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Tonin announces purchase of German armoured vehicles Boxer

LJUBLJANA - Defence Minister Matej Tonin informed his German counterpart Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer as she visited Slovenia that the government would purchase German eight-wheeled armoured fighting vehicles Boxer for the Slovenian Armed Forces. The ministers called for greater cooperation and announced a mixed task force. They agreed that cooperation between Slovenia and Germany had been very good, highlighting wiggle room for strengthening cooperation in defence. Kramp-Karrenbauer was also received by President Borut Pahor.

Logar meets Blinken on sidelines of anti-Daesh ministerial

ROME, Italy - Foreign Minister Anže Logar took part in the ministerial session of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh in Rome, pledging Slovenia's commitment to enhanced cooperation against the militant group also known as ISIS. Logar also met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. The Foreign Ministry said the meeting with Blinken confirmed the continuation of the strategic relationship between Slovenia and the US and the resolve to enhance cooperation in the face of global challenges. With Stoltenberg they noted Slovenia's increasing contribution to NATO.

Speaker advocates accelerating EU enlargement

BRUSSELS, Belgium - National Assembly Speaker Igor Zorčič said Slovenia would seek to accelerate the enlargement process during its presidency of the Council of the EU as he took part in the summit between the European Parliament and parliamentary speakers from the Western Balkans in Brussels, which noted the role of parliaments in the enlargement process. Speaker said the debate showed "the idea of the enlargement process is still very much alive and enjoys support in the broader parliamentary segment".

Parliament's interpretation of evidence destruction provisions unconstitutional

LJUBLJANA - The Constitutional Court ruled that the interpretation by the National Assembly of the provisions of the criminal procedure act that instruct destruction of evidence obtained by means of covert surveillance if no criminal prosecution is initiated in two years after evidence is obtained is unconstitutional. In the case where objective circumstances existed that prevented the state prosecutor to file a request for criminal prosecution in time, the investigating judge should extend the deadline for the preservation of evidence for a maximum of two years, the court said.

Pahor nominates academician for Constitutional Court judge

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor nominated law professor Janez Kranjc, an associate member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU), for a vacancy on the Constitutional Court. Pahor's office described Kranjc as a highly esteemed law expert both at home and abroad. A professor at the Faculty of Law in Ljubljana and Maribor, Kranjc has served three times as the dean of the Ljubljana Faculty of Law and chaired the European Law Faculties Association. He has won top state decorations in Slovenia, France and Austria and honorary PhDs from foreign universities.

PM Janša decorated by Slovenian World Congress

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janša attended on Sunday a ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the first session of the Slovenian World Congress where a commemorative plaque was unveiled. He was presented with a distinction awarded to individuals and institutions whose activities strengthen the national consciousness of their compatriots. The Slovenian World Congress pointed out that even before Slovenia's independence, Janša had been establishing ties with Slovenians in neighbouring countries and around the world, making them feel that they belonged to the Slovenian nation.

Supervision ordered over police work at Friday's protest

LJUBLJANA - Police Commissioner Anton Olaj ordered supervision of the work of the Ljubljana Police Administration in policing Friday's alternative celebration of Statehood Day by anti-government protesters in Ljubljana's Prešeren Square. He has said there is suspicion as to whether all protesters were treated the same. This was after members of the far-right Yellow Wets were escorted away by police at the start of the rally, which attracted some 9,000 people by police estimates. PM Janez Janša called for an investigation into the incident on Saturday.

Govt to give EUR 845,000 advance to STA under certain conditions

LJUBLJANA - The government, acting as the STA's sole shareholder, asked its communication office to transfer a EUR 845,000 advance to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) for the expected expenses related to the performance of public service once the STA provides UKOM with access into business documentation for the last ten years and if a contract on public service is signed. The advance is to transferred within three days following the day the STA director allows authorised persons of the Government Communication Office (UKOM) to access the documentation and if the contract for 2021 is signed by then. The STA director said the STA would have sent all business information and documents to UKOM long ago had it demanded it in a legal way.

Compromise agreement on 2023-2027 CAP acceptable for Slovenia

LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - The EU agriculture ministers confirmed in Luxembourg a compromise agreement on reforming the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2023-2027 that paves the way for a greener, more sustainable and fairer CAP. Slovenia's Jože Podgoršek said the proposal was acceptable, although it could have been better. He said it was a true compromise proposal given that no one was completely satisfied with it, and that all but four member states had supported the proposal.

Brestanica Thermal Plant inaugurates new gas-fired unit

BRESTANICA - The Brestanica Thermal Plant (TEB) inaugurated its seventh gas unit in an investment valued at EUR 26.4 million. Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Janez Janša said the investment further established the Posavje region as "Slovenia's major energy region". He finds it important that the new unit is environmentally acceptable and economically efficient. The 56-megawatt Unit 7 and the 53-megawatt Unit 6, which has been in operation since 2018, will replace three lower capacity units that are nearing the end of their lifespan.

Only 12 new coronavirus cases on Sunday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia reported 12 new coronavirus infections for Sunday and no Covid-19 deaths, show the latest government figures. The 7-day average of new cases fell from 37 to 32 and the 14-day incidence per 100,000 population dropped by one to 35. The latest cases come from 648 PCR tests with the positivity rate standing at 1.9%. The number of patients in hospital decreased by one to 74 after six were discharged home, and the number of ICU cases also fell by one to 22.

Slovenian researchers publish in Nature Communications

LJUBLJANA - Researchers of the biospeleology group of the Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty published in the Nature Communications journal an article which, according to the principal author Špela Borko, shows for the first time that "descendants of the ancient explosions of evolution may also be found in Europe, if you look in the right spot - underground". In the article titled Subterranean adaptive radiation of amphipods in Europe, the researchers of the Department of Biology at the faculty reconstructed the course of evolution of 45 billion-year-old subterranean amphipod genus.

