje praised the work of this branch of the diplomatic service, while they also offered their views on global challenges. The annual event was attended by Slovenian diplomats and representatives of institutions and companies with opening addresses delivered by Stanislav Raščan and Andrej Čuš, state secretaries at the ministries of foreign affairs and economy.

Six deaths and over 1,360 new Covid infections on Tuesday

LJUBLJANA - A total of 1,364 new coronavirus infections were confirmed in Slovenia on Tuesday, up 25% from a week earlier, while six patients with Covid-19 died, according to the latest data. The positivity rate was just over 20%, down from almost 25% a day earlier. The 7-day average of new cases rose to 953 and the 14-day incidence per 100,000 to 530, data from the National Institute of Public Health show. It estimates that there are now almost 11,240 active cases in the country. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals increased to 347 this morning, with 76 patients in intensive care.

Surge in vaccinations and protest as Covid pass mandate takes effect

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia has seen a surge in vaccinations in the run-up to the Covid pass mandate that took effect today, but the first day has also brought report of tensions in shops and a large protest in front of Parliament House by groups of antivaxxers and anti-maskers, at which police used a water canon and tear gas to disperse the crowd. After the Covid pass mandate was announced on Saturday, vaccine uptake surged with the number of doses administered doubling week-on-week on Monday and Tuesday as long waiting lines were reported in front of vaccination centres.

Pahor upholds von der Leyen's main messages in Rome

ROME, Italy - President Borut Pahor upheld the key points from the State of the Union address by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as addressed a meeting in Rome with the heads of state of 15 EU countries as part of the Arraiolos initiative discussing the path to strategic autonomy. He said they were a good compromise between different views and a good pointer for the steps that need to be taken, Pahor's office said.

Slovenian MEPs find von der Leyen's speech realistic, lacking specifics

LJUBLJANA - In assessing the annual address to the European Parliament by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Slovenian MEPs said on Wednesday her speech was realistic but lacked concrete proposals, including on social policy. Some welcomed the announced legislation on media freedom.

Slovenia to deploy more staff to NATO Iraq mission

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia plans to increase the number of personnel in NATO's mission in Iraq (NMI) to up to 15 soldiers and civilian experts under a decision adopted by the government in the summer that the parliamentary foreign policy and defence committees took note today. NATO defence ministers decided in February to expand the Iraq mission from 500 to 4,000 troops. Slovenia has participated in the Iraq mission since 2016 and two soldiers are currently deployed there.

Ombudsman reproves Education Ministry in presenting 2020 report

LJUBLJANA - Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina expressed his disappointment at what he described as unresponsiveness on the part of the Education Ministry to his warnings related to remote schooling, as he presented the 2020 report to a parliamentary committee. Addressing the Committee on Education, Science, Sports and Youth, Svetina said the 2020 report was marked by the Covid-19 epidemic. "Almost throughout the year we were facing measures to protect lives and health which strongly affected our lives, our freedoms, curbing them immensely," he said.

Slovenia part of new UNESCO five-country biosphere reserve

LJUBLJANA - UNESCO, the United Nations educational scientific and cultural organisation, has formally declared a biosphere reserve spanning the Mura, Drava and Danube rivers, the first five-country biosphere in the world. The area, spanning 900,000 hectares along the three rivers, has thus become the largest protected riparian reserve in Europe.

Ex-court stenographer charged with confidential info leak

CELJE - The Celje Prosecutor's Office has brought charges against Vojko Tadina, a former Celje District Court employee who is suspected of having leaked confidential information to the criminal underground in exchange for money, the newspaper Večer reported. Tadina, who started working at the court's criminal law department in 2018, is charged with disclosing confidential information. The investigation has shown that he leaked the confidential information for least two years, and that being a drug addict, he used the bulk of the money he received to pay his drug-related debts.

Pipistrel to produce Virus aircraft in Hungary

CELJE - Slovenian maker of ultralight aircraft Pipistrel signed an aircraft manufacturing agreement with Hungary's Genevation Aircraft on the manufacture, marketing and provision of after-sales support for select markets, a deal the company says is worth in excess of EUR 100 million over ten years. The agreement involves the final assembly of Pipistrel SW 121 family aircraft for select domestic and international markets, and cooperation in the development of opportunities and production of advanced composite structures, aircraft components, special mission programs and zero emission aircraft.

Spanish delivery company Glovo completes acquisition of Ehrana

LJUBLJANA - The acquisition of the food delivery platform Ehrana has been finalised and all activities have been transferred to Glovo, the Spanish acquirer said, after announcing in May that it would take over one of the largest home delivery providers in Slovenia. Glovo said all the content of the Ehrana app had now been transferred, which means that users of the app will be automatically redirected to Glovo via a personalised link. The same applies to the Ehrana website.

Ex-kindergarten head gets suspended sentence for maltreatment

LJUBLJANA - Branimira Vrečar, the former head of her private kindergarten in Ljubljana, received a two-year suspended prison sentence with a probation of four years for "neglect of minors and cruel treatment of children". Vrečar, 70, pleaded guilty last week but did not attend today's handing down of the sentence at the District Court in Ljubljana. She was also ordered to pay court fees.

Best of Slovenia's contemporary dance on show in Ljubljana

LJUBLJANA - The best of Slovenia's contemporary dance production over the past two years will be showcased at the 10th Gibanica biennial in Ljubljana, which opens tonight at the Old Power Station with the event entitled To Do Hugging, and until Saturday. Choreographer Marko Mlačnik will also be honoured for his lifetime achievement at the opening event. The competition programme will feature nine productions - eight picked from among a total of 55 productions and one that qualified directly by virtue of the producers winning an award at the previous festival.

