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A schedule of all the main events involving Slovenia this week can be found here
This summary is provided by the STA:
Sources: Commissioner-designate Lenarčič gets thumbs up
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Slovenia's EU commissioner-designate Janez Lenarčič received a positive assessment from the EU Parliament's Development Committee, according to unofficial sources in the European Parliament. They say that Lenarčič received the backing of all political groups bar the far-right Identity and Democracy. The committee assessment reports are confidential and will only be made public after they have been discussed by committee chairs in a meeting planned for 17 October.
Pahor argues for EU enlargement at Visegrad summit
LANY, Czech Republic - President Borut Pahor took part in a Visegrad Group summit discussing the importance of the EU's enlargement to the Western Balkans. He warned that the EU not expanding into the region "could have major bad consequences". The summit sought to send out a clear message that the Visegad Four, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary, plus Slovenia support the EU's open-door policy. The summit was also attended by Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić.
Govt prepares legal basis to subsidise flights
LJUBLJANA - The government endorsed changes to the aviation act that create a legal basis for the state to subsidise crucial air links with the country following the collapse of flag carrier Adria Airways, if this proves necessary. In line with the proposal, the state could subsidise flight connections with Ljubljana if other airlines did not set up commercial flights. Subsidies would be possible for connections that are of vital importance for the country in terms of economic and social development.
Govt confirms package of tweaks reducing labour taxation
LJUBLJANA - The government confirmed a package of tax tweaks that are meant to reduce taxation of labour to increase competitiveness. The list includes increased general tax credit and changes to the income tax brackets to reduce the tax burden on the middle class. To offset for the loss of revenue, the taxation of capital gains and rental income is to rise slightly. The government wants the package passed in fast-track procedure so it can enter into force with the start of 2020. The Left opposes the tweaks.
Govt adopts changes to pension legislation
LJUBLJANA - The government adopted a set of changes to the pension insurance act to equalise the pension base for men and women at 63.5% of the salary as of 2025 and regulating the status of pensioners who continue to work. The base is currently 63.5% for women and 57.25% for men. Working pensioners will initially get 40% of the pension they are entitled to, along with the salary, but after three years their pension will drop to 20%, which is how much working pensioners get now.
Govt proposes higher unemployment benefit under stiffer terms
LJUBLJANA - The government proposed amendments to the labour market regulation act that increase the minimum monthly unemployment benefit while stiffening entitlement conditions and penalties in case of grave violations. The minimum monthly unemployment benefit is being raised from EUR 350 gross to EUR 530 gross. The amendments also introduce compulsory Slovenian language classes for non-Slovenian EU citizens registered as unemployed and a basic language skill requirement for the rest.
Bratušek standing in as cohesion minister
LJUBLJANA - Infrastructure Minister Alenka Bratušek will serve as interim head of the Government Office for Development and EU Cohesion Policy after Iztok Purič stepped down over a week ago. Prime Minister Marjan Šarec notified parliamentary Speaker Dejan Židan of the handover on Wednesday. Bratušek is stepping in after the leadership of her SAB party decided that it would not propose a minister candidate until after the 2020 and 2021 budgets are passed in parliament, which is expected in late November.
Financial Administration gets new director general
LJUBLJANA - The government appointed Peter Jenko as the new director general of the Financial Administration (FURS) for a five-year term. Jenko, current deputy director general, will take over on 27 November, succeeding outgoing FURS director general Jana Ahčin.
Report: Czech EPH entering Slovenian railways
LJUBLJANA - The news portal Siol.net reported that the Czech EPH group will enter the cargo arm of the Slovenian railway operator as a strategic partner under a deal worth roughly EUR 80 million. According to Siol, the entry of the energy and industrial holding EPH into SŽ-Tovorni Promet is to be discussed in the coming weeks by the supervisory board of Slovenske Železnice, while the final say will rest with state asset custodian Slovenian Sovereign Holding.
New US customs duties not to affect Slovenia, GZS says
LJUBLJANA - The new custom duties the US is set to impose on products from the EU on 18 October will not affect Slovenia, neither directly nor indirectly, according to the analytical department of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS). What is more, because some of the duties will apply only to some member states, cheese, olives and pork from Slovenia might become more attractive for the US, the GZS said in a commentary on Thursday. Duties on these products will be imposed for Germany, Spain and the UK.
Govt and tourism chamber to promote plastic-free business
LJUBLJANA - The government and the Tourism and Hospitality Chamber signed a code vowing to reduce the use of plastic cutlery and other single-use products in hospitality business, urging pub and restaurant owners to do the same. Hospitality businesses who will opt to sign the code of conduct will be obliged to stop providing their customers with plastic straws, plates, cups or cutlery on 1 January 2020. Signing the agreement is voluntary and follows a similar code designed to phase out plastic carrier bags.
Jobless total falls below 70,000
LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's registered jobless total fell to 69,834 in September, down 2.4% from August and down 5.3% from September 2018. It is close to the all-time low recorded in September 2008 when 59,303 were registered as being out of a job. Employers registered 13,726 vacancies with the Employment Service in September, 7.6% more than in August, but 5.2% fewer than in September last year. Most openings were for simple jobs in manufacturing.
Car sales in first nine months down after a record 2018
LJUBLJANA - Car sales in Slovenia decreased in the first three quarters of the year compared to the same period in 2018, according to data released by the Statistics Office. A total of 65,613 cars and vans were registered for the first time, a 2.9% decrease. While van sales surged by 7.6%, the sale of cars dropped 4.3% year-on-year. The drop comes after record sales were recorded last year, when 85,540 new cars and vans were sold, which was 3% more than the year before. The number of cars rose by 2.7% to 72,835, while the number of vans was up by almost 5% to 12,700.
More funds for trainee doctors and specialists
LJUBLJANA - The government confirmed legislative changes providing additional funds for traineeships of healthcare workers and specialisation of doctors until the end of 2020. This releases additional funds for the public insurer ZZZS for the payment of healthcare services and shortening of waiting times. The changes cover for the difference between EUR 80 million limited for for the purpose in the budget, and the EUR 91.7 million needed in 2020.
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