Bust to Slovenian director unveiled in Zagreb theatre

ZAGREB, Croatia - Bojan Stupica, a Slovenian actor, director and set designer, was honoured with a bust at the foyer of the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) in Zagreb at an event that marked Slovenia Statehood Day and the 30th anniversary of independence. The ceremony was also attended by Minister for Slovenians Abroad Helena Jaklitsch, who also met representatives of the Slovenian cultural association Slovenski Dom (Slovenian Home) in Zagreb, who gave the initiative for the unveiling of the bust.

15th Mountain Film Festival kicks off

DOMŽALE - The 15th Mountain Film Festival started in Domžale near Ljubljana, featuring 33 films from 19 countries in four categories: mountaineering, climbing, mountain nature and culture, and sports and adventure. Until Sunday, the festival will bring a plethora of productions on wild animals and epic stories from the Himalayas. The programme includes many foreign award-winning films along with a number of Slovenian productions.

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Slovenian emigrants praised for contribution to independence

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša and the first prime minister of the independent Slovenia, Lojze Peterle, noted the vital role that the Slovenian diaspora played in the independence efforts, as they addressed the 27th annual get-together of Slovenians living abroad. The gathering, held at St Stanislav's Institution in the Šentvid borough, marked the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence. Janša said it was the emigrants that fostered the belief in a democratic Slovenia when their native country was subject to purges and they helped greatly with the diplomatic efforts.

Janša calls independence core value of nation

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša discussed the values of independence as well as what he called high treason in an interview with the commercial broadcaster Nova24TV on Saturday, saying that while independence never divided the nation it did divide politics, owning to those for whom an independent Slovenia was not an "intimate option". Janša said independence time continued as the value core of the Slovenian nation as even many non-ethnic Slovenians voted for independence in the 1990 plebiscite.

Coronavirus average keeps falling

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia logged 19 new coronavirus cases for Saturday, as the 7-day average of new cases dropped by one from the day before to 37. The government also reported zero deaths. 857 PCR tests were performed yesterday for a positivity rate of 2.2%. The cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents decreased by a further four to 36. Hospitalisations rose by one to 75, even as the number of patients in intensive care dropped by one to 23.

Slovenia removed from Germany's Covid risk list

BERLIN, Germany - Slovenia as a whole is no longer listed as a Covid risk area by Germany starting from Sunday, which means those who arrive in Germany from Slovenia by land can enter without restrictions. Regardless of where they come from, air passengers must still present a negative test result or proof of vaccination or recovery before boarding their flight. The change in Slovenia's status comes after parts of the country were already removed from the list of risk areas in mid-June.

Koroška RV maker strikes deal with Ralf Schumacher

SLOVENJ GRADEC - Robeta, the Koroška-based company specialising in building custom-made camper vans, has been seeing a surge in demand and sales for the past year. Now they expect to expand their presence in the European and global markets further as they entered a partnership with Ralf Schumacher, the former Formula One racing driver. The company will develop a limited edition of recreational vehicles (RV) based on Schumacher's proposals, initially putting put 50 vans a year.

City and uni join in Maribor Pride Parade

MARIBOR - Maribor held its second Pride Parade on Saturday, a week after a similar event was held in Ljubljana, with the city's local authorities and the university joining. The organizers said they had distributed all the 300 promotional bracelets among the participants, as many more people took part. Urban Bren, the vice-chancellor of the University of Maribor, said the rainbow flag on the chancellor's office was a sign "that we are an open and welcoming university in an open and welcoming town".

Poet Josip Osti dies

TOMAJ - Josip Osti, a Sarajevo-born poet, writer and translator who earned international acclaim for his literary work as well as praise for his efforts in linking different cultures, died in his home town of Tomaj at the age of 76. Born in Sarajevo in 1945, Osti named for himself as a poet and translator of Slovenian literature in his native country before moving to Slovenia in 1990. He started writing his own work in Slovene in 1995. He won several awards, including the Vilenica Prize in 1994.

Slovenia end up 4th in Volleyball Nations League

RIMINI, Italy - Slovenia finished 4th in their debut appearance in the FIVB Volleyball Men's Nations League after conceding to France in the match for the third spot 0:3 (-20, -18, -19). The national side made history by advancing to the semi-finals of the league, having won 12 out of 15 matches in the preliminary round, ranking third among semifinalists, but they then lost to world champions Poland on Saturday and France on Sunday.

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Friday sees lowest positivity rate in second Covid wave

LJUBLJANA - Only eleven new coronavirus cases were recorded on Friday from 952 PCR tests for a positivity rate of 1.2%, which is the lowest figure since the start of the second Covid-19 wave. Two patients died, showed fresh official data. The cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 population has decreased by five to 40 and the rolling seven-day average of daily cases is down by ten to 38.

Logar, Maas and Silva urge EU enlargement to Western Balkans

LJUBLJANA/BERLIN, Germany/LISBON, Portugal - Slovenian FM Anže Logar and his German and Portuguese counterparts, Heiko Maas and Augusto Santos Silva, respectively, the current EU presidency trio, called for EU enlargement to the Western Balkans in an article published on the BalkanInsight web portal, describing such efforts as a strategic and shared interest. They voiced their concerns over the current blockade in negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia.

Pahor stresses urgency of consensus on Slovenia's green future

ŠMARJEŠKE TOPLICE/ŠENTJERNEJ - A meeting discussing Slovenia's green future was held in Šmarješke Toplice and Šentjernej (E) under the auspices of President Borut Pahor. Addressing the conference, Pahor stressed the need for a consensus on the green future of the country. Now it is the best time for this, he said. Robert Golob, chairman of Gen-I, which organised the conference, highlighted the importance of joint efforts to fight climate change.

Ceremonies marking 30 years of Slovenia's independence held in US

New York, US - Ceremonies celebrating the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence have been held in the US in recent days. Slovenian Ambassador to the US Tone Kajzer attended the flag raising ceremony held in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on Friday, sharing a video message by US senator Amy Klobuchar on the occasion of the anniversary. The ceremony was organised by members of the Bethlehem-Murska Sobota sister city association.

