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LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor is convinced that Slovenians can be proud of what the country has achieved in the last thirty years. Speaking for the STA, he said the nation had done great things when it worked together. He acknowledged that there was a rift, but said it was not as deep as some made it out to be. Pahor warned that the election as such will not necessarily result in change, even if there is a change in government, adding that having an election now would "not be as fateful as during the epidemic".

Slovenia, France discuss EU presidency priorities

PARIS, France - Slovenia's EU presidency priorities and the shared interests of both countries in the EU topped the agenda as Foreign Minister Anže Logar held talks with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian. The two countries share interests when it comes to the bloc's post-Covid recovery, the build-up of strategic sovereignty and resilience, and greater autonomy in healthcare and cybersecurity, the Foreign Ministry said. Logar also highlighted the Conference on the Future of the EU as a shared interest of the successive EU presidencies.

Weekly fall in coronavirus continues

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 88 new coronavirus cases for Thursday, as the 7-day average dropped by a further five to 92. After zero deaths the day before, two patients with Covid-19 died, government figures show. The number of patients hospitalised with Covid-19 has dropped by a further three to 109 this morning; 39 are in intensive care, one more than the day before. The cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents has fallen by a further nine to 90, data from the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) show.

Šircelj expects Slovenia's recovery plan to be assessed as soon as possible

BRUSSELS - Finance Minister Andrej Šircelj would not speculate on when the European Commission will assess Slovenia's recovery plan or when it could be confirmed. Asked whether the country's plan would be among the first that are expected to be confirmed in mid-July, he said he expected it to be assessed as soon as possible but that the Commission had not said which countries would be next. This is not "up for bargaining", he said.

Education in focus of minister's visit to Carinthia

KLAGENFURT, Austria Minister for Slovenians Abroad Helena Jaklitsch met with representatives of several educational institutions offering instruction in Slovenian as she paid a visit to Klagenfurt. She held talks with the head teachers of Slovenian secondary schools and kindergartens as well as professors of Slavic studies at the University of Klagenfurt and the university's rector, Oliver Vitouch.

Telekom Slovenije shareholders to get EUR 4.50 dividend

LJUBLJANA - The shareholders of Telekom Slovenije backed a dividend payout of EUR 4.50 gross per share, endorsing a counter-proposal by the Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH) that is 50 cents above the amount proposed by the management. The decision means that out of the EUR 35 million in distributable profit for 2020, EUR 29.3 million will be paid out to shareholders. The shareholders also appointed two new members of the supervisory board, Karla Pinter, an Economy Ministry official, and Jurij Toplak, a constitutional scholar and law professor.

GZS says Slovenia's drop in IMD Raking a serious warning

LJUBLJANA - The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) sees Slovenia's losing five spots in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking as a serious warning. Slovenia ranked 40th among 64 countries in this year's index, with the GZS noting that the country's score deteriorated most sharply in business efficiency and in efficiency of government, while it improved in business excellence. The chamber pointed to digitalisation at companies, noting there there were not enough apprentices or qualified foreign experts.

Prospects for hiring for third quarter remain cautiously optimistic

LJUBLJANA - Just like in the previous quarter, Slovenian employers are cautiously optimistic about hiring prospects in the third quarter of the year. A 9% net growth is expected, a survey by employment company Manpower Group shows. Employers in all ten sectors included in the survey plan to hire, especially in construction and manufacturing. Of all employers included, 14% announced hiring, 1% layoffs, and 78% stable employment. About 7% are still undecided.

Cost of long-term care estimated at EUR 744 million by 2025

LJUBLJANA - Health Minister Janez Poklukar said the new bill on long-term care was necessary as the population was ageing fast ans there would be almost 70,000 beneficiaries by 2025. The costs of services for that year are estimated at EUR 744 million, with a third of that to be secured with a new contribution. The ministry estimates there will be around 63,400 beneficiaries of long-term care next year, and almost 69,300 in 2025.

Slovenia co-host of AI and gender equality event in New York

NEW YORK, US - Slovenia organised on Thursday a virtual UN event dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) and gender equality alongside the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Australia, Grenada, Maldives and UN Women. Taking place in New York, UN ambassadors and experts called for use of AI to boost gender equality and a stepped up integration of women in AI development.

Imago Sloveniae, Summer in Old Ljubljana festivals kick off

LJUBLJANA - The 33rd edition of the Imago Sloveniae and Summer in Old Ljubljana festivals starts in Congress Square with opera excerpts by the SNG Maribor theatre ensemble. The gala concert led by conductor Simon Dvoršak will be held in celebration of last year's 100th anniversary of the SNG Maribor opera and ballet house. Both festivals will offer some 30 classical music and jazz concerts that will take place at various sites in the capital over the next two months.

Banking museum opens in Ljubljana

LJUBLJANA - Bankarium, the museum of Slovenian banking, opened in Ljubljana and will admit the first visitors on Saturday. The museum is managed by the NLB Group, and its mission will be to give visitors an insight into the history of Slovenian banking, experience banking practice and broaden their financial knowledge. Museum visitors will be able to see a collection of currencies used in Slovenia over the last 200 years, as well as the inside of an ATM and a bank vault.

Four detained over illegal sewage sludge dumping

MARIBOR - Four suspects have been remanded in custody following a series of police raids earlier this week in connection to illegal dumping of nearly 200 tonnes of sewage sludge in the village of Pivola, south of Maribor, as new dumpsites are being discovered around the country. The head of Maribor crime investigators Beno Meglič said a total of six suspects and two legal entities faced criminal charges in the case, with the four detained to be brought before an investigating judge tomorrow.

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Zero daily Covid deaths for first time in eight months

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia reported no daily fatalities from Covid-19 for the first time since 10 October as only 83 new cases were logged for Wednesday, pushing the 7-day average case count and the 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents below 100. The number of patients hospitalised with Covid-19 has dropped to 112 as 38 remain in intensive care. Government data show 250,288 people have so far recovered from Covid-19. A total of 4,724 have lost their lives.

EUR 243 million stimulus package for tourism confirmed

LJUBLJANA - The government passed an emergency law to help the embattled tourism sector. The package is worth EUR 243.5 million, with new tourist vouchers accounting for the bulk of new spending. Businesses think the aid falls short. All adults residing in Slovenia as of 30 June will get a EUR 100 voucher to spend on activities ranging from tourism and restaurants to sports and culture. Those under 18 will get vouchers worth EUR 50. The total value of the vouchers is EUR 192 million.

