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Slovenia's GDP up 8.1% in real terms in 2021

LJUBLJANA - Driven by stimulus-fuelled domestic spending, Slovenia's economy expanded by 8.1% in real terms in 2021 after a 4.2% contraction the year before. In nominal terms it was up 10.9%, show preliminary estimates released by the Statistics Office. In the fourth quarter GDP grew by a seasonally adjusted 5.4% year-on-year. Domestic spending surged by 10.8% year-on-year, with final consumption, growing at 9.4%, having a bigger impact on headline growth than investments, although investments expanded by 15.5%. The central bank and the government's macroeconomic think-tank said future trends would be impacted by factors associated with Russia's military aggression.

Operation of Sberbank in Slovenia limited until Wednesday

LJUBLJANA - As a consequence of sanctions against Russia, the operation of the Russian bank Sberbank in Slovenia has been temporarily limited to card transactions, the central bank announced. Other services will be unavailable until Wednesday, and branch offices closed. Withdrawals and payments are limited to EUR 400 per day. In the wake of this, Gorenjska Banka decided to halt the planned acquisition of Sberbank Slovenija and the latter's clients faced difficulties as some 100 social transfers had been rejected and other issues are expected. PM Janez Janša assured Slovenian citizens who have their deposits with the Slovenian subsidiary of Sberbank that their savings are safe.

Slovenia sending rifles, helmets and ammunition to Ukraine

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia has sent rifles, ammunition and helmets to Ukraine, Defence Minister Matej Tonin revealed. He would not talk about quantities beyond saying that the aid has already been dispatched with "several aircraft". He said Slovenia had sent to Ukraine the Kalashnikov rifles that the Slovenian army had used before receiving the FN F2000 rifles. In this phase of the Russian attack, Ukraine needs anti-aircraft and antitank weapons as well as substantial quantities of personal equipment such as rifles, helmets, bulletproof vests etc., Tonin said.

Logar and Baerbock see EU values defended in Ukraine

BERLIN, Germany - Russia's invasion of Ukraine topped the agenda as Foreign Minister Anže Logar was hosted by his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Berlin. The pair agreed that EU values are being defended in Ukraine. Russia's conduct in Ukraine is a danger not only to Europe, but to the whole world, said Baerbock, who expects the UN General Assembly in the coming days to condemn Russian aggression and international isolation of the Russian leadership.

Slovenians in Russia or Belarus urged to leave the countries

LJUBLJANA - The Foreign Ministry urged Slovenian citizens who are currently in Russia and Belarus to leave the countries due to "limited flight connections and increased safety risks". The ministry said in a tweet they should choose safe travel options. The ministry said on its website that the assistance that the Slovenian Embassy in Moscow could provide to Slovenian citizens in these areas was limited.

Pahor promises help to Moldova over Ukrainian refugee crisis

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor pledged full support to Moldova in its efforts to help Ukrainian refugees as he spoke to President Maia Sandu on the phone on Monday. Slovenia will examine ways to help Moldova, he said, expressing Slovenia's support for Moldova's European perspective. According to a press release from Pahor's office, the two presidents exchanged views on the developments in Ukraine and condemned Russian aggression.

Pahor discusses situation in Ukraine with Polish counterpart

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor and Polish President Andrzej Duda exchanged views in a telephone conversation on the current situation in Ukraine. They expressed "great concern over this clear violation of international order by Russian political leadership and called for the end of the Russian attack," Pahor's office said in a press release. The pair underlined the importance of a united and strong EU response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine that started last week.

First refugees from Ukraine arriving in Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - Defence Minister Matej Tonin announced that some ten refugees from Ukraine had already arrived in the country, and the company Esotech said that two families of its workers who were building a wastewater treatment plant in the city of Zhytomyr had been accommodated in a hotel in Velenje. Esotech chairman Marko Škoberne told the STA that the families included two children, aged one year and a half, and two years. All but one parliamentary party welcomed Slovenia's offer to accept Ukrainian refugees, although there was some scepticism whether the country has the capacity or would even need to take in between 180,000 and 200,000 as suggested by Interior Minister Aleš Hojs.

PM and NGOs call for separate protests in support of Ukraine

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša and several NGOs have called each for their own protest in support of Ukraine. While the rally announced by Janša is to be held in Ljubljana on Wednesday, NGOs are calling for a protest for peace on Tuesday. Janša announced the protest in a post on his Twitter account on Sunday evening. It is to be held in the Slovenian capital on Wednesday at 5pm with the more exact location to follow.

Slovenia supports LNG terminals to diversify EU gas supply

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec underscored the need to diversify the EU's gas supplies and to synchronise Ukraine's power grid with Europe's as he addressed reporters after an emergency EU ministerial in Brussels discussed the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on the energy market. Being that the EU depends heavily on Russian gas, diversification of oil and gas supply sources is urgently needed to ensure that gas and oil supplies are not disrupted by escalations such as the current one and potential future tensions, said Vrtovec.

MPs pass systemic bill to promote digital literacy

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly passed a bill to encourage digital inclusion which is designed to enhance digital development of the economy and the entire society. The centrepiece is a scheme of "digital vouchers" for students and adults over 55 to buy digital devices and attend digital literacy courses. Apart from the over-55s, beneficiaries of the vouchers will be students and secondary school children, but also primary school children in the last three grades.

Annual inflation in February at 6.9% due to expensive energy

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded an annual inflation rate of 6.9% in February, the highest figure since July 2008, with the surging prices of energy being the main contributing factor. Inflation on a monthly level was at 1.4%, the Statistics Office said. Compared to February 2021, the prices of goods were up by 8.5% on average, and the prices of services by 3.7%.

Over two-month low in Covid cases confirmed on Sunday

LJUBLJANA - A total of 656 coronavirus test samples returned positive in Slovenia on Sunday for the lowest daily figure since mid-December after another two-month low in coronavirus cases was confirmed the day before, show fresh official data. The number of Covid hospitalisations continued to decrease steadily with 385 patients being treated for Covid as their main condition, down by six from yesterday. Another 15 people with Covid died, government data show.

