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This summary is provided by the STA: 

Janša and Netanyahu call for strengthening of innovation cooperation

JERUSALEM, Israel - Prime Minister Janez Janša met his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu for official talks. They discussed the strengthening of bilateral cooperation, particularly in innovation. Netanyahu said the visit was an opportunity for a new beginning in relations. He thanked Janša for declaring the Hezbollah Shia Islamist movement a terrorist organisation and for expressing support for Israel in international forums. Janša said Slovenia attempted to see the Middle East situation as it was and not as it was often depicted. Janša started a two-day official visit to Israel on Monday by meeting the representatives of Israel's innovation sector.

Logar launches strategic dialogue with US, to be continued with next administration

WASHINGTON, US - The foreign ministers of Slovenia and the US, Anže Logar and Mike Pompeo, launched on Monday a new, upgraded form of structured bilateral dialogue. Logar stressed the importance of this strategic dialogue and said it would continue with the next US administration. The Foreign Ministry said Logar and Pompeo had praised the current relations between Slovenia and the US, as the governments had strengthened cooperation in many fields. Logar and Pompeo exchanged views of the global and regional challenges, including the Western Balkans, relations with Russia and China and the situation in the Middle East. Logar also held talks with two members of the US Congress of Slovenian stock, Representative from Arizona Paul Gosar and Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Slovenia and US sign memorandum of understanding on civil nuclear cooperation

WASHINGTON, DC, US - Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec signed a memorandum of understanding concerning strategic civil nuclear cooperation with the US at the State Department. Nuclear cooperation memoranda of understanding are diplomatic mechanisms that strengthen and expand strategic ties between the US and a partner country, the State Department said. Minister Vrtovec said the memorandum did not mean Westinghouse would be given preferential treatment in Slovenia's plans to build a second reactor in Krško. He said the talks were also about the development of small modular nuclear reactors, whose rollout is planned for 2026.

A record 66 Covid-19 patients die

LJUBLJANA - A record 66 Covid-19 patients died in Slovenia on Monday as 1,627 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in 6,158 tests. The positivity rate was 26.4%, one percentage point down compared to Sunday. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals was up by three to 1,304, of whom 193 required intensive care, three fewer than on Sunday. A total of 86 patients were discharged from hospital.

Ministers at odds about reopening of economy

LJUBLJANA - With the epidemic plateauing for several weeks, Health Minister Tomaž Gantar proposed a temporary full lockdown of all non-essential activity in the country. Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek, on the other hand, proposes a gradual reopening of businesses with stricter measures. Gantar's call was backed by chief Covid-19 adviser Bojana Beović, while Počivalšek's view is in line with demands by business associations, many of which issued a joint call for the reopening of all shops, and services such as hairdressers, massages, physiotherapy, and technical services.

Soldiers to bring defamation suits against singer, director

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Soldiers' Trade Union urged members to authorise a law firm to bring damages suits against a singer and a director who they say insulted Slovenian Armed Force members and the guard of honour, as well as against the public broadcaster for airing the contentious statements. The union said the lawsuits would have a preventive effect. The NGO Inštitut 8. Marec called the move an attempt to intimidate those who express opinions opposing or critical of those in power.

Opposition petitions Constitutional Court over defence spending referendum

LJUBLJANA - Four centre-left coalition parties turned to the Constitutional Court after the National Assembly last week declared a referendum on EUR 780 million in planned defence investments inadmissible. The Left, Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ), Social Democrats (SD) and Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) want the court to abrogate both the parliament's decision on the inadmissibility of the referendum and the relevant act itself.

Repatriation of ethnic Slovenians from Venezuela continues

LJUBLJANA - The repatriation of ethnic-Slovenian residents of Venezuela was suspended in March following the outbreak of coronavirus, but it was re-launched in autumn, when 13 persons arrived in Slovenia, the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad announced. A total of 36 persons have been repatriated so far. The recent arrivals first had to quarantine for ten days. They all tested negative for coronavirus.

STA supervisory board finds no legal basis for financing suspension

LJUBLJANA - The STA supervisory board called on the government to take necessary steps to resume regular financing of the STA for the public service it performs after concluding, based on a legal opinion commissioned by the STA management, that the Government Communication Office has no legal basis to arbitrarily suspend financing. The supervisors established that the STA leadership had not acted in contravention of the valid law in its communication with UKOM. UKOM insists the STA director must hand over the requested documents.

Tourism getting ready for multi-year recovery

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian tourism is preparing for long-term recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic. The recovery plan will span until the end of 2023, with tourism resilience being strengthened for years to come, participants of the virtual Days of Slovenian Tourism said. Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek thinks that the sector will return to record-breaking results. He vowed additional aid for the hospitality and tourism sectors and the meeting industry in the emerging seventh stimulus package.

Minister supports value-based digital transformation

LJUBLJANA - Participating in a meeting of EU ministers in charge of public administration digitalisation, Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik endorsed a concept of a digital transformation based on democratic and ethical values and inclusion. Investments not only in technology but also in people and their skills are key for a successful digital transformation, the minister noted.

Tour winner Pogačar honoured for tourism promotion

LJUBLJANA - Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar was honoured by the Slovenian tourism community as the person who contributed the most to Slovenia's promotion around the world. At the annual Days of Slovenian Tourism, Pogačar won the Crystal Triglav, becoming the second cyclist to be honoured after Primož Roglič, who finished second in this year's Tour, received the accolade last year.

Looking for a gift this Christmas that says “Slovenia” and will keep you and your loved ones happy and well fed for years to come? Then check out the beautifully produced book Cook Eat Slovenia, with 100 easy to follow recipes for all seasons. The book has won three awards at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2020, for best translated, best self-published, and best food tourism cookbook for Slovenia, and for the second best in the world for food tourism, and third best  for self-published. Our review is here, and you can order a copy from anywhere in the world here.

If you're learning Slovenian then you can find all our dual texts here

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: 

PM Janša starts visit to Israel

TEL AVIV, Israel - PM Janez Janša started a two-day visit to Israel, which his office said would be an opportunity to discuss key foreign policy issues and further cooperation in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. On Janša's agenda today were meetings with representatives of companies from the field of cybersecurity and other companies to present their potential for cooperation with Slovenian companies. He was also scheduled to have dinner with Slovenia's Honorary Consul Eival Gilady and Israel-Slovenia Chamber of Commerce representatives. Meetings will Israel's top officials are due on Tuesday.

FM Logar visits US to meet Pompeo

WASHINGTON, US - Foreign Minister Anže Logar is in Washington, DC, to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the State Department, in what the Foreign Ministry said would be a visit designed to deepen bilateral relations between two friends, strategic partners, and NATO allies. Logar and Pompeo will, according to the ministry, exchange views on topical issues of common interest and discuss new opportunities for cooperation. Pompeo visited Slovenia in August.

Coronavirus epidemic shows no signs of easing

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 480 new coronavirus cases on Sunday as the epidemic shows no signs of easing. 52 more Covid-19 patients died, taking the overall death toll to 1,796. With 1,751 tests performed, the test positivity rate remained a high 27.4%. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals and intensive care units remained broadly unchanged, at 1,301 and 196, respectively. Should hospitalisations drop below 1,200, Covid-19 spokesman Jelko Kacin said the government could partly reopen public transport and one-on-one services such as hair salons.

Slovenia's chief epidemiologist quits Covid-19 advisory team

LJUBLJANA - The National Institute of Public Health announced the head of its Centre for Communicable Diseases, Mario Fafangel, had quit the Health Ministry task force advising the government on measures to fight Covid-19. Fafangel explained his reasons to Health Minister Tomaž Gantar, but he does not intend to share them with the public. Gantar announced the possibility of restructuring the task force to reduce the number of its members and of inviting Fafangel to join it. He said he appreciated Fafangel's work. Fafangel recently said he disagreed with some of the restrictions imposed by the government, but added that overall, tough restrictions were needed.

NIJZ chief Krek says each uninfected person counts

LJUBLJANA - If people do not become more consistent in abiding by anti-coronavirus measures, the second wave of the epidemic could last until March, the director of the National Institute for Public Health (NIJZ), Milan Krek, said in an interview with the STA. This means the third wave would start immediately after the second one, which is why it is important to have as many uninfected persons as possible. "Every single one matters. Every person that remains uninfected is important," he said.

