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Janša about independence, its opponents in Ognjišče interview

LJUBLJANA - Independence was the right path, it is just that being naive, we did not consolidate it in time, PM Janez Janša said in an interview with the Catholic radio station Radio Ognjišče, warning that reviving the totalitarian left-wing ideology in a relatively young democracy was very dangerous. "Those threatening with nationalisation, abolishment of parliamentary democracy, exit from the eurozone and even death are bloody serious. And to be honest, we ourselves will also be to blame if we don't say 'no' to them in time."

Slovenia's tennis player Zidanšek wins first WTA tournament

LAUSANNE, Switzerland - Top seed Tamara Zidanšek, the French Open semi-finalist, won the WTA Lousanne Open beating France's Clara Burel in the finals after a good two hours with 4:6, 7:6 (5) and 6:1 for what is her first-ever WTA tournament victory. "I'm really happy I managed to win it, and now I got that under my belt," she said after the victory. The world's number 50 won the Lousanne title as she played in the finals of a WTA tournament for the third time - after Bogota in April and Nürnberg in 2019.

Slovenian travel agencies record higher demand for organised tours

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian travel agencies have noticed interested in organised tours as Slovenians travel more and more after stiff coronavirus restrictions have been relaxed, although demand remains 20% below last year's. "Demand for holidays and travel is slowly returning," Mišo Mrvaljević, the secretary general of the Association of Tourist Agencies of Slovenia, has told the STA, yet the industry does not expect full recovery before mid-2025.

Number of newly registered cars in Slovenia down in June, up in EU

BRUSSELS, Belgium - As many as 5,176 new vehicles were registered in Slovenia in June, a drop of 21% compared with June 2020, shows data the European European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) released this week. The EU meanwhile recorded a rise of 10.4% in new registrations to 1,048 million, in what the ACEA said was a continuing upward trend, although the growth was somewhat slower than in previous months. The biggest rise was posted by Germany, up 24.5%.

Ban on sale of single-use plastic products proposed

LJUBLJANA - In line with EU standards, the Environment Ministry has put forward for adoption by the government a regulation banning the sale of several single-use plastic items such as plastic cutlery, straws, plates, plastic ear swabs, except for medical equipment, plastic stir sticks and balloon sticks with the exception of those not intended for consumers. The ministry is also proposing banning expanded polystyrene food and drink packaging and items made of oxo-degradable plastics.

Almost EUR 11 billion spent on social security in 2019

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia earmarked EUR 10.72 billion for various social security programmes in 2019, up 6.2% over 2018, with the bulk spent on two fields - the elderly, where pensions are also included, and on diseases and healthcare. The figure represented 22.2% of the country's GDP, up 0.2 points from 2018, the Statistics Office (SURS) said, adding the trend of rising funds spent on all social security programmes continued in 2019. Social contributions, largely paid from wages, accounted for almost three quarters of social security funds, and amounted to EUR 7.7 billion.

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: 

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: 

Mark Boris Andrijanič appointed digitalisation minister

LJUBLJANA - Mark Boris Andrijanič, a 38-year-old law graduate who has worked for Uber, was appointed minister without portfolio for digital transformation in a 45:44 vote in parliament after presenting his vision for digital Slovenia before the Home Affairs Committee earlier in the day. He pledged to work for digitalisation to become a national priority and a project uniting Slovenia's society and politics. His priority will be to implement as many of the first 40 solutions recently proposed by the Strategic Council for Digitalisation under his guide in the fields of public administration, health, education and business.

EU justice ministers meet in Sloveia, Reynders urges appointment of EU prosecutors

BRDO PRI KRANJU - EU justice ministers met for an informal meeting discussing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial proceedings, with Slovenian Justice Minister Marjan Dikaučič saying the debate centred around the need to put in place safety mechanisms to protect fundamental rights and freedoms. "The prevailing opinion was that algorithms must in no way replace judges." Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said the European Commission's goal was to protect fundamental rights of European citizens, including in law enforcement and judiciary. Children-friendly judiciary and adequate treatment of juvenile offenders were also on the agenda, while Reynders made a rewed appeal for Slovenia to appoint European delegated prosecutors, indicating action unless the government acts very soon.

EU presidency expects solid results on health union package

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia and its predecessors at the helm of the EU, Portugal and Germany, are working to finalise negotiations on three draft regulations that form the basis of the EU Health Union. The desire is to coordinate the regulations in trialogue with other EU institutions as soon as possible, Slovenian Health Minister Janez Poklukar said. The statement came after a high-level conference on implementing innovative solutions for resilient health systems that also featured the health ministers of Portugal and Germany, Marta Temida and Jens Spahn.

Tweaks to foreign policy strategy to be drafted by autumn

LJUBLJANA - The Foreign Ministry said it will draft a proposal to "refresh" Slovenia's foreign policy strategy by the autumn and send the document to the government. It made the announcement after the Strategic Council for Foreign Policy, chaired by Minister Anže Logar, met for a second session in its current line-up to resume a discussion to upgrade the country's foreign policy strategy it started in March. The discussion focussed on a changed security and international situation in Europe and the world, cybersecurity and digitalisation, and business diplomacy.

National Council vetoes audiovisual services act

LJUBLJANA - The upper chamber of parliament vetoed amendments to the audiovisual services act whose core provision is a 6% levy on content providers to finance a new fund for the production of domestic content. The veto comes after sharp criticism by content providers as well as the Association of Slovenian Journalists. The councillors argued that the 6% tax was "covert taxation of Slovenian publishers and providers" that put them at a disadvantage compared to foreign providers, who only collect revenue on the Slovenian market but do not invest in domestic production, a notion which Culture Ministry State Secretary Ignacija Fridl Jarc dismissed.