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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: 

Independence anniversary celebrated on Italy-Slovenia border

NOVA GORICA/GORIZIA, Italy - Senior officials from Slovenia and Italy marked the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence in the square linking the city of Nova Gorica with its Italian counterpart Gorizia on Wednesday in what President Borut Pahor hailed as an "unprecedented" occasion. Apart from Pahor, the ceremony in Europe Square was also attended by Minister for Slovenians Abroad Helena Jaklitsch and Massimiliano Fedriga, president of Friuli Venezia Giulia, among others.

Portuguese FM confident Slovenian presidency can make breakthrough in N Macedonia, Albania EU accession

LJUBLJANA - Portugal will hand to Slovenia as the next EU presiding country many dossiers, including the endorsement of national recovery and resilience plans and EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva said after meeting his counterpart Anže Logar in Ljubljana. Santos Silva said Portugal's presidency had managed to organise the first inter-governmental accession conferences with Serbia and Montenegro under the new enlargement methodology. He believes that Slovenia will manage to confirm the accession negotiations frameworks for North Macedonia and Albania to enable the start of accession talks.

Janša attending EU summit on pandemic, economic recovery

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša is among the EU leaders attending a summit in Brussels dedicated to tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, post-pandemic economic recovery, migrations, and relations with Russia and Turkey. Janša did not make a doorstep statement or take questions from reporters on arrival in Brussels.

Govt adopts budgeting framework for 2022-2023

LJUBLJANA - The government adopted a spending ceiling for the coming two years. In 2022, expenditure is capped at EUR 13.30 billion and at EUR 13.05 billion in 2023. Relevant institutions were now tasked with drawing up proposals for changes to the 2022 state budget and for a draft 2023 state budget by 15 August, the government said after its session.

Govt adopts 2021 investment plan for army worth EUR 73m

LJUBLJANA - The government adopted the annual investment plan for the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) worth around EUR 73,4 million, which will enable the Defence Ministry to conclude contracts on investments to build an infantry battalion group and a special operations unit, as well as buy a transport plane and light 4X4 armoured vehicles.

Climate Fund to finance sewage sludge mono-combustion, low-carbon projects

LJUBLJANA - The government issued a decree setting the allocation of funds from the Climate Fund in the 2021-2023 period. A total of EUR 429.9 million will be available, including for processing sewage sludge in mono-combustion and for technological innovation in efforts for a low-carbon society. The decree includes measures that have already been envisaged in the previous years and adds new ones such as the processing of sewage sludge in mono-combustion, the Environment Ministry said after today's government session.

Govt endorses plans for logistic hub in Maribor airport area

LJUBLJANA - The government is planning for a multi-modal logistics hub to be built as part of development of Maribor airport until 2025. The Smart Hub Maribor is to be expanded from the initial 50 hectares to 630 hectares in 2030, Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec announced after the government session.

Opposition expects Slovenia to respond to Hungary's anti-LGBTQ law

LJUBLJANA - The centre-left opposition called for Slovenia's top officials to protest against Hungary's controversial new anti-LGBTQ law, voicing disappointment over Slovenia's failure to join the 16 EU countries that expressed their concern over the law in a joint statement. The SocDems expect the protest to be voiced as Hungarian PM Viktor Orban visits Slovenia for the independence ceremony anniversary on Friday. The LMŠ endorsed the joint statement by the 16 EU countries, while the Left criticised UEFA for blocking Munich's bid to illuminate its stadium in rainbow colours for Wednesday's Euro 2020 match between Germany and Hungary.

Reynders asks for explanations from Slovenia about EPPO appointment

BRUSSELS, Belgium - European Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders reiterated his concerns over the fact that Slovenia has still not appointed its European delegated prosecutors (EDPs). He contacted Slovenian Justice Minister Marjan Dikaučič today to voice his concerns and request explanations for the situation. Several MEPs also expressed concern.

Both candidates sue govt over non-appointment as EU delegated prosecutors

LJUBLJANA - The State Attorney's Office said it had not decided to sue the government over a decision not to get acquainted with the appointment of Slovenia's European delegated prosecutors as proposed by the Prosecution Council. However, a suit was filed by both candidates for the European delegated prosecutors, Tanja Frank Eler and Matej Oštir, for whom the government's failure to get acquainted with their candidacies meant they are no longer in the running for the post.

43 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, no deaths

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia reported 43 new coronavirus cases for Wednesday in what continues to be a significant decrease on all levels. No Covid-19 patients died, the seven-day average of new daily cases fell to 54 and the 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents dropped to 49, according to fresh official data. The latest infection numbers (43) come from 2,146 PCR tests for a positivity rate of 2%, the lowest in the second wave of the epidemic. This week, 18 cases of the Delta variant of the virus have been confirmed in Slovenia, which puts Slovenia among the countries where the B.1.617.2 strain is not very widespread.

Slovenia test-introduces digital Covid certificate in trail phase

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia test-introduced the European digital Covid certificate today, while the system will be fully up and running next week, Health Minister Janez Poklukar told the press. For registered uses with digital identity, the certificate became available on the zVem portal this evening.

Slovenia to donate 48,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Bosnia

LJUBLJANA - The government decided to donate 48,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Bosnia-Herzegovina as a humanitarian aid during the Covid-19 epidemic. The epidemiological situation there is not favourable and only 7.7% of the population was vaccinated with at least one shot until 13 July, the government said.

Pahor addresses Slovenian soldiers serving at missions abroad

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor addressed Slovenian troops serving at missions abroad via videolink to congratulate them on Statehood Day and thank them for their contribution to Slovenia's reputation in the international community. At the video conference at which Defence Minister Matej Tonin and Deputy Chief of Staff, Brigadier Roman Urbanč, were also present, Pahor received a report from commanders of Slovenian contingents in Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, Latvia and Mali.