Mandatory testing of healthcare staff mostly trouble-free

LJUBLJANA/MARIBOR/CELJE - Regular testing of healthcare and care home staff using rapid tests is mandatory from Monday. The testing protocols are mostly running smoothly in hospitals and health centres since these institutions had already been screening their staff before the relevant decree. The measure has proved more challenging in care homes though. This is also due to problems regarding testing providers and pending approvals to perform rapid tests by the Health Ministry.

Government urged to open up small businesses, services sector

LJUBLJANA - The Chamber of Craft and Small Business (OZS) called on the government to open small businesses and the services sector as the closure had not resulted in an improved epidemiological situation. On the other hand, undeclared work is on the rise and distress among entrepreneurs and craftspersons is deepening, the OZS said after its executive committee's session. The OZS's members are disappointed the government did not decide to open flower shops, hair and salons salons and non-essential shops last Thursday.

GZS estimates current cost of second wave at EUR 440-600m

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian economy suffered between EUR 440 million and EUR 600 million in damage in the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic between the end of September and end of November, according to an estimate by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS). This calculation, which puts the median number at EUR 520 million, is in line with the GZS's estimate that Slovenia's GDP will have declined 8% year-on-year in the final quarter of this year.

New law reduces financial obligations of municipalities

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly unanimously passed a bill reducing the financial obligations of municipalities by shifting several major outlays, for example health insurance premiums for the unemployed, onto the state budget. The bill was originally tabled by the previous government in December 2019 but was then expanded to include new waivers of obligations proposed by this government, in what Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik said was a key step towards tackling problems faced by local communities. He believes the bill is an important shift in the financial independence of municipalities.

DeSUS leader Erjavec not interested in ministerial post

LJUBLJANA - While it is customary that coalition party leaders serve as ministers and deputy prime ministers, Karl Erjavec said he did not intend to become a minister in the Janaz Janša government after he was elected the leader of the coalition Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) on Saturday. He informed PM Janez Janša of this while still a candidate for a new DeSUS leader. "I haven't returned to politics to become a minister again, but mostly because I want DeSUS to remain a parliamentary party," he told the press after he met the party's senior officials and MPs. Political analysts meanwhile believe that nothing will happen quickly with Erjavec's return to DeSUS in terms of a possible new government.

Education Ministry conference focuses on Horizon Europe

LJUBLJANA - A two-day online conference hosted by the Education Ministry started to present the three pillars of the EU's emerging research and innovation programme Horizon Europe, which will next year replace Horizon 2020. European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel said in her opening address that Horizon Europe is the biggest research and innovative programme in the history of the EU, while Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek highlighted the importance of research and innovation for Slovenia.

Slovenia calls for wide data accessibility within EU

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Public Administration Ministry State Secretary Urška Ban joined an informal videoconference of EU ministers in charge of telecommunication and digitalisation discussing the proposed legislative changes on data management. Ban stressed the importance of providing a framework for wide accessibility of data within the EU. In this context, she pointed to the directive on open data, which is complementary to the proposed act on data management.

Equal Opportunities Ombudsman challenges family law

LJUBLJANA - Equal Opportunities Ombudsman Miha Lobnik has recently asked the Constitutional Court to review as a priority parts of the family law concerning matrimony and partnership as well as adoption. The ombudsman believes these provisions contain elements of discrimination based on sexual orientation. The ombudsman says that having two different types of partnership continues to unjustifiably distinguish or divide people by their sexual orientation.

Food industry reports sluggish sales as demand weakens

LJUBLJANA - Major food industry companies are reporting sluggish revenue as sales to schools, hotels and restaurants have dried up without a corresponding uptick in retail sales. Bread and pasta maker Žito says the suspension of bread supplies to schools and the hospitality industry has been compounded by lower retail sales as people visit shops less often. The meat industry has had to cut production due to lower sales to the hospitality sector and public institutions.

Slovenia sees big drop in Climate Change Performance Index

BONN, Germany - Slovenia lost seven spots in the 2021 Climate Change Performance Index, dropping from the 44th to 51st place. The report compiled by several NGOs says that "no country performs well enough in all CCPI index categories to achieve an overall very high rating". The list includes 57 countries, including the EU as a whole, which together generate 90% of greenhouse gas emissions, and none of them is on its way to meet the Paris climate agreement goals, says the report.

Entire Slovenia declared high-risk area for bird flu

LJUBLJANA - As a third case of the highly pathogenic H5N8 strain of bird flu was confirmed on Friday in a mute swan in Ljubljana, after the first two cases were detected in the coastal town of Piran in late November, the authorities declared the entire Slovenia a high-risk area and ordered poultry breeders to take protective measures.

Museum of Modern Art gets new acting director

LJUBLJANA - Robert Simonišek has been appointed acting director of the Museum of Modern Art for the period from 23 December until the end of the latest open call for the post of director, the museum, currently run by acting head Zdenka Badovinac, confirmed for the STA. The Culture Ministry published on Friday a third iteration of the public call. The latest call was published a day after the government amended the museum's articles of association, softening candidate selection criteria.

History professors want debate on independence museum plans

LJUBLJANA - Members of the history department at the Ljubljana Faculty of Arts expressed reservations about government plans to establish a museum of independence, citing a lack of public debate as their principal concern. In a public letter addressed to Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti, 19 members of the department said that contemporary historiography, museology and the very actions that the museum is supposed to be dedicated to called for such a public consultation.

Animateka Grand Prix goes to Average Happiness

LJUBLJANA - The Jury Grand Prix of the 17th Animateka international animated film festival was bestowed on Average Happiness, a short film about statistics and visualisation of data by Maja Gehrig of Switzerland, as the competitive part of the festival ended on Sunday. The audience picked Mud Chronicles by Serbian director Vuk Palibrk, while the European Young Talents award went to Ala Nunu Leszynska for Ahead, a co-production of the London Royal College of Art and Portuguese Colectivo Audiovisual.

Slovenia get World Cup runners-up Croatia in qualifiers

ZURICH, Switzerland - The Slovenian men's football team will play in the qualifying group H for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 along with Croatia, Slovakia, Russia, Cyprus and Malta, determined a draw by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). Croatia are the runners-up from the 2018 World Cup, while Slovenia are also expected to have a tough time against the rest of the field in the group.

Looking for a gift this Christmas that says “Slovenia” and will keep you and your loved ones happy and well fed for years to come? Then check out the beautifully produced book Cook Eat Slovenia, with 100 easy to follow recipes for all seasons. The book has won three awards at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2020, for best translated, best self-published, and best food tourism cookbook for Slovenia, and for the second best in the world for food tourism, and third best  for self-published. Our review is here, and you can order a copy from anywhere in the world here.

If you're learning Slovenian then you can find all our dual texts here

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: 

1,030 infections confirmed on Saturday, 44 die of Covid-19

LJUBLJANA - A total of 1,030 new coronavirus infections were confirmed in Slovenia on Saturday in 3,744 tests, for a positivity rate of 27.5%, while 44 patients died of Covid-19, the government announced on Sunday. Compared to the day before, the positivity rate was up by two percentage points. The number of patients increased by 30 to 1,302, including 197 in intensive care, which is two fewer than on Friday. A total of 51 persons were meanwhile discharged from hospital. With another 44 persons dying of Covid-19 on Saturday, the national death tally was up to 1,744. A total of 555,886 tests have been performed in Slovenia so far to confirm 85,805 infections. A total of 20,481 cases are currently active.

Anti-coronavirus restrictions re-published by government

LJUBLJANA - New decrees on measures to stem the Covid-19 epidemic entered into force, with no substantial changes, as restrictions on gatherings, movement and sale of goods remained in force. The decrees had to be re-published as the Constitutional Court ruled the extension of distance learning was invalid as it had not been announced properly. The government adopted at Saturday's correspondence session a new decree banning gatherings in educational institutions, to which the country's top court related to, as well as new decrees on other restrictions based on instructions from the government's legal office. With the remaining decrees, gatherings of people in public places, movement between municipalities and movement between 9pm and 6am remain prohibited. Public passenger transport remains suspended and all non-essential shops closed.