Healthcare investments worth EUR 1.9 billion planned through 2031

LJUBLJANA - The government adopted legislation that involves EUR 1.9 billion in spending on health investments over the next ten years for hospitals and educational institutions to beef up the capacity of the national health system. The money will be secured in regular annual budgets from 2021 to 2031.

Additional relaxation of restrictions in retail and services as of Monday

LJUBLJANA - The government decided to lift many existing restrictions in the retail and services sector as of 21 June as the epidemiological situation continues to improve. The relaxation affects shop, bar and restaurant opening hours, which will no longer be restricted, even as rules on minimum space per customer remain in place.

Govt introduces new restriction for mass events, rallies

LJUBLJANA - The government introduced a new restriction for public rallies and events featuring more than 100 participants. In line with the decision adopted today, participants of such events will need to be vaccinated, tested or reconvalescent as of next Monday.
The new rule will be in force until 27 June, the Government Communication Office said.

Umbrella bill on long-term care adopted

LJUBLJANA - The government has adopted a long-awaited bill on long-term care. A gradual approach is planned and a special mandatory contribution for long-term care, a key component of the system, will be put in place later, by mid-2024 at the latest. Various governments have been drafting legislation on long-term care for nearly two decades, but none of the various versions have ever been finalised. Slovenia has for years been receiving warnings from various international institutions that it must devise a system of long-term care.

Upgrade of construction and spatial planning legislation confirmed

LJUBLJANA - The government adopted amendments to two major laws that govern the construction sector, the construction act and the spatial planning act. The goal is to make planning and siting easier and faster, Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak said after a cabinet session. Amendments to the construction act draw on an analysis of the implementation of existing legislation, with Vizjak saying the concept remained the same and was upgraded rather than upended.

Civil protection members to get epidemic hazard bonus

LJUBLJANA - Members of Slovenia's Civil Protection and other rescue services will get hazard pay bonuses under the 2020 emergency law mitigating the impact of the Covid-19 epidemic in line with the government's decision adopted today. The bonuses will amount to EUR 10 for work up to four hours and EUR 20 for being active between four and eight hours, whereas those working a shift longer than eight hours will get EUR 30.

Logar discusses regional cooperation in SE Europe at meeting in Turkey

ANTALYA, Turkey - Foreign Minister Anže Logar attended a ministerial of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Antalya, discussing the possibilities for regional cooperation. The ministers and high representatives of SEECP countries adopted the annual report of the Regional Cooperation Council. In his address, Logar highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in the period following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speakers discuss EU path for Montenegro, Slovenia's EU presidency

PODGORICA, Montenegro - Speaker Igor Zorčič started a two-day official visit to Montenegro by meeting his counterpart Aleksa Bečić. The pair expressed satisfaction over the traditionally friendly bilateral relations, and discussed Montenegro's efforts to join the EU as well as Slovenia's upcoming EU presidency. Zorčič said Slovenia would do everything in its power during its six-month stint at the helm of the EU Council to speed up Montenegro's EU accession talks.

Minister presents presidency priorities to DigitalEurope

LJUBLJANA - Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik presented at a virtual DigitalEurope summit the priorities of the Slovenian EU presidency in digitalisation, emphasising digital transformation, digital technologies and cyber security. He said that digitalisation should make life easier for citizens.

Committee okays higher public funding of private primaries

LJUBLJANA - The Education Committee endorsed on Wednesday a legislative proposal sponsored by coalition MPs to secure a full state funding of obligatory curriculum in private primary schools and 85% of optional programmes in these schools. It is the latest attempt to implement the December 2014 ruling by the Constitutional Court which mandated full funding of the publicly prescribed curricula at private primary schools. They currently only received 85% of the funds.

Slovenia drops five spots in IMD Digital Competitiveness Raking

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia has slid five spots in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking to 40th among 64 countries, with the Covid-19 pandemic perceived as the main reason as it has significantly affected the competitiveness of all regions, countries and industries. Presenting the report, Peter Stanovnik, director of the Slovenian partner to IMD, the Institute for Economic Research, said "shifts in the crisis are not as important as response to it in the coming years."

Audit: Slovenia partly successful in GHG emission cuts

LJUBLJANA - The Court of Audit assessed that Slovenia was partly successful in achieving the objectives of reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the 2013-2019 period. It also noted that the international and national targets until 2030 are very ambitious and would be difficult to reach with the current structure and pace of measures. The report notes the role of forests as natural greenhouse gas emission sinks, which after 2013 became even a source of emissions as a consequence of natural disasters.

Greens MEPs expresses concern after mission to Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - Two members of the European Parliament from the Greens-European Free Alliance group have concluded their three-day mission to Slovenia, assessing that, politically-speaking, the situation was very complex, and that they are leaving the country feeling concerned. The Germans Daniel Freund and Sergey Lagodinsky visited Slovenia between Tuesday to Thursday for a mission ahead of Slovenia's presidency of the Council of the EU.

Slovenia, Hungary mull development fund for minority areas

LJUBLJANA - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó agreed on the signing of an agreement on a joint fund for the development of the regions in Slovenia and Hungary where the two countries' respective minorities live. The agreement on the fund, which will boost economic and infrastructural development of both countries, could be signed as early as this September, Počivalšek said on Twitter.

HIT posts EUR 10m loss for 2020

NOVA GORICA - Slovenia's largest gaming company HIT, whose facilities were closed for almost six months last year, generated EUR 100.7 million in gross revenue in 2020 and a loss of EUR 10.4 million. The shareholders did not confirm the proposal on the sharing of profit at today's meeting. The proposal envisaged the sharing of up to 10% of net profit that the company would generate in 2022.

Hungarian foreign minister named freeman of Lendava

LENDAVA - Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó was presented with the title of Freeman of Lendava with Mayor Janez Magyar saying that many of the Hungarian incentives for Lendava's economy were linked to his name. Szijjártó said relations between Slovenia and Hungary were based on sincere respect and genuine friendship, and the Hungarian ethnic community in Pomurje played a very important role in these relations. Szijjártó also laid the foundation stone for the new Lendava Football Academy.

Commission finds MPs coaching not incompatible with public office

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Privileges and Credentials Commission found that Gregor Židan, an MP for the Social Democrats (SD), had not committed a breach of incompatibility of office by coaching a junior football team, for which he received per diem payments. It did however conclude he had not informed parliament thereof. The decision means Židan has effectively been cleared of a transgression that could have potentially cost him his seat in parliament. If he did the coalition would gain one crucial vote in parliament since Židan defected from the coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC) to the SD in May 2020.