Opposition calls on govt to resign or seek confidence vote

LJUBLJANA - Centre-left opposition groups called on Thursday on the government to either resign or seek a confidence vote, describing its decision to backtrack on two major bills as yet another proof that it no longer had a majority. All opposition leaders also criticised the government's new policy on the epidemic - no more lockdowns and increasing reliance on Covid certificates for access to more and more services - even as some acknowledged the decision to avert lockdowns was correct. Marjan Šarec, the leader of the opposition LMŠ party, meanwhile told the weekly Mladina on Friday that an early election would be the only right solution if the government was brought down.

Analysts say coalition hitting brakes in wake of referendum defeat

LJUBLJANA - Analysts commenting on the latest developments in parliament agree the government has acted rationally by postponing decisions on two controversial pieces of legislation on Thursday, even if they disagree about how weakened the ruling coalition is after the defeat in Sunday's waters act referendum. The coalition has hit a brake, had a sober rethink and took a decision not to exhaust itself in battles of unequals that are unnecessary, Rok Čakš, a political analyst and editor of the portal Domovina, said. Aljaž Pengov Bitenc said the referendum weakened the coalition and its authority despite its attempts to have the talk of the referendum defeat off the agenda.

Indication of flattening as 64 Covid cases confirmed, delta strain dominant

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia confirmed 64 new cases of coronavirus for Thursday in 1,684 PCR tests, the second day that infections dropped on a weekly basis. The test positivity rate remained broadly flat as well, at 3.8%, show the latest figures released by the National Institute of Public Health. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 population rose by one to 33 and it is estimated that there are now 717 active cases in the country. Data released by the National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food shows that the delta strain of coronavirus has overtaken alpha as the dominant strain in Slovenia in just weeks. In the latest round of sequencing a full 89% of the samples were delta. The surge is largely attributed to a huge outbreak among two groups of students who returned from a school trip to Spain in early July.

MPs pass changes to weapons act

LJUBLJANA - The parliament passed amendments to the weapons act that transpose the EU's firearms directive. Presenting the changes in parliament last week, Interior Ministry State Secretary Božo Predalič told the MPs the aim of the directive was to prevent terrorist attacks using firearms. The directive also deals with legal weapons that are not used in such attacks. Centre-left opposition finds some changes problematic, including an option of purchasing silencers.

New law reduces fines for speeding

LJUBLJANA - Fines for speeding offices are being reduced, while those for using a mobile phone while driving are being raised under amendments to the road traffic act passed by the National Assembly. The new law also regulates electric scooters, and introduce the possibility to turn right at a red light at crossroads with good visibility and elsewhere where this is possible. These crossroads are to be properly marked. The amendments were passed by 46 votes to one.

New vouchers redeemable from today

LJUBLJANA - A new batch of government-sponsored vouchers became available today to all Slovenian residents. Unlike the holiday-at-home vouchers issued last year, they can be used to pay for a variety of services and goods in tourism, hospitality, sports and culture, the sectors hit hardest by lockdowns. The vouchers are part of the government Covid-19 relief aid, and come in two amounts, at EUR 100 for adults and EUR 50 for those under 18. They are valued at EUR 192.2 million.

Mohorič wins his second stage at Tour de France

BORDEAUX, France - Slovenia's Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious) won stage 19 of the Tour de France from Mourenx to Libourne after attacking 25km from finish, surging clear from a large breakaway group. The win of the 207km stage is his second at this year's Tour de France after he won the longest leg of 249 km on 2 July, and the fifth for Slovenia's riders at the world's No.1 cycling race this year. The remaining three are credited to Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates), the defending champion, who remains in the overall lead.

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 Vote on demographic fund, communicable diseases bills postponed

LJUBLJANA - The coalition voted to postpone the vote on the bill creating a new demographic fund designed to shore up the pension fund, and they also voted against amendments to the communicable diseases act in a revote after they were vetoed by the upper chamber. Announcing the move at a press conference with the other two coalition leaders, PM Janez Janša said they did not want such an important topic as the demographic fund to be decided on in such a heated political situation, while he said the new communicable diseases act was not needed now after all deputy group leaders called for vaccination. Commenting on the developments, Tanja Fajon, the leader of the opposition SocDems, said they showed the coalition no loner had a majority.

Trio of presidents urge stepping up vaccination, EU enlargement to W Balkans

KOSTANJEVICA NA KRKI - The presidents of Slovenia, Austria and Croatia, Borut Pahor, Alexander Van der Bellen and Zoran Milanović, urged stepping up vaccination against Covid-19 and threw their support behind the EU's enlargement to the Western Balkans, as they met in Kostanjevica na Krki in the south-east of Slovenia. They also discussed the Krško Nuclear Power Plant, with Van der Bellen saying Austria would closely monitor checks on the environmental sustainability needed to expand its life span, while it continued to be opposed to the second reactor but was aware that many EU countries depend on nuclear energy.

Parliament raises public funding of private primaries

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly passed in a 47:43 vote a coalition-sponsored bill to increase funds for private primary schools to implement two Constitutional Court rulings after several previous attempts to do so failed. The bill secures 100% state funding of private primary schools' obligatory curriculum, up from 85% now. The funding of optional curricula such as remedy classes would remain at 85%. Six private primaries with state-certified curricula are eligible for state funding.

Progress rather slow in migration pact talks, Hojs says

BRDO PRI KRANJU - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs came out of an informal meeting of EU home affairs ministers at Brdo pri Kranju saying that stances between EU members in talks on the EU pact on migration and asylum were still quite diverging, although the meeting made a step forward. The ministers showed a political will for gradual progress in forming a common EU migration policy and they perhaps found a common ground regarding the regulation on the Eurodact fingerprint database that could bring results, Hojs said. European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson meanwhile said that the EU was not deadlocked in terms of the migration pact.

Fit for 55 debate must consider competitiveness aspect, minister says

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian EU presidency will aim to achieve "maximum progress" on Fit for 55, Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak told an online debate. Vizjak hopes the discussion will be not just about the goals but also about how to achieve these goals in the best, fairest and most responsible way to protect the competitiveness of the Slovenian and European economy. Importantly, the EU needs to bring global partners on board, it may not be left alone in the effort.