Slovenia to sign memorandum on civilian nuclear cooperation with US

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia is to sign a memorandum of understanding on strategic civilian nuclear cooperation with the US, with the document expressing the desire of both countries for deeper bilateral strategic ties, which would improve energy security, increase prosperity and strengthen political and economic ties, the government said. It will be signed by Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec, who would accompany Foreign Minister Anže Logar on his visit to the US on Monday. Vrtovec told the STA that the memorandum was not a basis for a concrete deal in the selection of technology for a possible new reactor at the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK). It might serve as a catalyst for additional cooperation, he added.

Looking for a gift this Christmas that says “Slovenia” and will keep you and your loved ones happy and well fed for years to come? Then check out the beautifully produced book Cook Eat Slovenia, with 100 easy to follow recipes for all seasons. The book has won three awards at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2020, for best translated, best self-published, and best food tourism cookbook for Slovenia, and for the second best in the world for food tourism, and third best  for self-published. Our review is here, and you can order a copy from anywhere in the world here.

If you're learning Slovenian then you can find all our dual texts here

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: 

Karl Erjavec returns to politics as DeSUS leader

LJUBLJANA - Karl Erjavec, 60, returned to politics having won the coalition Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) leadership contest as the party declared the results of its electoral congress. He is starting his fifth term as DeSUS leader after defeating the only rival, Srečko Felix Krope, in a 146:71 vote. In his address to the membership, he announced he would meet the party leadership and MPs on Monday to decide how to go on "in this very difficult situation". His return comes when the political arena is rather polarised, with many wondering whether with Erjavec, the party could leave the Janez Janša government.

Almost 1,640 new Covid-19 infections confirmed on Friday

LJUBLJANA - 1,636 Covid-19 infections were confirmed in Slovenia on Friday from 6,344 tests, which puts the positivity rate at 25.7%, slightly down from 26.3% on Thursday. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals stood at 1,272, down 12 from Thursday. The number of new deaths was 47, down from Thursday's record 61, putting the national death tally at 1,700. The seven-day average of new infections per 100,000 residents at 1,493, wgile 1,350 would triger easing of restrictive measures.

US welcomes Slovenia's decision on Hezbollah

WASHINGTON, US - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is to meet Slovenian Foreign Minister Anže Logar in Washington, DC, on Monday, welcomed Slovenia's decision to declare the Hezbollah Shia Islamist movement a terrorist organisation. This week Slovenia declared the entire Hezbollah a terrorist organisation, rejecting the false differentiation between its political and military wings, Pompeo said in a written statement on Friday.

Govt urged to reintroduce STA funding, STA to provide documents

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Culture Committee urged the government to immediately pay the overdue liabilities to the STA and stop smearing the agency. It also urged the STA to provide the Government Communication Office (UKOM) with the requested documents, as it completed a seven-hour heated debate on the STA funding suspension early on Saturday morning. The committee's session had been requested by the four left-leaning opposition parties.

Musician Tadej Hrušovar dies

LJUBLJANA - Pop music composer and singer Tadej Hrušovar died today, aged 73. He has written more than 400 songs, among them a number of hits. In 1975, his Pepel in Kri group represented Yugoslavia at the Eurovision song contest with Dan Ljubezni (Day of Love), arguably one of the most beautiful and memorable Slovenian pop songs. While Pepel in Kri gave no cause of his death as it announced the news of the death, several media recently reported that Hrušovar had been admitted to hospital for Covid-19.

Slovenia's Žan Kranjec second in giant slalom

SANTA CATERINA, Italy - Slovenian Alpine skier Žan Kranjec finished second in a World Cup giant slalom race after clocking in the best time in the first run, conceeding the victory to Croatia's Filip Zubčić, who finished 12 hundredths ahead of Kranjec. The second place is his first podium result this season. The Slovenian camp welcomed the result, yet with some bitterness given that Kranjec was in the running for a win.

Looking for a gift this Christmas that says “Slovenia” and will keep you and your loved ones happy and well fed for years to come? Then check out the beautifully produced book Cook Eat Slovenia, with 100 easy to follow recipes for all seasons. The book has won three awards at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2020, for best translated, best self-published, and best food tourism cookbook for Slovenia, and for the second best in the world for food tourism, and third best  for self-published. Our review is here, and you can order a copy from anywhere in the world here.

If you're learning Slovenian then you can find all our dual texts here

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: 

Record daily number of Covid-19 deaths reported as 61 die

LJUBLJANA - A record daily number of Covid-19 deaths in Slovenia has been reported for Thursday as 61 patients died. 1,784 new coronavirus infections were detected in 6,853 tests for a positivity rate of 26.3%, which is slightly lower than the day before. A total of 1,284 persons were in hospital yesterday for Covid-19, as 123 patients were admitted and 86 were discharged from hospital, government spokesman Jelko Kacin tweeted. Intensive care was being provided to 197 patients, which is one fewer than on Wednesday. With the record daily number of deaths on Thursday, the death toll has climbed to 1,653. According to some global tracking sites, Slovenia currently has the highest Covid-19 mortality rate in the world. Slovenia has so far recorded 81,349 cases, including 20,288 which are currently active, according to the national tracker data.

FM Logar to visit Rome and Vatican next week

LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Anže Logar will start a visit to Rome next Thursday to meet his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio. The meeting will be an opportunity to discuss the issues of the Slovenian minority in Italy, a planned exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Adriatic and current EU issues. The next day, Logar will visit the Holy See. Logar and Di Maio are to review bilateral meetings in 2020, including the marking of the centenary of the Trieste National Home arson and an agreement on the building's restitution, the Foreign Ministry said. Nwxt Friday, the minister will meet bishop Paul Richard Gallagher, current secretary for relations with states within the Holy See's Secretariat of State.

Committees back govt foreign policy actions

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary foreign policy and EU affairs committees debated Thursday Prime Minister Janez Janša's foreign policy actions. Having levelled criticism at Janša, the opposition walked out of the session after five hours and the coalition confirmed resolutions in support of his and the government's positions. The committees rejected resolutions that would have condemned Janša's actions as inappropriate and damaging to Slovenia's reputation and called on the government to honour the compromise solution on the EU budget and recovery fund. The opposition walked out on procedural grounds after the chair did not grant a Left MP the chance to reply to a claim.

Govt will address distance learning legal void

LJUBLJANA - In response to a court ruling saying distance learning is based on invalid decrees, the government said it would remedy the situation. It will again decide on relevant measures and publish them in the Official Gazette, as requested by the Constitutional Court, its Legal Office announced. The Education Ministry announced the government would discuss the material the ministry was still harmonising at a correspondence session tomorrow.

STA staff urge owner to ensure material conditions, journalist autonomy

LJUBLJANA - STA staff have urged the government as the agency's sole owner to provide, in line with the law, the material conditions for their journalistic work and for their autonomy. The call was made in a statement jointly issued by the elected representatives of the editorial staff, the workers' council and the in-house Trade Union of Journalists on Friday, before the parliamentary Culture Committee started a session debating the government's suspension of STA funding.

Kacin says STA media role and mission irreplaceable

LJUBLJANA - Jelko Kacin, one of the founders of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA), stressed the importance of the agency in the face of the suspension of STA funding. "Its role and media mission to the benefit of Slovenia are extremely important and irreplaceable," he said in an interview with the newspaper Večer. "I founded the press agency just before independence was declared, before the military attack on Slovenia. We knew very well at the time that without our own press agency our independent country does not stand a chance in the efforts for international recognition and as it turned out not even in the defence against YLA aggression," Kacin said.

Pahor makes renewed appeal for cross-party dialogue

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor made a renewed appeal for cross-party effort to break out of the crisis, as he addressed a ceremony ahead of the 30th anniversary of a cross-party agreement on the independence referendum. Pahor noted that three decades after the historic events leading up to Slovenia's independence, the country was seeing worryingly deepening distrust between political players and people, and growing discontent.