Slovenia to donate EUR 60,000 for Venezuela's migrants and refugees

LJUBLJANA - Foreign Ministry State Secretary Stanislav Raščan has announced at a virtual donors' conference in solidarity with Venezuela's migrants and refugees in Latin America that Slovenia will donate EUR 60,000, the Foreign Ministry said. The contribution through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will be donated in two instalments, this year and in 2022.

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: 

Marjan Dikaučič appointed new justice minister

LJUBLJANA - Marjan Dikaučič, an official receiver, has become Slovenia's new justice minister after a 44:11 vote in the National Assembly. He succeeds Lilijana Kozlovič, who resigned due to the government's decision to suspend the appointment of Slovenia's members of the European Public Prosecutor's Office. Dikaučič said the programme of work at the ministry had largely been determined already and was circumscribed by the presidency of the EU. Among the tasks ahead, he singled out a reform of insolvency law, legislation on the protection of personal data, and legislation implementing several Constitutional Court decisions.

Pahor endorses declaration on Slovenian reconciliation

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor attended a ceremony at the Linden Tree of Reconciliation at Ljubljana's Žale cemetery, marking Day of Guilt, Forgiveness and Reconciliation. Recalling long-standing efforts to right wrongs, Pahor endorsed a declaration adopted by the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SAZU). According to Pahor, it is a thorough document adopted at the level of a prestigious institution which addresses Slovenian reconciliation in the most convincing way so far and could be considered suitable for adoption by the general public.

Alstom successor strikes plea bargain in TEŠ6 trial

CELJE - GE STEAM Power Systems, the legal successor to Alstom, struck a plea bargain with the prosecution in a case involving an alleged bribery scheme in the construction of TEŠ6, theunit six at the Šoštanj coal-fired plant. The proposed plea agreement was announced by the judge as the first pre-trial hearing in one of the biggest corruption cases in Slovenia finally got under way at the Celje District Court. GE STEAM Power Systems agreed to pay EUR 23 million in damages plus EUR 50,000 in legal costs, subject to approval by the judge.

SocDems propose closer partnership between opposition parties

LJUBLJANA - The leader of the Social Democrats (SD) Tanja Fajon proposed that four opposition parties forge a closer partnership, starting with a "partnership discussion" that would chart the way forward. Fajon wants the opposition to "really firmly strengthen cooperation with a partnership, set its commitments, and convince people in the coming weeks and months that we will be capable of better and more normally managing the situation in this country and, hopefully, winning the next election."

Active contact tracing relaunched

LJUBLJANA - With new coronavirus infections steadily declining, the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) has relaunched the active tracing of contacts of those who have tested positive, which had been suspended in autumn due to an unmanageable inflow of daily cases. Between 70 and 100 contact tracers will be available each day, according to Mario Fafangel, the head of the NIJZ's Centre for Communicable Diseases. Active contact tracing was abandoned in October, when cases started surging to over 1,000 per day.

Slovenia reports 112 coronavirus cases for Monday

LJUBLJANA - A total of 112 of 2,330 PCR tests came back positive on Monday for a positivity rate of 4.8% as the epidemiological situation in Slovenia keeps improving. Two Covid-19 patients died, show fresh government data. Hospitalisations declined by twelve to 122 this morning. 40 patients were in intensive care, down by two. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 people dropped by ten to 120 and the rolling seven-day average of daily cases decreased by 15 to 132.

Corruption increased in Slovenia during pandemic, shows survey

LJUBLJANA - More than half of Slovenian respondents (51%) believe that corruption increased last year, shows the Global Corruption Barometer for the EU 2021, a survey by Transparency International. Responses by Slovenian participants suggest the second worst deterioration of the situation in the EU. Almost two-thirds of Slovenian respondents said that citizens feared retaliatory measures upon reporting instances of corruption, which is the third highest rate in this category in the EU.

EU directive on whistleblowers crucial for fight against corruption, debate hears

LJUBLJANA - The implementation of the EU directive on the protection of whistleblowers is extremely important for the fight against corruption, agreed participants of a round table debate on whistleblowers hosted by the British-Slovenian Chamber of Commerce. Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik noted that in Slovenia the protection of whistleblowers had been regulated by law since 2011, however the arrangement that the EU directive envisages was wider.

Supreme Court upholds guilty verdict against militia leader

LJUBLJANA - The Supreme Court has upheld a guilty verdict against Andrej Šiško, the leader of Štajerska Guard, a self-proclaimed militia, who was found guilty in March 2019 of trying to subvert the constitutional order. He has already served out his eight-month sentence. The court held that Šiško had not been found guilty because of his political convictions, but because of incitement to violence, which is a crime pursuant to the Criminal Code.

New unit of specialised border police launched

BREŽICE - A new police unit specialised in the protection of the border was launched in Brežice in an effort to help beef up border security in a region where many migrants cross into the Schengen zone. The new unit, which follows the Ljubljana-based unit set up in 2002, will initially operate with 23 police officers but up to 52 posts are planned.

Telekom Slovenije upgrades 5G network

LJUBLJANA - The telecoms incumbent Telekom Slovenije upgraded its 5G network, launched in 2020, with an additional spectrum band. It currently covers 33% of mobile users nationwide. System upgrades at Bled and Brdo Pri Kranju are to follow next to make the cutting-edge communication service available during the Slovenian EU presidency. The milestone is taking place exactly 30 years after the first mobile network was set up by the company, Telekom Slovenije notes.

Cinkarna shareholders get dividend of EUR 21 gross per share

CELJE - Chemical company Cinkarna Celje will pay out dividends of EUR 21 gross per share after shareholders rejected a proposal by the management for EUR 11 per share and backed a counter-proposal by one of the shareholders. This means the company will spend nearly its entire accumulated profit of EUR 16.5 million for dividends, which will be paid out on 24 June.

Photo exhibition by Joco Žnidaršič opens in Cankarjev Dom

LJUBLJANA - An exhibition of photography by Joco Žnidaršič, entitled Years of Breakthrough, will be included in the series of exhibitions in the arts centre Cankarjev Dom, marking this year's 30th anniversary of Slovenian independence. Opening tonight, the exhibition shows a selection of the photographer's works created between 1988 and 1991. Žnidaršič captured almost all of the most important events of this crucial time for Slovenia. He belongs to the oldest generation of Slovenian photographers and is a legend of Slovenian photojournalism.