Vrtovec tells EU Parliament Europe should be more ambitious climate-wise

LJUBLJANA - Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec said that when it came to Fit for 55 energy proposals, the Slovenian presidency will start with the revision of directives on renewables and energy efficiency. The minister told the the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy that the EU should be more ambitious in all areas to realise more ambitious 2030 climate targets and reach climate neutrality until 2050.

Johansson disappointed STA financing not solved

BRDO PRI KRANJU - European Commissioner Ylva Johansson expressed her disappointment because the issue of STA financing has still not been resolved, telling reporters after a meeting of EU home affairs ministers at Brdo estate, that got the impression after meeting Interior Minister Aleš Hojs back in April that the issue would soon be solved. She expects "the Slovenian government will solve this issue and pay the funds that they owe to the Slovenian Press Agency".

Logar reopens Slovenian embassy in Dublin

DUBLIN, Ireland - Foreign Minister Anže Logar and his Irish counterpart Simon Coveney attended a ceremony to inaugurate the new premises of the Slovenian Embassy in Dublin with Logar calling the reopening of the embassy "an important milestone" in the efforts to further enhance political, economic, cultural and other ties between the two countries. Slovenia closed its embassy in Ireland amid the financial crisis in 2012. Logar and Coveney discussed challenges of Slovenia's EU presidency an exchanged views on topical issues of European neighbourhood and elsewhere around the world.

No more free rapid testing soon, and no new lockdowns

LJUBLJANA - PM Janez Janša announced that those who have been vaccinated against Covid, have recovered from it or have been tested would be allowed to have as few restrictions in public life as possible, while rapid tests will be no longer be free of charge from mid-August. Based on the European Commission's recommendation, the Health Ministry is drafting changes to a regulation to enable the three groups to have as few coronavirus-related restrictions in public life as possible. Janša and the other two coalition leaders said now that vaccines were freely available people had the responsibility to protect themselves and also prevent lockdowns.

Covid certificate mandatory for entering Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - Significantly tighter rules for entering Slovenia took effect today, as the colour-coded lists of countries were replaced with the requirement that passengers who wish to enter the country need to have a Covid certificate regardless of where they come from. There are three sets of exemptions: passengers in transit and lorry drivers, owners of land on both sides of the border, and accompanied minors under 15.

Slovenia confirms 56 new cases of coronavirus

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia confirmed 56 new cases of coronavirus for Wednesday, the first week-on-week decrease in daily cases since 4 July. The positivity rate was 3.3%, show the latest data released by the National Institute of Public Health. A total of 1,691 PCR tests were performed along with nearly 20,000 rapid antigen tests. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 population is at 32, up slightly from the day before. The recent uptick in cases has not yet led to more hospitalisations.

EU court rules on working time of soldiers

LJUBLJANA - The Trade Union of Soldiers (SVS) announced that the EU Court of Justice had ruled that the time a soldier spends at his working place or at a certain location even if not strictly working is treated as working hours under an EU directive, except in exceptional cases. The ruling came eleven years after the SVS started raising the issue and opened legal proceedings against the Defence Ministry.

Man who planned shooting spree gets suspended sentence

KRANJ - The Kranj District Court handed down an eight-month suspended prison sentence with a probation period of five years to a 20-year-old from Kropa who planned a shooting spree in April, after he was found guilty of attempted trafficking in weapons. He must undergo compulsory medical treatment but has been released from detention. The defendant admitted attempted trafficking in weapons or explosives. He said that he regretted his actions and apologized.

Tour de France: Pogačar wins stage 18 to don polka-dot jersey

PAU - Slovenia's cycling sensation, Tadej Pogačar won a second stage at the Tour de France in as many days to increase his overall lead and secure the polka-dot jersey of best climber. The defending champion was first through the finish line on the mountain stage from Pau to Luz Ardiden, ahead of Dane Jonas Vingegaard and Ecuador's Richardo Carapaz. He has all but secured the overall victory on Sunday, having a 5:45 minute lead ahead of Vingegaard in second.

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Appeal for responsibility to avert lockdown

LJUBLJANA - Senior officials issued appeals for personal responsibility to avert a new lockdown. "The Covid-19 danger is still present, but responsibility for your health and the health of your loved ones is entirely in your hands," Prime Minister Janez Janša said on Twitter. "We don't need new restrictions, only responsibility and solidarity." In a similar vein, New Slovenia (NSi) leader Matej Tonin said the party was not in favour of new lockdowns and restrictions on business, the focus should be on the promotion of vaccination.

Appeals for vaccination as WHO regional director visits

LJUBLJANA - WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge, President Borut Pahor and Health Minister Janez Poklukar stressed the importance of vaccination and warned of the rapid spread of the Delta variant in view of the resurgence of infections, as they visited the Ljubljana vaccination centre. Poklukar explained that infections with the delta variant of Covid-19 have increased significantly in Slovenia in the last week, with 66 such cases recorded.

Opposition mulling another govt ouster attempt

LJUBLJANA - The centre-left opposition are considering mounting a fresh attempt to oust the Janez Janša government after failing with a vote of no confidence in February and an impeachment in May. This time, they will carry out the plan only if they are certain of their majority. If the opposition gathers 46 votes, it will table a motion of no confidence, SocDem leader Tanja Fajon said. The Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) remains the key factor.

Slovenia debate at EU Parliament postponed

BRUSSELS, Belgium - A debate on Slovenia scheduled for Thursday on the European Parliament's democracy monitoring group, which was to focus on the country's failure to appoint its European delegated prosecutors, has been postponed as not all the participants could attend it tomorrow. A new date has not yet been set. The debate was to feature Slovenian Justice Minister Marjan Dikaučič and European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova.

Last-minute change to border restrictions

LJUBLJANA - Tougher restrictions for crossing into Slovenia enter into force on Thursday, but Slovenia made last-minute changes to the decree by adding transit passengers and international transport among the exemptions. The decree as a whole remains valid at least until 23 July, the exemption for transit applies until 15 August. Under the new rules, the colour-coded lists of countries was replaced with the requirement that passengers who wish to enter the country need to have a Covid certificate regardless of where they come from.