Top court asked to examine limits to strike, paid holiday, overtime in healthcare

LJUBLJNA - A trade union association has asked the Constitutional Court to examine a communicable diseases act provision which enables limiting healthcare staff's right to strike. The court has also been asked to check a decree which prevents healthcare staff from taking paid days off and take days off on the basis of overtime during the epidemic. Based on this act, the health minister has issued the decree banning the right to strike to all healthcare staff. The decree also bans them to go on statutory annual leave and take days off on the basis of their unpaid overtime, Pergam said.

Hojs presents new ideas for southern border

ILIRSKA BISTRICA - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs presented two ideas to better protect Slovenia's southern border, with Croatia, against illegal migration after a plan to activate soldiers by giving them police powers has recently been rejected in parliament for the second time this year. One option is to change the border surveillance act to allow public servants such as Financial Administration staff and various inspectors to be deployed on the border, he said. Intensive talks are moreover under way with Italy and Hungary to help with police patrols if the illegal migration numbers remain at the levels of the past two years.

Minister announces national programme for AI

MONTREAL, Canada - Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik took part in a virtual session of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, the first meeting of the alliance founded this summer. "We wish the partnership to focus on international cooperation in transferring into solutions the set goals and principles regarding the introduction of artificial intelligence in real life," said the minister, adding that Slovenia was working on a national AI programme.

NSi elects vice-presidents after Tonin's re-election

LJUBLJANA - After Matej Tonin was re-elected president of New Slovenia (NSi) at last week's congress, the party announced on Thursday that Vida Čadonič Špelič and Janez Cigler Kralj had been elected vice-presidents. Čadonič Špelič, currently the director of the Novo Mesto city administration, is a former MP and state secretary at the Agriculture, Forestry and Food Ministry. Cigler Kralj, who currently serves as the minister of labour, family, social affairs and equal opportunities, has a degree in political sciences. He previously served in the National Assembly as a staffer for the NSi deputy group.

Culture Ministry pelted with paint overnight

LJUBLJANA - The building housing the Culture Ministry was pelted with black paint overnight, in what has been described as yet another in a series of attacks on the ministry and its staff. "Unknown perpetrators have caused taxpayers several thousand euros in damage with the complete destruction of the facade," the ministry said about what it described as the latest attack. "The ministry's employees are under immense pressure, to the point where they are afraid to go to work. The ministry resolutely rejects such reprehensible escalation of pressure," it said, calling on the police to find the perpetrators. Deputy Police Commissioner Tomaž Pečjak said investigation by criminal police officers was under way.

BSH Factory of the Year winner as large scale manufacturer

NAZARJE - BSH Hišni Aparati, a Slovenian subsidiary of the Bosch group, was this week declared the winner of the Factory of the Year competition in the category of best large-scale mass producer in Europe. The competition is a collaboration of A.T. Kearney and the German business magazine Produktion, which was launched in 1992. It is considered a benchmark competition for manufacturers in Europe, with more than 2,000 companies from more than 30 countries having so far taken part. The producer of small household appliances, which took part for the third time, will receive the award in June 2021 in Germany's Essling.

Hidria wins AmCham award for best business practice

LJUBLJANA - AmCham Slovenia declared Hidria the winner of its best business practice award as part of the Best of the Best project. The industrial conglomerate has earned the accolade for its new technology of lamination in electric motors, called Hidria Bond. Hidria Holding director Iztok Seljak said the company's greatest motivation was a "vision of a better future for all", adding that the award-winning innovation was about electric, clean and green mobility. The technology developed by a team of Hidria engineers headed by Špela Bolka improves lamination of stator and rotor packs for high-performance electric motors for new hybrid and electric vehicles. Such electric motors may also be used for medical equipment and wind turbines.

Slovenia opening consulate in Milan

LJUBLJANA/MILAN, Italy - Slovenia is opening a consulate general in Milan to cover the Italian regions of Lombardy, Piemont, Emilia-Romagna, Liguria and the autonomous region of Aosta Valley. So far, Slovenia has had an economic office in Italy's financial capital. The office will now close. Slovenia also has a consulate general in Trieste, which from now on covers the autonomous Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Veneto, the Foreign Ministry said.

Retailers told store reopening to depend on Covid-19 improvement

LJUBLJANA - The Chamber of Commerce (TZS) appealed for reopening of stores as they met top government officials, learning that reopening would depend on the improvement of the coronavirus situation in the coming weeks. Apart from TZS officials the meeting was also attended by PM Janez Janša, Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek, Health Minister Tomaž Gantar and Bojana Beović, the government's chief Covid-19 adviser.

Looking for a gift this Christmas that says “Slovenia” and will keep you and your loved ones happy and well fed for years to come? Then check out the beautifully produced book Cook Eat Slovenia, with 100 easy to follow recipes for all seasons. The book has won three awards at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2020, for best translated, best self-published, and best food tourism cookbook for Slovenia, and for the second best in the world for food tourism, and third best  for self-published. Our review is here, and you can order a copy from anywhere in the world here.

If you're learning Slovenian then you can find all our dual texts here

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: 

Govt adopts five-tier strategy for easing of restrictions

LJUBLJANA - The government adopted a five-tier strategy for the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions based on a proposal by the Health Ministry and the coronavirus task force. The relaxation of measures will hinge on the seven-day rolling average of daily infections and the number of Covid-patients in hospital. At pre-determined thresholds restrictions will be lifted, starting with limited reopening of public transport and the opening of institutions such as galleries and libraries. In the next phase, services activities, stores, kindergartens and the first three grades of primary school would reopen. Details

Slovenia expects to get 50,000 shots of vaccine in first round

LJUBLJANA - The Health Ministry revealed details of the Covid-19 vaccination plan under which vaccination will be free of charge and available to all residents regardless of their health insurance status. Vaccines for around 50,000 residents are expected to be available in the first phase. Doroteja Novak Gosarič of the Health Ministry told the press that residents and employees of care homes and healthcare workers would be the first to be vaccinated. Twenty vaccination centres are planned in the first phase and then a gradual expansion of capacity when more vaccines become available.

23 Best Gifts From Slovenia: Presents, Experiences and Made-In-Slovenia Products

Mass testing expected to start before end of 2020

LJUBLJANA - Health Minister Tomaž Gantar announced plans to launch mass testing before the end of the year. His ministry is purchasing half a million rapid antigen tests with another million to follow. To obtain the tests as quickly as possible, expectedly by 11 December, the ministry has published a shortened tender setting the price at EUR 5, VAT included, but hopes to lower it due the scale of the purchase. Another million rapid tests would then be purchased in a regular, longer, tender procedure.

Top court abrogates govt decisions on distance learning

LJUBLJANA - The Constitutional Court established that the temporary measures banning the gathering of people at educational establishments were extended with invalid government decisions, after having deliberated on a petition from two parents of special-needs children. It said the epidemiological situation in the country might require that reopening schools could require certain guidelines and organisations adjustments, which is why its decision would enter into force three days after being published in the Official Gazette.

KUL proposes own coronavirus exit strategy

LJUBLJANA - The Constitutional Arch Coalition's (KUL), which features the opposition LMŠ, SD, Left and SAB, presented its plan to fight the epidemic. It proposes a gradual reopening of businesses and heftier aid, as well as relaxation of restrictions in outdoor public areas, arguing that the government is too heavily focussed on outdoor restrictions such as the closure of municipal borders and compulsory face masks. The measures to help businesses would cost the state an additional EUR 600 million in the next three months, economist Jože P. Damijan said.

1,772 new infections confirmed, 45 people die of Covid-19

LJUBLJANA - A total of 6,604 tests for the new coronavirus were conducted in Slovenia on Wednesday, resulting in 1,772 new positive cases. The number of cases is down by 657 compared to Tuesday, and the positivity rate dropped by seven percentage points to 26.8%. A total of 45 persons died of Covid-19 on Wednesday, which is 12 fewer than the day before. Hospitalisations are meanwhile up by four patients to 1,289, of which 198 required intensive therapy (one fewer than on Tuesday).