Globetrotter Alma M. Karlin in focus of Vienna exhibition

VIENNA, Austria - An exhibition on Alma M. Karlin (1889-1950) will open today at the Weltmuseum Wien, shedding light on the life and work of the famed Slovenian author and globetrotter. Open until 18 January, the show's concept mirrors the 2020 monograph Endless Travels of Alma M. Karlin by Barbara Trnovec, a curator from the Celje Regional Museum who has studied Karlin's life for many years. She has co-curated the exhibition together with Reinhard Blumauer of the Weltmuseum.

Launch of demographic office postponed yet again

LJUBLJANA - The government decided at its correspondence session on Tuesday to postpone yet again the launch of the Government Office for Demographic Affairs, this time by a month. The new date for the office, which was to be fully up-and-running today, is now 15 October. The specialised institution designed to address demographic challenges was formally established with a government decree adopted in October 2020. It is still unclear who will lead the new office.

Slovenia defeat Czechia to enter Eurovolley semis

OSTRAVA, Czechia - Slovenia defeated hosts Czechia 3:0 at the Men's European Volleyball Championship to enter the semi-finals, where they will play Poland. The win marks a major boost for the Slovenians given that they lost to Czechia in the group stage, with the Czechs then proceeding to eliminate Olympic champions France.

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ECHR finds lack of effective legal remedy with respect to bail-in

STRASBOURG, France - The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled Slovenia violated Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 to the European Convention on Human Rights in dispossessing holders of shares and subordinated bonds as part of the 2013/14 bank bailout, finding they had no reasonable opportunity to challenge or seek compensation for the Slovenian central bank's measure. A counsel representing the applicants, said the court clearly ordered Slovenia to provide effective legal remedy and tackle the situation at home. The Finance Ministry pointed out that the court did not say whether the applicants were entitled to damages, adding that this was up to Slovenia courts to adjudicate.

Opposition wants answers after photos surface of PM on businessman's yacht

LJUBLJANA - The opposition demanded answers after POP TV released photos showing Prime Minister Janez Janša spending time with the lobbyist Božo Dimnik on a yacht owned by the businessmen Andrej Marčič in 2016. The POP TV report says this shows Janša and Marčič not been meeting accidentally, as Marčič claimed back when photos were published of the two playing golf in Mauritius almost two decades ago. Opposition parties want an investigation and the matter is likely to be discussed by the parliamentary Commission for Oversight of Public Finances later this week.

1,393 new coronavirus infections recorded on Monday

LJUBLJANA - The number of new coronavirus cases continues to rise in Slovenia, with 1,393 infections being detected on Monday, which is up 59% from a week ago and the highest daily figure since 7 April. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals was up by 21 to 333 and the number of patients in intensive care by three to 77. There are now more than 10,640 active cases in the country, according to the National Institute of Public Health.

Pahor discusses cooperation with Lombardy president in Milan

MILAN, Italy - President Borut Pahor met Attilio Fontana, the president of the Italian region of Lombardy, for what his office said were talks about cooperation, in particularly economic ties, and opportunities to develop and enhance bilateral relations. At the meeting, which was also attended by Letizia Moratti, the vice-president of the Italian region, Pahor called for a versatile deepening of the ties between Slovenia and Lombardy.

Opposition's motion on foreign students defeated in parliament

LJUBLJANA - Opposition-sponsored legislation that sought to revoke the requirement that third-country students must provide upfront proof of sufficient funding for their entire stay in Slovenia has been defeated at the National Assembly. The coalition parties as well as the National Party (SNS) and Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) argued that proving sufficient funds for financing of studies is appropriately regulated.

Slovenian, Hungarian governments to meet in Celje tomorrow

CELJE - PM Janez Janša and his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban will meet, accompanied by their delegations of ministers, in Celje on Wednesday, as Hungary is featured as the partner country at the 53rd Celje International Trade Fair, the Government Communication Office announced. The two governments will review bilateral cooperation in economy, infrastructure, defence, home affairs, culture, science and ethnic minorities.

Session on neo-Nazism suspended after minister walks out

LJUBLJANA - A joint session of two parliamentary working bodies, called by the centre-left opposition to discuss the status of an association that has been linked to the Identitarian movement, was broken off yesterday after Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti walked out, while another minister excused himself from attending the session.

Additional fencing planned on border with Croatia

CELJE - Slovenia plans to erect several dozen kilometres of new fencing on the border with Croatia in an effort to crack down on illegal migrations, Interior Minister Aleš Hojs said. An agreement on the new fencing is about to be finalised and the construction work should start within two or three weeks, Hojs told reporters during the government's visit to the Savinjska region.

Slovenian tourism expected to bounce back by 2024

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia has been recording solid tourism figures this year but the sector is not expected to bounce back before 2023 or, more likely, 2024, Economy Ministry State Secretary Simon Zajc said. Asian guests are unlikely to return before 2023. However, the digital Covid pass will make travel easier for European tourists in that it removes uncertainty in the crossing of borders, Zajc said.

SIJ ups revenue by 24% in first half, back to profit

LJUBLJANA - The steel group SIJ generated EUR 451.6 million in sales revenue in the first half of the year, or 24.4% more year-on-year, while bouncing from a loss in the first half of 2020 to more than EUR 10 million in net profit. In the January-June period, the group almost doubled earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to EUR 43.6 million, the company said.

UNICEF survey confirms rise in distress among Slovenian teens

LJUBLJANA - A survey UNICEF Slovenia carried out in June among 400 respondents aged 10 to 18 has shown that a lack of quality inter-personal relations during the Covid-19 epidemic has deepened distress of children and youths in Slovenia. Many children and youths also do not turn to adults for help and are trying to resolve their problems themselves.