Slovenia to launch debate on Fit for 55 immediately

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The Slovenian EU presidency will launch a debate on Fit for 55 next week. "We will ensure a coherent and comprehensive approach in the treatment of individual dossiers," Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak told MEPs. Addressing the European Parliament's Environment Committee, Vizjak said Fit for 55 would be a top priority for the presidency, highlighting the importance of rapid action, ambition and justice.

Logar quizzed by MEPs on Western Balkans non-paper, Iran statements

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Presenting Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in foreign affairs to the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Anže Logar faced questions by MEPs about a non-paper on redrawing Western Balkan borders, the situation of North Macedonia and Albania, PM Janez Janša's statements about Iran, and media freedom in Slovenia. On Iran, he said that Slovenia was not meddling in internal affairs of other countries but would always advocate human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Judges' association protests over non-appointment of supreme judges

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Association of Judges expressed concern and indignation after the National Assembly failed to endorse two candidates for supreme judges over their past decisions, a move that they say undermines judges' independence and fundamental principles of the rule of law. The proposal by the Judicial Council to appoint Stanka Živič and Aleksander Karakaš supreme judges was rejected by 43 votes to 42 as the ruling coalition, minority MPs and opposition SNS voted against.

Illegal migration down by a third in half year

LJUBLJANA - Police dealt with 3,343 illegal border crossings in the first half of the year, almost a third fewer than in the same period last year, when there were 5,127. The most frequently processed illegal migrants were from Afghanistan (644) and Pakistan (633). The police report noted a sharp decline in the number of Pakistani and particularly Moroccan nationals, as the number of illegal migrants continues to be affected by the limited mobility due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Pahor congratulates new Israeli president

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor held a phone conversation with Isaac Herzog, the new president of Israel, to congratulate him on the election and assure him he would strive for open and fruitful bilateral relations. The presidents also discussed the Covid-19 pandemic and its economic fallout, emphasising the importance of vaccination. Herzog accepted Pahor's invitation to visit Slovenia.

Govt appoints defence intel director for full term

LJUBLJANA - Jaroš Britovšek was appointed director general of the Defence Ministry's Intelligence and Security Service (OVS) for a full term by the government on Tuesday, having served as acting director since March. He will start his five-year term on 1 August. Britovšek has been employed with the OVS since 2008 and has served in international missions and operations abroad.

Over 80 new coronavirus cases for second straight day

LJUBLJANA - A further 83 people tested positive for coronavirus in Slovenia on Tuesday, almost as many as the day before, to bring the rolling 7-day average up by a further two to 61 and the cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents to 30. The National Institute of Public Health estimates there are now 646 active cases in the country. No patient died and hospitalisations dropped to 34.

Unions quit task force for coal restructuring

LJUBLJANA - Two energy trade unions quit an Infrastructure Ministry task force in charge of drafting measures to restructure Slovenia's two coal regions as part of an emerging national strategy. It said the ministry had ignored all our their proposals. The unions want to push back the date of the coal phaseout to 2042, the government's current target is 2033.

Race leader Pogačar wins 17th stage of Tour de France

PAU, France - Slovenia's cycling star and yellow jersey wearer Tadej Pogačar won the 17th stage of the Tour de France to increase his overall lead. Pogačar (UAE Emirates) is five minutes and 39 seconds ahead of the second-placed Jonas Vingegaard from Denmark (Jumbo-Visma) with four stages to go.

Mura advance to next round of Champions League qualifying

MURSKA SOBOTA - Mura, Slovenia's football champions, made it to the second round of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League after crushing North Macedonia's Shkendija 5:0 in Murska Sobota on Tuesday to advance on an aggregate score of 6:0. Mura will play the second round against Bulgarian champions Ludogorec later this month.

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MPs endorse climate strategy resolution until 2050

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly endorsed in a 49:17 vote a resolution on climate strategy until 2050 under which Slovenia commits to become climate neutral in the coming 30 years. Before backing it, coalition MPs added a provision saying that Slovenia will use nuclear energy in the long term, which upset part of the opposition. Under the long-term strategy, Slovenia will cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80-90% compared to 2005 until the middle of the 21st century.

Constitutional Court nominee Kranjc one vote short

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly rejected President Borut Pahor's nominee for Constitutional Court judge, Janez Kranjc. He received 45 votes in a secret ballot, one short of the required majority, as 43 MPs voted against and one ballot was invalid. Kranjc is the third consecutive candidate put forward by Pahor to come up short in the parliamentary vote. Pahor's consultations with deputy groups leading up to the vote showed that Kranjc did not have a clear path to 46 votes. The failed appointment means that Dunja Jadek Pensa, whose nine-year term expired in mid-2020, remains on the bench until a successor is appointed.

Ministerial appointment expected on Friday

LJUBLJANA - The appointment of Mark Boris Andrijanič as minister without portfolio for the digital transformation is likely to be on the National Assembly's agenda this Friday. The ruling Democrats (SDS) expect to muster sufficient votes for the appointment. The plan is to conduct the committee hearing on Friday morning and then call an emergency plenary the same day, a proposal to be put to a vote to the college of deputy group leaders on Thursday, said SDS deputy group leader Danijel Krivec. Andrijanič told the STA that digitalisation was an exceptional opportunity for Slovenia.

Slovenian EU presidency focusing on post-pandemic recovery

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Finance Minister Andrej Šircelj singled out the post-pandemic recovery as the most important task for the Slovenian EU presidency as he appeared before the European Parliament's Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Just today the Council endorsed national recovery and resilience plans by the first twelve member states and Šircelj said the presidency planned to launch a debate on fiscal policy in connection with these plans. Quizzed about the flexibility of Stability and Growth Pact rules, the minister said member states needed to be treated individually, while making sure they are not spending beyond their means in the long term.