PM Janša paying official visit to Israel on 7-8 December

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša will start an official two-day visit to Israel on 7 December. He is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, the prime minister's office said. The visit represents "a confirmation of good and traditionally friendly relations between the two countries, and an opportunity to exchange views and discuss key foreign policy issues (Syria, Iraq, Iran, Middle East peace process)."

Foreign Minister Logar to visit the US next week

LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Anže Logar announced that he will pay a visit to the United States on 7 December. A meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is planned. He made the announcement at a joint session of the parliamentary EU affairs and foreign policy committees which debated the foreign policy actions of Prime Minister Janez Janša.

Opposition and coalition clash over Hungary's involvement in rail project

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Public Finance Oversight Commission saw a heated debate over whether Hungary should be let into the EUR 1 billion-plus project to build a second railway connecting the port town of Koper with the inland hub of Divača. The centre-left opposition parties see Hungary's involvement as a threat to strategic infrastructure. By contrast, the coalition and Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec argued that without the involvement of countries served by the port there would be no development for Luka Koper and no need for the second track.

Biometric identity cards coming

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will roll out biometric identity cards in line with amendments adopted by the government that implement an EU requirement under which all member states should start issuing biometric identity cards by August 2021. The new card will have a chip containing images of two fingerprints and a photo of the holder. The biometric data on the chip can only be used to verify the authenticity of the card, or the identity of the holder when they cross the border.

Legislation adopted to crack down on fictitious residence registrations

LJUBLJANA - The government adopted legislation designed to crack down on fictitious registrations of residence, a widespread practice uncovered in recent months. The amendments to the residence registration act will crack down on fictitious registrations at addresses that are not residential, or residential addresses where the size of the living quarters clearly precludes the registration of a large number of people.

Prešeren Prizes go to author Feri Lainšček, architect Marko Mušič

LJUBLJANA - Feri Lainšček, a writer and poet from Slovenia's north-easternmost region, and Marko Mušič, an architect who has made a name for himself in Slovenia and throughout the former Yugoslavia, are the winners of the Prešeren Prizes for lifetime-achievement for 2021. The country's top accolades for artistic accomplishments will be presented on 7 February.

Slovenia pays tribute to Giscard d'Estaing

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor and the Foreign Ministry paid tribute to Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the former French president, on his death by describing him as a great European and statesman. Pahor said on Twitter he had sent his condolences to French President Emmanuel Macron saying that France and Europe had lost a great European and statesman. The ministry said his strong and passionate commitment as the first Chairman of the Convention on the future of Europe encouraged us to continue to work together for a united EU.

Jourova urges EU countries to refrain from pressure on media

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission is closely monitoring the developments regarding the suspension of financing of the STA, Commission Vice President for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova said. She highlighted the role of public media and urged member states to refrain from attempts to exert pressure on them. She added that media independence should be enabled across the EU for it was the core of media pluralism.

UKOM says it wants to constructively resolve funding issue with STA

LJUBLJANA - The Government Communication Office (UKOM) elaborated on the financing issue with the STA by saying that it actually could have rescinded the contract as STA director Bojan Veselinovič had not disclosed information he had been asked to provide. Instead, it has "only rejected a monthly invoice in the desire to resolve the problem constructively". It warned about the "immense damage that Veselinovič is causing to the STA by concealing information and violating the contract".

STA management urges UKOM to stop jeopardising agency's work

LJUBLJANA - The STA management responded to the Government Communication Office's (UKOM) latest statements on financing by saying that the agency had no reservations about UKOM's documentation requests as long as they were in line with the law. It urged UKOM to end actions that threaten its work, stressing that the representative of the agency's owner was solely the government and not UKOM, as UKOM director Uroš Urbanija claims. Only the government has the right to a comprehensive access to information on STA operations.

Govt approves EUR 5 million in state aid to Fraport Slovenija

LJUBLJANA - The government endorsed state aid worth EUR 5 million to Ljubljana airport operator Fraport Slovenija pending EU approval. The amount corresponds to about a third of the estimated damage the operator expects to suffer due to the pandemic. The funds will go into providing liquidity and covering running costs, and for urgent investments. Due to the pandemic and its devastating impact on air travel, Fraport Slovenija will suffer damage totalling some EUR 15.26 million this year.

Joblessness inches higher in November

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's registered jobless total inched up by a further 0.6% in November as the country tightened lockdown restrictions to hit 84,139, 16.2% above the figure at the end of the same month a year ago. A total of 7,356 newly unemployed people registered with the Employment Service in November, a decrease of 17.6% from the month before but 21.9% more than the year ago.

Validity of holiday vouchers extended until end of 2021

LJUBLJANA - The government extended the validity of tourism vouchers until the end of 2021 to help the tourism sector, which has been badly hit by the epidemic. Tourism vouchers were introduced as part of the third stimulus package, which was passed in parliament in late May. Financial Administration (FURS) data show that by 1 October vouchers worth EUR 113.74 million were redeemed, under a third of the total.

Slovenia joins GLOBE science and education programme

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia joined the Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) programme, as part of which citizen scientists and students help scientists collect data for better understanding of the environment. The agreement was signed by Education Minister Simona Kustec and US Ambassador Lynda Blanchard. Kustec said the programme provided a new opportunity for youth to attain new global collaborations, while furthering the long-standing and excellent scientific collaboration between Slovenia and the US.

Over 100 money mules caught, EUR 2.1m loss prevented in latest sting

LJUBLJANA - As part of the latest effort to crack down on money mule schemes in Europe, a total of 81 cases have been investigated in Slovenia, in which 102 money mules have been identified. A total loss by legal entities and individuals of EUR 2.1 million has been prevented, the Bank Association of Slovenia announced. The sixth European Money Mule Action (EMMA6), coordinated by Europol and involving law enforcement authorities from 26 countries, was conducted between 15 September and 30 November.

Slovenian and Croatian farmers partner to protect traditional Istrian beef

KOPER - The Koper farmers cooperative has partnered with Croatian breeders to set in motion a procedure to obtain protected designation of origin, an EU emblem, for the beef from the traditional Istrian cattle called boškarin. Boškarin, a breed of the Podolian cattle indigenous to the Istrian peninsula, used to serve as a working animal. It has also been useful in preventing the overgrowing of cultivated land in high-lying parts of Istria.

Gen-I to supply only zero-carbon electricity as of 2021

LJUBLJANA - Gen-I announced that as of 2021, it would be able to offer customers electricity produced solely from environmentally friendly and zero-carbon sources, in an effort with which the power producer intends to reduce the carbon footprint of Slovenian households by 1.65 million tonnes of CO2 compared to 2019. Gen-I customers will be able to choose between the "energy of the Sun, energy of wind and nuclear energy".

Roglič first Slovenian cyclist ever to win Vélo d'Or

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian cyclist Primož Roglič has won the 2020 Vélo d'Or award by the French cycling magazine Vélo Magazine, given annually to the rider considered to have performed the best over the year. The 31-year-old, who currently competes for the Dutch Team Jumbo-Visma, is the first Slovenian ever to win the Golden Bicycle award since its introduction in 1992.

Looking for a gift this Christmas that says “Slovenia” and will keep you and your loved ones happy and well fed for years to come? Then check out the beautifully produced book Cook Eat Slovenia, with 100 easy to follow recipes for all seasons. The book has won three awards at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2020, for best translated, best self-published, and best food tourism cookbook for Slovenia, and for the second best in the world for food tourism, and third best  for self-published. Our review is here, and you can order a copy from anywhere in the world here.

If you're learning Slovenian then you can find all our dual texts here

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: 

New surge in coronavirus cases, 57 more deaths

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 2,429 new coronavirus cases for Tuesday, the third highest daily increase since the start of the epidemic, as the test positivity rate hit 33.8%. Government data also show that 57 more patients with Covid-19 died, which brings the overall death toll since the start of the epidemic to 1,547. Nuška Čakš Jager from the National Institute of Public Health said the increase in cases could be be attributed to the introduction of rapid tests at health institutions and care homes. Positive test are double-checked with PCR tests. Infectologist Bojana Beović, the head of the government's coronavirus task force, responded to calls for an easing of coronavirus restrictions by saying extra caution was needed in planning any potential relaxation.

