News
EU must resist populism
STA, 24 April 2019 - Prime Minister Marjan Šarec warned of the danger of populism in an interview with the Associated Press, arguing that the EU needed more efficient leadership to successfully counter the populist surge.
Mainstream officials and parties have failed to deter right-wing groups, and populists are advancing in Europe because moderate parties have not been successful with their agenda, he said in an interview released on Tuesday.
Šarec cited prolonged Brexit talks as an example of the EU's slow decision-making, even though he said that delaying Britain's departure from the bloc was nevertheless positive.
"Brexit is quite good example how things are done in European Union, endless debates, then the date of exit is coming, then we are faced with it and we prolong again," he said.
"We need another leadership ... we need such leaders that will be proactive that will be more capable of fast decisions."
Turning to the upcoming elections to the European Parliament, Šarec also warned that elections are "always unpredictable," even though projections indicate mainstream parties will retain the majority.
"You can never know what will occur on the elections and that's the main problem that we have now," he said.
He compared the current situation in Europe with the late 1930s and the actions of the British prime minister at the time, Nevil Chamberlain, who he said believed Hitler when he sought to negotiate rather than confront him.
Still, he said, "there is always a chance and we must act in that way."
Slovenia needs a proactive, balanced foreign policy
STA, 24 April 2019 - Prime Minister Marjan Šarec made the case for a proactive and balanced foreign policy as he addressed Slovenian diplomats gathered for their annual consultation on Wednesday.
"Some events in the world and in our immediate neighbourhood which raise doubt about the universally established principles of international relations, international law and European values affirm my conviction that such conduct must be resisted with a proactive European and foreign policy," he said.
For small countries with restricted resources, being principled and consistent, and having clear priorities, is crucial. "Slovenian diplomacy has all that."
Highlighting Slovenia's "continued commitment to a strong and effective EU and a firm transatlantic alliance," Šarec said it needed to remain in the most integrated group of EU countries and join forces with like-minded countries in strengthening the bloc's foundations. This will also be the guiding line of Slovenia's EU presidency in the second half of 2021.
A functioning EU is in Slovenia's interest, which requires addressing shortcomings and casting aside bad practices. "Member states must be treated equally and European institutions and their representatives must work in the interest of all member states and in accordance with European values."
Turning to the upcoming EU elections, Šarec was hopeful that "integrative and forward-looking European forces will prevail." He also has high hopes about the performance of EU institutions after the vote since "their conduct will largely determine the future development of the EU."
Šarec also highlighted Western Balkans as a region of strategic importance and said Slovenia wanted to shortly see North Macedonia and Albania making progress towards the EU.
Implementation of the border arbitration agreement with Croatia would also be an important message to the region, he said, reiterating the long-standing position that Croatia's refusal to implement the deal is "unacceptable and raises concern about the state of the rule of law."
Despite challenges, Šarec wants a strengthening of relations with all neighbours in areas of shared interest. But it is also important that Slovenia expand its circle of partners and strengthen bilateral ties with other countries with shared interests.
"It is important that we are responsive to the developments in the international community and to constantly seek alliances and opportunities," he said.
Šarec also highlighted the need to pursue a balanced foreign policy, play an active role in international institutions, and actively participate in the preservation of international peace and security, including by investing in the defence and security system.
The prime minister also urged economic officers working at diplomatic missions to leverage economic diplomacy to help Slovenian companies penetrate foreign markets and promote Slovenia as a location for foreign direct investment.
STA, 24 April 2019 - With less funds available than before last year's general election, Slovenian parties entering a month-long campaign for the 26 May EU elections are betting on direct contact with voters and social media.
They have until 26 April to file their lists of candidates with the National Electoral Commission. Then, campaigning gets formally under way, ending on 24 May at midnight, when election blackout sets in until polls close on 26 May in the evening.
The parties plan to engage in different forms of direct campaigning, such as MEP candidates meeting voters around the country or hosting various events and debates.
Prime Minister Marjan Šarec's LMŠ has already launched its campaigning by collecting signatures in support of its election bid at stalls around Slovenia.
The Marjan Šarec List's (LMŠ) says its campaigning will be based on various debates and on posting free ads on social media.