Another poll puts Freedom Movement ahead of SDS

LJUBLJANA - Robert Golob's Freedom Movement is ahead of Prime Minister Janez Janša's Democrats (SDS) in the latest poll released by POP TV that this time also includes parties which have not contested the previous general election. The Freedom Movement ranked at 17.4%, a percentage point ahead of the SDS, which remained flat over the month before. The new party appears to have chipped away at the approval ratings of the centre-left opposition parties.

Ex-Luka Koper chairman acquitted in retrial

KOPER - Robert Časar, ex-chairman of port operator Luka Koper, and Milan Pučko, former executive director at the company, were acquitted in a retrial at the Koper District Court on Monday after they were found guilty of abuse of office in defrauding Luka Koper when planning a logistical centre in Beltinci, north-eastern Slovenia. The June 2018 guilty verdicts were, however, annulled by the Higher Court in Koper in late 2019 and the case was returned to the first-instance court for retrial.

Screenings for rare diseases to be stepped up

LJUBLJANA - Ahead of Rare Disease Day, the Health Ministry announced that the national screening programme for congenital rare diseases will be expanded to cover additional four conditions. The ministry will set aside EUR 2 million for this, Health Minister Janez Poklukar said. The programme will now include screenings for 40 diseases, up from 20, a figure that was set in 2018.h

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PM Janša warns of domino effect if Ukraine falls

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša warned of a domino effect if Ukraine falls, noting in an interview for three media outlets that the country's fate was instrumental not just for Europe but the world as a whole. He said Moldova and Georgia would be next if Ukraine falls, with Baltic countries probably next in line and "things being cooked up" in the Western Balkans. Even Taiwan could be affected since Beijing and Moscow have been coordinating some moves. He said sanctions against Russia would hurt Europe, but would ultimately help it wean itself off Russian energy.

Slovenia willing to accept up to 200,000 Ukrainian refugees

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Slovenia has the capacity to accommodate between 180,000 and 200,000 refugees from Ukraine, Interior Minister Aleš Hojs said after an informal session of the EU's interior ministers. Hojs noted that the figure is based on experience from the Yugoslav wars in the early 1990s, when Slovenia hosted more than 300,000 refugees from the Yugoslav republics. Hojs said Slovenia would "take care of them to the best of our abilities" given that they come from the immediate neighbourhood.

Slovenia revokes credentials of Russian honorary consuls

LJUBLJANA - Foreign Minister Anže Logar signed decrees revoking the credentials of all Russian honorary consuls in Slovenia. "Russia no longer has honorary consuls in Slovenia," he announced on Twitter. The move comes a day after Logar urged all Russian honorary consuls in Slovenia - the ministry website lists five - to step down from their roles.

Russia closes airspace for Slovenia, Baltic countries

MOSCOW, Russia - Russia closed its airspace for Slovenian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian planes, a retaliatory measure after these countries banned Russian aircraft from their airspace due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "Due to unfriendly moves by aviation authorities of Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia and Estonia, restrictions will be introduced for air carriers of the above-mentioned states and/or airlines registered there," Russia's Federal Agency for Air Transport said on Saturday.

GZS backtracks on appeal against banning Russia from SWIFT

LJUBLJANA - The Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GZS) backtracked on an appeal to the government that Slovenia should not support Russia's exclusion from the international payment system SWIFT. "We accept all sanctions that the EU will adopt due to the aggression on Ukraine," GZS director general Aleš Cantarutti said in a written statement on Saturday before EU members agreed to bar some Russian banks from SWIFT.

Sports associations urged to boycott events in Russia, Belarus

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Olympic Committee called on all sports associations to refrain from participating in competitions organised in Russian and Belarus. It said that although sports should be above politics, "we simply cannot and should not look the other way" as Russia attacks Ukraine. "This is an unfathomable act that is causing the suffering of innocent people." The Volleyball Association already said it would not send the national team to the World Championship in August if Russia remained the host.

Two-month low of 901 cases confirmed on Saturday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia confirmed 901 new cases of coronavirus on Saturday, the lowest daily figure since 1 January, show the latest data by the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ). The headline figure however comes from far fewer tests, as free mass testing was scaled back when restrictions were eased last weekend. A total of 391 patients were hospitalised due to Covid-19 as their primary condition this morning, down by 27 from yesterday, of which 94 needed intensive care, one more than yesterday.

Slovenia's Križnar wins Hinzenbach

HINZENBACH, Austria - Double Olympic medallist Nika Križnar won the women's ski jumping World Cup event in Hinzenbach, besting overall leader Marita Kramer of Austria by twenty points with the longest jumps in both series. Križnar, who finished second yesterday, was in the lead after the first series and cemented her third win of the season with a 92.5-metre jump in the final series, the longest jump of the day.

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Slovenia bans Russian aircraft from its airspace

LJUBLJANA - Due to Russia's attack on Ukraine the government decided to ban Russian aircraft from Slovenia's airspace at a correspondence session after a number of European countries made the same move. The decision enters into force today and will remain in place "until the reasons for it cease to apply", the government said. The ban covers aircraft registered in Russia and operators based in Russia and licensed by the competent Russian authority.

Slovenian diplomats serving in Ukraine arrive in EU, says FM

LJUBLJANA - A delegation of Slovenian diplomats that had been stationed in Ukraine and two representatives of the prime minister's office arrived in the EU, FM Anže Logar said. He also called on the honorary consuls of the Russian Federation in Slovenia to relinquish their titles. The office's officials had been in Ukraine as part of preparations for the PM's planned visit to the country that was then postponed.

Slovenia sending EUR 100,000 aid to Ukraine

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia will make a humanitarian contribution of EUR 100,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 2022 to help war-stricken Ukraine, the government decided. The decision in line with Slovenia's international development cooperation and humanitarian aid priorities, and foreign policy priorities, the Foreign Ministry said.