Central bank celebrates 30th anniversary

LJUBLJANA - Banka Slovenije, Slovenia's central bank, celebrates its 30th anniversary on Friday, as it was set up together with the country on 25 June 1991. "In this period, we have constructively contributed to the development of the country and participated in many important milestones for Slovenia," the bank said on the eve of the anniversary.

Kučan says govt turned politics into fight of gladiators

LJUBLJANA - Former Slovenian President Milan Kučan believes the Janez Janša government has turned the political arena into gladiatorial combat and the government's biggest "achievement" is a major divide in which Slovenia is nearing its 30th anniversary. Kučan was also critical of President Borut Pahor's inaction in this respect.

Residential property prices in Slovenia rise in Q1

LJUBLJANA - Residential property prices in the first quarter were on average 3.1% higher than in the previous quarter and 7.3% higher compared to the same period in 2020. The total value of residential property sold was EUR 297 million, which is EUR 33 million less than in the fourth quarter of last year and about the same as in the first quarter of 2020. Prices of new residential property (new houses and flats combined) rose by 7.5% on the quarter before in the second consecutive quarter of growth.

Business sentiment improves for 7th month

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's business sentiment improved for the 7th straight month in June. The indicator is now at 8 percentage points, up 2.2 points from May and up 31.2 points year-on-year, the Statistics Office reported. Month-on-month, confidence improved in services (+2.1 points), retail (+0.4 points) and consumers (+0.2 points), but deteriorated in manufacturing (-0.6 points) and construction (+0.1 points). I rose in all sections ear-on-year.

Kresnik Prize goes to Borut Kraševec for debut novel Agni

LJUBLJANA - The publisher Delo conferred the Kresnik Prize for best novel of the year on Borut Kraševec for his debut novel Agni. His work challenges the reader's fixed perceptions about the novel as the genre as well as about life in general as it fuses various voices. Receiving the prestigious prize atop Rožnik Hill late on Wednesday, Kraševec said that the Kresnik, which comes with a EUR 7,000 cheque, was an outstanding accolade since it was a sign that others had been satisfied with the book too.

New book collection to present Slovenian gastronomic traditions

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's gastronomic cultural heritage is presented in a new collection of four books entitled Gastronomy of Slovenia, written by ethnologist Janez Bogataj. Launched on Wednesday, each book represents one of four gastronomic macro-regions of Slovenia - Central Slovenia with Ljubljana, Pannonian, Alpine and Mediterranean Slovenia. Within those the country has a total of 24 unique gastronomic regions, all of which feature in the book with 430 selected foods, dishes and beverages.

Slovenia make it to semi-finals of Volleyball Nations League

RIMINI, Italy - The Slovenian men's volleyball team has fulfilled an ambitious goal to advance to the semi-finals of the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Men's Nations League after beating Bulgaria convincingly in Rimini, Italy on Wednesday. The feat came after 15 games in the preliminary round, ranking Slovenia third among semifinalists. In the semi-finals the team will play Poland, world champions, whom it has already beaten in this tournament in a move that inspired self-confidence.

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Slovenia issues first sustainability bond

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia issued its first sustainability bond to finance exclusively sustainable projects. Demand for the EUR 1 billion bond with a 10-year maturity date outstripped supply by far, the Slovenian Finance Ministry said. Slovenia issued the green bond as the first Central or East European country and as the second EU member state, so the ministry labelled the transaction a milestone.

European Council head Michel to address state ceremony on Friday

LJUBLJANA - As the main ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence and the start of Slovenia's EU presidency is held on Friday, President of the European Council Charles Michel will address the part of the event dedicated to the presidency alongside PM Janez Janša. The keynote speaker at the ceremony will meanwhile be President Borut Pahor. The prime ministers of Slovenia's neighbouring countries will also take the stage.

STA decorated for irreplaceable role in media space

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor decorated the STA with the Order of Merit in recognition of its "irreplaceable mission" in the media space for the past 30 years and its vital role in the period when Slovenia was gaining its independence. In the explanation, the president's office noted that the agency was created when the country was born and it thus became its "official witness". At a ceremony in the Presidential Palace, the decoration was accepted by editor-in-chief Barbara Štrukelj and director Bojan Veselinovič, who described autonomous and institutionally and financially independent agencies as a golden standard of media freedom, democracy and respect for the right to be informed.

Coronavirus keeps receding

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia reported 50 new coronavirus cases for Tuesday as the 7-day average fell by a further ten to 59, while one patient with Covid-19 died, government figures show. Only 2.5% of the 2,038 PCR tests performed yesterday came back positive, as a total of 17,715 people were screened with rapid antigen tests. The cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents dropped by ten from the day before to 56, show data from the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ).

Vaccination moving to mobile units

LJUBLJANA - Mass vaccination in mobile units started in Ljubljana in an effort to raise the country's vaccination. The turnout today was not very inspiring, which medical officials attributed to high temperatures and a poor promotional campaign. As of tomorrow, mobile units will also be set up in Kamnik and then in Šenčur, Brda and around the country if there is enough interest, officials said.

Koritnik discusses EU presidency priorities with Portuguese counterpart

LISBON, Portugal - Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik met Portuguese Minister for Modernization of the State and Public Administration Alexandra Leitäo in Lisbon to discuss the EU Leadership Exchange Programme and Slovenia's priorities for the upcoming EU presidency. The bilateral meeting was part of the ministerial meeting of the Informal Network of Public Administrations of the EU Member States taking place in Lisbon.

Slovenia to cooperate with Italian space agency

ROME, Italy - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek signed a letter of intent on cooperation in spacial activities for peaceful purposes with the Italian Space Agency as part of a two-day visit to Italy. He also met Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti with the pair calling for boosting economic cooperation. Počivalšek signed the deal with president of the Italian Space Agency, Giorgio Saccoccia.