Similarly, the opposition Democrats (SDS) and the non-parliamentary People's Party (SLS), which have a joint slate, are betting on a door-to-door campaign, but also on attracting voters via posters as well as traditional and new media.
The coalition Social Democrats (SD) will opt for what they term a classic campaign but will also use digital media. The party deems it vital to be in direct contact with people so it plans a series of field events.
The opposition Left, which also favours a direct contact with voters, considers it important to combine various communications channels, traditional and digital ones alike.
Field trips around Slovenia will be the order of the day for the opposition New Slovenia (NSi), which will also promote its candidates on the social media and on the internet in general.
Meanwhile, the coalition Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) will focus its campaign on its frontrunner, Austrian ALDE MEP Angelika Mlinar, a member of the Slovenian minority.
Social media and posters around the country will also be used apart from SAB candidates giving interviews and engaging in other promotional events in the media.
Similarly, the coalition Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) will focus on its frontrunner, MEP Igor Šoltes, who is to meet potential voters in person at more than 50 events.
DeSUS also plans to campaign by sending voters mail and fliers and by addressing them on social media.
The coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC) and the opposition National Party (SNS) have not responded to the STA's queries about their election campaigning.
As they file their lists of candidates, the parties will also have to provide information about the special bank account they opened to finance the election campaigns.
Under the Slovenian law on election and referendum campaigns, the costs of EU election campaigning should not exceed EUR 0.40 per voter, which translates to roughly EUR 680,000 per party.
But judging by their announcements, the parties will spend much less, as many of them are in the red following last year's general and local elections, and a referendum.
Among the parties which have told the STA how much they plan to spend, the SDS will spend the most, expectedly around EUR 200,000.
The Left is still working on its financial plan, but intends to spend no more than EUR 70,000. Much more modest campaigns of around EUR 30,000 are planned by the SD and DeSUS.
The LMŠ, however, has only said the exact sum will be known after the elections, but the party will try to be economical.
Although the NSi is still finalising the details, its campaign will be cheaper than the one for the 2018 general elections.
While parties are not allowed to get funds for campaigns for general and local elections or for referendums from abroad, they can get donations from EU citizens for their EU campaign under the same conditions as from individuals in Slovenia.
This means a foreign individual can donate up to ten average monthly gross salaries to a Slovenian party for the EU elections.
This translates to roughly EUR 17,000 gross, since the average monthly gross salary in February, the last available data, amounted to slightly over EUR 1,700.
All our stories about this year’s EU elections are here
SDS-SLS candidates join EU election race
STA, 23 April 2019 - The opposition Democratic Party (SDS) and the non-parliamentary People's Party (SLS) formally submitted their joint list of candidates for the upcoming EU election to the National Electoral Commission (DVK) on Tuesday. They expect winning the May election by a landslide.
The list is topped by Milan Zver, the current MEP who was the SDS' top candidate already in the previous EU election in 2014. Apart from him, it features another two MEPs of the SDS, Romana Tomc and Patricija Šulin, as well as the SLS MEP Franc Bogovič, former Maribor's mayor Franc Kangler, prominent SDS member Alenka Forte, and two candidates from the SDS youth wing, Davorin Kopše and Alja Domjan.
"I'm sure of a landslide victory since the list includes extremely competent people in the professional as well as political terms," said Zver, adding that the two parties are counting on at least four seats.
Zver pointed out that the SDS and SLS were anticipating an intensive election campaign period, since the EU was facing an existential crisis. EU citizens should thus vote for parties which are striving to keep the member states together.
Zver also said that the centre-right political spectrum had a head start advantage over the centre-left one since the latter was less consolidated.
The deadline of submitting the candidacies expires on Friday, when the election campaign officially gets under way.
The opposition National Party (SNS) and the non-parliamentary party The Good State submitted their lists last week, with all the other parties competing for the European Parliament seats scheduled to do so today or in the upcoming days.
The Social Democrats (SD) are yet to confirm their list of candidates, while the Left is still collecting signatures required to submit the list.
The campaign will last for a month, until 24 May at midnight, when the election blackout period starts.
SAB reveals its list of candidates
STA, 23 April 2019 - The Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) formally submitted its list of candidates for the May EU election to the National Electoral Commission (DVK) on Tuesday, with the party's head Alenka Bratušek stressing the significance of the upcoming election for the EU future.