National Security Council debates aggression on Ukraine

LJUBLJANA - The National Security Council debated the situation in Ukraine. "It is in Slovenia's national-security interest that Ukraine defend itself against the aggression and that the threat against the EU and NATO's eastern flank be reduced, so that there is neither a new Cold War, nor an escalation of sanctions against the Russian Federation," the Prime Minister Janez Janša's office said after the session.

SocDems tell voters they are safe and reliable bet

LJUBLJANA - The Social Democrats (SD) endorsed their manifesto for the 24 April election as their leader Tanja Fajon offered the opposition party as a safe and reliable choice between the dangers of the incumbent government on the one hand and the unpredictability of new experiments on the other. Fajon described the war in Ukraine as proof of what happens when democracy, the rule of law and human rights are deliberately undermined.

Freedom Movement remains ahead of SDS in latest poll despite dip

LJUBLJANA - The Freedom Movement remains in the lead ahead of the ruling SDS in the latest poll by the pollster Ninamedia. It lost almost three percentage points compared to two weeks ago to 21.2%, with the SDS down almost two points to 19.1%. The SD in third place saw the biggest swing in the positive direction, adding almost two points to 9.9% to place two points ahead of the Left, which added 0.4 points.

Epidemic continues to ebb in Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia confirmed 1,784 new coronavirus infections on Friday in what is the second day in a row that the figure dropped below 2,000 for the first time since early January. The total of active cases fell below 50,000. Hospitalisations kept decreasing and another 13 people with Covid died, government data shows.

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Pahor offers formal apology to the erased

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor offered a formal apology to the 25,671 people who were erased from Slovenia's register of permanent residents 30 years ago. He said this had been an unconstitutional act, a violation of human rights. Accepting the apology, Irfan Beširović, head of the Civil Initiative of Erased Activists, warned that not all injustices had been eliminated yet and some erased still lived without a proper status in Slovenia. Dunja Mijatović, the Council of Europe commissioner for human rights, welcomed the apology as a welcome and meaningful step.

Govt simplifies airspace use for NATO aircraft

LJUBLJANA - The government decided to impose limits on Slovenian airspace as it met over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The decision will simplify the use of airspace for overflights by military aircraft of allied countries for the purpose of troop deployments on NATO's eastern flank. The government also adopted some further crisis response measures and a decision to help Ukraine with military equipment, but details are yet to follow. The decisions come after a virtual NATO summit decided for the alliance to deploy rapid response forces on its eastern flank. PM Janez Janša, who attended the summit, said on Facebook "only a victory of Ukraine and Putin's defeat can prevent a long period of new Cold War".

PM and new US ambassador welcome sanctions against Russia

LJUBLJANA - PM Janez Janša met new US Ambassador to Slovenia Jamie L. Harpootlian to discuss the situation in Ukraine. The pair condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine in the strongest terms and welcomed the introduction of severe sanctions against Russia. They agreed that a strong support for Ukraine is needed as well as a strong and unified response by the international community. Janša informed Harpootlian of his and his Polish counterpart's call for Ukraine to be made EU member by 2030.

Logar says severest package of sanctions imposed on Russia

BRUSSELS, Belgium - As the EU adopted a second package of sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine, which target key sectors of its economy as well as President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Slovenia's Foreign Minister Anže Logar said this was the "strictest package of sanctions" the bloc had ever adopted. He said opposition to barring Russia from the Swift system was getting weaker.

Anti-war protests held in Ljubljana and Maribor

LJUBLJANA/MARIBOR - More than a hundred people gathered in Ljubljana in rain to protest against Russian aggression on Ukraine, shouting slogans and singing Ukrainian songs. The protest had to move to another location after the Russian Embassy was cordoned off by police and fences, which the protesters decried as a disgrace. Solidarity with Ukraine was also showed by Friday's bicycle protesters and Ljubljana Castle was lit in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Protesters also rallied against the war in Ukraine in Maribor.

Foreign policy, defence committees condemn invasion of Ukraine

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary foreign policy and defence committees met behind closed doors for a joint session over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Defence Committee chair Samo Bevk said they condemned Russia's aggression and discussed a proposal for Slovenia to initiate a session of the UN General Assembly to do the same. MPs also inquired about the safety of Slovenian citizens in Ukraine, and those located in Russia and Belarus. The session was also attended by Defence Minister Matej Tonin.

Preparations under way to accommodate Ukrainian refugees

ROGLA - Preparations are under way in Slovenia to set up accommodation centres to accept refugees from Ukraine with Interior Minister Aleš Hojs saying several thousand could be accepted if necessary. At any rate these are people in Slovenia's direct vicinity, he said, adding that it would be inappropriate not to take them, considering appeals during the Afghan crisis for the countries in the vicinity to take in refugees. The minister said it was not clear yet how many Slovenia would take.

Companies urge caution in imposing sanctions on Russia

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian companies that are doing business with Ukraine, Russia or Belarus hope there will be no sanctions against Russia that may harm businesses in Europe. Above all, they fear a Swift ban and believe Slovenia should not support it, said the Chamber of Commerce and Industry after hosting a meeting with them. Central bank data shows the banking system's exposure to clients from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus is low, at 0.18%. Slovenia exported EUR 867 million worth of goods to Russia last year and imported EUR 342.7 million. Russia ranks 4th among the Slovenian FDI destinations.

Former minister returns Russian decoration in protest

LJUBLJANA - Anja Kopač, a vice president of the opposition SocDems and former labour minister, returned a Russian state decoration in protest against Russia's attack on Ukraine, which she described as "an act of aggression and a grave violation of international law". She was awarded the Order of Friendship by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2017 for her efforts to strengthen peace and friendship between the two nations. "I was very proud of the decoration. But now I return it with equal pride," she said.