Man gets three years for robbing rectory in Višnja Gora

LJUBLJANA - The Ljubljana District Court sentenced a 40-year-old man to three years in prison for the robbery of the rectory in Višnja Gora last December. Milenko Hudorovac pleaded guilty at the beginning of the trial, but then changed his mind and denied guilt until the end of the proceedings, the newspaper Dnevnik reported.

Police apprehend three people transporting illegal migrants

MARIBOR/NOVO MESTO - Maribor police detained a Moldovan man on Monday who was illegally transporting ten Bangladeshi nationals in his vehicle, while his accomplice, believed to be an Afghan national, is still on the run. On the same day, Novo Mesto police arrested a man and a woman from Georgia that were illegally transporting seven migrants.

Artist climbs Mt Triglav to examine her national identity

LJUBLJANA - Lina Akif, a Slovenian-born drama student of African-Hungarian descent, climbed Mt Triglav, one of the main Slovenian symbols, last week to claim her Slovenian identity by carrying a head of the Kurent carnival costume, another powerful Slovenian symbol, up to the country's tallest mountain, "the altar of Slovenian identity". The project took the form of the Passion of Jesus, and was termed Slovenian Passion.

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Slovenia to donate EUR 300,000 to Afghanistan

GENEVA, Switzerland/LJUBLJANA - FM Anže Logar announced at the international donor conference for Afghanistan that Slovenia will donate EUR 300,000 in aid to help the country amid a deteriorating humanitarian crisis. The funds will be used for food, medical care and aid for the displaced Afghans and for refugees in the neighbouring countries, the Foreign Ministry said in a release. Logar, who addressed the conference via video call, expressed concern about the increasing humanitarian crisis and the affected people in Afghanistan. More than US$1 billion in aid was raised, said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Bavdaž Kuret named special adviser to UN General Assembly president

NEW YORK, US - Darja Bavdaž Kuret, a seasoned diplomat who served as Slovenia's former permanent representative to the UN, was appointed special adviser to Abdulla Shahid, the president of the 76th UN General Assembly, who will take over on Tuesday. Bavdaž Kuret's is the second highest post ever held by a Slovenian representative to the UN after Danilo Türk served as UN assistant secretary general for political affairs from 2000 to 2005.

Janša calls for preparedness for future crises at WHO Europe

LJUBLJANA - PM Janez Janša addressed a session of the WHO Regional Office for Europe to stress the importance of preparedness and effective responsiveness to future health crises. He also discussed the importance of science and solidarity in battling the Covid-19 pandemic. The release from the prime minister's office quotes Janša in saying that healthcare systems, which had been under tremendous pressure, now needed significant investments and innovations to become stronger and more resilient. He welcomed the initiative of WHO Europe to establish a special pan-European commission for health and sustainable development.

Pahor honoured by University of Bologna

BOLOGNA, Italy - President Borut Pahor was awarded Sigillum Magnum, the highest recognition from the University of Bologna given to influential figures. Thanking for the honour at a special ceremony, Pahor said he understood it as recognition of his efforts for dialogue, reconciliation and better future. The university praised Pahor for his efforts for dialogue between nations and countries and his dedication to the fundamental European values. The president also met Romano Prodi, a former Italian prime minister and former president of the European Commission.

Covid pass mandate seen as way to keep society open

LJUBLJANA - Employees and users of services in nearly all sectors will have to comply with the vaccinated-recovered-tested rule from Wednesday, a decision that government officials say is designed to offer the best possible protection while keeping the economy and society open. For employees, the cost of testing will be covered by employers, who are allowed to sanction those who do not comply in accordance with regulations governing safety at work or employment relationships.

Covid-19 hospitalisations pass 300

LJUBLJANA - Another 282 people tested positive for coronavirus in Slovenia on Sunday, an increase of 20% from the same day a week ago, as the number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals passed 300 and one more patient died. Official data shows 312 patients were treated in hospitals this morning, including 74 in intensive care. The National Institute of Pubic Health estimates there are now 9,791 active coronavirus cases in the country. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 is at 462.

Creative sector discussed as generator of economic growth

LJUBLJANA - A panel held as part of the Future Unlocked online conference agreed the creative and culture sector plays an important role in generating economic growth. The main topics of the two-day online conference hosted by Slovenia as the EU presiding country is the role of the creative sector in the green transition, social innovation and economic growth, and in attaining sustainable goals. Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek said many companies were aware of the added value brought by creativity, while there was still a lot of room for improvement.

Conference discusses rights of small shareholders

BLED - The rights and obligations of small shareholders were in the focus of an international investors' conference in Bled, with panellists highlighting access to information, cross-border share holdings and sustainable corporate governance as some of the key issues. Corporate information must be comprehensive, comparable and standardised, said Carmine Di Noia, commissioner of the Italian Commission for Companies and the Stock Exchange. He said greater uptake of electronic means could not be an excuse to make participation of shareholders more difficult. The conference, which also discussed saving for retirement, was organised by the Slovenian association of small shareholders VZMD and Better Finance, the European Federation of Investors and Financial Services Users.

Anti-money laundering agency gets full-fledged head

LJUBLJANA - The government appointed Damjan Žugelj a full-fledged director of the Office for Money Laundering Prevention, after he led it as acting head since 15 March. He will take over on 15 September for a five-year term, with the option of reappointment. Žugelj, who holds a PhD in law, previously served as director of the Securities Market Agency and director of the company publishing the Official Gazette.

SDS remains in the lead, govt rating improves in Delo poll

LJUBLJANA - The ruling Democrats (SDS) continue to top the party rankings at 18.3% in the latest monthly Mediana poll conducted for the newspaper Delo, with their support rising 1.2 percentage points compared to August. The SDS is followed by the opposition Social Democrats (SD), whose support dropped by 2.4 points to 10.3%. The voter approval rating for the government has also improved.