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PM says Slovenia must do its homework regarding defence spending

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Arriving at a NATO summit, Prime Minister Janez Janša said Slovenia would not be able to reach the NATO target of 2% of GDP in defence spending by 2024, but it must do its homework. He noted that under the current government the spending trend had been reversed. In 2014, NATO members set the target of defence spending at 2% of GDP by 2024, of which a fifth for investments. Janša expects that by 2030 Slovenia will be able to say: "We're glad you're providing for our security but we can provide for our shared security in equal measure as well."

Janša sees China as NATO's key challenge

BRUSSELS, Belgium - China is NATO's key challenge, PM Janez Janša said ahead of a summit of NATO leaders he is attending together with Defence Minister Matej Tonin. "If we want the world not to be faced with a new fatal arms race or a hot conflict in the coming decades then NATO must be aware of that and stay strong," he said. "The world has changed in the last three decades and threats have changed as well. Some have remained, some are gone, but others have emerged," Janša said, adding that China was definitely a topic that will dominate not only this but future summits as well.

Logar, di Maio discuss bilateral issues, EU presidency

ROME, Italy - Foreign Minister Anže Logar and his Italian counterpart Luigi di Maio chaired the 7th session of the Coordinating Committee of Ministers between Slovenia and Italy. Bilateral issues were discussed along with Slovenia's upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU. In a joint statement signed after the meeting, the ministers voiced the desire for stronger cooperation in security and migrations, infrastructure, sustainable mobility, industry, the green transition, agriculture and forestry, science and higher education.

Labour minister presents presidency priorities at EU ministerial

LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - Janez Cigler Kralj, the minister of labour, family, social affairs and equal opportunities, presented the priorities of Slovenia's EU presidency under his brief to fellow EU ministers in Luxembourg, while he also held meetings with Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli and Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights Nicolas Schmit. Slovenia is to work for a successful post-pandemic recovery, for a resilient and inclusive labour market that would ensure a decent living to workers in the EU and for a society that would not leave the most vulnerable behind.

Police commissioner presses charges against Left

LJUBLJANA - Police Commissioner Anton Olaj filed a criminal complaint against the opposition Left on suspicion of making false accusations against him in response to the party filing a complaint against him on suspicion of abuse of office. "The police will continue to act in an unbiased manner and under the legal principle of equality before the law. I will continue to defend freedom of expression under the framework of respectful discourse," said Olaj, highlighting that he had never urged an investigation against any political party.

Slovenia confirms 24 new cases of coronavirus

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia confirmed 24 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, the lowest daily figure since late August last year. Just over a thousand PCR tests were confirmed, for a positivity rate of 2.3%, the latest government figures show. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 population thus dropped to 130 and the rolling seven-day average of daily cases declined to 147. The number of people in hospital declined by one to 134, of whom 42 were in intensive care, down by three. Two persons with Covid-19 died yesterday, bringing the death toll to 4,722 since the start of the pandemic.

NLB shareholders to get dividends again

LJUBLJANA - While the NLB bank did not pay out dividends last year, this year shareholders will receive EUR 1.24 gross per share in two instalments in line with a decision adopted at a shareholders' meeting. NLB's distributable profit reached EUR 342 million in 2020, of which EUR 24.8 million will go for dividends in line with a proposal by the management and the supervisory board. CEO Blaž Brodnjak said dividends could be higher but were restricted by the regulator.

Fiscal rules mostly respected in the epidemic year of 2020

LJUBLJANA - The Fiscal Council found the implementation of the Slovenian budget to have been mostly in line with fiscal rules in the epidemic year of 2020. However, no measures were adopted to mitigate the expected negative effects of structural, mostly demographic pressures on the public finances. A deficit of EUR 3.9 billion or 8.4% of GDP was generated last year mostly due to the epidemic, which is the second largest deficit of the general government sector so far, the council said in a report.

TAB to launch production of lithium-ion cells in Prevalje

MEŽICA - TAB, the Mežica-based maker of starter batteries for cars and industrial batteries, has founded a joint venture with the Chinese company Haidi Energy Technology to produce lithium-ion cells in Prevalje. TAB CEO Bogomir Auprih told reporters TAB-Haidi was expected to launch production in spring 2022. Valued at about EUR 100 million, the plant is to create 300 jobs in the first phase. It will be the first production facility for lithium-ion cells in Slovenia.

STA supervisors appeal to govt to restore financing

LJUBLJANA - The head of the STA supervisory board called on the government to restore financing of the agency to make sure it survives as a going concern. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Janez Janša, chief supervisor Mladen Terčelj says the agency had delivered the documentation that had been requested. "The supervisory board finds this situation with the sent documentation unusual. It does not reflect the government's desire to examine the documentation, request additional information as needed and restore regular financing of the STA public service," said Terčelj.

Row over funding dominates debate on STA annual report

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Culture Committee got acquainted with the Slovenian Press Agency's (STA) annual report for 2020. The debate mainly revolved around ongoing suspension of STA funding and the new government regulation that details how the STA should perform its public service. Presenting the report, STA director Bojan Veselinovič noted a growth in the number of news items and social media followers as well as the agency's NewsMapper, an advanced article-tracking tool, making the European Commission's list of the best European innovations in 2020.

EUR 30m in EU funds on hand for digital transformation of SMEs

LJUBLJANA - A total of EUR 30 million in funds will be allocated to small and medium-sized enterprises in Slovenia as part of a call for applications for digital transformation of SMEs (P4D React EU), with the entire amount will be contributed by the European Regional Development Fund. The Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy said this was the 5th investment under the React-EU initiative promoting a recovery from the Covid-19 crisis.

Telemach rolling out 5G network

LJUBLJANA - Having acquired frequencies for wireless broadband in a national auction in April, the telecommunications provider Telemach announce the launch of its 5G network for 15 June. The service will initially be available to users in Ljubljana's town centre and commercial district BTC. Telemach was one of the four bidders to acquire frequency bands for the 5th generation wireless technology in April. It paid EUR 51.6 million for the frequencies to increase its spectrum 3.5-fold.

Share of undecided voters rises in latest Delo survey

LJUBLJANA - The average mark for the government's performance slightly increased for the second month in a row, from 2.43 to 2.47. in the latest poll run by the newspaper Delo, however more than half of respondents remain unsatisfied with the government. The ruling Democrats (SDS) remain in the lead, polling at 17.3%, roughly the same as a month ago. The share of undecided voters rose to almost 20%.