Janša gets suspended sentence for insulting tweet

CELJE - A panel of judges of the Celje District Court found Prime Minister Janez Janša guilty of defaming two TV Slovenija journalists, Eugenija Carl and Mojca Šetinc Pašek, whom he called "washed up prostitutes" in a 2016 tweet. In a ruling that is not final yet, Janša got a three-month suspended sentence. He was also ordered to pay for the costs of the court proceedings. The ruling comes after the Supreme Court quashed a guilty ruling over Janša's Twitter post.

Pahor receives Slovenian MPs from all neighbouring countries

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor received the ethnic Slovenians who serve as representatives in the national parliaments of the four countries neighbouring Slovenia. On the occasion, Pahor was acquainted with the situation of the Slovenian minority in each of these countries. This was the first meeting ever of members of the Slovenian ethnic minorities who serve as representatives in the national parliaments in Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia.

SSH supervisors approve plan to buy York's stake in Sava

LJUBLJANA - The supervisors of Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH) approved the decision to exercise the pre-emptive right to buy a 43.2% stake in the tourism holding Sava from the private fund York. The stake is to be acquired together with the KAD fund. SSH and KAD will transfer a total of EUR 38 million on Monday. Once the transaction is completed, they will hold a combined 89.96% in Sava. The government approved the move on Monday after a public outcry against the stake being sold to a Hungarian investor.

EUR 10m call for investment tourism infrastructure

LJUBLJANA - The Economy Ministry published a call for applications to subsidise investments in public and common tourism infrastructure and natural heritage sites, with EUR 10 million to be made available until 2024. The eligible infrastructure includes parks, beaches and seashores, rivers and lakes, hiking routes and mountain trails. Meanwhile, the Slovenian Enterprise Fund published a call for convertible loans for innovative companies worth more than EUR 1 million.

Air link Ljubljana-Brussels renewed from next week

LJUBLJANA - Direct flight routes between Ljubljana and Brussels will be renewed from next week as Brussels Airlines is returning to Ljubljana Airport on Monday following a suspension of flights in January. Low-budget airline Wizz Air will relaunch Ljubljana-Brussels flights a month later, on 27 March, reads an announcement on the airport's website. Currently, Slovenia-bound international flights are operated by eleven airlines that cover twelve destinations.

Man kills two enforcement agent assistants over car seizure

LJUBLJANA - A 66-year-old man killed two enforcement agent assistants near Šmarje pri Jelšah on Thursday evening after they had tried to impound his car. He got angry and shot a 27-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman with his handgun. The man was killed on the spot and the woman succumbed to her injuries in hospital. The 66-year-old suspect was arrested. The dual murder was condemned by Justice Minister Marjan Dikaučič and the Chamber of Enforcement Agents described as a direct attack on the judiciary.

Daily coronavirus case count drops below 2,000 on Thursday

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia confirmed 1,911 new Covid cases on Thursday in the first time the number dropped below 2,000 since early January. The epidemic continues to ebb as the number of currently active cases decreased by more than 5,000 to 52,648, show fresh official data. Hospitalisations decreased further with government data showing 445 patients were treated for Covid as their main condition in hospitals this morning, down by 30 on the day before. Another seven people with Covid died.

Eight restaurants receive top rating by Gault&Millau

LJUBLJANA - The renowned French restaurant guide Gault&Millau announced the highest-rated restaurants and recipients of special Slovenia 2022 awards at an online event. Marko Pavčnik of the Pavus Restaurant in Laško Tabor Castle is the chef of the year, and eight restaurants won the highest rating of four toques. Hiša Franko in Kobarid won the highest number of points. The entire line-up of the top-rated restaurants by Gault&Millau will released in this year's guide in the second half of March.

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Slovenia strongly condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia condemned in the strongest terms the Russian attack on Ukraine, with Prime Minister Janez Janša saying it was unprecedented military aggression against the country. "Russia must immediately withdraw its military and fully respect Ukraine's territorial integrity," he said. Addressing reporters after speaking to his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal on the phone, Janša said the EU should ensure to Ukraine the prospect of full EU membership as soon as possible. President Borut Pahor called the attack a grave violation of international law and UN principles of peaceful resolution of disputes. Parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič said it was an unlawful act, adding that the EU must remain united and make every effort to achieve a ceasefire. In solidarity with Ukraine, the country's flag was hoisted on the Government Palace and the Presidential Palace.

Janša urges severest sanctions against Russia

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Arriving for an emergency EU summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Janez Janša urged the severest possible sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine. Janša said it was key that the Russian authorities "feel the price they are paying for this aggression is high indeed". Soon after EU leaders adopted extensive sanctions spanning into financial sector, energy and traffic. Janša also urged providing humanitarian, economic and military help to Ukraine.

Janša, Morawiecki call for Ukraine's EU accession

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian PM Janez Janša and his Polish counterpart Mateusz Morawiecki called for Ukraine's EU accession by 2030 in a letter to the president of the European Council and other EU leaders. Ahead of the EU summit on the Ukraine crisis, they urged prompt and brave decisions in what they termed as a "battle for Europe". The EU must be strong and united in the face of Russia's threat, introduce immediate sanctions but also "go much further", reads the letter. Janša the letter had been endorsed by several EU prime ministers.

Slovenia in talks to deploy troops in Slovakia

LJUBLJANA - Defence Minister Matej Tonin said Slovenia was in talks with Slovakia to deploy up to 50 troops there to help enhance military presence in the country in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which borders Slovakia. Tonin noted that Slovenia already has roughly 50 troops in Latvia, deployed in the aftermath of Russia's actions in the Crimea in 2014. Tonin deplored Russia's attack, saying Slovenia must support Ukraine morally and financially to sustain the pressure.

Ukraine embassy thanks Slovenia for support, aid

LJUBLJANA - Natalia Markevich, charge d'affaires at the Ukrainian embassy in Ljubljana, thanked Slovenia for its support and assistance to Ukraine following Russia's invasion. She pointed to the need for "a united and strong response to Russia's aggression". Only with a united response can the aggressor be stopped, she said, adding that Russia "will not stop at Ukraine only. We need a quick response of the entire world, including with the severest of sanctions. Russia must be isolated in all possible ways."