Slovenia on CIVICUS watchlist for restricting fundamental rights

LJUBLJANA - The CIVICUS international alliance of NGOs placed Slovenia on its list of countries to be monitored for a decline in fundamental civil liberties, which draws attention to countries where there is a serious and rapid decline in respect for civic space. Under the Janez Janša government, civil society organisations have been undermined by funding cuts and journalists and the national press agency have been targeted, CIVICUS said. It added that the government had used the Covid-19 pandemic as a pretext to pass several measures that affect basic human rights, the rule of law and the right to participation.

Changes to audiovisual media services act backed at committee

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Culture Committee unanimously endorsed at second reading a set of changes to the audiovisual media services act transposing an EU directive which regulates on-demand services and introduces a new fund to finance European audiovisual production. A debate pointed to risks of abuse of the fund, to which all providers of audiovisual media services will have to contribute.

US Chargé d'Affaires Falatko says STA important source of info

LJUBLJANA - Susan K. Falatko, the chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy in Slovenia, has told the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) that the embassy is closely monitoring the debate about the financing of the STA, whose importance should not be underestimated, as it is a major source of information about events in Slovenia for the US. The interview with the STA was conducted a few days ahead of the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's declaration of independence and a day after the 30th anniversary of the publication of the first news article by the STA. Falatko stressed that the STA "brings a diversity of voices from across the country, it brings stories from people around the country that might not be heard."

Major investment inaugurated at Koper port

KOPER - A 100-metre extension to Quay I of the container terminal at the Koper port was inaugurated in what the port operator's CEO Dimitrij Zadel said was a key strategic project that would allow Slovenia's sole maritime port to preserve its leadership in container transshipment in the North Adriatic. The first 150 metres of the shore of Quay I were built as early as 1979, with the latest being the fourth extension.

Insurance industry sees profit dip in 2020 in higher premium

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's insurance industry saw a decline in combined profit last year, despite an increase in gross written premium. Business was affected by low interest rates and the financial crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic. The low interest-rate environment and the financial crisis impacted on lower return on investment on the one hand and on higher provisions on the other, Gorazd Čibej, director of the Agency for Insurance Supervision (AZN), told reporters.

TI Slovenia advocates protection on World Whistleblowers' Day

LJUBLJANA - On the occasion of World Whistleblowers Day, Transparency International Slovenia reiterated the need to protect those who act in the public interest by reporting irregularities. TI Slovenia president Alma Sedlar also stressed the importance of protecting whistleblowers as many face risk of reprisals. It wrote in a press release that whistleblowers saved lives and money that was not spent transparently by pointing to irregularities. However, individuals were often threatened with reprisals, with a survey showing that two-thirds of Slovenians believe whistleblowers may face retaliation.

Ceremony marking Slovenia's 30 years held in Brussels

BRUSSELS, Belgium - A short ceremony was held in Brussels to mark the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence. Among the attendees were MEPs from Slovenia and both Slovenian ambassadors in Brussels. Officials pointed to the path Slovenia has walked in the 30 years and the challenges ahead, especially the EU presidency in the second half of the year.

Teenager drowns at dangerous section of river Soča

SOLKAN - A 13-year-old boy drowned in the river Soča near the town of Solkan in the afternoon, media reported. The Nova Gorica Fire Brigade told the STA that the accident had happened on the kayak route in Solkan. This is the second teenage death in this area in less than a year.

New youth housing complex opens in Ljubljana

LJUBLJANA - A new housing complex with almost 110 apartments for people aged 18-29 was inaugurated in Ljubljana in a bid to assist youths in gaining independence, starting family and securing financial freedom. Monthly rent will be some 150 EUR per person. The first of its kind in Slovenia, the youth complex in Gerbičeva Street, a student dorm district in the south-western part of the capital, features 109 apartments with either single- or twin-bedrooms. The facility also includes an intergenerational centre with a multi-purpose room, a common room, a kitchen and cafeteria, an office and an atrium.

Exhibition sheds light on independence as seen from abroad

LJUBLJANA - An exhibition entitled Impressions 30 opened at the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum (SEM), presenting personal memories of Slovenians around the world from 30 years ago, when Slovenia became independent, along with additional material published by Slovenians abroad. More than 60 reflections were gathered from a short questionnaire sent to various contacts from the countries of the former Yugoslavia, Europe, the Americas, Asia, Australia, as well as returnees.

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EU inaction in Western Balkans "strategically dangerous", FM Logar says

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The EU should move "as soon as possible" from a wait-and-see approach to a problem-solving strategy in dealing with the EU enlargement to the Western Balkans, Slovenian FM Anže Logar told the Euractiv news portal in an interview in which he discussed the priorities for Slovenia's upcoming EU presidency. He said that in recent years, the EU had not been "too active in the region vis a vis reform stalemate" and that enlargement "has fallen off the EU's agenda" in the past decade.

Austrian parliament speaker visits Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - Wolfgang Sobotka, the speaker of the Austrian parliament, paid an official visit to Slovenia to meet his counterpart Igor Zorčič, Prime Minister Janez Janša and President Borut Pahor. The focus of the talks was on the EU and its enlargement to the Western Balkans, and bilateral relations, including minority issues. They officials exchanged views on topical political issues in the EU and the priorities of the Slovenian EU presidency, mainly the Western Balkans' prospects to join the EU and NATO.

Metsola discusses parliamentary aspect of EU presidency

LJUBLJANA - First Vice-President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola met representatives of both houses of Slovenia's parliament to discuss the parliamentary aspect of Slovenia's presidency of the Council of the EU. Metsola said the priorities of the Slovenian presidency were similar to the priorities of the European Parliament, be it the enlargement to the Western Balkans, cyber security or migrations. The Maltese politician met Marko Pogačnik, the chair of the National Assembly's EU Affairs Committee, National Assembly Speaker Igor Zorčič and Prime Minister Janez Janša.