Slovenian minority in Hungary gets EUR 2.3m for economy promotion

LJUBLJANA - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek and Minister for Slovenians Abroad Helena Jaklitsch signed a EUR 2.3 million programme for the promotion of the economy of the Slovenian ethnic minority in Hungary in the 2021-2024 period. "Slovenians are Slovenians, be it here or beyond the border. This programme is the right move for an additional boost and development of the economic basis of the area populated by the Slovenian ethnic minority," Počivalšek said. Jaklitsch said a "strong economy also means a more self-confident minority, which in turn means more care for the language and development of the potential in cultural life".

New concept of voluntary service ramps up interest in army

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Armed Forces estimate the interest in voluntary service has increased by 40% to 50% this year as a new concept of voluntary service was introduced on 5 July. Presenting the experiences, Lieutenant-Colonel Jurij Raduha, the head of the SAF Training Centre, said that of the 172 candidates involved in the first of three phases of service, 159 successfully completed it and 140 entered the second phase. Last year, 106 candidates were deployed in voluntary service.

Postojna Cave to welcome 220,000 visitors this year

POSTOJNA - The Postojna Cave, one of Slovenia's main natural landmarks, which reopened for visitors in June after the longest closure in its history due to Covid-19 restrictions, expects the pre-pandemic figures to be reached in ten years. This year it expects around 220,000 visitors if no new lockdown is imposed, which is comparable to ten years ago, the company's director Marjan Batagelj told the press. Postojnska Jama revenue topped EUR 8.4 million at the end of 2020, which means a loss of almost EUR 2.6 million, while this year's revenue is expected to reach EUR 10 million.

Kolektor signs road deal contract in Croatia

NOVI VINODOLSKI, Croatia - Slovenian company Kolektor CPG, the leading partner in a consortium with Italy's ICM, signed a contract with the Croatian national motorway company Hrvatske Autoceste (HAC) on the construction of a by-pass road in the coastal town of Novi Vinodolski. The project is estimated at EUR 77.8 million. Kolektor is also involved in several other projects in Croatia, including a EUR 75 million construction of a road connecting Škurinje and the port of Rijeka.

Slovenia just below EU average in adult education

LJUBLJANA - In 2020, 14.3% of Slovenians aged 15 or more participated in education and learning programmes, which is just below the EU average. Data from the Statistics Office shows that the percentage has been dropping, with the biggest fall seen in the pandemic year. The highest share was recorded in the 15-25 age group, at 76.6%, but the proportion drops with age. In the 25-49 group, 10.9% were involved in lifelong education and only 3% in the 50 plus group.

Cavers break over 1,000 metres deep

BOVEC - Cavers from the Ljubljana Cave Exploration Association have surpassed a depth of 1,000 metres in a cave under the highland glacial karst area on the Kanin mountains. The newly discovered cave is one of the 100 deepest caves in the world, said Matic Di Batista, president of the association. The newly discovered cave in a cave system called the Abyss of the Sleeping Dinosaur is also the tenth in Slovenia with a depth of more than 1,000 metres.

Portorož hosting WTA 250 tournament

PORTOROŽ - The Slovenian seaside resort of Portorož is hosting the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) circuit until Sunday for a tournament with a prize money of US$235,238. The first seed, Croatia's Petra Martić ranks 32nd in the WTA rankings. Second seed is Kazakh player Yulia Putintseva, 33rd in the world rankings, and the third seed, Alison Riske of the US ranks 35th. The tournament will feature eight Slovenian players, including Tamara Zidanšek as the 5th seed.

Volleyball: Slovenia beat Croatia to enter Euro quarter-finals

OSTRAVA, Czech Republic - The Slovenian men's volleyball team made it to the quarter-finals of the European Championships by beating Croatia in the round of 16. The team needed four sets to beat the neighbours, taking the first set convincingly and only slipping in the third set. Slovenia will play their quarter-finals match in Ostrava on Wednesday with the winner of the round of 16 encounter between the reining Olympic champions France and the Czech Republic.

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This summary is provided by the STA: 

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: 

Restrictions tightened under near-universal Covid pass mandate

LJUBLJANA - Nearly all employees and users of services will have to comply with the vaccinated-recovered-tested rule under a new regulation becomes effective on 15 September. The cost of testing will be covered by the state. The requirement applies to all users of services as well, only they will have to pay for testing out of their pocket. The only businesses exempted are grocery stores and pharmacies, the government decided.

Finance ministers in favour of continuation of investment cycle

BRDO PRI KRANJU - EU finance ministers spoke in favour of a continuation of the bloc's current investment cycle. Slovenia's Andrej Šircelj said everyone showed a great desire for Europe to continue with this investment cycle and to become stronger after the pandemic. European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis highlighted robust growth figures, but he said stimulus measures cannot be indefinite. "When the time comes, we will have to gradually start reducing deficit and debt."

Tribute paid to victims of 9/11

LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Anže Logar paid tribute to the victims of the 11 September terrorist attacks on Saturday alongside Susan Falatko, the charge d'affaires at the US Embassy in Ljubljana. The minister said Slovenia remained deeply committed to the prevention and terrorism and radicalisation, placing special emphasis on the fight against terrorism in Western Balkans, noting that Slovenia would continue to work closely with the US and other allies in the protection of collective values and collective security. Falatko, who also hosted a separate ceremony at the embassy, said the US was grateful to Slovenian colleagues and friends "for standing by us at our most difficult moment 20 years ago."