Pundit says Putin cannot win war in Ukraine in the long run

LJUBLJANA - Denis Mancevič, a former diplomat serving in Moscow, assessed for the STA that Russian President Vladimir Putin had started a war that he would not be able to win in the long run. He believes that the war in Ukraine could also prove to have a fateful bearing on Putin's presidency and future existence of the Russian Federation. He does not think the world is at the doorstep of a Third World War, but says this is the worst security crisis in Europe since the end of the Cold War that will have long-term consequences.

President decorates Trieste Slovenians and mayor

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor presented state decorations to Tatjana Rojc, the Slovenian serving as a senator in Rome, and minority officials Walter Bandelj and Ksenija Dobrila as well as Trieste Mayor Roberto Dipiazza. Rojc received the Golden Order of Merit for her contribution to deepening cooperation between Slovenia and Italy and support for the Slovenian minority in Italy. The other three recipients were honoured with the Silver Orders of Merit.

NLB group reports record profit for 2021

LJUBLJANA - The banking group NLB posted a record profit of EUR 236.4 million in 2021, a substantial growth from the previous year, excluding effects from the acquisition of Komercijalna Banka in Serbia. "The results of our business operations in 2021 show that we have successfully left the epidemic far behind us and more importantly, that we have emerged from it stronger than ever," said NLB CEO Blaž Brodnjak. The bank is closely monitoring the Russia-Ukraine conflict even though it is unlikely to impact it directly.

Krka share plummets over 10% in wake of Russian invasion

LJUBLJANA - The issue of pharma company Krka, which does quite some business in and with Russia and Ukraine, lost more than 10% on heavy volumes on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange on Thursday in the wake of Russian invasion on Ukraine. More than EUR 4.4 million worth of Krka shares changed hands including one bloc deal. The SBI TOP lost 7.35% on EUR 7.9 million in total trading volumes.

Govt adopts new bill on money laundering prevention

LJUBLJANA - The government adopted a new bill on the prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing after a previous attempt was rejected in parliament at the beginning of the month owing privacy invasion concerns. The new bill is almost identical to the previous one, with only minor corrections. A provision was added in Article 159 that stipulates that an inspector may be declined entry to residential facilities if they do not have a relevant decision of the competent court.

Gen Energija gets interim head

LJUBLJANA - Gen Energija, the company managing the Slovenian half of the NEK nuclear power station, got an interim head, as the company's long-serving director general Martin Novšak was dismissed, effective today. Until a new head is appointed financial director Gordana Radanovič will serve as interim head, the company said in a press release. Gen Energija provided no reasons for Novšak's dismissal.

Inquiry into Covid response adopts interim report

LJUBLJANA - The opposition-founded parliamentary inquiry looking into the government's response to the Covid-19 epidemic adopted an interim report which lists several infringements. The inquiry's head Robert Pavšič of the Marjan Šarec List (LMŠ) said the 100-page report would be referred to investigative bodies to report to them several suspected criminal acts. In one of the conclusions they propose the plenary call on the government to resign immediately. Slovenia will hold the general election on 24 April.

Drop in new daily coronavirus cases continues

LJUBLJANA - The number of new daily coronavirus cases in Slovenia continues to drop both in daily and weekly comparisons, as the epidemic recedes. A total of 2,336 Covid test samples returned positive on Wednesday. The estimated number of active cases dropped by below 60,000, to 58,081. There are currently 473 Covid patients in hospitals, down 23 from yesterday, including 98 in intensive care, the same as yesterday, the government said.

Inflow in retirement lowest in 31 years

LJUBLJANA - The number of pensioners who get paid from mandatory pension insurance contributions in Slovenia increased by just 0.01% last year, the slowest growth in 31 years. The figures were presented as the new line-up of the council of the Pension and Disability Insurance Institute (ZPIZ) adopted a draft report for 2021, which shows the budget fund's revenue and expenditure levelled at EUR 6.2 billion. One member of the council linked the fall in retirement to the Covid-19 mortality.

Shrovetide festivities to go ahead on a smaller scale

CERKNO/PTUJ - Traditional Shrovetide carnival festivities in Slovenia that mark the end of winter and arrival of spring have largely been cancelled or heavily downscaled this year due to Covid-related restrictions. However, in light of the recent easing of measures, some towns have decided to go ahead with live events after all. The festivities will culminate with carnivals and parades during the weekend, and end on Shrove Tuesday.

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Janša to attend EU summit before traveilling to Ukraine

BRUSSELS, Belgium - PM Janez Janša will attend an emergency EU summit on Ukraine in Brussels on Thursday evening and then travel on to Ukraine for a working visit aimed at supporting the country as it faces the threat of Russian invasion, as part of which he is to meet his counterpart Denys Shmyhal and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while Slovenia will also deliver material aid to Ukraine. The EU summit and Janša's Ukraine visit come after Russia recognised independence of the rebel-held east Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk with President Vladimir Putin ordering troop deployment there. This comes aster Janša met heads of relevant institutions to assess foreign policy, security and cyber risks for Slovenia in the wake of Russia's latest steps.

Logar and Truss sign statement on strengthening relations

LONDON, UK -Foreign Minister Anže Logar met his British counterpart Elizabeth Truss in London on Wednesday to sign a declaration of intent to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Logar also met the president of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, Alok Sharma, the Slovenian Foreign Ministry said. Ministers Logar and UK Foreign Secretary Truss stressed that Slovenia and the United Kingdom are partners and allies, sharing common values and similar interests on many issues and policies.

Foreign Ministry summons Russian ambassador over Ukraine

LJUBLJANA - The Foreign Ministry said it had summoned Russian Ambassador Timur Eyvazov over Russia's recognition of independence of the eastern Ukrainian regions Donetsk and Luhansk. Bogdan Batič, deputy political director at the ministry, informed the ambassador of Slovenia's resolute opposition to Russia's actions along the Ukrainian border, especially the unilateral recognition of independence of the two Ukrainian regions. The ministry said this was a grave violation of international law and of the obligations that Russia had assumed with a number of agreements, including the Minsk agreements.