Bilateral ties and EU presidency in focus as Logar visits Bavaria

LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Anže Logar met Bavarian State Minister for European and International Affairs Melanie Huml in Munich for discussions that focused on the efforts to deepen political and trade relations between Bavaria and Slovenia and the challenges of the Slovenian presidency of the Council of the EU. The ministers also took part in the closing part of the 32nd session of the standing bilateral Bavaria-Slovenia commission, which agreed a number of projects of bilateral cooperation.

Hojs attends EU-US justice and home affairs ministerial

LISBON, Portugal - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs took part in a meeting of EU and US ministers in charge of justice and home affairs in Lisbon which discussed cooperation in the combat against terrorism and cybercrime, as well as migration, among other issues. Hojs attended the meeting on behalf of Slovenia as the next president of the Council of the EU. One of the officials representing the US was Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, whom Hojs invited to visit Slovenia during its presidency.

Govt adopts measures to boost vaccination

LJUBLJANA - The government adopted a set of measures to scale up vaccination by making it more accessible and increase the country's immunisation rate at a correspondence session on Monday, including tasking the Health Ministry with immediately organising a large number of mobile vaccination units. The ministry was also tasked with instructing vaccination centres to provide enough time slots for vaccination without a prior appointment to all those who are interested in getting a jab and with whichever vaccine they want.

65 new coronavirus infections on Monday, one death

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia reported 65 new coronavirus cases for Monday in what continues to be a significant week-on-week decrease. A single Covid-19 patient died, show fresh official data. The seven-day average of new daily cases fell from 76 to 69 and the 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents dropped by seven to 66. Hospitalisations also decreased. According to data by the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), there are currently some 1,400 active cases in the country.

Archbishop Zore says Slovenia has all but attained its goals

LJUBLJANA - Stanislav Zore, the archbishop of Ljubljana, looked back upon the path walked since Slovenia declared independence 30 years ago, finding the nation had largely attained its goals. "We may not be there yet in all segments of society and all subsystems, but those who know the workings of the old system from up close, know what path we have walked," Zore said in his homily. The Mass was attended by Slovenia's most senior officials and members of the diplomatic corps as well as the visiting president of the Austrian parliament Wolfgang Sobotka.

Opposition MPs on politics and the 30th anniversary ceremony

LJUBLJANA - The leaders of the opposition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), Social Democrats (SD), Left and Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) were critical of the current government in an interview with RTV Slovenija on Monday, regretting that Slovenia is so divided as the 30th anniversary of independence approaches. They also commented on the ceremony to be held on Friday with only the leaders of the SD and SAB planning to attend it.

Strategic Council presents first 40 measures for digital decade

LJUBLJANA - The Strategic Council for Digitalisation presented the first package of measures promoting digitalisation, which the government endorsed at its last week's session. "These are 40 solutions for the fourth decade of the Slovenian state, which will undoubtedly be a digital one," said the council's head Mark Boris Andrijanič. The Council, set up in April, has included solutions for the digitalisation of public administration, healthcare, education and economy into the first package.

Govt appoints state secretaries at Justice Ministry

LJUBLJANA - The government appointed Zlatko Ratej and Anže Erbežnik state secretaries at the Justice Ministry. In line with the decision adopted at Monday's session, Ratej is staying on as he already held this post under the previous justice minister with his term starting today, whereas Erbežnik is a newly-appointed state secretary, whose term will start on 1 July.

Power group HSE posted net loss of EUR 184 million in 2020

LJUBLJANA - The state-owned power group HSE posted a net loss of EUR 184.1 million last year after reporting EUR 29.7 million in net profit in 2019. The Šoštanj coal-fired power plant (TEŠ) alone generated EUR 280.4 million in net loss. Meanwhile, the group's sales revenue was record high, at EUR 1.8 billion. Investments by Slovenia's largest electricity producer totalled EUR 42.8 million, up 4.5% from the year before.

DNS launches platform for reporting attacks on journalists

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Journalist Association (DNS) launched a platform for reporting attacks on journalists that will keep track and monitor such attacks as well as raise awareness about the issue. The platform will record reports of physical as well as verbal attacks and threats, the DNS said, noting that the idea for the platform had emerged due to the increasingly hostile environment in which journalists work.

Web platform launched to boost political responsibility

LJUBLJANA - The centre for investigative journalism in the Adriatic region Oštro and the institute Danes Je Nov Dan (Today Is a New Day) launched on Monday a web platform where a list of promises made by politicians will be published as a reminder to them that they have a responsibility towards citizens. The platform Obljuba Dela Dolg (A Promise Made Is a Debt Unpaid) will aim to increase political responsibility and strengthen trust in politicians, thus encouraging participation in political processes, the institute behind the project said.

Survey shows rise in child obesity during epidemic

LJUBLJANA - The latest measurements of school children's fitness show the Covid epidemic has severely impaired school children's physical efficiency, making 10% addicted to digital devices, and increasing the share of overweight kids by 30%. Revealing the results, experts from the Ljubljana Faculty of Sport proposed several measures to address the issues, such as no more school closures and possibly no homework.

Slovenian women's basketball team knocked out of EuroBasket

STRASBOURG, France - The Slovenian women's basketball team was knocked out of the 2021 EuroBasket Women on Monday evening with a defeat against Russia (93:75) in the quarter-finals qualification. The Slovenian team will have another chance to improve on their achievements in two years' time on home court, as the 39th European Women Basketball Championship will be held in Slovenia.

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This summary is provided by the STA: 

EU sanctions targeting Lukashenko regime's wallets, says Logar

LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - As EU foreign ministers endorsed an extension of sanctions against Belarus in Luxembourg, Slovenia's Anže Logar said economic sanctions over repression in Belarus targetted the wallets of President Alexander Lukashenko's regime. The EU endorsed today the fourth package of sanctions against individuals and legal entities responsible for repression, and the ministers backed a fifth package - sectoral sanctions that the EU is to adopt by the weekend summit, Logar told Slovenian Brussels-based reporters in a virtual briefing.