Ceremony remembers return of Primorska to the homeland

IDRIJA - The main ceremony remembering the return of the western Primorska region to the homeland was held in Idrija. Mayor Tomaž Vencelj said it was important the event was held in Idrija, which has been an important part of Primorska for half a century and made the region richer with its natural beauty, heritage and successful economy. The event also marked 74 years since the implementation of the Paris Peace Treaty under which Primorska was reunited with Slovenia after being under Italian rule since the end of WWI.

Over 1,000 daily cases reported again as hospital figures remain stable

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 1,085 new cases of coronavirus on Friday on a positivity rate of nearly 20%, the third day this week that the 1,000-mark has been exceeded. Hospitalisations did not increase much. There were 274 patients in hospital this morning, down four from yesterday, whereas the number of intensive care cases rose by one to 62. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 population is now 441.

Pandemic pushes Štore Steel into the red

ŠTORE - Štore Steel slipped into the red in 2020 as a result of the pandemic after operating with a profit for eight years. Its loss reached EUR 2.5 million, which compares to a profit of EUR 2.8 million in 2019. Revenue dropped by 24% to EUR 85.7 million. The loss resulted from lower activity of the global automotive industry due to the pandemic, the company's director Jani Jurkošek told the STA.

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EU finance ministers cautiously optimistic at Brdo meeting

BRDO PRI KRANJU - EU finance ministers were optimistic about the health and economic situation in the EU and eurozone, noting it was significantly better than expected months ago. However, they also cautioned that the danger was not over yet and plenty of challenges remained as they held talks in Brdo pri Kranju. European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni said an ECDC analysis confirmed the EU's vaccination campaign had been a great success, while ECB President Christine Lagarde said the current situation was better than expected months ago, urging ongoing decisive action and cooperation.

Janša named CEE person of the year at Karpacz Economic Forum

KARPACZ, Poland - Prime Minister Janez Janša received the award for person of the year in Central and Eastern Europe at the Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland. In his speech, he underlined the region's key role in the bloc and its Christian heritage. "Central Europe is defined by Christianity. In this the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity as core ideas of European integration were born from Catholic teachings. What is more, Central Europeans have defended the European way of life through history," he was quoted as saying. Janša also appeared at a panel on post-Covid recovery along with the Polish and Ukrainian prime ministers, Mateusz Morawiecki and Denys Shmyhal.

Janša meets IMF executive director, OECD sec-gen

LJUBLJANA - PM Janez Janša met IMF executive director Kristalina Georgieva and OECD secretary general Mathias Cormann to discuss the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the global economy and recovery plans. The meeting with Cormann also focussed on other challenges OECD members are currently faced with. Cormann also met Foreign Minister Anže Logar, with the pair expressing optimism about the global economic recovery and noting the need to change international standards in taxation of digital economy.
Georgieva and Cormann are in Slovenia for an informal session of EU finance ministers.

Pahor, Poklukar and Covid advisors urge over-50s to vaccinate

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor hosted a meeting with Health Minister Janez Poklukar and members of the government Covid advisory group held over the coronavirus outbreak. They called for vaccination, especially for all over 50 years of age, with Poklukar announcing the government could declare a state of epidemic again if deemed necessary as hospitals were filling up with Covid-19 patients of all ages. Poklukar said around 24,000 people got a job so far this week.

Almost 1,000 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Thursday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia reported 998 new coronavirus infections for Thursday with the positivity rate standing at 19.2%, show the latest official data. Hospitalisations continued to rise as four Covid-19 patients died, government data shows. A total of 278 patients were hospitalised this morning, up by nine on the day before, including 61 in intensive care, down by two. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 population increased by 22 to 416.

Slovenians distrustful of government on EU recovery funds

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Slovenians are the least likely of all EU citizens to trust their government that EU recovery funds will be used properly, according to a Eurobarometer survey. The other countries where people are least likely to trust their government are Slovakia and Hungary, while Luxembourgers, Danes, Finns and the Dutch trust their governments most. The EU average stands at 44%. The survey was carried out ahead of the State of the Union speech by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Over 60 ethnic Slovenians repatriated from Venezuela

LJUBLJANA - A total of 63 ethnic-Slovenian residents of Venezuela have so far been repatriated to Slovenia. All of them are doing well, with many of them already in employment, and students included in the education system, the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad said. So far no major problems have been detected in the repatriation process, said the office after the second session of the inter-ministerial government task force in charge of coordinating the process.

Pahor pays tribute to former Portuguese president

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor offered his condolences to his Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on the death of the country's former President Jorge Sampaio. In a post on his Twitter profile Pahor described Sampaio as a great statesman who promoted dialogue, solidarity and freedom. Pahor said Sampaio "will be remembered in Slovenia as a genuine friend who contributed to friendly relations between Slovenia and Portugal as early as 1990s".

No progress on social dialogue after first round of talks

LJUBLJANA - Although social partners seemed ready to restore dialogue on the Economic and Social Council (ESS) at a meeting with President Borut Pahor at the end of last month, the first round of talks brought no progress. Trade unions called it a "big disappointment", saying the government still did not understand the role of the ESS. The unions said the government insisted the ESS was a government advisory body although ESS rules say it comprised of three equal social partners.

KSJS urges govt to meet its financial obligations towards STA, RTV Slovenija

LJUBLJANA - The KSJS confederation of public sector trade unions called on the government to meet its obligations towards the public media, chiefly to pay for the public service performed by the STA and provide adequate funding for public broadcaster RTV Slovenija. KSJS said the state's obligation is to ensure that public media function and develop. However, as things stand now, the implementation of the public service in the media, "and thus the communication rights of all of us", are hampered.