Tonin talks to CNN about risk for W Balkans in Ukraine crisis

LJUBLJANA - Defence Minister Matej Tonin discussed Russia's actions in Ukraine in an interview with the CNN on Tuesday, underscoring that unity was the Western allies' strongest tool. He warned that at the moment when all eyes are on Ukraine something bad could happen in the Western Balkans, in particular Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Unofficial report: Gen Energija boss Novšak dismissed

LJUBLJANA - The supervisory board of Gen Energija, the company managing the Slovenian half of the NEK nuclear power station, dismissed the company's long-serving director general Martin Novšak, while citing no reasons for the move, according to several unofficial media reports. As Necenzurirano portal reports, Novšak was dismissed by the representatives of the ruling coalition on the supervisory board. He is to be replaced by Blaž Košorok, an Infrastructure Ministry state secretary, who comes from the ruling SDS, and who is reportedly opposed by both certain people in the SDS and in the Posavje region, where NEK is located.

Slovenian, Italian ministers propose minority education task force

BOLOGNA, Italy - Slovenian Education Minister Simona Kustec and her Italian counterpart Patrizio Bianchi urged the formation of a task force for cooperation in minority eduction that would address open issues, as they met in Bologna. "This is an important step forward because we will jointly address the open issues to resolve them as they emerge," Kustec was quoted by the Education Ministry as saying. The minister also labelled it as a sign of excellent bilateral cooperation.

Report: Radio City gets Hungarian owner

MARIBOR/BUDAPEST, Hungary - The Maribor-based radio station Radio City has been acquired by companies Media Moment and Radio Factory, owned by Hungarian Gabor Deak, the newspaper Večer reports, quoting Hungarian web portal Medial. It says Deak is linked to the circles of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Watchdog finds integrity breach by Počivalšek in ventilator deal

LJUBLJANA - The anti-graft watchdog has found breach of integrity by Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek, noting he interfered in the work of the Commodity Reserves Agency in relation to a purchase of ventilators from the supplier Geneplanet. This was established during investigations into PPE procurement during the first Covid wave. Počivalšek dismissed the watchdog's findings, saying his aim had only been to ensure the fastest possible delivery of emergency medical supplies.

Left proposes moratorium on sale of bad bank's assets

LJUBLJANA - The opposition Left proposed legislative changes that would provide for a moratorium on the sale of all tourism and housing facilities owned by the Bank Assets Management Company (BAMC), and for these assets to pass into the ownership of the state assets custodian, Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH). At the same time, the party also proposed that the state-owned bad bank be liquidated early and all its assets transferred to SSH and the Housing Fund.

Just over 2,370 new coronavirus cases confirmed as drop continues

LJUBLJANA - The number of new coronavirus cases in Slovenia on Tuesday stood at 2,372, and although it was up by 107 from yesterday, the steady drop continues as the number of new cases was down by 50% week-on-week. There are currently 496 Covid patients in hospitals, down 15 from yesterday, including 98 in intensive care, two more than the day before, the government said on Twitter. Ten more patients with Covid have died.

Illegal migration more than doubles in January y/y

LJUBLJANA - The police dealt with 693 instances of illegal migration in the first month of 2022 alone, more than double the figure recorded in January last year. By far the largest number of illegal migrants caught last month were Afghans, which is to be expected given the situation in the country, the police said. Afghan nationals accounted for almost half of all the migrants caught crossing the border illegally in January.

TPV Automotive recruiting more staff this year

NOVO MESTO - TPV Automotive, a Novo Mesto-based automotive supplier, announced it was recruiting more staff at all its plants. By the end of the year, they will have recruited a significant number of new employees, with the new hires being made in several towns and villages in eastern and south-eastern Slovenia. New jobs at TPV Automotive have opened up due to the development of breakthrough projects, said the company in a press release. In addition to production workers, they are also looking for highly skilled professionals from a wide range of fields, including engineering, IT, robotics and logistics.

Five vaccine cheaters get convicted, says report

LJUBLJANA - The Kranj Local Court has issued convictions for five men involved in a Covid-19 vaccination fraud where one of them got vaccinated on behalf of the other four. The verdicts are not yet final, the daily Delo reported on Tuesday. One of the defendants was given a sentence of ten months in prison, while the other four were fined.

Ljubljana's architectural gems showcased on French stamps

PARIS, France - The French post has issued a series of four stamps depicting Ljubljana's architectural landmarks. The stamps show the Triple Bridge, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Ljubljana Castle and Tivoli Park. The French post has thus underlined the charm of the Slovenian capital, the Slovenian Embassy in France said on Twitter, adding that Ljubljana landmarks designed by architect Jože Plečnik (1872-1957), including some of those showcased on the stamps, are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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Slovenia condemns Russia's actions in Ukraine

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's officials unanimously condemned Russia's recognition of the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine as blatant violation of international law. Prime Minister Janez Janša called for the EU to offer Ukraine the prospect of full membership and Defence Minister Matej Tonin announced the government's top officials agreed Slovenia was ready to support the country's membership of the EU and enhance its troops' presence in eastern NATO member states. President Borut Pahor met Janša to agree that the recognition was a severe violation of international law and serious encroachment on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. FM Anže Logar said "now we're left with only a set of bad options".

Pahor to apologise to the erased

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor will offer a formal apology to the 25,671 people who were illegally erased from Slovenia's register of permanent residents on 26 February 1992 on Friday, the eve of the 30th anniversary of the erasure. The president's decision has been welcomed by Amnesty International (AI) Slovenia and the Civil Society of Erased Activists. "Since the founding of our association, an apology by the state has been among our priorities," said the society's president Irfan Beširević.