MEPs quiz Simoniti and Kustec about press freedom, discrimination in education

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti and Education Minister Simona Kustec presented Slovenia's EU presidency priorities in their briefs to the European Parliament Committee on Culture, receiving several questions from MEPs about pandemic-related challenges, but also about press freedom and discrimination in education. Simoniti was asked about protection of independent media, while Kustec was also quizzed about how poorer families should be guaranteed better access to distance learning.

EU finance ministers endorse first 12 recovery plans

BRUSSELS, Belgium - EU finance ministers, meeting under the chairmanship of Slovenia's Andrej Šircelj, endorsed the first 12 national recovery and resilience plans, allowing member states to start drawing EU recovery funds. Šircelj labelled the approval of the plans, which do not yet include Slovenia's, a major step forward in the recovery of the European economy. Slovenia can expect confirmation of its plan at the end of the month, along with Lithuania, Cyprus and Croatia.

Kukovec endorsed for EU General Court judge

LJUBLJANA - Damjan Kukovec, senior lecturer in law at Middlesex School of Law in London, was endorsed as a candidate for judge at the EU General Court, the National Assembly having voted 74:15 in his favour in a secret ballot. Kukovec's was one of the eight applications in the open call. He was okayed as the most suitable candidate by the Judicial Council before being nominated by President Borut Pahor. Among the challenges faced by the EU's General Court, he singled out access to the court during his public presentation. Before he can take up his post, he will be interviewed by Committee 255, which vets candidates for EU Court judges.

Vodopivec Jean gets another term as central bank vice-governor

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly reappointed Irena Vodopivec Jean a vice-governor of the central bank. She will assume another six-year term after her current one ends on 6 October. Presenting her bid in her recent presentation at the Presidential Palace, Vodopivec Jean listed the role of monetary policy in the eurozone as one of the central bank's main challenges ahead. MPs endorsed her reappointment in a secret ballot in a 67:22 vote.

Equality advocate gets second term

LJUBLJANA - Miha Lobnik won a new five-year term as advocate of the principle of equality as the National Assembly voted 53:23 in favour of his reappointment. Nominated by President Borut Pahor after consultations with deputy groups, Lobnik said at his public presentation in June he wanted to continue an inclusive dialogue. Lobnik also highlighted the international dimension of his work and said the experiences would be shared with Western Balkan countries.

Parliament passes three bills to enhance oversight of EU capital market

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly passed three bills transposing six EU directives to enhance oversight of the EU's capital market. The bills were fast-tracked through parliament with votes of the coalition and two opposition parties, while the centre-left opposition argued that fast-tracking increased corruption risks. Parliament passed the changes to the law on the market of financial instruments as well as a bill on prudential supervision of investment firms and a bill on mortgage and municipal bonds.

Amendments to military service act endorsed

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly endorsed in a 51:11 vote amendments to the service in the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) act which aim to address long-standing labour issues and the specific rights and responsibilities of soldiers during service. Under the amendments, there will be a 4% pay bonus for soldiers due to the fact that there is a strike ban in place, and off-days for soldiers deployed in missions abroad. New regulations are in place for housing conditions for soldiers and scholarships, and there is now a legal basis for financing secondary education for candidates for voluntary service.

Electronic identification and trust services act passed

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly unanimously endorsed an electronic identification and trust services act, legislation that will make it possible to use the new biometric ID cards as electronic identification. The legislation will allow Slovenia to register its national electronic identification scheme for cross-border services, which means Slovenian users will have access to public sector e-services on the EU's internal market.

Parliament passes changes to public procurement law

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly passed a set of changes to the public procurement act in a 51:14 vote. The first change to the law since its passage in 2015 aims to simplify public procurement while also making it more transparent, flexible and efficient. The opposition Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) and the Left meanwhile fear it would enhance corruption risks. The bill should make it easier for local governments to buy goods and services under lower value contracts whereby the bill raises the lower value from EUR 20,000 to EUR 40,000, and from EUR 40,000 to EUR 80,000 for construction projects.

Parliament amends agriculture act

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly backed in a unanimous vote amendments to the agriculture act that introduce some significant changes related to the implementation of agricultural policies. The new legislation specifies the persons eligible for agricultural policy measures, the reporting of organic matter to assess emissions, removals of greenhouse gases from agriculture, the monitoring of agricultural soils, and the regulation of fertilisation. Each farmer will have to agree that samples can be taken on their land.

Defence minister hopes Strategic Compass in place soon

ATHENS, Greece - Defence Minister Matej Tonin highlighted the Strategic Compass, a project which aims to strengthen the EU's crisis management, resilience, partnerships and capabilities, as he addressed the Defence Exhibition Athens. He hopes it will be prepared as soon as possible. The Strategic Compass provides key guidelines for common defence and security policy over the next 5-10 years. An important part of the project will take shape during Slovenia's EU presidency, the Defence Ministry said.

E-mobility and alternative fuels core transport priorities

LJUBLJANA - The main priorities of Slovenia's EU presidency in transport are e-mobility and alternative fuels, Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec said as he presented the presidency agenda to the European Parliament's Transport Committee. This will also be the main topic of an informal transport ministerial scheduled for September. "Priority treatment will be given to the infrastructure aspects of the promotion of a higher share of alternative and emission-free fuels in transport. We will also dedicate sufficient time to specific proposals concerning aviation and maritime fuels," he said.

President says fundamental EU values should be understood the same way

PRAGUE, Czechia - President Borut Pahor called for a strong and effective Europe as he appeared as a speaker at the Prague European Summit, recalling the bloc's fundamental values such as rule of law that he said should be understood the same way. He also received the Visions for Europe Award. Pahor urged all EU citizens to participate in the debates in the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe, describing this as a unique opportunity for them to shape the future.

Speaker Zorčič urges social dialogue

LJUBLJANA - Parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič urged "Labour Minister Janez Cigler Kralj and the government to restore social dialogue" as he received a delegation of the trade union confederations that quit social dialogue in mid-May arguing the government ignored the Economic and Social Council (ESS), the main labour relations forum. This should be done so that all stances are considered, not in a manner where the government's social partners "only get acquainted with facts", he added.