"We wish that as many people as possible would participate in this election, since the EU is currently facing an important crossroads," said Bratušek.
The party's frontrunner Angelika Mlinar (Alde) pointed out that this election was decisive for the future of the European Parliament - whether it would stay pro-European or not. She also wished for a higher voter turnout compared to the one in 2014 and for a fair and interesting campaign.
Mlinar is a member of the Slovenian minority in Austria and currently serves as an Austrian MEP. She decided to vie for a seat in the Parliament on behalf of Slovenia in this year's election, even though she could have been the top candidate of the New Austria party (NEOS), which is part of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.
Bratušek pointed out that Mlinar had a wealth of experience and knowledge, which would contribute to Slovenia's development.
The deadline to submit candidacies expires on Friday, when the election campaign officially gets under way. Slovenian voters will be able to cast their ballots for new MEPs on 26 May.
Homeland League (DOM) files candidate list for EU election
STA, 23 April 2019 - The recently established, right-wing, Homeland League (DOM) has filed a list of candidates for the 26 May European Parliament elections. Party leader Bernard Brščič tops the list, followed by former Democrats (SDS) MP Lucija Ušaj, pro-life activist Norma Korošec and Marko Oblak.
Talking to the press after filing the list of candidates with the Electoral Commission on Tuesday, Brščič said that party would get the votes of those who care about Slovenia remaining the home of Slovenians and Europe remaining the home of Europeans.
"On 26 May, the fat lady will sing. We will not be stealing, we will get the votes of those who care about their homeland... Of those who believe it is the duty of the Slovenian state to ensure security and welfare of Slovenian citizens and not of migrants."
SocDems confirm manifesto, with the slogan “We Want Europe”
STA, 23 April 2019- The coalition Social Democrats (SD) endorsed a new manifesto Tuesday as they confirmed their eight candidates for the European Parliament election. They will enter the campaign with the slogan We Want Europe.
Europe is not ideal, but we do not have a better option than the EU, party leader Dejan Židan said as he addressed the rank-and-file. He described the EU as the only centre-left party that is growing with field work, which represents "an amazing opportunity."
"When we talk about the EU, we talk about solidarity, about a green, successful and victorious Europe," he said, a reference to the rest of the party's slogan, which highlights solidarity, progressiveness and justice as values that his party stands for.
MEP Tanja Fajon, the party's top-ranked candidate, was confident SD had the chance of winning two of the eight MEP slots considering that it has "very good candidates" and is offering change.
The election will be about "whether we head into a progressive, open, tolerant Europe, or into a disintegration spearheaded by conservative far-right forces that have already brought division, fear and symbols of fascism into Europe."
The manifesto highlights elimination of inequalities and strengthening of solidarity as the party's main pillars, which would include a 35-hour work week across the EU, fair taxation of multinationals, and measures to crack down on tax havens.
The party will also advocate common minimal social standards, consistent implementation of gender equality, and a ban on goods produced by child labour.
DOM will stage a guerilla campaign, according to Brščič, who believes that its alternative platform is the party's advantage.
Apart from DOM, several other parties filed their EU election lists today ahead of the Friday deadline.
All our stories on this year's EU elections are here
STA, 23 April 2019 - Blockchain experts from around the globe came together in the town of Vitanje on Tuesday to discuss the future of blockchain infrastructure at the Herman Potočnik Noordung Centre of Space Technologies. Attending the forum, European Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc underlined that the technology should be a tool of democracy.
Organised by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, the Noordung Hub and Tolar HashNet, a blockchain developer, the event featured representatives of businesses and states from the EU, as well as Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea.
Bulc believes that this technology represents one of the key steps in introduction of TCP/IP protocols as the foundation of the internet as we know it today.
"I wish that the developers of this global trend would not forget that this is a tool that should serve the democracy and a positive development of the human race and improve cooperation among people, because it helps improve the efficiency of all systems in which we operate," the commissioner said.
The European Commission is concerned above all about the role of regulators and what standards needed to be introduced to ensure that these systems remained open, said Bulc.
She believes the technology could be the most useful in finance, but also in healthcare and state administration. Among other things, Bulc hopes that online elections could become reality across the EU.