Parliament approves energy crisis relief package

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly overwhelmingly approved the government package to mitigate the impact of high energy prices, which stipulates that legal entities or individuals with a business registered in Slovenia by 1 December 2021 whose energy costs will increase by more than 40% in 2022 compared to 2021 will be eligible for government aid. The primary focus is on aid for households and citizens - the package provides for a one-off payment for some 710,000 Slovenians, equalises the rights of all household consumers, and introduces a three-month exemption from payment of contributions and network charges.

Govt sending aid to Ukraine and Madagascar

LJUBLJANA - The government approved on Monday material aid for Ukraine and Madagascar as well as a donation of Covid-19 vaccines to Namibia and COVAX. Through the EU civil protection mechanism Slovenia will send EUR 163,000 worth of sleeping bags, rubber boots, diesel generators, gloves and face masks to Ukraine in response to the country's appeal for aid. Slovenia will also send EUR 25,000 worth of aid to help Madagascar after being hit by the tropical cyclone Batsiral.

Analysts say Russia looking at annexing separatist regions

LJUBLJANA - After Russia recognised the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine as independent, two analysts said that the mostly likely scenario to follow is the annexation of both regions based on the model of Crimea, while they assessed that the possibility of all-out war is unlikely. They do not expect any European country to decide to deploy troops to Ukraine in the event of a military conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Ljubljana, Maribor military barracks to be renovated for EUR 130m

LJUBLJANA - The Defence Ministry announced plans to renovate several military barracks, with the cost of renovation of the Edvard Peperko Barracks in Ljubljana and the General Rudolf Maister Barracks in Maribor estimated at EUR 130 million. The aim is to improve energy efficiency of the buildings, their functionality and working conditions. New logistic capacities of warehouses are also planned along with new workshops and garages and training infrastructure. Part of funds will come from EU cohesion funds.

MPs endorse bill to step up work after pension age

LJUBLJANA - MPs endorsed a government-sponsored act that temporarily increases the scope of temporary or casual work available for pensioners to help the labour market recover in the wake of Covid-19 in what the government says will help mitigate labour shortages. It drafted the act in the light of a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus infections in previous months, which resulted in large-scale staff shortages due to sick leave or quarantine. The opposition MPs said the solution comes too late.

Parliament passes changes to border control act

LJUBLJANA - The National Assemnly endorsed changes to the act on state border control that bring border municipalities EUR 2.5 million in assistance to cover the costs they incur as a result of enhanced border patrolling by police and soldiers to prevent illegal migration. Eligible costs include those resulting from the renovation and maintenance of municipal roads and public paths that are subject to additional pressure due to increased surveillance of the national border.

Fracking amendments pass first reading in parliament

LJUBLJANA - The government-sponsored amendments to the mining act, under which low-volume hydraulic fracturing would be allowed but high-volume fracking banned, passed the first reading in parliament. The Infrastructure Ministry has announced that an overall ban on fracking is in the works, but the opposition is mistrustful of this and plans to do it itself. The latest debate on fracking comes after five fruitless attempts by the opposition to ban fracking in Slovenia altogether.

Hojs stresses importance of unified approach to migrations

VIENNA, Austria - Interior Minister Aleš Hojs took part in a ministerial conference on migrations, stressing that "effective management of migration flows requires a unified approach and enhanced cooperation with regional partners". "The effective and rapid return of persons who have not applied for or are not eligible for international protection is also an integral part of a successful and fair migration policy," said Hojs. He advocated the establishment of a sustainable system at the regional level, based on solidarity and mutual assistance, the Interior Ministry said.

Hungarian MP fails in appeal over dual-office breach

LJUBLJANA - Ferenc Horvath, the MP for the Hungarian minority, will have to pay a EUR 1,000 fine after a district and a higher court upheld the anti-graft watchdog's view that he is in breach of the incompatibility of dual offices as he also serves as the head of a minority organisation. Horvath told the STA he would use all legal means at his disposal to prove he is right, if necessary take the matter to "European court".

New Covid cases down almost 70% in a week

LJUBLJANA - The number of new coronavirus cases in Slovenia dropped from over 7,000 to over 2,000 in a week, as a total of 2,265 positive cases were confirmed on Monday. Another 14 people with Covid-19 died, as hospitalisations decreased somewhat, with 96 treated for Covid in intensive care. The 7-day average of new daily cases dropped by 689 to 3,330 and the 14-day notification rate per 100,000 was down by 421 to 3,355, official data shows.

MPs change investment promotion act again

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly unanimously passed changes to the investment promotion act that aim to raise the productivity of the Slovenian economy and the standard of living. According to Economy Ministry State Secretary Simon Zajc, the latest changes to the act that was last changed in mid-December 2021 pursue three goals - to facilitate companies' adjustment to the demands of the digital and green transition, promote competitiveness and encourage investment into research, development and innovation.

Logar calls for cooperation between EU and Indo-Pacific

PARIS - Foreign Minister Anže Logar attended the first ministerial forum on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region organised by the French EU presidency, noting the importance of good and sustainable integration between Europe and the Indo-Pacific, and also held two bilateral meetings. In a debate on connectivity and digital issues, Logar noted the importance of quality and sustainable connectivity between Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, taking into account the global perspective and situation.

Car maker Revoz to cut production month early

NOVO MESTO - Revoz, the Slovenian subsidiary of Renault that cut production to one and a half shifts last November and then announced further cuts in January for April, will move to the announced single shift a month early. As supply problems in the global semiconductor market continue, Revoz will switch to single shift working as early as Monday, 28 February. The management said that all five working days of last week were actually without work and there are no signs of the situation improving.

Business sentiment remains upbeat

LJUBLJANA - Business sentiment in Slovenia keeps improving with the latest data from the Statistics Office showing the respective indicator rising by 1.2 percentage points in a month and by 10.1 points in a year to hit 6.8 percentage points in February. Year-on-year, sentiment improved most in services (+5.5 points), followed by manufacturing (+2.2 points), retail sales (+1.6 points) and construction (+0.9 points).