Logar expects conduct in European spirit regarding exclusive zones in Adriatic

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Foreign Minister Anže Logar said Slovenia always acted in a European spirit and expected the same from European partners as he commented on intentions by Italy and Croatia to declare exclusive economic zones in the Adriatic Sea. He said this was a strategic issue that would be addressed in tolerant dialogue, not in the public square. When Logar pays a visit to Italy on 10 December, the issue will be discussed. The statement came after three opposition parties expressed concern over the news, highlighting the potential impact of such declarations on the Slovenia-Croatia border arbitration agreement.

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PETA approved cork bags, wallets and purses at CORK.SI

EU presidency trio discuss social affairs and employment

LJUBLJANA - The ministers in charge of employment and social affairs of Slovenia, Germany and Portugal, the current rotating European Council presidency trio, discussed on Tuesday relevant initiatives with Nicolas Schmit, the EU's Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, and social partners. Labour Ministry State Secretary Mateja Ribič, standing in for the labour minister, presented the priorities of Slovenia's presidency in the second half of 2021, one of which will be tackling population ageing in the light of demographic changes.

Gantar calls for more EU coordination on Covid-19 vaccine

LJUBLJANA - Health Minister Tomaž Gantar attended a video conference with EU counterparts discussing the current state of the coronavirus pandemic and the proposed EU strategy for a coronavirus vaccine. He stressed more cooperation and coordination was need at the EU level. The minister said the right lessons should be drawn from the experience with the pandemic so far and that the weaknesses that had become apparent during the crisis should be addressed as soon as possible.

President Pahor says action by each individual required to curb epidemic

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor told Radio Ognjišče that the coronacrisis was a rare crisis in which every individual can contribute towards a solution. He said everyone should perform noble acts to send out the message that "we are not alone". Pahor said people had become more irritable and looked for culprits, and in doing so they may do each other injustice. The "division of political spirits, this rift, which people notice" is creating additional unrest.

President urges govt and STA management to resolve open issues

LJUBLJANA - The STA is doing important work in the interest of the public, which is why its existence should not be jeopardised, President Borut Pahor said. He called on the government and the STA management to resolve, in line with regulations, issues that had resulted in suspended financing of the agency. Pahor made the statement after talking with STA director Bojan Veselinovič and Government Communication Office (UKOM) director Uroš Urbanija.

STA chief supervisor rejects information concealment claims

LJUBLJANA - The STA supervisory board does not support the Government Communication Office's (UKOM) decision to suspend the funding of the STA's public service and rejects the claims about information concealment, chief supervisor Mladen Terčelj said. He also rejected claims about the STA's business being non-transparent. Radovan Cerjak, a member of the supervisory board appointed in September, meanwhile said the supervisory board had not discussed the suspension of financing and labelled Terčelj's statement "a solo action".

EANA urges govt to stop pressure on STA, ZNP calls for resolution of "dispute"

LJUBLJANA - The European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA) expressed its support for the independence of the STA, urging the Slovenian government to eliminate any moves against the STA that would alter the agency's workflow, reputation and business. It said mass media is the cornerstone of democracy, and news agencies the backbone of free media worldwide. ZNP, a Slovenian journalist association, urged a prompt resolution of the ongoing dispute.

Top science accolades presented

LJUBLJANA - The winners of this year's Zois Prizes for lifetime achievement in science and research are researcher Tamara Lah Turnšek of the National Institute of Biology, who has discovered a protease enzyme, and University of Ljubljana professor emeritus Radovan Stanislav Pejovnik, credited with spearheading pioneering study into lithium batteries 30 years ago. The pair, along with Puh Prize winner Janez Trontelj and Ambassador of Science Boštjan Kobe, were presented in a documentary on TV Slovenija on Tuesday evening.

Three bids submitted for car e-tolling contract

LJUBLJANA - The state-run motorway company DARS announced it had received three bids in response to a tender to set up a system for electronic tolling of cars, which is to become operational in December 2021. The lowest bid, valuing the project at EUR 14 million, was submitted by the Slovenian company Iskratel in partnership with Hungarian ARH Informatics. The other bids are by Slovakia's Skytoll and a group of Slovenian companies partnering with Austria's Kapsch.

Romana Tomc gets The Parliament Magazine's MEP Award

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Slovenian MEP Romana Tomc (EPP/SDS) is this year's recipient of The Employment, Social Affairs & Regions Award by The Parliament Magazine. The Brussels-based fortnightly presented the 2020 MEP awards for efforts and achievements in various fields online on Tuesday. Tomc said that the accolade was proof that Europe had not forgotten about its citizens in these difficult times and that efforts regarding social affairs, employment and demographic issues were vital.

Farmers' reps say situation on agricultural markets catastrophic

LJUBLJANA - The Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia (KGZS) warned that the situation on agricultural markets is deteriorating practically on the weekly basis due to declining purchase prices. KGZS president Roman Žveglič called on the state and the food industry to take immediate measures. "We are at a point when cheap imports may destroy Slovenian farming," he said.

Ajša Vodnik gets another term as vice chair of AmChams in Europe

LJUBLJANA - Ajša Vodnik, director general of AmCham Slovenija, won another term as vice-president of AmChams in Europe, a network of American Chambers of Commerce from 43 countries in Europe and Eurasia. This means Slovenia will remain the seat of the organisation for another two years. Vodnik, who will start her next two-year term in January, sees her role in the post as "excellent potential" in the light of Slovenia's EU presidency in the second half of 2021, AmCham Slovenia said.

Kiblix festival exploring virtual worlds

MARIBOR - The international festival of art, technology and science Kiblix this year explores virtual worlds and because of the epidemic it is being held in a new hybrid form. Organised by the Kibla centre, the 2020 festival focuses on the human experience of virtual worlds, which have become so important this year because of coronavirus. The festival informally started at the end of November, but the main events are being held between December and February.

Korean Film Week puts women in spotlight

LJUBLJANA - The Korean Film Week 2020, organised by the Vienna-based Embassy of the Republic of Korea, is to kick off on Thursday, focusing on the past century of Korean women. Running until Sunday, the free online event will feature five films capturing the overlooked stories of Korean women to raise awareness about certain aspects of Korean culture that have been hidden from history. The films will be screened via the Shift72 online video platform on www.koreanfilmweek.net.

Looking for a gift this Christmas that says “Slovenia” and will keep you and your loved ones happy and well fed for years to come? Then check out the beautifully produced book Cook Eat Slovenia, with 100 easy to follow recipes for all seasons. The book has won three awards at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2020, for best translated, best self-published, and best food tourism cookbook for Slovenia, and for the second best in the world for food tourism, and third best  for self-published. Our review is here, and you can order a copy from anywhere in the world here.

If you're learning Slovenian then you can find all our dual texts here

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: 

Slovenia confirms 55 Covid-19 deaths, 1,292 new coronavirus cases

LJUBLJANA - A total of 1,292 coronavirus cases were confirmed in 5,868 tests on Monday and 55 Covid-19 patients died, bringing the death toll to 1,490. The number of new cases is slightly lower than a week ago and the positivity rate, at 22%, follows a gradual downward trajectory recorded in recent days. A total of 1,299 patients were in hospital, one more than the day before, of which 210 in intensive care, up by five. The number of all registered coronavirus cases has reached 77,106.

OECD upgrades Slovenia forecast for 2020, outlook for 2021 worse

PARIS, France - The OECD slightly upgraded its forecast for Slovenia's GDP in 2020, projecting that it will fall by 7.5% this year, while also downgrading the expected rebound in 2020, to 3.4%. In June, the OECD said that Slovenia's economy was expected to shrink by 7.8% this year, and then grow by 4.5%. In the latest report, it says that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic would continue to disturb economic activity until at least mid-2021.

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PETA approved cork bags, wallets and purses at CORK.SI

Calls for retraction as govt suspends financing of STA

LJUBLJANA - The government on Monday accepted information from the Government Communication Office (UKOM) that it had not been able to implement the contract with the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) for 2020 and to conclude a contract for 2021. As a result the STA has not received from UKOM the monthly payment for the performance of public service for October. The management said the agency's future work was threatened, but pledged it would continue its mission. The junior coalition partners DeSUS and SMC demanded for the decision to be retracted and the NSi asked for explanations, while the centre-left opposition labelled it an attack on media freedom and democracy. UKOM's move was also condemned by the Slovenian Journalists' Association and the Trade Union of Slovenian Journalists.