Crunch meeting calls for DeSUS MPs to resign

LJUBLJANA - The Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) held an in-camera meeting to discuss the relationship with the party's MPs. Party leader Ljubo Jasnič said the meeting had proposed for the party council to call on the MPs to resign. If the council supports the call on Thursday but the MPs fail to heed it, Jasnič is not ruling out his resignation. He indicated the same if the council failed to support the call for the resignation, which would however not be binding on the MPs.

Avto Aktiv acquired by Hungarian group

BUDAPEST, Hungary - The Hungarian group Autowallis is expanding in Slovenia, having submitted a binding bid for the takeover of car dealership Avto Aktiv after acquiring the BMW dealership segment of the company A-Cosmos last year and being a certified representative of the Jaguar and Land Rover brands in the country, and as of this year Opel as well. Avto Aktiv, which sells BMW, MINI, Jaguar, Land Rover, Toyota and Suzuki, and provides maintenance services, has an annual turnover of over EUR 50 million.

Ljubljana graphic arts biennial paying tribute to Iskra Delta

LJUBLJANA - The 34th Ljubljana International Biennial of Graphic Arts opened in several venues in the capital. Running until 21 September, the biennial runs under the title Iskra Delta, the name of a former Slovenia-based computing company and one of the largest producers of computers in Yugoslavia, which went bust just before the collapse of the former state. But it also also looks towards the future by featuring young artists.

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 Govt determined not to shut down economy or public life

IDRIJA - Prime Minister Janez Janša said the government was determined not to shut down the economy or public life despite surging cases. Vaccination is the only way to avoid disruption to normal life, he said, adding that it was in the shared interests of the government, opposition, media and each individual to reach such a vaccination rate that the Covid-19 outbreak would not jeopardise public life or the health system.

Janša calls no-confidence motions tragicomic

IDRIJA - Prime Minister Janez Janša dismissed no-confidence motions sought by the centre-left opposition against two members of his government as being groundless on Wednesday, saying the attempts were rather tragicomic considering they were coming this late in the term. Janša wondered if the most they could agree on was how to bring a motion of no confidence, "how then would they cope with the epidemic."

Number of new daily coronavirus infections tops 1,000

LJUBLJANA - A total of 1,093 new coronavirus cases were recorded in Slovenia on Tuesday, a record high in the wave of the epidemic. The last time the daily number of new infections topped 1,000 was at the end of April, near the peak of the spring wave. According to fresh data provided by the government, 243 Covid-19 patients were in hospital this morning, including 61 in intensive care. Three patients died.

Minister points to lack of vaccination culture, solidarity

LJUBLJANA - Health Minister Janez Poklukar has told the STA that there would be no talk about restrictive measures, but about Slovenia opening up, if a 70% rate of vaccination against Covid-19 was achieved. He sees many reasons for a low vaccination rate, including the lack of vaccination culture and solidarity.

International organisations urge end to STA crisis

VIENNA, Austria - Nineteen international journalism and media freedom organisations have signed a joint statement urging the Slovenian government and the Government Communication Office "to immediately end the economic suffocation of the STA and take steps to ensure sustainable funding before its collapse". They point out that it has been 250 days since the agency has received public funding.

Aljoša Rehar appointed new STA editor-in-chief

LJUBLJANA - Aljoša Rehar has been named the new editor-in-chief of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) and is to take over for a four-year term in December from Barbara Štrukelj, who is ending her 12-year stint. The decision on Rehar's appointment was issued by STA director Bojan Veselinovič on Wednesday after Rehar was backed by a 98.5% majority in a secret ballot with a turnout of 80.7%.

Proposal to waive fines for Covid infractions defected

LJUBLJANA - A proposal by the opposition to waive fines for infractions of coronavirus restrictions that were declared unconstitutional has been rejected by the Home Policy Committee. The opposition wanted to halt ongoing proceedings and compensate all individuals who had to pay fines. The coalition voted against.

Pahor and his climate advisors talk Slovenia's energy future

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor met on Tuesday with members of his permanent advisory committee on climate policy. Slovenia's energy future topped the agenda, with the participants discussing efforts to make the country carbon-neutral and energy self-sufficient, Pahor's office said.

Hidria to build EUR 40m R&D and production facility

IDRIJA - Industrial conglomerate Hidria broke ground for a EUR 40 million high-tech centre for the development and production of key components for electric motors for hybrid and electric vehicles. The new centre is slated to open in the middle of 2023, and will first service car manufacturers BMW and Mercedes. Hidria needs new production facilities after it has concluded a number of long-term deals with several leading global vehicle manufacturers.

Iskratel signs deal on fibre-optic network expansion in Ukraine

KRANJ - The Slovenian broadband access solutions provider Iskratel will work with Ukraine's Ukrtelecom on a project to expand the fibre-optic network in Ukraine in a deal worth EUR 12 million, the Kranj-based company said. Iskratel and Ukrtelecom have signed a three-year contract for a network expansion project that will provide gigabit connectivity to 1.3 million people and 530,000 homes in more than 300 locations in different regions of Ukraine, Iskratel said.

Insurers soon free of restrictions on profit distribution

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian insurance companies will be free of restrictions on the distribution of profit after the Agency for Insurance Supervision decided not to extend beyond September a macroprudential measure that severely curtailed payouts. The decision was made after a review of insurance and pension companies' interim results and against the backdrop of improved economic indicators, the agency said.

Slovenian researchers develop new medication for prostate cancer

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian researchers have developed an advanced cell-based medication for the treatment of prostate cancer that opens up the possibility for the new technology to be used also for treatment of other types of solid tumours. The medication has been developed by the Ljubljana Faculty of Medicine, UKC Ljubljana hospital, the Celica biomedicine centre and the Institute for Transfusion Medicine.