At the forum, Tolar HashNet presented its new generation blockchain technology, which makes it a global leader in the field. CEP Tadej Slapnik said that companies across the world would be able to develop applications for the private and public sectors using the company's technology.
All our stories on blockchain in Slovenia are here
April 23, 2019
Love brought Denise from Malta to Slovenia, which is now her second home and the new field of her gastronomic and oenological exploration. Denise recently decided to start a blog about her food and wine-tasting experiences in Slovenia, which also includes an overview of the upcoming events, information on active osmica’s and other informative insights. Interested to learn more, we got in touch and this is what she told us.
Where are you from, and what brought you here?
I’m from Malta, and happened to marry a Slovenian. We constantly travel between Malta and Slovenia, with Malta being our main base for now. I must admit, we do spend a good part of our year in Slovenia because there are so many new places to explore. We’ll see what the future holds.
What work did you do in Malta, and do you think there is a demand for it in Slovenia?
I’m a content writer by profession, and since I write in English I think I could come in useful to some people here.
What were your first impressions of Slovenia, and how do they compare with what you think now?
My first encounter with Slovenia was brief: I travelled through the country by train as I was on my way to Croatia from Trieste. This was back in 2002. At that moment I just knew I had to return. The natural landscape struck me as impressive, so green and different from what I’m used to back home in Malta.
That first impression hasn’t changed. On the contrary, the more I travel around Slovenia, the more I fall in love with its natural wonders and beautiful scenery, and can confirm that I was so right about my initial feeling about the country.
My true love affair with Slovenia began in 2013 when I first visited my (now) husband.
What has been your experience of culture shock in Slovenia?
I haven’t experienced much culture shock. The main difference is the language, which I’ll get into later, and the rather high alcohol consumption among the ageing population. Something I find funny: Some people keep calendars featuring naked women in their garages or workshops. Can you imagine how awkward I felt one day when trying to speak to my husband’s grandma who was standing right in front of a picture of this lady baring her all?
What’s your blog, and how long have you been running it?
I launched my blog Wine Dine Slovenia about a month ago now.
Why did you set it up, and can you explain why you chose food and wine as the focus?
I set up Wine Dine Slovenia to express my passion and fascination with the diversity of Slovenia’s gastronomy, in the knowledge that I’ll also learn more about Slovenian culture and way of life as I go along with developing it. I love to enjoy my food, as you’ll see through my posts, savouring every bite as I chew and every sip as I discover a new wine.
Slovenia has such a large number of successful winemakers who are extremely passionate about what they do. You can see that they put their heart and soul into their vines and wines. Some winemakers take that extra step by letting their spirit run wild, to be daring and come up with something innovative. It’s only recently that the high-quality level of Slovenia’s wines is becoming more internationally appreciated. So I’d like to contribute to spreading the word and get more and more people outside of Slovenia, and within it, to appreciate what the country has to offer in terms of wine as well as food.
What can people learn on your blog?
Through part of my blog I aim to present the genuine and typical food and drink that is served in relatively unknown parts of Slovenia, such as undiscovered or out-of-the-way farm-stays or ‘turistične kmetije’ as they’re known here in Slovenia. You also have the ‘osmice’ that are held twice yearly (spring and autumn) in the western region of Slovenia (Primorska) during which farms offer their home-made produce, such as cured meats, bread, cheeses, olive oil, sausages, stews, štruklji, fruit juices, wines, and liqueurs.
What are your plans for your blog as it develops?
The blog is still very new, but I will work to make it more comprehensive so that it will be a reference point for those who want to know all about what’s happening in the food and wine scene in Slovenia. I eventually want to include a complete list of wine and culinary events taking place all over the country.
Where can people find out more about your work?
You’re very welcome to visit my blog: Wine Dine Slovenia and follow me on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I will greatly appreciate your support! Feel free to leave your comments on the blog itself and even on my social media pages.
What are some things from Slovenia that you think Malta could benefit from?
Definitely sustainable tourism and sustainable development.
And what are some things from Malta that you think Slovenia could benefit from?
More smiles on people’s faces when I approach them for assistance, for example at the shops. Some locals, in Ljubljana mostly, don’t come across as too friendly.
Have you started to learn Slovene?