FM comments on new Wise Men report to improve NATO

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Foreign Minister Anže Logar commented on the latest NATO report by a group of experts or the so-called new wise men as he attended a meeting of allied foreign ministers where the document was presented. Logar said that proactive communication was the best guarantee for mutual solidarity and unity in the Alliance. He called for a new strategic concept of the Alliance that would consolidate views on emerging threats and enable informed and swift decisions.

Logar to discuss Italy's Adriatic Sea plans in Rome next week

LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Anže Logar will discuss Italy's plans for an exclusive economic zone in the Adriatic Sea during his visit to Rome on 10 December after Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio announced the plan in Zagreb on Monday. The Slovenian Foreign Ministry said it "shares the concern of all other countries along the Adriatic Sea for a comprehensive protection of the Adriatic Sea", supporting "all efforts regrading the different ways in which this protection could be implemented".

Worries about EU recovery package uncalled for, says Šircelj

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Finance Minister Andrej Šircelj sought to alleviate concerns about the stall in the passage of the EU recovery package due to Poland and Hungary blocking the deal because of rule of law provisions. He believes a solution will be reached, while pointing to contingency plans. Talking with Slovenian correspondents in Brussels by videolink after a virtual meeting of EU finance ministers, Šircelj said: "We have contingency plans for whatever may happen so there's no need to worry."

Debate hears optimism for renewed transatlantic relations

LJUBLJANA - There are high hopes for relaunching transatlantic relations after Joe Biden's win in the US presidential election, a debate held by the European Parliament Information Office in Slovenia heard. Participants, including US Democratic senator Bob Menendez, several MEPs and former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, said that respect for human rights, the rule of law and liberal democracy was again becoming key on both sides of the Atlantic.

Justice minister talks Slovenia EU presidency plans with commissioner

LJUBLJANA - Justice Minister Lilijana Kozlovič held a video conference with European Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders focusing on plans for Slovenia's presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2021, challenges related to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, digitalisation of the justice system and justice cooperation. A release issued by the Justice Ministry said Slovenia would resume the work done by the German and Portuguese presidencies during its spell at the presidency in the field of justice.

Proposal on changes to electoral law presented

LJUBLJANA - Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik presented a redistricting proposal to amend the electoral law to implement a 2018 Constitutional Court ruling. The proposal will be sent to coalition deputy groups, which have not agreed on the matter yet. Koritnik said the proposal was based on the current law and introduced changes only in those parts that had been deemed problematic by the Constitutional Court, including roughly the same number of residents and keeping geographic units as well as shared cultural and other characteristics in a single district.

Rail operator's tie-up with Czech holding gets final nod

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH) approved the plan by the state-owned rail operator Slovenske Železnice to sign a strategic partnership between its cargo division and the Prague-based EP Holding. SSH said the goal was long-term growth and development of the transport and logistics activity. Under the terms of the deal, SŽ - Tovorni Promet and EP Logistics International intend to establish a joint venture, onto which Slovenske Železnice would transfer the assets of its cargo subsidiary. The Czech partner will hold 49% in the joint venture via a capital injection reported to be in the EUR 60-100 million range.

SSH looking at EUR 86 million in dividend yield for 2019

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH) plans to collect EUR 85.9 million in dividends from state-owned companies for last year, which is significantly less than the originally planned EUR 142 million, as certain payouts have been suspended by regulators in relation to the coronavirus crisis. "This does not mean that this difference has been lost for good. This goes into distributable profits of companies, decisions on which may be made in the coming years," SSH management board advisor Vanessa Grmek told the Finance Committee.

Iskraemeco working on advanced project with Iceland's Veitur

KRANJ - Electricity meter maker Iskraemeco has signed a contract with Iceland's largest power distributor Veitur on an advanced smart metering project that will allow Veitur to transform electricity, heat and water networks into a sustainable smart network. Using Iskraemeco's solution Energy IoT, Veitur will improve its efficiency through digitalisation and service development. Iskraemeco will provide solutions for remotely-operated metering points and service management for the entire Veitur.

Slovenia slips to 16th place in Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index

SEOUL, South Korea - Slovenia slipped three spots to rank 16th among 180 countries in the latest Global Sustainable Competitiveness Index compiled by Solability, a sustainability think-tank. However, the country improved its score, going from 53.8 to 55.9 points. Slovenia fared the best in governance efficiency, where it retained third place, and it improved its ranking in social capital and natural capital, but it slipped in intellectual capital and resource management.

Covid-19 epidemic affects HIV prevention efforts

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian health authorities warned on World AIDS Day that HIV infections remain a major public health issue despite recent successes. The epidemic has also somewhat slowed the pace of testing, resulting in fewer detected cases. According to the infectious diseases department of the UKC Ljubljana hospital, ten HIV patients have contracted the new coronavirus. Two of them were hospitalised, including one in intensive care. A total of 28 new HIV infections were recorded by 20 November this year, six fewer than in the entire 2019 and fewer than in any year in the last decade.

Police crack down on major business fraud scheme

NOVO MESTO - The Novo Mesto police presented the conclusions of a multi-year investigation into a major business fraud scheme in the Posavje and Dolenjska regions. They filed criminal complaints against a number of suspects, including companies, for causing damage to creditors, violating basic workers' rights, forgery, and tax evasion, among other crimes. The suspects, including citizens of Kosovo, and companies caused more than EUR 8.2 million in damage.

Looking for a gift this Christmas that says “Slovenia” and will keep you and your loved ones happy and well fed for years to come? Then check out the beautifully produced book Cook Eat Slovenia, with 100 easy to follow recipes for all seasons. The book has won three awards at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards 2020, for best translated, best self-published, and best food tourism cookbook for Slovenia, and for the second best in the world for food tourism, and third best  for self-published. Our review is here, and you can order a copy from anywhere in the world here.

If you're learning Slovenian then you can find all our dual texts here

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: 

Economy expands by 12.4% in Q3 on the quarter before

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's economy contracted by 2.6% year-on-year in real terms in the third quarter, as seasonally-adjusted GDP increased by 12.4% from the quarter before, declining by 2.9% year-on-year, the Statistics Office reported. Domestic consumption in the third quarter contracted by 5% y/y and gross investment by 19.6% as exports fell by 9.5%. The central bank said the quarterly rebound was expectedly strong following the easing of coronavirus measures, while the government think-tank IMAD said it was better then expected. They both projected a decline in activity in the final quarter.

Coronavirus epidemic not easing yet

LJUBLJANA - The coronavirus situation in the country is not easing as hospital admissions in particular remain cause for concern. Government data show the country recorded 428 new cases from 1,880 tests on Sunday as the positivity rate dropped to 22.77% from over 30% the day before. A further 51 patients with Covid-19 died, taking the death toll to 1,435. Hospitalisations rose to 1,298, including 205 in intensive care units. Matjaž Jereb, the head of the ICU at Ljubljana UKC, described the situation as critical, expressing concern the peak had not been reached yet.

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Hojs reiterates discontent with Croatia as Schengen zone is discussed

LJUBLJANA - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs reiterated dissatisfaction with Croatia's protection of the border as he took part in a debate on the future of the Schengen zone, hosted by the European Commission. Commenting on the debate, which looked at the problems of the passport-free zone in the face of migration, terrorism and the pandemic, Hojs said Schengen's collapse did not start with the novel coronavirus but due to ineffective control over migration. Slovenian MEP Tanja Fajon meanwhile said Schengen was seriously in peril, in particular because of lack of trust among member states, which was leading to ever more controls on internal borders. If Schengen is not solved quickly, there is a danger of the start of a collapse of EU integration, she said.

Govt declares Hezbollah terrorist organisation as a whole

LJUBLJANA - The government declared the Lebanon-based political party Hezbollah as a criminal and terrorist organisation that represents a threat to peace and security. The work of Hezbollah is intertwined with organised crime and terrorist or paramilitary activity at the global level, the government said. The decision was taken after the government was acquainted with a report on the activities and modus operandi of Hezbollah by the government's permanent coordination group for restrictive measures.