Slovenia ranks 9th in Agenda 2030 implementation

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia climbed three spots to 9th among 165 countries in the implementation of the Agenda 2030 sustainable development goals, according to a report compiled by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network under the wings of the UN, the Bertelsmann Stiftung foundation and the Cambridge University Press. Slovenia has fared best in eradicating extreme forms of poverty, providing for dignified work and economic growth, and guaranteeing peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Suspended sentences for four officers who sought to frame minister

LJUBLJANA - Four former and current police officers who organised a police patrol to pull over and breathalyze Public Administration Minister Boris Koprivnikar in 2015 received suspended sentences as the Ljubljana District Court wrapped up trial proceedings. Vojko Marguč, Miha Sakač, Zoran Petrović and Denis Kadirić were found guilty of organising via a private Facebook group a sting to pull over the minister, who at the time headed talks with the police who were on strike. The quartet had been dismissed from the force, but one of them had been reinstated after challenging the termination.

Maribor Theatre Festival kicks off

MARIBOR - Still Life - Nine Attempts to Preserve Life, a show by the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre directed by Tin Grabnar, lifted the curtain on the 56th Maribor Theatre Festival, while the competition programme starts on Friday. Running until 27 June, the Maribor Theatre Festival will be held fully in person. Last year's festival lasted only a day due to the epidemic, just to confer the Borštnik Ring, the country's main award for theatre acting.

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: 

Commemoration of Ljubelj liberation warns against spread of hatred

LJUBELJ - A ceremony marking the 76th anniversary of the liberation of the labour camp below Ljubelj Pass, a branch of the Mauthausen concentration camp, heard warnings of the dangers of the spread of hatred and history repeating itself. "There are too many politicians who sow hatred and politicians who allow and calmly observe this or pretend there is no danger," warned the keynote speaker of the ceremony, penologist Dragan Petrovec. Attending the ceremony, President Borut Pahor laid a wreath at the memorial commemorating the victims of Nazism alongside various delegations.

Kovšca: Slovenia must preserve national sovereignty

LJUBLJANA - National Council President Alojz Kovšca argued in an interview with the STA that Slovenia would not be successful until politics was capable of compromise and the government cabinet featured individuals of leftist and rightist political proclivity. He also called for a stronger stance on sovereignty. Asked about Slovenia's fight on Covid-19, Kovšča said Slovenia had not performed poorly generally speaking, but said political parties had not played a fair game.

Slovenia open for more travellers

LJUBLJANA - The Croatian Adriatic region, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Czechia, Cyprus, Germany, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Poland, the Austrian state of Tyrolia and Vatican are no longer on Slovenia's red list of countries. Persons entering Slovenia from these countries or regions may enter the country without being ordered to quarantine at home if they prove they had continuously resided there for at least five days before entering Slovenia.

Slovenia reports 126 coronavirus cases for Friday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia logged 126 coronavirus cases for Friday as another three Covid-19 patients died, showed latest official data. The rolling 7-day average case count dropped by 17 to 161 and the cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents fell to 135. The positivity rate was 4.7%. Hospitalisations dropped by 27 to 138 this morning after 33 patients were discharged yesterday. The total of ICU cases was at 44, down by four.

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Kučan says declassification of 2011 Bosnia document "diverting attention"

LJUBLJANA - Former Slovenian President Milan Kučan believes the government declassifying a 2011 document on possible further paths in the process of constitutional reform of Bosnia-Herzegovina, compiled by him, is a move to divert attention from the allegations that PM Janez Janša was spreading a non-paper on re-drawing of borders in the Western Balkans. According to Kučan, the document has already been published in a book by historian Božo Repe, and "is no secret". The document published on the government website is indeed identical to the document published in the book mentioned by Kučan.

Justice minister candidate okayed by committee in narrow vote

LJUBLJANA - Justice minister candidate Marjan Dikaučič was confirmed by the Justice Committee late on Thursday in a narrow vote that followed a debate in which opposition MPs mostly questioned his experience and competences. Dikaučič, an official receiver put forward by the Modern Centre Party (SMC), now faces a vote in the National Assembly, scheduled for next Tuesday. He told MPs he wanted to bring "freshness" and noted that he was well qualified for the job. Dikaučič would not comment on the setback in the appointment of European delegated prosecutors from Slovenia for the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) saying he would not interfere in ongoing procedures.

Four oversight institutions call for respect of independence

LJUBLJANA - The heads of four independent oversight state bodies signed a joint statement calling for appropriate communication in the country and respect for independent state bodies. Signed by Information Commissioner Mojca Prelesnik, the head of the Commission for Corruption Prevention, Robert Šumi, president of the Court of Audit Tomaž Vesel and Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina, the statement expresses concern about the relentless pressure of politics on institutions. They also note many attempts at demolishing democratic standards that prevent independent institutions from conducting their tasks properly.

Prosecution Council proposes legal action against govt

LJUBLJANA - The Prosecution Council announced it had proposed that the State Attorney's Office file a lawsuit against the government for breach of law to the detriment of public interest after the government annulled the procedure to appoint Slovenia's two European delegated prosecutors (EDP). The council had announced the move at the beginning of the month. It said today it would not comment on the move pending a decision by the State Attorney's Office or the Administrative Court.

Epidemic curve flattening

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 122 coronavirus cases for Thursday as the rolling 7-day average case count dropped by 23 to 178. Four Covid-19 patients died. The latest cases were confirmed from 2,734 PCR tests, for a positivity rate of 4.7%. Hospitalisations dropped by seven to 165 this morning. 48 patients or one fewer than yesterday are in intensive care. The cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents is now below 150, meaning Slovenia entered the orange tier of restrictions according to the EU's criteria. Health Minister Janez Poklukar noted that vaccine supplies were currently sufficient. So far, almost 25% of the population has been fully immunised.

Epidemic to formally end next week, restrictions remain

LJUBLJANA - The government Covid-19 advisory group has proposed that the formal declaration of the coronavirus epidemic not be extended after it expires next week. Health Minister Janez Poklukar said next Tuesday would likely be the last day of the epidemic, however this will not mean a complete relaxation of measures. The group's head Mateja Logar expects that the epidemic curve will continue to decline and that Slovenia will be upgraded to the green tier of restrictions according to the EU's criteria in late July or early August.

Slovenia to donate part of Pfizer vaccine doses to Czech Republic

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will donate 10,530 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to the Czech Republic to help curb the Covid-19 pandemic, the government decided. The donation, an expression of solidarity with the Czech Republic, will be made from one of the future supplies of the vaccine destined for Slovenia, said the Government Communication Office. The donated doses will be delivered to the Czech Republic directly by Pfizer.