I’d never had the opportunity to be so frequently exposed to the language before I met my husband. The Slovenian language is nowhere near the languages I’ve been accustomed to hearing or using, which are English, Maltese, French, and Italian. Yes, Slovene has a few Italian words thrown in, but it still sounds completely foreign to me. However, I love a good challenge. I know that Slovene is extremely difficult to master, especially because of all the cases or ‘skloni’ that it has, but I’m on a mission to learn it well enough so that I can at least understand it, if not hold a decent conversation.
What methods are you using to learn it?
My in-laws are certainly helping me to increase my range of vocabulary (I have no option but to speak Slovene to certain members of my husband’s family), and I also find the freely accessible Slovene Learning Online course slonline.si fun, engaging and extremely useful.
Where are some of your favourite places to visit here?
My favourite region is Primorska—the food there is not as rich or heavy and as in other parts of Slovenia. And I can also almost smell the salty, herb-infused Mediterranean air! The Slovenian coast is rather pretty with the Venetian-style streets and architecture. I have an endless list of places that I fell in love with in Slovenia, but I’ll try mention a few that are closest to my heart: the Goriska Brda wine region; Slovenian Istria particularly Izola, Marezige and the romantic view from the wine fountain, and Strunjan; Jeruzalem in eastern Slovenia; Triglav National Park and the mountain town of Bovec; Tolmin, and Most na Soči.
What things frustrate you about life in Slovenia?
Skloni
What things delight you?
Food: veal stew, deer goulash, juicy Vipava struklji, potica... and wine: particularly a delicious blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, with the addition of sweet wine from dried grapes!
Do you think you’ll stay in Slovenia for the rest of your life?
What I know for sure is that I’ll be spending more and more time here in Slovenia than anywhere else.
Would you advise a friend to move to Slovenia?
I would recommend it, especially if they like hiking, pure nature, a wide variety of foods, and great wines.
What are some places you recommend
I’ll be writing about various eateries that I’ve taken a fancy to in my blog, but there are some unforgettable hiking trails: to the top of Rašica hill from where you can admire views of Ljubljana and the surrounding areas and where Planinski dom Rašiške čete na Rašici serves up some delicious mountain hut food, Sveti Jošt nad Kranjem with its delightful Dom na Joštu, Tolmin gorge, Soteska Pekel (Hell Gorge) where you can even see Devil’s tooth!
You can keep up with Denise as she continues to explore and write about Slovenia at Wine Dine Slovenia, and if you’d like to share your story with our readers, please get in touch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Bookmark this link and find the headlines faster each morning, or follow us on Facebook
A schedule of all the main events involving Slovenia this week can be found here
Visiting Ljubljana? Check out what's on this week, while all our stories on Slovenia, from newest to oldest, are here
This summary is provided by the STA
Commitment to multilateralism voiced as diplomats gather at home
BRDO PRI KRANJU - Slovenian diplomats gathered for annual two-day consultations at Brdo pri Kranju. In their addresses President Borut Pahor and Foreign Minister Miro Cerar pledged Slovenia's commitment to multilateralism and the rule of law. Pahor said the country should strengthen its role in the world. Turning to relations with Croatia, Cerar said the condition for their improvement was that Croatia implement the border arbitration award, while Pahor suggested the countries focus on what united them.
Several parties formally join EU race
LJUBLJANA - Several parties formally entered the race for the 26 May EU elections by submitting their lists of candidates. The coalition of the opposition SDS and the non-parliamentary SLS are running with MEP Milan Zver as the front-runner, the opposition NSi with MP Ljudmila Novak, the ruling LMŠ with journalist Irena Joveva, and the SAB with Austrian ALDE MEP Angelika Mlinar as the top candidate. The new far-right party, Homeland League, fielded four candidates headed by party leader Bernard Brščič. Pundits expect the success in the vote will hinge on mobilising core constituents, and do not expect substantive debates on the EU's future.
Aiming for two MEPs, SocDems confirm manifesto
LJUBLJANA - The coalition SD endorsed a new manifesto as they confirmed their eight candidates for the EU election. They will enter the campaign with the slogan We Want Europe. Europe is not ideal, but we do not have a better option than the EU, party leader Dejan Židan said. MEP Tanja Fajon, the top-ranked candidate, was confident SD had the chance of winning two of the eight MEP slots.