SSH supervisors approve asset management plan

LJUBLJANA - The supervisory board of state assets custodian, Slovenia Sovereign Holding (SSH), confirmed the annual asset management plan for 2021, which now needs the approval of the government. According to commercial broadcaster POP TV, the annual plan includes the acquisition of the Luxembourg-based York fund's 43% stake in Sava company in what is seen as a key step towards the planned state tourism holding, a project driven by Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek. While the price is said not to be in the annual plan, POP TV reported that York's stake in Sava is estimated at between EUR 40-50 million.

Slovenia improves equal opportunities in diplomatic service

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia has significantly improved the equality of opportunity in its diplomatic service since 2009, with the share of women holding top positions increasing from 16% to 40% between 2009 and 2020, the study, conducted by the Slovenian Foreign Ministry in collaboration with Iceland's Foreign Ministry, shows. However, the ministry also warned that almost a quarter of women were found to have been victims of sexual harassment in the workplace in the past decade.

Annual deflation rate at 0.9%

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's consumer price growth remained negative for the fourth month running in November as the annual deflation rate accelerated by 0.8 percentage points on October to 0.9%, chiefly as a result of lower fuel prices as well as cheaper clothing and footwear, according to the Statistics Office. Prices dropped by 0.8% on the monthly level. Measured with the harmonised index of consumer prices, an EU-wide gauge, the annual deflation rate ran at 1.1% and the monthly deflation rate at 0.6%.

Labour minister admitted to hospital

LJUBLJANA - Janez Cigler Kralj, the minister of labour, family, social affairs and equal opportunities, was admitted to hospital with a condition not related to Covid-19. Announcing the news, his ministry said last night that doctors expected him to return to work within ten to 14 days. The minister was admitted to the urology department of the Ljubljana UKC hospital yesterday after feeling unwell for a week.

Police under scrutiny over conduct in Friday's car protest

LJUBLJANA - The police are facing criticism for their intervention during last Friday's anti-government protest, which was held in cars. One of the protesters, Jaša Jenull, has even pressed criminal charges. The police have said that the event had all the features of an unorganised rally and that the protesting drivers were violating traffic rules.

Tenth of Slovenians visiting other households amid epidemic

LJUBLJANA - Around 10% of Slovenian residents visited two households in a week in November despite anti-coronavirus restrictions. Moreover, a similar share of Slovenians do not seem to have significantly changed their social habits, having visited from three to five or more households during that time, a survey by pollster Valicon shows. More than half of the respondents said they were not visiting other households at all and over 25% made one social visit. Another Valicon survey indicates that the public places the greatest trust in experts when it comes to the Covid-19 situation, while trust is politicians is not that encouraging.

Innovation Day calls for cooperation between economy, creative sector

LJUBLJANA - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek said during an on-line debate held as part of Innovation Day that there is a lot of untapped potential for cooperation between the Slovenian economy and the culture and creative sectors, as opening addresses highlighted the importance of creativity and innovation in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Today's Innovation Day and the Symptoms of Creativity conference featured over 800 representatives of the economy, creative sector and politics from over 50 countries. Eleven innovations meanwhile received top awards from the GZS as part of Innovation Day.

Govt dismisses Tina Bregant, appoints Marija Magajna new state secretary

LJUBLJANA - The government dismissed Tina Bregant from the post of state secretary at the Health Ministry upon proposal by Minister Tomaž Ganrat over loss of trust. It appointed Marija Magajna to replace her on 1 December. The new state secretary is an epidemiologist with wast managerial experiences and is currently the acting head of the ministry's health directorate. Bregant is meanwhile the third state secretary leaving the Health Ministry since Gantar came to office in mid-March.

Drug wholesaler Salus reports 56% profit growth

LJUBLJANA - Salus, a wholesaler of medicines, reported a net profit of EUR 6.8 million for the first nine months of the year, up 56.5% year-on-year, as revenue rose by 14.7% to EUR 292 million. Salus benefited from a surge in demand for medicines in March, after the coronavirus pandemic was first declared, whereupon demand eased off. The group expects end-year sales to reach EUR 350 million and net profit EUR 5.7 million, slightly less than in 2019.

EU co-funding revival of Pohorje habitats

LJUBLJANA - Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak signed a contract on the EU funding of a project that aims to revive the grassland, water and forest habitats of the Pohorje hills area in the north-east. The EU will contribute EUR 1.74 million to the EUR 2.18 million project, while the rest will be chipped in by the state. According to Vizjak, the project will improve the state of highly important natural areas and habitats in Pohorje and find solutions for sustainable development of the area.

Slovenia qualify for 2022 EuroBasket in Ljubljana "bubble"

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian men's basketball team qualified for the 2022 Eurobasket with wins against Ukraine and Austria in a mini "bubble" tournament held in Ljubljana's Stožice Arena as part of the qualifying Group F. Slovenia will thus be defending their gold medal from the previous European championship in 2017. Slovenia defeated Ukraine (84:73) on Saturday and Austria (77:64) on Sunday. Slovenia all but secured a berth at the EuroBasket before today's match between Ukraine and Austria, and only needed Ukraine to win to make it; Ukraine did the favour by beating the Austrians in the last match of the Ljubljana bubble.

Slovenian Cinematheque gets new director in Ženja Leiler

LJUBLJANA - Journalist and editor Ženja Leiler was appointed the new director of the Slovenian Cinematheque for a full, five-year term, starting on 1 December. Leiler told the STA her priorities are enhancing the role of the institution in the public cultural space and raising the awareness of the importance of film heritage. The new director, who succeeds Ivan Nedoh, said Slovenska Kinoteka had a special place in Slovenian culture - it is exclusive as a national film museum and a very specific exhibition space.

Sebastjan Eržen at the helm of Book Agency

LJUBLJANA - The government appointed Sebastjan Eržen acting director of the Slovenian Book Agency as of 2 December, the Government Communication Office said after a correspondence session. Eržen, who was first relieved of his duties as a member of the agency's council, will run the agency until a full-fledged director is appointed, but no longer than 1 June 2021. His appointment comes after the government dismissed on 12 November Renata Zamida, who started her five-year term on 1 January 2018.

Animateka open to a global audience

LJUBLJANA - Animateka, the annual festival of animated film, got under way as an online-only event. While film buffs will be deprived of the big-screen experience, the silver lining is that most of the films will be available for viewing around the world. The festival has partnered with the online platform Eventive to create a dedicated website https://online.animateka.si, on which it is possible to buy festival passes or tickets for individual films, watch films and view live events.

Meteorological winter to bring snow to Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - Right after the start of meteorological winter, Slovenia will see a couple of snowy days. Snowfall is expected to start on Wednesday morning and get heavier by Thursday. In central Slovenia, 5-15 centimetres of snow is expected, while in some parts of the country the snow blanket could be up to 20 centimetres thick. The snow on low ground is to be washed away by rain on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

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This summary is provided by the STA: 

1,106 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Saturday, 48 persons die

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 1,106 new coronavirus cases in 3,644 tests on Saturday, which is on par with the figures seen a week ago. 48 persons died, showed the latest data government. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital increased by 20 to 1,278. Saturday's test positivity rate was 30%, seven percentage points up on Friday. Bojana Beović, the head of the government's coronavirus task force, said a kind of ceiling had been reached but the situation was still not improving. The data do not bode well for the chances of relaxing the measures, she added.

Minister announces full allowance for healthcare staff infected with Sars-CoV-2

LJUBLJANA - Responding to claims about healthcare staff receiving only partial pay compensation during sick leave even in cases where they likely contracted Sars-CoV-2 at work, Health Minister Matjaž Gantar announced on Saturday that this would be remedied in the next coronacrisis stimulus package. "Those exposed the most are definitely entitled to a full allowance," Gantar tweeted in the wake of reports about healthcare employers' refusal to accept the claims of staff that they contracted the virus during work and were thus entitled to full as opposed to 80% compensation.

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PETA approved cork bags, wallets and purses at CORK.SI

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