Vrtovec calls for more sustainable EU's energy sector

LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec presented at a session of EU ministers in charge of energy the priorities of Slovenia's upcoming presidency. The main task will be to form a more sustainable EU energy sector. "In order to achieve the climate and energy goals of the EU until 2030 and climate neutrality until 2050, we must form policies in a harmonious way, taking into account the advantages of circular economy and the principle of energy efficiency, connecting of sectors, the use of renewables and other sustainable low-carbon energy sources," he said.

Slovenia asks for extension of recovery plan assessment

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Slovenia has asked for an extension of the two-month term for the assessment of its national recovery and resilience plan along with Poland, Sweden, Croatia and Romania. The European Commission has granted the request and the deadline will be extended by two weeks. Commission spokeswoman Marta Wieczorek told the press this meant there would be more time to resolve any open issues and exchange information. She would not explain why individual member states had asked for an extension.

Pahor calls for dialogue during visit to Islamic community

LJUBLJANA - Religious, political and institutional dialogue in Slovenia is going well, but more can be done, President Borut Pahor said after meeting the Mufti of the Islamic Community Nedžad Grabus. The mufti expressed his gratitude for Pahor's support for the construction of the mosque as the president visited it for the first time. The president also thanked the mufti for his tolerant attitude, as Grabus had often had to respond to signs of nationalistic or religious intolerance.

Minister says latest vandalism presages physical violence

LJUBLJANA - Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti has responded to the building housing the Culture Ministry having been recently vandalised with spray-painted swastikas by saying that "this campaign presages physical violence by organised anti-democratic political groups". The minister said that it was a "derisive political message" and an act that "reflects the nature of [the perpetrators] and is just another in a series of campaigns in front of the Culture Ministry".

New Slovenia headquarters defaced

LJUBLJANA - A building in the centre of Ljubljana where the coalition New Slovenia (NSi) has its headquarters was defaced with paint Thursday night, an act that the party said reflected the growing intolerance in society. NSi leader Matej Tonin said the competition of ideas and arguments had moved from parliament to the streets, arguing political opponents could not compete on programme and vision which is why they are resorting to spray painting.

Five airlines apply for new subsidies to fly to Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - Five airlines have applied for subsidies to fly to Ljubljana in the second round of a call designed to improve air links to the Slovenian capital. A total of EUR 764,640 is available, the Economy Ministry said. It has not been revealed which airlines have applied and how much funds each of them will receive. The ministry said the information would be revealed after the bidders are informed thereof.

New rail link set up between Vienna, Ljubljana and Trieste

LJUBLJANA - A new direct rail line linking Vienna, Ljubljana and Trieste has been launched. The newly-established route is an important milestone in sustainable mobility efforts, said railway operator Slovenske Železnice. The line will run every day, starting this afternoon. Cutting journey times, the line can be used as a starting point for connecting journeys to a number of major European cities.

Aberasturi wins 3rd stage of Tour of Slovenia, Pogačar keeps lead

KRŠKO - The Spaniard Jon Aberasturi (Caja Rural) won the third stage of the Tour of Slovenia road cycling race, while Slovenia's Tadej Pogačar, the reigning Tour de France champion, kept the overall lead. In the final sprint of the 165.8-kilometre stage, Aberasturi beat the second placed Slovenian Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious). After three out of the five stages, Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) still has a significant overall lead on Mohorič and his team-mate Diego Ulissi from Italy.

Slovenia to host EuroBasket Women 2023

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will host the 2023 European Women Basketball Championship, with two groups of the preliminary round to be played in Celje and Koper, and the elimination round in the capital of Ljubljana, the executive committee of FIBA Europe decided. Scheduled for the end of June and beginning of July 2023, the tournament will feature 16 national teams.

Festival June opens with Turandot musical

LJUBLJANA - The June Festival, taking place in Congress Square in Ljubljana, started tonight with the Turandot musical and will continue with a series of events for adults and children culminating in the celebration of World Music Day on 21 June. The programme will feature free-of-charge concerts, plays and dance performances. All safety measures against the spread of Covid-19 will be observed.

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Govt declassifies 2011 document on Bosnia-Herzegovina

LJUBLJANA - The government declassified a 2011 document about possible further paths in the process of constitutional reform of Bosnia-Herzegovina, compiled by former Slovenian President Milan Kučan. The move comes after an alleged non-paper on border changes in the Western Balkans attributed to Slovenia had been circulated in the public. The current government has not been acquainted with such a document, but it has been able to confirm that there exists a 2011 document on possible further paths for a successful process of the constitutional reform of Bosnia-Herzegovina. "Considering that the content of the document has for the most part been publicly known for several weeks, the conditions required for this document to retain the classified status no longer exist," the release adds.

Dikaučič pledges to uphold autonomy of judiciary

LJUBLJANA - Marjan Dikaučič, the candidate for justice minister, said he would advocate autonomy of the judiciary as he presented his bid to the parliamentary Justice Committee. Dikaučič, an official receiver, would not comment on the setback in the appointment of European delegated prosecutors from Slovenia for the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). "As minister, I need to avoid any act or word that could contaminate the procedure," he said.

Interior ministers of Brdo-Brijuni Process talk cooperation in tackling migration

PORTOROŽ - Brdo-Brijuni Process interior ministers discussed on the final day of their informal meeting illegal migration, highlighting the need for better cooperation. Interior Minister Aleš Hojs named data exchange with Western Balkan countries and the use of EU databases as possible solutions. When it comes to migration management, the views by the countries somewhat differ, however they have come to joint conclusions, Hojs said. What is key is that cooperation between countries could lead to individual countries, particularly those less developed, getting EU funds to tackle the issue.

Several regions and countries removed from red list, including Croatian Adriatic

LJUBLJANA - The government changed the list of countries and territories placed in the red zone in terms of the Covid-19 epidemic to exclude, among others, the Croatian Adriatic area, Germany and the Czech Republic. The changes also include Turkey being moved from the dark red list to the red list. Also deleted from the red list are Switzerland, the Vatican, the Austrian state of Tyrol, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Poland, Slovakia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia. The Portuguese territory of the Azores have meanwhile been red-listed. The new rules enter into force on Saturday.