More than 110 migrants apprehended at weekend
NOVO MESTO/KOPER - A total of 111 mgrants were apprehended illegally crossing the Slovenian-Croatian border the past weekend, police reported. Slovenian police have already handed over 30 of them to Croatia, while 12 have asked for asylum in Slovenia. The number of illegal crossings of the border in the first three months of this year rose by almost 150% compared to the same period last year, to 1,639. Most foreigners came from Algeria, Morocco and Pakistan.
Economy minister in China
BEIJING, China - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek began a multi-day visit to China designed to strengthen economic relations between the two countries as well as Slovenia's role in the Belt and Road Initiative. Počivalšek was to present the government's action plans for potential investors and the situation in Slovenian business, and discuss cooperation in tourism. Počivalšek will attend the second Belt and Road Initiative Forum, addressing participants at the silk road innovation conference.
Ministry to draw blueprint of new social pact by end of May
LJUBLJANA - The Labour Ministry will draw up a draft of a new social pact by the end of May, based on three proposals put forward by employers and one drawn up by trade unions. This was agreed by social partners at Friday's session of the Economic and Social Council, which was tasked to appoint a negotiating group to start talks on the document. The partners hope to agree on the proposal by the end of the year so that a new social pact could take effect in 2020.
Hospital financial restructuring exceeds plans, MPs divided
LJUBLJANA - A year after an intervention that provided state funds for 15 public hospitals, three hospitals fell short of their 2018 financial goals. The first year of the four-year restructuring process has however produced better-than-expected results at twelve hospitals, according to a report debated by two parliamentary bodies. The debate nevertheless divided MPs along party lines, with the coalition labelling the results as insufficient and the coalition pleading for more time for the new health minister to take additional measures.
Two measles cases detected in Ljubljana
LJUBLJANA - About 200 people are believed to have been exposed to measles at the Ljubljana UKC emergency services over the weekend. The hospital treated two measles patients, one on Saturday afternoon, the other on Sunday morning. Although the measles immunisation rate in Slovenia exceeds 93%, those who have not received two doses are at risk of infection. The STA learnt unofficially that the two patients had recently returned from Russia and Germany. Measles vaccination has been mandatory in Slovenia since 1968.
Prices of regular and diesel to go up
LJUBLJANA - Prices of petrol sold at service stations outside motorways will go up at midnight. Regular will be 2.5 cents costlier, at EUR 1.349 a litre, the most expensive since October last year, and diesel will go up by 1.8 cents to EUR 1.279, a five-month high, data from the Economy Ministry show. The prices of petrol and diesel sold outside motorways are regulated by the government, while prices of premium and prices of all fuels sold at motorway service stations are set independently by retailers.
Slovenian book night to honour liberty
LJUBLJANA - Marking World Book Day on 23 April, Slovenians and the Slovenian ethnic minority are celebrating Book Night, hosted by the Sanje publisher and the Slovenian Book Agency. More than 200 events were scheduled to take place across the country and in neighbouring countries to honour creativity and liberty. Book Night is one of the most popular book events in Slovenia, raising awareness about the importance of reading and bringing together fellow book enthusiasts.
In a result that will shock followers of #igslovenia, the global travel site Big 7 Travel (part of Big 7 Media) has put together a list of the “Europe’s Most Instagrammable Places 2019”, with the sites / sight chosen for “theirvisual allure and popularity on social media”. Big 7 chose the winners using a comprehensive scoring system that analysed the amount of hashtags per destination, along with the survey results of Big 7 Media’s 1.5 million audience and the votes cast by a panel of travel experts.
With Slovenia at #13 – and the reminder that the best place to find the best curated images of Slovenia is at IG Slovenia, on their website, Facebook or Instagram – the top 10 list is as follows, while the top 50 can be seen here:
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Iceland
- Scottish Highlands, Scotland
- Budapest, Hungary
- The Cotswolds, England
- Kerry, Ireland
- Malta
- Côte d’Azur, France
- Kiev, Ukraine
- Vienna, Austria
Big 7 Media also carried out a survey to find out the effects of Instagram of people’s travel habits. The results showed that 67% of people surveyed said they have visited a new destination after seeing it on Instagram, while 61% of people have booked a specific hotel after seeing it on the same social media platform. Moreover, 33% of people surveyed said they research holiday destinations via their Instagram feed. with the the most popular travel content on the site being “Bucket List” experiences and luxury hotels.