Criminal police investigating harassment of MPs

LJUBLJANA - The Ljubljana Police Department said its criminal department was investigating last week's harassment of several MPs by anti-maskers in front of the National Assembly. It also beefed up police security around the parliament building and of parliament staff. More MPs than initially reported they were a target of harassment and threats, the police said, noting that "the numbers show that these were not individual accidental expressions of people's dissatisfaction with MPs".

Slovenian EU presidency exhibition opens in Brussels

BRUSSELS, Belgium - As part of the Slovenian EU presidency, Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti opened an exhibition of contemporary Slovenian visual arts at the European Parliament in Brussels on Monday, entitled We Live in Exciting Times. The minister opposed the initial concept of the show, but was pleased with the end result. The show features artists selected by curator Marko Košan from the Koroška Gallery of Fine Arts and paintings and a sculpture that are part of the European Parliament's collection.

Mad Hatter's Wardrobe by designer Hranitelj on display in Brussels

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Costume designer Alan Hranitelj's exhibition dedicated to the wondrous and creative world of Alice in Wonderland opened in Brussels as part of the Slovenian EU presidency. Mad Hatter's Wardrobe will be on display at the headquarters of the Council of the EU until the end of the year. The exhibition, prepared in cooperation with stage designer Marko Japelj, was opened by Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti, who described it as a plethora of colourful works of art with a fairytale-like or psychedelic effect.

Slovenia supports EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security

LJUBLJANA - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs took part in a virtual seminar on the EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security as chair of the EU's Home Affairs Council, stressing the role of tech development. The aim of the hub is to keep track of innovations and contribute to the development of joint technological solutions for EU member states. "In light of the Innovation Hub I'm looking forward to a more proactive approach to technological development and needs of competent authorities in this area," Hojs added.

Youth for Climate Justice urge Minister Vizjak to resign

LJUBLJANA - The Youth for Climate Justice called on Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak to step down, saying he was careless and unprofessional at his job. Responding to this, the ministry told the STA that Vizjak would continue to strive for preservation of the environment. The call for resignation comes after government-sponsored changes to the waters act were defeated in Sunday's referendum. The call for resignation comes after government-sponsored changes to the waters act were defeated in Sunday's referendum.

Foreign Ministry allots EUR 120,000 for Madagascar poor

LJUBLJANA - Pedro Opeka, the Slovenian missionary in Madagascar, has received EUR 120,000 in humanitarian aid for the country's poorest people under a strategic partnership signed between the Foreign Ministry and the Slovenian chapter the Catholic charity Caritas in June. Caritas said it had launched the first emergency response under that partnership in Madagascar this month in cooperation with Opeka with the ministry allocating the aid for the poorest.

Slovenia reports 84 new coronavirus cases for Monday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia logged 84 new coronavirus cases for Monday, an increase of 75% from the same day a week ago, for what the National Institute of Public Health estimates are now 610 active cases in the country. No Covid-19 patients died and the situation in hospitals remains stable. The rolling 7-day average of new cases rose by five to 59 and the cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents increased by two to 28.

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Andrijanič nominated minister for digital transformation

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša has nominated Mark Boris Andrijanič, the chair of the Strategic Council for Digitalisation, to head the forthcoming Digital Transformation Office as a minister without portfolio, the prime minister's office said. Andrijanič currently has a dual role at Uber, as head of safety policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and head of public policy for Central and Eastern Europe. Janša said the digital transformation was a demanding and strategically important process that required a lot of inter-ministerial coordination.

Iranian ambassador summoned over PM Janša's 1988 massacre statement

LJUBLJANA/BRUSSELS, Belgium - The Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador to Slovenia over Prime Minister Janez Janša's recent statement about a 1988 massacre in Iran, which last week led to Iran summoning Slovenia's ambassador there. The ministry explained that Slovenia always advocates human rights and fundamental freedoms, which is in line with its values and laws, adding that Slovenia's activities were never directed against any country. The EU's high representative for foreign policy Josep Borrell said any EU member can have its own stance on a certain matter, but even when it presides the EU, the stance does not present the EU's position.

National Council vetoes communicable diseases act

LJUBLJANA - The National Council, the upper chamber of parliament, vetoed the amendments to the communicable diseases act that the National Assembly passed last week in order to replace provisions that have been struck down by the Constitutional Court. The amendments were passed in a partisan 44:42 vote last week. To override the veto, at least 46 MPs must vote in favour, a majority that the current government does not have.

Parliament could press charges over attack by anti-maskers

LJUBLJANA - Speaker Igor Zorčič has said the National Assembly was considering pressing charges against a group who attacked several MPs in front of the parliament building after changes to the infections diseases act were passed last week. "I think some went so far that we will consider filing a criminal complaint," Zorčič said, adding that such attacks by groups who were unhappy with some laws were unacceptable.

SDS deputy group leader says referendum outcome will not affect govt work

LJUBLJANA - SDS deputy group leader Danijel Krivec believes the waters referendum outcome is an expression of the people's dissatisfaction, chiefly the epidemic, but he does not consider it to effect the government's work. Krivec believes the rejection of the law is a signal to Minister Andrej Vizjak to find a new, better solution. He believes Vizjak would now draft a better bill. Krivec believes that the voters simply saw the law as poor without even debating arguments for and against it.

Spain school trip outbreak swells to almost 200 cases

LJUBLJANA - The recent surge in coronavirus cases in Slovenia is to a large extent the result of an outbreak associated with two groups of secondary school students who were on a trip to the Spanish resort Lloret de Mar. A total of 134 students have tested positive since their return and a further 57 secondary cases have been confirmed, Eva Grilc from the National Institute of Public Health revealed. Slovenia reported 12 new coronavirus cases for Sunday in what continues to be a week-on-week increase. Another two Covid patients died yesterday. Hospitalisations decreased by two to 41.

