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:
Kučan says declassification of 2011 Bosnia document "diverting attention"
LJUBLJANA - Former Slovenian President Milan Kučan believes the government declassifying a 2011 document on possible further paths in the process of constitutional reform of Bosnia-Herzegovina, compiled by him, is a move to divert attention from the allegations that PM Janez Janša was spreading a non-paper on re-drawing of borders in the Western Balkans. According to Kučan, the document has already been published in a book by historian Božo Repe, and "is no secret". The document published on the government website is indeed identical to the document published in the book mentioned by Kučan.
Justice minister candidate okayed by committee in narrow vote
LJUBLJANA - Justice minister candidate Marjan Dikaučič was confirmed by the Justice Committee late on Thursday in a narrow vote that followed a debate in which opposition MPs mostly questioned his experience and competences. Dikaučič, an official receiver put forward by the Modern Centre Party (SMC), now faces a vote in the National Assembly, scheduled for next Tuesday. He told MPs he wanted to bring "freshness" and noted that he was well qualified for the job. Dikaučič would not comment on the setback in the appointment of European delegated prosecutors from Slovenia for the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) saying he would not interfere in ongoing procedures.
Four oversight institutions call for respect of independence
LJUBLJANA - The heads of four independent oversight state bodies signed a joint statement calling for appropriate communication in the country and respect for independent state bodies. Signed by Information Commissioner Mojca Prelesnik, the head of the Commission for Corruption Prevention, Robert Šumi, president of the Court of Audit Tomaž Vesel and Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina, the statement expresses concern about the relentless pressure of politics on institutions. They also note many attempts at demolishing democratic standards that prevent independent institutions from conducting their tasks properly.
Prosecution Council proposes legal action against govt
LJUBLJANA - The Prosecution Council announced it had proposed that the State Attorney's Office file a lawsuit against the government for breach of law to the detriment of public interest after the government annulled the procedure to appoint Slovenia's two European delegated prosecutors (EDP). The council had announced the move at the beginning of the month. It said today it would not comment on the move pending a decision by the State Attorney's Office or the Administrative Court.
Epidemic curve flattening
LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 122 coronavirus cases for Thursday as the rolling 7-day average case count dropped by 23 to 178. Four Covid-19 patients died. The latest cases were confirmed from 2,734 PCR tests, for a positivity rate of 4.7%. Hospitalisations dropped by seven to 165 this morning. 48 patients or one fewer than yesterday are in intensive care. The cumulative 14-day incidence per 100,000 residents is now below 150, meaning Slovenia entered the orange tier of restrictions according to the EU's criteria. Health Minister Janez Poklukar noted that vaccine supplies were currently sufficient. So far, almost 25% of the population has been fully immunised.
Epidemic to formally end next week, restrictions remain
LJUBLJANA - The government Covid-19 advisory group has proposed that the formal declaration of the coronavirus epidemic not be extended after it expires next week. Health Minister Janez Poklukar said next Tuesday would likely be the last day of the epidemic, however this will not mean a complete relaxation of measures. The group's head Mateja Logar expects that the epidemic curve will continue to decline and that Slovenia will be upgraded to the green tier of restrictions according to the EU's criteria in late July or early August.
Slovenia to donate part of Pfizer vaccine doses to Czech Republic
LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will donate 10,530 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to the Czech Republic to help curb the Covid-19 pandemic, the government decided. The donation, an expression of solidarity with the Czech Republic, will be made from one of the future supplies of the vaccine destined for Slovenia, said the Government Communication Office. The donated doses will be delivered to the Czech Republic directly by Pfizer.
Vrtovec calls for more sustainable EU's energy sector
LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec presented at a session of EU ministers in charge of energy the priorities of Slovenia's upcoming presidency. The main task will be to form a more sustainable EU energy sector. "In order to achieve the climate and energy goals of the EU until 2030 and climate neutrality until 2050, we must form policies in a harmonious way, taking into account the advantages of circular economy and the principle of energy efficiency, connecting of sectors, the use of renewables and other sustainable low-carbon energy sources," he said.
Slovenia asks for extension of recovery plan assessment
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Slovenia has asked for an extension of the two-month term for the assessment of its national recovery and resilience plan along with Poland, Sweden, Croatia and Romania. The European Commission has granted the request and the deadline will be extended by two weeks. Commission spokeswoman Marta Wieczorek told the press this meant there would be more time to resolve any open issues and exchange information. She would not explain why individual member states had asked for an extension.
Pahor calls for dialogue during visit to Islamic community
LJUBLJANA - Religious, political and institutional dialogue in Slovenia is going well, but more can be done, President Borut Pahor said after meeting the Mufti of the Islamic Community Nedžad Grabus. The mufti expressed his gratitude for Pahor's support for the construction of the mosque as the president visited it for the first time. The president also thanked the mufti for his tolerant attitude, as Grabus had often had to respond to signs of nationalistic or religious intolerance.
Minister says latest vandalism presages physical violence
LJUBLJANA - Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti has responded to the building housing the Culture Ministry having been recently vandalised with spray-painted swastikas by saying that "this campaign presages physical violence by organised anti-democratic political groups". The minister said that it was a "derisive political message" and an act that "reflects the nature of [the perpetrators] and is just another in a series of campaigns in front of the Culture Ministry".
New Slovenia headquarters defaced
LJUBLJANA - A building in the centre of Ljubljana where the coalition New Slovenia (NSi) has its headquarters was defaced with paint Thursday night, an act that the party said reflected the growing intolerance in society. NSi leader Matej Tonin said the competition of ideas and arguments had moved from parliament to the streets, arguing political opponents could not compete on programme and vision which is why they are resorting to spray painting.
Five airlines apply for new subsidies to fly to Slovenia
LJUBLJANA - Five airlines have applied for subsidies to fly to Ljubljana in the second round of a call designed to improve air links to the Slovenian capital. A total of EUR 764,640 is available, the Economy Ministry said. It has not been revealed which airlines have applied and how much funds each of them will receive. The ministry said the information would be revealed after the bidders are informed thereof.
New rail link set up between Vienna, Ljubljana and Trieste
LJUBLJANA - A new direct rail line linking Vienna, Ljubljana and Trieste has been launched. The newly-established route is an important milestone in sustainable mobility efforts, said railway operator Slovenske Železnice. The line will run every day, starting this afternoon. Cutting journey times, the line can be used as a starting point for connecting journeys to a number of major European cities.
Aberasturi wins 3rd stage of Tour of Slovenia, Pogačar keeps lead
KRŠKO - The Spaniard Jon Aberasturi (Caja Rural) won the third stage of the Tour of Slovenia road cycling race, while Slovenia's Tadej Pogačar, the reigning Tour de France champion, kept the overall lead. In the final sprint of the 165.8-kilometre stage, Aberasturi beat the second placed Slovenian Matej Mohorič (Bahrain Victorious). After three out of the five stages, Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) still has a significant overall lead on Mohorič and his team-mate Diego Ulissi from Italy.
Slovenia to host EuroBasket Women 2023
LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will host the 2023 European Women Basketball Championship, with two groups of the preliminary round to be played in Celje and Koper, and the elimination round in the capital of Ljubljana, the executive committee of FIBA Europe decided. Scheduled for the end of June and beginning of July 2023, the tournament will feature 16 national teams.
Festival June opens with Turandot musical
LJUBLJANA - The June Festival, taking place in Congress Square in Ljubljana, started tonight with the Turandot musical and will continue with a series of events for adults and children culminating in the celebration of World Music Day on 21 June. The programme will feature free-of-charge concerts, plays and dance performances. All safety measures against the spread of Covid-19 will be observed.