STA, 23 April 2019 - A total of 111 foreigners were apprehended illegally crossing the Slovenian-Croatian border the past weekend, according to reports from the Novo Mesto, Celje and Koper police departments. Slovenian police have already handed over 30 of them to Croatia, while 12 have asked for asylum in Slovenia.
Since Friday, the Novo Mesto police has apprehended 67 foreigners, of whom 25 were Moroccans, 20 Algerians, 11 came from Bangladesh, four were Turks, three Libyans and one each came from Palestine, Cuba, Nigeria and Iran.
They are all yet to be processed by police.
In Novo Mesto, a man was caught illegally transporting four Egyptians in his car with Slovenian register plates yesterday. The 37-year-old driver, who is a resident of the UK, was detained.
The Egyptian citizens have already been handed over to Croatia.
The Koper police registered 37 illegal migrants between Friday and this morning. So far, 23 of them have been returned to Croatia and one is to be returned today. A dozen people have requested international protection.
The foreigners came from Turkey (19), Syria (6), Iraq (4), Kosovo (2), Bangladesh (2), and one each from Iran, India, Albania and Libya.
In Bistrica ob Sotli, three citizens of Kosovo were apprehended on Saturday and returned to Croatia.
The number of illegal crossings of the border in the first three months of this year rose by almost 150% compared to the same period last year, to 1,639.
Most foreigners came from Algeria, Morocco and Pakistan.
The most illegal crossings of the border were recorded by the Novo Mesto police department. The Ljubljana police department follows closely with its share rising. Koper comes in third.
Between January and March, a total of 699 foreigners have indicated they would ask for international protection. Most of them were Algerians.
In the same period last year, 559 migrants applied for asylum.
According to police, this year the number of illegal crossings of the border is rising faster than last year.
All our stories on immigration in Slovenia can be found here
STA, 23 April 2019 - Commenting on the ongoing EU election race, the right-wing weekly Reporter says in its latest editorial that the newly-established party Homeland League (DOM) is not likely to eat away votes to the opposition Democrats (SDS).
According to the latest poll by Mediana, the Slovenian right will be defeated on the election Sunday, 26 May, as the lists of the SDS and the non-parliamentary People's Party (SLS) as well as the opposition New Slovenia (NSi) are projected to win only three MEP seats, editor-in-chief Silvester Šurla says.
The joint SDS-SLS slate is expected to win the most votes, but only two of Slovenia's eight MEP seats. It could also win a third one by a hair's breadth, just like the SDS did five years ago.
Perhaps it will also manage to win three seats this year because of the alliance with the SLS. However, according to the latest polls, winning four MEPs is not likely, Šurla notes.
The NSi is also not likely to repeat its historic victory from 2004, when the first European election was held in Slovenia and the party won as many as two MEPs.
In the end, the left and right may very well each win four seats, just like ten years ago, Šurla says under the headline Race for Million Euro.
The centre-left has slightly more voters although they are inclined to change party preferences. Most of them currently favour the coalition Social Democrats (SD), which are projected to win two MEPs, while the senior coalition Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) and the opposition Left would each get one.
Meanwhile, voters of the centre-right, are much more decided. This is why Šurla expects no major flow of SDS voters to the Homeland League, which does not even appear in opinion polls yet.
Perhaps, DOM could cost the SDS-SLS list of candidates only the third potential MEP seat, Šurla concludes.
Keep up with news on politics in Slovenia here, and follow the European elections here
STA, 23 April 2019 - Addressing the annual consultation of Slovenian diplomats in Brdo pri Kranju on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Miro Cerar asserted that Slovenia remained committed to multilateralism and the rule of law. President Borut Pahor said the country should strengthen its role in the world.
Both Pahor and Cerar noted that multilateralism was indirectly jeopardised and that countries were returning to traditional geopolitics.
But Pahor is confident that all problems will eventually be resolved and that Slovenia should be among the countries striving for peaceful solutions.
"A key priority for Slovenia and a large majority of other countries is a multilateralism that is efficient and based on clear rules. It is a guarantee for stability, predictability and orderly relations," Cerar said at the start of the two-day consultation of Slovenian diplomats.