Poklukar advocates common approach to health issues

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Health Minister Janez Poklukar advocated a common EU approach to health crises as he presented the priorities of Slovenia's EU presidency to the European Parliament's Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. He said Slovenia's main priorities in health policy were the implementation of innovative solutions to improve the resilience of health systems, access to drugs, the fight against cancer, global health, and digitalisation.

Trade unions upset by proposal to remove them from public health insurer

LJUBLJANA - Trade unions called on the government to withdraw a legislative proposal that would eliminate employee representatives from management of the Health Insurance Institute (ZSSS), which collects and manages mandatory health insurance contributions. The proposal, put forward by the Health Ministry last week, would scrap the ZZZS assembly to replace it with a ZZZS council which would no longer include trade union representatives, but would representatives of employers.

Slovenian companies successful in EU defence tenders

LJUBLJANA - Three consortia featuring Slovenian companies won funding in open calls by the European Defence Industrial Development Programme for 2020, the Defence Ministry said. A consortium led by a Slovenian company got EUR 2 million for the development of solutions for integrated training for soldiers. Four companies are part of an Austrian-led consortium that won EUR 8.3 million for the development of a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear reconnaissance system, and one is a part of a Danish-led consortium that received EUR 7.1 million for artificial intelligence research.

Slovenia's drop in housing transactions in 2020 among EU's sharpest

LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - The number of housing transactions in Slovenia dropped by 17.5% last year, the second sharpest fall among the 13 EU member countries for which data are available, data released by Eurostat show. Cyprus reported the biggest drop, at 23.3%, and only three countries recorded an increase. The falls are blamed on lockdown measures and come amid continued increase in housing prices.

National school-leaving exam results best in three years

LJUBLJANA - A total of 5,461 final-year secondary school students or some 97% passed the national school-leaving exam, known as the matura exam, up from 94% last year and 95% in the pre-distance learning year of 2019. All points in the exam were scored by 15 students, whereas ten scored all points in the international matura, data released by the National Examinations Centre show.

Slovenia's Frankfurt Book Fair promotion wins EU funds

LJUBLJANA - The Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy has approved EU funds for Slovenian literature's promotion at the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2023, when Slovenia will be the main guest country at the fair. The project is worth EUR 4.5 million, with around EUR 3.3 million coming from the European Regional Development Fund.

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Slovenian voters reject waters act in referendum

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian voters overwhelmingly rejected the new waters act in a referendum. More than 86% voted against, show near-final unofficial results. The statutory requirement that at least 20% of all voters must be against for a law to be rejected has been satisfied as well. Turnout was just shy of 46%, the highest in a referendum since 2007. The referendum has been stolen and misused to achieve other goals, including political targets, said Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak, who believed "people have reacted emotionally". "It has been shown that Slovenia is home to compassionate and tolerant people who help each other and fight for the public good and for nature," said Nika Kovač of the Institute 8 March, one of the NGOs that initiated the referendum. The opposition said the result would require the government to resign, but Prime Minister Janez Janša dismissed this notion.

Slovenian ambassador in Iran summoned over Janša's statements

LJUBLJANA/TEHRAN, Iran - The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned Slovenia's Ambassador to Iran Kristina Radej over Prime Minister Janez Janša's call for an inquiry into a 1988 massacre of 30,000 political prisoners in Iran. Tehran has asked for an explanation from the government for Janša's video address at a recent Free Iran World Summit, an annual global event organised by the Iranian diaspora, which Tehran described as an online meeting of a "terrorist group". Janša told the Free Iran World Summit the investigation into the massacre was especially important in light of the fact that the regime's next president will be Ebrahim Raisi, who is accused by Amnesty International of crimes against humanity for his role in the massacre.

25 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Saturday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia confirmed 25 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, the highest weekend figure since mid-June and the continuation of a week-long exponential trend. The positive cases came from 774 PCR tests, for a positivity rate of 3.2%. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 population has risen to 26 from 19 a week ago. Hospital numbers have remained unchanged, with 43 in hospital as of this morning, including ten in intensive care, according to the tracker Covid-19 Sledilnik.

Speaker and foreign ministry mark Srebrenica Memorial Day

LJUBLJANA - Speaker Igor Zorčič and the Foreign Ministry paid tribute to the victims of the Srebrenica massacre, which took place 26 years ago. The ministry said that relativisation or denial of the tragic event was unacceptable as Zorčič highlighted the role of Slovenia's EU presidency in efforts to achieve reconciliation in the Western Balkans. "The European Union will have, with the help of Slovenia as the EU presiding country, the best opportunity in the next six months to take a step forward towards the integration of Western Balkan countries. Only a joint, European future will be a lasting guarantee for stability and peace in the region and Europe," he wrote.

Logar talks bilateral ties, vaccine donation with Egyptian counterpart

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Foreign Minister Anže Logar met with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry ahead of a session of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council. Bilateral relations topped the agenda. The ministers said relations between the two countries were good and friendly, confirming a mutual interest in the continuation of political dialogue and stronger economic, scientific, tourist and cultural ties, the Foreign Ministry said.

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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: 

V4 prime ministers endorse Slovenia's presidency priorities

LJUBLJANA - The prime ministers of Visegrad Group countries endorsed the priorities of the Slovenian presidency of the Council of the EU as they held talks with Prime Minister Janez Janša. The statement adopted at the recent summit of the Visegrad leaders "largely reflects our priorities and to a large extent the positions that Slovenia has about all these topical issues," Janša said. Since it joined the EU, Slovenia has often cooperated with the V4 countries and coordinated priorities. "I'm glad that we are doing it at a time when Slovenia has additional responsibility ... and the EU faces many challenges that require timely answers," according to Janša.

Justice Ministry publishes new call for delegated prosecutors

LJUBLJANA - The Justice Ministry published a new call for applications for two European delegated prosecutors after the previous was annulled. The government expects six names, three for each post. Mirjam Kline from the Association of State Prosecutors said there was no basis for a list with six candidates. The State Prosecutor's Council indicated it would not go along with the new call. The two candidates whose selection has been annulled will challenge the government decision in court.