Majority of coronavirus restrictions extended

LJUBLJANA - The government decided to extend the majority of existing coronavirus restrictions while slightly easing them in the cultural sector, where serving food and drinks will once again be permitted during cultural events. The remaining restrictions - the majority have to do with consumer-facing services - have been extended until 20 June. The government said this was done based on an assessment by the Health Ministry's coronavirus advisory group, which proposed the existing measures remain in place given the still high incidence of new cases. Slovenia recorded 195 new coronavirus cases for Wednesday. The 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents was 154.

Zorčič: Gains made 30 years ago cannot be given up

LJUBLJANA - Thirty years ago Slovenia said a determined "yes" not only to sovereignty but also to progress, prosperity and human rights. "We cannot give that up today," parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič told the STA in an interview in the run up to the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence. With Slovenia approaching its second presidency of the EU, Zorčič said the success of its stint would be measured with criteria such as whether Slovenia has achieved headway on issues such as EU enlargement to the Western Balkans. Zorčič remains critical of the government's failure to abide by the law, singling out the law governing the STA and legislation governing the appointment of prosecutors.

Regulation detailing STA public service obligation adopted

LJUBLJANA - The government has adopted a regulation that details how the STA should perform its public service, and defines the scope of public service and its financing. The Government Communications Office (UKOM) is authorised to sign an annual public service agreement and verify compliance with the regulation. STA staff said regulation did not address the underlying issues relevant to the agency's survival and development, it raised new questions about the agency's autonomy, the balance between public and commercial revenue, and reporting requirements - all of which are already dealt with in the existing law governing the agency's operations.

UKOM head files criminal complaint against NGO representative and lawyer

LJUBLJANA - Uroš Urbanija, the head of the Government Communication Office (UKOM), filed a criminal complaint against Katarina Bervar Sternad of the Legal Network for the Protection of Democracy NGO, and lawyer Nataša Pirc Musar. He accuses them of making false accusations against him in May over suspension of the STA funding. He claims they had deliberately filed a criminal complaint against him that does not have any legal basis. Bervar Sternad and Pirc Musar did not comment specifically on Urbanija's step, with Pirc Musar saying that the complaint spoke for itself and Bervar Sternad noting that the matter was now up to the authorities.

Austrian author Josef Winkler wins this year's Vilenica Prize

LJUBLJANA - The winner of this year's International Vilenica Prize is Austrian author Josef Winkler, while the Slovenian author in focus of the 36th Vilenica festival to be held in September will be Milan Dekleva, the Slovenian Writers' Association announced. Winkler is a prolific writer who has received many awards for his work in Austria and Germany. Three of his works have so far been translated into Slovenian. Winkler said he knew quite a few previous Vilenica winners and was proud to be among them.

Huawei setting up logistic hub for central, SE Europe in Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - Chinese company Huawei announced it planned to set up a regional logistic hub in Slovenia for some 19 markets of central and south-eastern Europe. Thus, the flow of its goods through the port of Koper will increase and new storage facilities will need to be built near Ljubljana airport. The multiplicative value of the decision is dozens of millions of euros. According to Beata Bogadi, Huawei's customs compliance manager for Europe, the decision to set up a transit warehouse for Europe in Slovenia shows "how attractive Slovenia is in the logistic sense".

Mercator management gets another term

LJUBLJANA - The supervisory board of retailer Mercator has granted another four-year term to the company's management board. All three Mercator managers are staying on, including the chairman Tomislav Čizmić and management board members Draga Cukjati and Igor Mamuza, Mercator said. This is on the one hand a recognition of accomplishments in the past four years as Mercator has been meeting key strategic targets, and on the other a guarantee for the continuation of management policy and stability of the company, said Fabris Peruško, Mercator supervisor and Fortenova Group CEO.

Day of Slovenia-UK Friendship celebrated

VINICA - President Borut Pahor and British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for European Neighbourhood Wendy Morton marked Day of Slovenia-UK Friendship in Gornji Suhor, a village in the south-east where a British bomber crashed in 1945. They laid wreaths at the memorial plaque commemorating the crew, five of whom were rescued by local Partisans. Pahor and Morton emphasised the importance of a friendship that had been created in the most difficult moments.

Culture Ministry building defaced with swastikas

LJUBLJANA - The building housing the Culture Ministry has been vandalised as an unknown perpetrator spray-painted a number of yellow-coloured swastikas on its facade in the night to Thursday. An investigation is under way, said the Ljubljana Police Department. Responding to the defacing, the ministry said this act of vandalism was another in a series of attacks on the ministry and its staff that were carried out on a weekly basis.

Slovenia's Zidanšek loses in French Open semi-finals

PARIS, France - Tamara Zidanšek lost in the semi-finals of the French Open in Paris to Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in two sets (5:7 and 3:6) in what was only the second semi-final appearance for a Slovenian woman tennis player in the singles competition at a Grand Slam tournament in almost four decades and a half. Zidanšek is also expected to crack the top 50 on the WTA rankings rankings after the career result, as she is currently ranked 85th. She played in the finals of WTA tournaments twice - this year in Bogota and in Nürnberg in 2019.

Superstar Pogačar wins second stage of Tour of Slovenia

CELJE - Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) won the second stage of the Tour of Slovenia. At the conclusion of the 147-kilometre stage, he was the best rider so far in the climb to Celje Castle to finish almost a minute and a half ahead of the competition. With the stage win, the 22-year-old reigning Tour de France champion also took over the green jersey of the overall leader in the race around his native country.

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Pahor and Parmelin call for strengthening of ties

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor hosted his Swiss counterpart Guy Parmelin for official talks to confirm the friendly relations between the two countries. The presidents agreed that relations could be further strengthened at both international and bilateral levels, in particular in business, research and science. "We have to note that the relations are excellent and, in particular, that Slovenia and the Swiss Confederation trust each other in all aspects, political and business, and that we have proof of this in the past 30 years," Pahor told the press.

Slovenian, Croatian interior ministers discuss easing of border restrictions

PORTOROŽ - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs and his Croatian counterpart Davor Božinović discussed strategies to facilitate border crossing between Slovenia and Croatia, for hauliers, tourists and daily commuters. "Both police forces are tasked to come up with a solution as soon as possible, both in Bregana and Gruškovje, to enable a faster flow of trucks crossing the Slovenian-Croatian border," Hojs said. A solution for Slovenian and Croatian daily migrant workers has already been agreed as an additional checkpoint will be opened near Brežice.