Janša describes political unity 30 years ago as bad myth

LJUBLJANA - PM Janez Janša described arguments about political unity over Slovenia's independence 30 years ago as a "bad myth" in an interview with the public broadcaster ahead of the 30th anniversary of independence, but acknowledged the people's unity as the key factor to the step. Listing Slovenia's key achievements over the past 30 years, he noted Slovenia's being recognised as the world's 5th safest country, as well as becoming part of the EU, NATO, Schengen etc. "We're living in an exceptionally favourable environment historically."

EU Parliament vice-president says Slovenia can push forward EU priorities

LJUBLJANA - First Vice-President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said in an interview with the STA ahead of her visit to Slovenia that the country could push forward the EU priorities over the next six months as it assumes the EU presidency. Metsola also stressed as important the Conference on the Future of Europe, where sees the need to "strengthen the EU in a very, very fragile situation". She is due to meet in Slovenia on Tuesday several senior officials, including Speaker Igor Zorčič and PM Janez Janša.

Army membership planned to be increased to 10,000 by 2035

LJUBLJANA - The Defence Ministry presented a long-term programme for the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) that envisages a different structure, organisation and equipping, an overhaul of the system of military education and training and a financial framework for realising these plans. The number of SAF members is expected to gradually rise to 10,000 by 2035. Defence Ministry State Secretary Uroš Lampret said the key systemic measures in the programme through 2035 included more modern military capabilities, and adjusting the scope, structure and organisation of the SAF by creating a core of priority forces.

Minister Cigler Kralj signs Lisbon declaration on homelessness

LISBON, Portugal - Janez Cigler Kralj, Slovenia's minister in charge of social affairs and equal opportunities, signed the Lisbon declaration on the European platform on combatting homelessness, as he attended a high-level conference on homelessness organised by Portugal's EU presidency and the European Commission in Lisbon. The declaration was signed by representatives of EU member states, the Commission and Parliament and other institutions in a bid to eradicate homelessness by 2030. Cigler Kralj also met his Portuguese counterpart Ana Mendes Godinho and the chair of the steering board of the European platform on combatting homelessness Yves Leterme.

Idea of European institute of constitutional democracy discussed in parliament

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary EU Affairs Committee hosted a debate on the future of governance in the EU as part of the Conference on the Future of Europe, with jourists floating an idea to found a European institute of constitutional democracy. Jurist Peter Jambrek said it would focus on fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. He said Conference on the Future of Europe debates called for "some operational strategy" which Slovenia could put forward to the EU as a normative framework. He said three projects could help implement Slovenia's visions: the institute, "elements for a draft of a potential new constitution", and reviving the idea of a European demos or people.

Investors being presented Slovenia's debut sustainability bond

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia presented the framework for its first sustainability bond to investors in a global call today, to be followed by one-on-one calls with interested investors on Tuesday, the Finance Ministry announced. Depending on the market situation, the first ever euro sustainability bond may be issued after the calls are completed. The government announced it had named a taskforce to consider issuing a green, social or sustainability bond in mid-May.

Top court defends right to family life in residence permit case

LJUBLJANA - The Constitutional Court has taken a position that turning down a foreigner's application for a residence permit in the country of residence of their close relatives could interfere with the person's right to family life even when that person committed a crime. The court adopted the position in granting an appeal by a woman whose application for her husband to be granted an extension of the residence permit was rejected, saying it had deliberated on the applicant's appeal from the aspect of the right to family life and the principle of best interest of the child.

SDS in the lead in two opinion polls

LJUBLJANA - The ruling Democrats (SDS) increased the lead in the latest Vox Populi monthly poll, gaining a percentage point compared to May to 19.1%. The SDS is followed by the opposition Social Democrats (SD), which have lost some ground. A poll commissioned by Nova24TV meanwhile suggests the left bloc would not benefit if Tomaž Vesel, the president of the Court of Audit, entered the election race with his own party, and the SDS would still win the vote. Were a potential Vesel-led list to appear in an election this Sunday, it would rank fourth with the poll giving it 6.5%.

Pahor proposes c-bank vice-governor, equal opportunities ombudsman be reappointed

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor proposed that the National Assembly to reappoint Irena Vodopivec Jean as a vice-governor of the Banka Slovenije central bank and Miha Lobnik as the head of the Advocate of the Principle of Equality institution. "After consultations with the heads of parliamentary deputy groups, it may be concluded that both candidates enjoy the required support of MPs," the president's office said. Vodopivec Jean term expires on 6 October and Lobnik's on 25 October.

Slovenian photographer badly injured in Flying Bulls Trojan crash

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Miro Majcen, a photographer working for the Slovenian news portal 24ur.com, was badly injured as a T-28B Trojan belonging to the Flying Bulls fleet crashed near the Czech town of Jickovice on Sunday, killing the pilot, the portal reported. He is being treated in a Prague hospital where he was taken by a helicopter, the Austrian press agency APA reported. No other details about his condition were available.

Two people in hospital after boating accident

VIDEM PRI PTUJU - Eleven people, including children, were swept into the water as two canoes overturned at the confluence of the rivers Dravinja and Drava close to the village of Dravci near Ptuj at around 7:40pm on Sunday. Firefighters provided first aid and two people were taken to hospital in Ptuj as a precautionary measure.

Zdravljica facsimile among EU presidency protocol gifts

LJUBLJANA - Participants of the events hosted by the Slovenian EU presidency may look forward to a number of protocol gifts, including facsimiles of France Prešeren's poem Zdravljica, cufflinks with a panther motif and smart water bottles. They will be presented to EU member state leaders, heads of EU institutions and other guests.

Hotel at Brdo pri Kranju welcomes first visitors after facelift

BRDO PRI KRANJU - What used to be Brdo Hotel at the Brdo pri Kranju estate reopened after renovation under a new name - Elegans Brdo Hotel. The EUR 11.5 investment was finished just in time for the start of the Slovenian EU presidency. The revamped hotel and Brdo estate will remain a tourist destination even after Slovenia's presidency stint ends, the JGZ Brdo State Protocol Services said in a press release.