Pahor calls for sustainable development at Three Seas Initiative summit

SOFIA, Bulgaria - President Borut Pahor said at a meeting of leaders from the Three Seas Initiative that the initiative could only be successful if it acted in line with the goals, priorities and policies of the EU. He said one strategic goal must always be pursued, and that is sustainable development. He said the initiative contributed to European cohesion, its stability and prosperity. It will also enhance our trans-Atlantic ties. The president welcomed the declaration the leaders adopted which endorses the Paris climate agreement.

EU ministerial says dialogue key to resilient labour markets

BRDO PRI KRANJU - To have resilient and inclusive labour markets, a regular and constructive dialogue with the civil society needs to be boosted, EU ministers in charge of employment and social policy concluded after a two-day informal meeting in Slovenia as part of the country's EU presidency. "Only in dialogue can we look for joint solutions for a resilient and inclusive Europe," Slovenian Minister Janez Cigler Kralj said.

Covid certificate mandatory for entering Slovenia as of 15 July

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will tighten rules on the border starting on 15 July, as the colour-coded lists of countries will be cast aside in favour of the requirement that passengers who wish to enter the country will need to have a Covid certificate. Passengers will need a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours, a negative rapid antigen test no older than 48 hours, certificate of vaccination, or proof that they have recovered from Covid. The EU's green digital certificate will be accepted, as will the equivalent certificates of third countries.

Public Health Institute endorses vaccine mixing

LJUBLJANA - Slovenians who wish to mix different coronavirus vaccines will be allowed to do that under new guidance issued by the National Institute of Public Health. The general rule is that the same vaccine be used for both shots, but if individuals express the wish to mix vaccines, they can do it. A four-week gap between the two jabs is mandatory.

Week-on-week increase in Covid cases continues

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia reported 82 new coronavirus cases for Thursday in 1,696 PCR tests and over 24,000 rapid tests in what continues to be an upward trend in infections week-on-week, show data by the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ). There were no fatalities. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents rose by two to 22. The 7-day average of new cases has increased to 44.

Changes to audiovisual media services act confirmed

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly passed changes to the audiovisual media services act under which content providers will have to earmark 6% of their gross annual revenue to a special fund to finance European audiovisual production. It was originally proposed that the levy be set at 2%, but the coalition partners pushed through an amendment raising the share to 6%. The legislation has been met with criticism from content providers and the Association of Slovenian Journalists, which said the levy was too high.

Early referendum voting draws record number of voters to polls

LJUBLJANA - More than 84,000 voters, or 4.96% of the electorate, cast their votes in a three-day early voting on the new waters legislation, which the National Electoral Commission says is the highest turnout in any early referendum or early elections voting in Slovenia's history.

Report shows police handled 25 June protest in line with the law

LJUBLJANA - An investigation into the conduct of the police at the 25 June anti-government rally has found no fault in the decision of police officers to remove a far-right group, though several irregularities in the policing of the event have been detected, including a failure to respond to at least four cases of violations among the protesters, shows a report presented by Police Commissioner Anton Olaj.

MPs harassed by anti-maskers

LJUBLJANA - At least three MPs were harassed by what appear to have been anti-maskers after the National Assembly passed amendments to the infections diseases act on Wednesday. NSi deputies Jožef Horvat and Tadeja Šuštar, and SNS leader Zmago Jelinčič have reported being heckled and spat on. The incidents were debated by deputy group leaders, who agreed it was necessary to change security around the building.

Slovenian Digital Centre opens

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Digital Centre opened at the BTC City shopping district to promote digitalisation of businesses and Slovenian society. The centre will foster cooperation among Slovenian companies and other organisations and promote them abroad during Slovenia's EU presidency. 80 events are planned to promote some 200 companies during the coming six months, with business delegations to come from Slovakia, France, Hungary, Austria and Japan.

Warnings about corruption risk in mega rail project

LJUBLJANA - A task force keeping an eye on the construction of the new rail track between Divača and Koper has warned there are "significant corruption risks" in the project worth EUR 744 million VAT excluded, in particular with regard to the disposal of excavated material. "If you do not provide a detailed breakdown for EUR 50 million [for the removal of excavated materials], there is something wrong. We estimate this constitutes a very high corruption risk," said Emil Milan Pintar of the Project Council for Civilian Oversight.

EU Justice Scoreboard: Trust in Slovenian judiciary improving

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's judiciary is stable and the public's trust in it is improving, shows the EU's latest report on EU justice systems released on Thursday. The 2021 EU Justice Scoreboard focusses on digitalisation, where Slovenia placed 7th in digital options to initiate and follow proceedings in civil/commercial and administrative cases. After Slovenia placed 24th in terms of perception of independence of the judiciary in 2017, its standing has improved to 20th spot, the Supreme Court said.

Carthago planning expansion of production

ORMOŽ - The German motorhome maker Carthago, which has a large production location in Odranci in eastern Slovenia, plans to expand to nearby Ormož in the coming years. Under an agreement signed with the local community, Carthago plans to buy a 100,000 m2 plot of land in the Ormož industrial zone. Production is set to start in early 2023 and the company plans to employ 300-400 workers there initially, said Sandra Županec, the director of Carthago's Slovenian subsidiary.

May's exports of goods up by 31% year-on-year, imports by 52%

LJUBLJANA - In May, Slovenia exported EUR 3.2 billion worth of goods and imported EUR 3.4 billion. The value of exports was 31.2% higher than a year ago, while the value of imported goods increased by 51.6%. The value of imports was higher than that of exports for the second month in a row. The export/import coverage was 93.4% and the deficit amounted to EUR 200 million, according to data published by the Statistics Office.

Industrial output up 22% year-on-year in May

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian industrial output was up 22.1% in May over the year before on the back of a strong performance in manufacturing and exceeded the pre-crisis level, the latest Statistics Office data show. Manufacturing surged by over 24% on the year before, whereas electricity, water and steam supply posted a 1.2% gain and mining declined by 6.2%.