Austrian military officer's statue back in Tivoli Park

LJUBLJANA - A statue of Austrian Field Marshal Josef Radetzky (1766-1858) has been erected in Tivoli Park at the same spot in front of Tivoli Mansion from where it was removed in 1918. The decision has sparked controversy among historians, given the historical burden the monument carries. The city erected the monument quietly, without much fanfare.

Dostoevsky, Jančar and Berlin Philharmonic to headline new season at Cankarjev Dom

LJUBLJANA - A guest appearance by the Berlin Philharmonic, a series of events marking the 200th anniversary of Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky and a production based on Drago Jančar's award-winning novel will be among the highlights of the new season of Cankarjev Dom, Slovenia's biggest cultural venue. The Ljubljana International Film Festival is returning to the big screen for its 32nd iteration between 10 and 21 November.

Mako Sajko honoured by peers for his short documentaries

LJUBLJANA - Mako Sajko, a 94-year-old screenwriter and director known mainly for his short documentaries, won the France Štiglic Award for lifetime achievement as the Directors' Guild of Slovenia presented its annual accolades. The judging panel described Sajko's oeuvre as "truly exceptional" and a "series of classics, a neckless of film pearls on the thankless neck of Slovenian cinematography".

New MGL theatre's season dedicated to great expectations

LJUBLJANA - The Ljubljana City Theatre (MGL) has dubbed its new season Great Expectations, a slogan referring to the hope that in 2022 the world will re-establish itself. The programme will feature 12 premieres, including two from the previous season which were thwarted by the epidemic. The premieres include five on the big stage, four on the small and three mono-projects by the theatre's actors.

Puppet Artists Biennial starts in Maribor

MARIBOR - The Maribor Puppet Theatre is hosting the 11th Biennial of Puppet Artists of Slovenia from Wednesday to Saturday. The selector Rok Bozovičar has picked 12 productions to present an overview of puppetry in Slovenia. "I wanted to give all performances the same visibility in the festival, especially in the light of the current situation. It seemed to me that this could be an inclusive biennial, bringing together the scene in the broadest possible sense," he explained.

Medical school didn't accept non-EU students due to staff, space constraints

MARIBOR - Responding to an allegation of discrimination leveraged by a youth trade union, the Faculty of Medicine in Maribor said it did not accept any non-EU first-year candidates for the coming academic year because of a shortage of staff and space constrains. The faculty increased the number of posts for first-year students from Slovenia and the EU by 10 to 106, which it said is its upper limit. While not accepting any foreigners from non-EU countries, the faculty accepted two ethnic Slovenians without Slovenian citizenship.

Slovenia lose to Croatia in 2022 World Cup qualifiers

SPLIT - Slovenia lost against Croatia 0:3 in Split on Tuesday in the sixth round of the group stage of the World Cup qualifiers, with almost no chances left for qualification now. Coach Matjaž Kek and captain Jan Oblak acknowledged Croatia's superiority after the match.

Slovenia enter relegation round at European volleyball championship

OSTRAVA, Czechia - Slovenia will enter the relegation round at the European Volleyball Championship. The team won three of the five group matches and the final-round 0:3 loss against Italy means that they will finish the group stage in second or third place. The final placement will be determined in Thursday's game between the only undefeated team in group B, Italy, and hosts Czechia.

Coronavirus testing points goes ablaze in apparent arson

LJUBLJANA - A coronavirus testing point went up in flames in Kamnik on Tuesday night, as a fire that started in a wooden shed spread to a nearby shipping container which served as a testing point. Arson is suspected as flyers by opponents of the recovered-vaccinated-tested rule were found at the scene.

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Opposition tables motion of no confidence in justice and education ministers

LJUBLJANA - Four centre-left opposition parties, the Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), the Social Democrats (SD), Left and Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB), tabled motions of no confidence in Justice Minister Marjan Dikaučič and Education Minister Simona Kustec. The main charge against Dikaučič is the failure to appoint Slovenia's delegated European prosecutors. Kustec has been accused of failings regarding getting schools ready for the new wave of the pandemic. Dikaučič said he saw the motion as "an integral part of politics" and a chance to "show what the ministry is doing in terms of the commitments in the coalition agreement." Kustec said she would respond to the allegations during the course of the debate at the National Assembly.

Farm ministers urge stronger urban-rural dialogue

BRDO PRI KRANJU - EU agriculture ministers called for a stronger dialogue between urban and rural areas as they held an informal meeting in Brdo pri Kranju. Slovenia's Jože Podgoršek said conflicts needed to be prevented with the help of better infrastructure and technology. He said the near-unanimous view was that "a multifaceted, multi-policy approach to rural development is needed," leveraging not just the EU's Common Agriculture Policy but also the post-pandemic recovery funds and cohesion funds.

Poklukar not founding new party but sees himself as minister after election

LJUBLJANA - Health Minister Janez Poklukar rejected speculation about him founding his own party in the run-up to the general election due next year. Talking with the STA in an interview, he said he did not intend to stand in the election, but should a chance arise, he sees himself continuing as health minister after the election. "It's true though that ministership is a political office. But I don't see myself as a politician, I see myself primarily as a healthcare expert," he said.

877 new coronavirus cases as ICU cases climb

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia reported 877 new coronavirus cases for Monday, the highest daily figure since 4 May. Data released by the government shows there were 229 patients hospitalised with Covid-19 in the morning, including 54 in intensive care, while two patients died yesterday. The National Institute of Public Health estimates that there are now 7,276 active cases in the country, with the 14-day incidence per 100,000 at 342 and the 7-day case count average at 599.