Cerar also pointed to different opportunities and challenges ahead, including the EU elections, Brexit and security threats.
"The actions of individual players have weakened the security infrastructure that was set up after the Cold War, some crucial agreements dealing with disarmament and arms control are jeopardised," he said.
Zavedam se, da ?? potrebuje @MZZRS , kjer bodo zaposlenim zagotovljeni dostojni pogoji za delo, in diplomacijo, v kateri se bomo profesionalno soočali s priložnostmi in izzivi. Za vse to si bom vztrajno prizadeval, saj ne delamo zase, ampak za Slovenijo! #posvetdiplomacije pic.twitter.com/TvjDtxTLVT
— dr. Miro Cerar (@MiroCerar) April 23, 2019
Cerar also stressed the importance of tackling security challenges in cooperation with other countries and within international organisations, most notably NATO.
Slovenia strongly believes all agreements and treaties reached should be respected and decisions by international courts fully implemented.
Respecting the principles of the rule of law in the international environment is important not only because it protects weaker countries in relation to the strong but because the rule of law is an important value of this civilisation, Cerar said.
"The EU too could fall apart if democratic values and the rule of law were not protected," he warned.
Turning to Slovenian-Croatian relations, he repeated that the condition for the bilateral relations to improve was the implementation of the border arbitration award. Croatia should also refrain from causing incidents in the Bay of Piran, he said.
Pahor suggested the two countries should focus on what unites them and deal with problems in a wise and prudent way. Problems should not be put in the forefront unless that is urgently needed for things to be cleared up, he said.
In the light of recent attempts from abroad to influence Slovenian media and controversial statements by some foreign politicians, Cerar said Slovenia "rejects attempts to interfere with the freedom of our media, revision of historical facts and inciting of intolerance."
Cerar called for the strengthening of relations with partner countries, and pointed to the strengthening of relations with the US. He added that the country would also maintain dialogue with other countries, including Russia.
Regarding the Western Balkans, he said the countries from the region needed positive and realistic prospects for joining the EU based on their achievements.
Pahor stressed the importance of Slovenia's efforts for the integration of Western Balkan countries, including through the Brdo-Brijuni Process. He said the EU's enlargement in the region should be considered a geopolitical issue.
Turning to economic diplomacy, Cerar said Slovenia should continue to focus on innovation and new technologies. Business cooperation with Africa and Latin America should be boosted, he added.
The minister also sees many opportunities to enhance business ties within the existing initiatives such as the Bled Strategic Forum and the Three Sees Initiative.
Tomorrow, the diplomats will be addressed by Prime Minister Marjan Šarec and parliamentary Speaker Dejan Židan.
According to the Foreign Ministry's data, Slovenia has 55 diplomatic representation offices and consulates around the world, including 40 embassies, seven permanent representation offices, and five consulates general.
STA, 20 April 2019 -Impol, Slovenia's largest maker of aluminium products, has obtained a certificate proving its compliance with the international quality standard for the aerospace industry. This will allow the company to make forays into new markets.
As part of the process, the Zagreb subsidiary of the certification body DQS checked Impol's compliance with all points of the EN 9100 standard, except product development, which is conducted in cooperation with the client.
Special attention was dedicated to the management of measuring equipment used for the products designated for the aircraft industry.
The Slovenska Bistrica-based company said the certificate created new opportunities for its foray into the demanding market of top-quality products, and upgraded the company's profile.
As a certificate holder the company is now recognised in the Oasis information system, where potential clients have access to all the information about Impol's certified production programme.
All aerospace industry manufacturers and their suppliers need to comply with the EN 9100 quality management standard, and testify compliance by means of a certificate issued by authorised certifier.
Some of Impol's products had been intended for the aerospace industry before, but the clients had not yet set such high demands.
With its newly incorporated company Impol FinAl, Impol Group said that it had sufficient potential and capacities to launch new high value added products in the aerospace industry market.
One of the biggest Slovenian exporters, Impol increased its exports by 16% last year to EUR 728m. It generated 94% of its sales revenue abroad.
Exports to EU markets amounted to EUR 614m, and exports to other European markets to EUR 50m, with the EUR 64m worth of products sold to other continents. Germany accounts for almost a third of the sales.
Impol expects sales abroad to increase by a further 9% to EUR 795m.