Danish-Slovenian actress Jette Ostan Vejrup wins Borštnik Ring

LJUBLJANA - Jette Ostan Vejrup, a Danish-Slovenian actress born in 1962 who is member of the Ljubljana City Theatre, is the winner of this year's Borštnik Ring, Slovenia's top accolade for lifetime achievement in theatre acting. The jury said that Ostan Vejrup's breakthrough into Slovenian theatre has undoubtedly expanded its boundaries. By experiencing Slovenian theatre as a foreigner, she enriched it with new stage experiences, offering Slovenian theatre-goers the possibility of comparison. Ostan Vejrup is due to receive the award on 27 June at the closing ceremony of Maribor Theatre Festival.

New rules for non-EU students in Slovenia raising dust

LJUBLJANA - Under the recent changes to the foreigners' act, non-EU students who want to study in Slovenia must prove to have at least EUR 5,000 per academic year available to obtain a temporary residence permit. Student representatives and universities argue that while being unclear, the new rules are also narrowing down Slovenia's higher education space. So far, foreign students have had to produce a written statement by their parents or legal guardians that they will provide for them during the studies in Slovenia. The government says only the manner in which students prove they have sufficient means has changed.

Coalition proposes regulation of medical equipment prices

LJUBLJANA - The coalition has proposed amendments to the act on public contracting in healthcare under which prices of medical equipment would be regulated with a system of reference prices in a bid to reduce prices and improve transparency. Joined by the opposition National Party (SNS), the coalition proposes the creation of a new government office which would set reference prices for all open calls for medical equipment based on data from Slovenian hospitals and selected EU countries.

Left files complaints against SDS, media, police commissioner

LJUBLJANA - The opposition Left filed criminal complaints against the ruling Democrats (SDS) and "its media network" for suspicion of a systemic spread of non-truths, leader of the Left's deputy group Matej T. Vatovec said. The party also pressed charges against Police Commissioner Anton Olaj for suspicion of abuse of office. The charges refer to a forged Left manifesto that prompted the SDS to request a debate about the Left's platform, a motion that was denied by the speaker of parliament.

Intl journalist associations condemn Janša's rebuke to Mijatović

LONDON, UK - Several international journalist organisations condemned Wednesday Prime Minister Janez Janša's tweet that said Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović was "part of #fakenews network". This came after her warning about deteriorating media freedom in Slovenia. The organisations agree with her assessment of the situation. Janša responded to the organisations' press release saying that "the manner in which @Dunja_Mijatovic is spreading lies about Slovenia is totally unacceptable".

Ministry says Mladić case verdict key for peace in region

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia sees the upholding of Bosnian-Serb general Ratko Mladić's life sentence as crucial for the survivors as well as family members of the deceased and the missing, the Foreign Ministry said. "Srebrenica remains firmly rooted in the collective memory of the people of ex-Yugoslavia and serves as a reminder to the international community that such atrocities will not remain unpunished. The negation, relativisation or even glorification of these crimes is unacceptable and despicable," says the ministry.

Slovenia and Kiribati establish diplomatic relations

NEW YORK, US - Slovenia and Kiribati have established diplomatic relations to strengthen friendly ties and cooperation based on equal footing and on mutual respect of their sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The joint statement to that effect was signed on Tuesday at the Slovenian Mission in New York by the Slovenian and Kiribati ambassadors at the UN, Darja Bavdaž Kuret and Teburoro Tito.

255 infections confirmed as 7-day average continues to drop

LJUBLJANA - A total of 255 new cases of the novel coronavirus were recorded in Slovenia on Tuesday as 3,506 PCR tests were performed, for a positivity rate of 7.1%, down slightly compared to the day before. A total of 188 persons are in Slovenian hospitals for Covid-19, down seven compared to the day before, and 47 of them are in intensive care, four fewer than on Tuesday. One Covid-19 patient died. The seven-day rolling average of new daily cases was down by 16 to 212.

GEN-I plans investments worth EUR 1bn by 2030

LJUBLJANA - Energy group GEN-I plans investments worth a billion euro until 2030 in new technologies and digitalisation, including the construction of 1,000 MW of new solar power plants. "Decarbonisation of Slovenian energy sector is possible by 2040, without jeopardising the reliability of supply," general manager Robert Golob said. The new solar plants - roughly 20,000 of varying sizes are planned - would account for the realisation of a third of the goals that Slovenia has set for this period.

Slovenia's exports increase by 55.3% in April year-on-year

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's exports increased by 55.3% in April compared to the same month last year, when economic activity was curtailed due to the epidemic. Trade with EU member states and the rest of the world increased and, although the situation is not back to normal yet, trade was also higher compared to April 2019. In April, Slovenia's imports were up 69% year-on-year . The total value of exported goods in April amounted to EUR 3.2 billion, while the value of imported goods stood at EUR 3.3 billion. The exports to imports coverage 98.4%.

Wood industry can count on EU funds

LJUBLJANA - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek has urged increasing the amount of wood Slovenia processes at home, saying this would result in synergies but could not be done overnight or without investment. He announced that the wood industry can count on EUR 67 million from the new EU budget and the recovery and resilience fund. He told the Days of Slovenian Wood the goal was to raise the amount of wood processed in Slovenia from two to three million cubic metres per year.

Report: Adria Airways' air operator's certificate no longer valid

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenia's Civil Aviation Agency has not granted Air Adriatic a request for another extension of a deadline to unfreeze the air operator's certificate (AOC) of bankrupt air carrier Adria Airways, and the AOC is thus not valid any more, the business newspaper Finance reported. Air Adriatic, a company owned by Izet Rastoder, bought Adria Airways' operating licences in January 2020 in an auction at the asking price of EUR 45,000. The most important among the operating licences was the AOC.

Postojna Cave reopens for visitors after more than 230 days

POSTOJNA - The Postojna Cave, one of the main Slovenian natural landmarks, will reopened its door after a 231-day closure, the longest in its history, due to Covid-19 restrictions. "We are opening the door with enthusiasm, though with responsibility," Postojnska Jama, the operator of the cave, has said. The refurbished Hotel Jama will start admitting guests again on 18 June, while Predjama Castle will be reopened at the end of June, as the access path is being reconstructed.

Former Slovenian Olympian arrested in US for bank fraud

NEW YORK, US - Slovenian Luka Klasinc, a 48-year-old former figure skater, has been arrested in the US and charged with bank fraud related to loans meant for small business owners struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the Manhattan federal prosecutor Audrey Strauss, Klasinc attempted to secure almost US$1.6 million in loans. The federal prosecutors office charged him with bank fraud and identity fraud for attempting to acquire more than US$1.5 million in loans from the American treasury department to support his company that organises events related to ice sports worldwide.