Epidemic cannot be excuse to undermine democracy, says Speaker Zorčič

LJUBLJANA/VIENNA, Austria - The Covid-19 epidemic cannot be an excuse for the undermining of democracy, said parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič as he attended the fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Vienna. Participating in a panel on efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on democracy, he also presented the parliament's efforts to adjust to the new situation brought about by the pandemic, saying the circumstances had strengthened the chances of democratic decision-making.

Hojs points to cooperation in fight against firearms trafficking

LJUBLJANA - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs said cooperation was key to fighting firearms trafficking in SE Europe as he attended, as a representative of the Slovenian EU presidency, an online high-level meeting the European Commission organised on the issue in a bid to strengthen regional cooperation. "Establishing strong partnerships, particularly with our partners in the Western Balkans, has long been a priority of Slovenia's, which is the reason why it has been made one of the priorities of our EU presidency," Hojs said.

STA and UKOM agree to resume talks

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Press Agency (STA) and Government Communication Office (UKOM) agreed to resume talks aimed at signing the annual agreement to fund the STA public service as the two directors were hosted by President Borut Pahor for a meeting at the Presidential Palace. Addressing reporters after the talks, Pahor said both STA director Bojan Veselinovič and UKOM director Uroš Urbanija were willing to resume dialogue and agreed to make a genuine effort to amend the draft agreement for 2021 "so they can sign it shortly, in a reasonable time, thus seeing to settle the issue of regular STA funding".

Indecent behaviour amendments confirmed after change

LJUBLJANA - The Home Policy Committee confirmed an amendment to the act on public law an order regarding indecent behaviour. The original proposal envisaged fines for insulting senior officials, but the wording has been tweaked at the proposal of the coalition to make indecent behaviour towards anyone punishable by a fine. The power of the police to issue fines when they detect such conduct of their own motion has been preserved. While the particular amendment has been confirmed, the bill that implements all the amendments to the act has not been endorsed yet.

Income tax act tweak benefiting cross-border migrants rejected

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Finance Committee rejected amendments to the income tax act that would have reduced the tax burden on workers who commute across the border and pay higher taxes in Slovenia than they would in the countries where they work. The proposal, submitted by the Trade Union of Migrant Workers last December with the backing of 12,000 signatures, involved a higher general tax allowance and reduced taxation in the top bracket.

Trade union accuses medical schools of discrimination against non-EU students

LJUBLJANA/MARIBOR - Mladi Plus, a union representing students and young jobless, accused the Ljubljana and Maribor medical schools of turning down all non-EU citizens who wanted to get enrolled with a vague explanation, alleging "discrimination based on nationality". While the schools are yet to respond, the union alleges the candidates were told at the end of August, when they could no longer enrol at other colleges, that all the places had been reserved for Slovenians without Slovenian citizenship.

Slovenia, Germany and Portugal adopt schemes for patient inclusion in cancer research

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia, as part of the EU Trio Presidency together with Germany and Portugal, adopted a document on approaches to actively involve patients in cancer research. The aim is to coordinate national and European studies and to urge European countries to work together, the Slovenian Ministry of Education, Science and Sport said. "We have received a clear signal that patient involvement needs to become a more widespread protocol across Europe," Simona Kustec, Anja Karliczek and Manuel Heitor, the relevant ministers of Slovenia, Germany and Portugal, said.

Vilenica literary festival gets under way

LJUBLJANA - The 36th international literary festival Vilenica opened in Ljubljana with a conference examining the complex relationship between literature and war. Offering a mix of online and in-person events, the festival explores the broader theme of fear and courage. The Vilenica Prize will be conferred on Austrian writer Josef Winkler on Saturday. While the Slovenian author in focus is Milan Dekleva, this year's Vilenica anthology will feature contemporary Portuguese literature.

Montenegrin author Stefan Bošković wins CEI Prize at Vilenica

LJUBLJANA - Stefan Bošković, a Montenegrin writer, won the Central European Initiative (CEI) Prize for up-and-coming authors, conferred at the Vilenica literary festival. The 38-year-old has been honoured for his latest novel Minister. The political satire, which has already earned him the 2020 EU Prize for Literature, raises issues including the role of national culture in contemporary society and the chasm between the political elite and the people.

Jančar demands call for TV series based on his novel withdrawn

LJUBLJANA - As Slovenia is gearing up for its guest appearance at the 2023 Frankfurt Book Fair, the Culture Ministry wanted to have a mini series made based on Drago Jančar's award-winning novel I Saw Her That Night to promote the author at the fair. But the ministry had to withdraw the EUR 2 million call after being asked to do so by Jančar, who told Delo "the time is not right for such a call and any discussion on a film series".

Almost EUR 6bn in public contracts awarded last year

LJUBLJANA - A total of EUR 5.84 billion in public procurement contracts were awarded in Slovenia in 2020, contributing 12.62% to the country's GDP, 1.07 percentage points more than in 2019, according to a report by the Public Administration Ministry. The contracts were awarded by 2,133 contracting authorities. 752 of the public procurement EU-subsidised contracts were awarded, worth around EUR 573 million, which is an increase compared to 2019.

Paloma sales down, profit up

SLADKI VRH - Paloma, a maker of hygienic paper products, posted sales of EUR 73.5 million for 2020, down nine percent over the year before. Net profit was just shy of EUR 10 million, compared to EUR 1.6 million in the year before, according to the company's annual report. The company, owned by the Czech-Slovak group Eco Investment, posted earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of nearly EUR 7 million, 16% above plans.

Fugitive businessman released on EUR 800,000 bail

LJUBLJANA - Businessman Sergej Racman was released on an EUR 800,000 bail half a year after appearing in court on charges that he masterminded a massive prostitution operation in a club in western Slovenia. This comes after the Higher Court turned down an appeal by the defence, which argued that Racman should not be released from custody, Večer newspaper reported.