Under 20 new infections recorded, three Covid-19 patients die

LJUBLJANA - Only 19 new coronavirus infections were recorded in Slovenia on Sunday in a total of 805 PCR tests, which is a significantly smaller number of infections compared to the week before. The positivity rate is also down slightly to 2.4%. Three Covid-19 patients died yesterday, show the latest statistics from the government.

Choice of Covid vaccines on offer across country

LJUBLJANA/MARIBOR... - As Covid-19 vaccine supply in Slovenia has outstripped demand, it is now possible to choose between different jabs while the government is also planning to set up mobile vaccination units to make vaccination even more accessible. Data from the Covid-19 tracker site shows Slovenia currently has about half a million unused doses of various vaccines, which is more than the number of those who have booked but are still waiting to get the jab.

Ljubljana struggling with high air pollution, says EEA

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Environment Agency (EEA) has launched the city air quality viewer, which has taken data from two Slovenian cities, Ljubljana and Maribor. The latest data show that the Slovenian capital is plagued by poor air quality, whereas the situation is a bit better in Slovenia's second largest city.

Changes to retail, public assembly, religious services kick in

LJUBLJANA - As the coronavirus situation in Slovenia is improving, some new rules kicked in for the retail and services sectors, public assembly and religious services. The latest relaxation affects shop, bar and restaurant opening hours, which are no longer restricted, even as rules on 10 square metres per customer remain in place. A new restriction was meanwhile introduced for public rallies and events featuring more than 100 participants, who need to be vaccinated, tested or reconvalescent. The new changes will be in place until 27 June.

National Museum opens Golden Trail exhibition to mark 200th anniversary

LJUBLJANA - To mark its 200th anniversary, the National Museum launched the Golden Trail exhibition, which features over 170 golden or gold-plated exhibits from its permanent collections as well as items from another 32 Slovenian museums. As the predecessor of the first Slovenian museum, the Provincial Museum of Carniola, which was established in 1821, the National Museum is not only celebrating its second centenary but also the historical role of all Slovenian museums in preserving the national heritage.

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: 

Janez Janša gets another term as SDS head

SLOVENSKE KONJICE - Janez Janša won another term at the helm of the Democratic Party (SDS) at a party congress in Slovenske Konjice. He was endorsed by 650 of the 656 delegates as the only candidate for party head. Janša, who is serving his third terms as prime minister, has been firmly at the helm of the SDS since 1993. He is the third SDS president of the party.

Janša: SDS always in government when burden of responsibility needs to be carried

SLOVENSKE KONJICE - The Democratic Party (SDS) is the only party founded before the independence that is still in one piece, still in parliament and still a political force with the largest voter support, PM and SDS head Janez Janša said at the party congress. Although it was in the government for only ten years, it has always carried the heaviest burden, he said.

Ljubo Jasnič becomes new DeSUS head

LJUBLJANA - The Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) elected Ljubo Jasnič, a former secretary general of the party, the new party head at a congress in Ljubljana. He received 54 out of 117 votes. Addressing the delegates, Jasnič expressed the wish for genuine cooperation with everyone. "I understand your vote as a voice for unity and the values of DeSUS," he said, adding everything would be done for DeSUS to enter parliament again at the next election.

84 new coronavirus infections confirmed on Friday, one death

LJUBLJANA - A total of 84 coronavirus infections were confirmed in 2,237 PCR tests in Slovenia on Friday, down four from the day before. The positivity rate stood at 3.8%. There are still 101 Covid-10 patients in hospitals, including 37 in intensive care. Fifteen people were discharged from hospital and one patient died, the government said.

Govt puts communicable diseases act in line with Constitution

LJUBLJANA - The government adopted at a correspondence session on Friday changes to the communicable diseases act after the Constitutional Court declared parts of the act and thus measures introduced during the epidemic unconstitutional. It also changed Covid-19-related conditions for entry to Slovenia. According to the government, the amended act "fully addresses all aspects of the current legal arrangement that the Constitutional Court highlighted as constitutionally problematic and significantly narrows the field of government freedom in adopting possible restrictive measures".

Slovenia's new ambassador to UN taking over on Monday

NEW YORK, US - As the term of Slovenian Ambassador at the UN Darja Bavdaž Kuret expired at the end of last week, she will be succeeded by Boštjan Malovrh, deputy ambassador to China. Between 2011 and 2017, Malovrh led the central Asia desk at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Before that he served as a political advisor to the EU special representative for the crisis in Georgia.

State secretary calls for strengthening of EU's resilience

STRASBOURG, France - Foreign Ministry State Secretary Gašper Dovžan took part in the first plenary of the conference on the future of Europe on Saturday. In his video address he called for continuation of the EU integration process and boosting of the bloc's resilience.The EU's resilience should be boosted so that it "will become a true player, also on the global level", Dovžan said.

Fitch affirms Slovenia rating

LJUBLJANA - Rating agency Fitch has affirmed Slovenia's credit rating at A with a stable outlook, the Finance Ministry said, adding that this showed the agency acknowledged Slovenia's strong institutional structure, focus on human development and a credible policy framework supported by EU membership.

Steklarna Hrastnik's net revenue, profit down in 2020

HRASTNIK - Slovenia's glass manufacturer Steklarna Hrastnik generated EUR 56.3 million in net sales revenue in 2020, down 13% on 2019, with its net profit decreasing by 8% to EUR 6.7 million, both as a result of the Covid pandemic. "2020 was one of the most uncertain and unusual years for the company while 2019 was one of the most successful ones in its history," director general Peter Čas says in the company's annual business report.

Museum Summer Night brings 300 events across Slovenia

MARIBOR - More than 75 museums and galleries opened their doors free of charge to visitors as part of the 19th Museum Summer Night bringing almost 300 events at around 160 locations around the country on Saturday evening until midnight. With the epidemiological situation improving, many more events than last year were held live.