Parliament passes 2022-2029 culture programme resolution

LJUBLJANA - The parliament passed the resolution on the 2022-2029 national culture programme which, according to the government, is to establish Slovenian culture as an important social factor and as a value that enables creative potential, while at the same time developing respect for the achievements of the Slovenian nation. The coalition expressed its support for the strategic document, which comes after the last of its kind in 2017, while the centre-left opposition was against it, saying it does not offer solutions to address the status quo in this field.

Preliminary report on hot air balloon accident shows sudden wind change

LJUBLJANA - A preliminary report of an investigation into a hot air balloon accident that happened in the Ljubljana Marshes in January and in which four persons, one Slovenian and three Belgian citizens, were injured shows that the forced landing was a result of a sudden wind change. According to the report, enhanced westerly to south-westerly winds blew in the area at the time of the accident, reaching the average speed of 40 kilometres per hour and over 50 km/h at the altitudes around 500 metres.

Flamenco festival starts at Cankarjev Dom

LJUBLJANA - The third biennial international festival called Bi Flamenko is starting in Cankarjev Dom in Ljubljana tonight with a screening of the documentary film The Flamenco Clan - Herencia flamenca (2005) by Michael Meert, presenting the history and heritage of flamenco dancing. Pepe Habichuela, leader of the Carmona flamenco clan, will be presented through the film, as well as a concert and a debate after the screening. He will be joined by his nephew Josemi on guitar and percussionist Bandolero.

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Most Covid containment measures lifted

LJUBLJANA - Virtually all Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in Slovenia today except for the wearing of masks and hand sanitising indoors. Proof of recovery, vaccination or negative test (PCT) will only be required in hospitals, care homes and prisons. Under decisions taken by the government on Saturday, there are no more caps on gatherings or numbers allowed inside shops, hospitality or other services establishments, and no restrictions to opening hours.

Govt approves SSH capital increase to exercise pre-emptive right in Sava sale

LJUBLJANA/LENDAVA - The government decided in a correspondence meeting to increase the capital of Slovenia's custodian of state assets, the Slovenian Sovereign Holding (SSH), by a sum that will allow it to exercise its pre-emptive right to purchase private fund York's share in Slovenian tourism company Sava. The SSH is expected to endorse this course of action on Friday, and the KAD fund already announced it will go down this route as well. The centre-left opposition and Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek welcomed the government's decision, but the former remained sceptical.

Janša, Orban see minorities as a bridge for cooperation

LENDAVA - Slovenian and Hungarian PMs Janez Janša and Viktor Orban stressed as they signed an agreement on cooperation to develop the border areas populated by the countries' respective minorities in Lendava that the minorities were a "bridge for cooperation between two friendly countries" and economic ties between them brought double benefit. In the next five years, EUR 5 million will be allocated under the agreement for the development of the minorities on both sides of the border.

MPs vote to ban referendum on OCCAR deal

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly voted 43 to 30 to endorse the government proposal not to allow a referendum on a law ratifying the agreement with the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). The opposition Left, which initiated the referendum bid, is now planning to appeal to the Constitutional Court. The debate saw the coalition and the centre-left opposition disagree over whether the agreement was an international treaty or not, and hence may not be subjected to referendum or may be.

FM Logar remains optimistic over Ukraine talks

BRUSSELS, Belgium - FM Anže Logar said after a meeting of EU foreign ministers that even though there were no positive developments regarding the Ukraine crisis, some talks had been announced. He remains optimistic that diplomatic reason will prevail in the end, pointing out that the planned sanctions would drastically cut into Russia's economy. The EU, first and foremost, still sees dialogue as the only right way to resolve the security threats that have emerged, the minister noted, adding the West would always support Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

EU ministers talk transition to sustainable food systems

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Agriculture Ministry State Secretary Aleš Irgolič discussed views on efforts to improve coordination between EU policies and initiatives for the transition to sustainable food systems as he took part in a meeting of EU agriculture ministers in Brussels. Slovenia agrees that better coordination is necessary for the transition, the ministry said. The country believes that to move towards sustainable food systems, the EU must continue to set high standards in various areas.

Just over 2,000 coronavirus cases on Sunday

LJUBLJANA - The coronavirus epidemic in Slovenia keeps receding with 2,008 new cases recorded on Sunday, roughly 45% fewer than a week ago. Hospitalisations increased somewhat with 526 patients treated for Covid-19 as their main condition is hospitals, including 103 in intensive care. For the second day running, the government reported 19 deaths among patients who had contracted Covid, which brings the death toll since the start of the pandemic almost two years ago to 6,712.

Janša cleared over Mauritius meetings

LJUBLJANA - The Commission for the Prevention of Corruption cleared Prime Minister Janez Janša over his socialising with a well-known lobbyist and a businessman while holidaying on the island of Mauritius when he was still an opposition leader. The commission closed the case after it had found no breach of anti-graft legislation in Janša's socialising with lobbyist Božo Dimnik and businessman Andrej Marčič. Nor did it establish violations in public contracting in the case of Marčič's IT company.

Jože Hebar appointed full-fledged chairman of Elektro Maribor

MARIBOR - The supervisory board of the electricity distributor Elektro Maribor appointed acting chairman Jože Hebar for a full-fledged term at an emergency meeting. Hebar will be given the opportunity to lead the company into a green and energy-efficient future, the board said. Hebar was appointed acting chairman at Elektro Maribor in November after the dismissal of Boris Sovič, who had led the company for nine years.

Survey: Companies little informed about whistleblower protection rules

LJUBLJANA - A survey by EY Slovenija shows that Slovenian companies are not sufficiently acquainted with the demands of the new EU regulation on legal protection of whistleblowers and are not ready for its implementation. The regulation came into force in December 2021, but is yet to be made into law in Slovenia. The survey found only 42% of companies employing more than 250 people are fully prepared to put new rules into practice and one in four companies is not ready.

President decorates three musicians

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor honoured mezzo-soprano Bernarda Fink Inzko, bass-baritone Marko Fink, and conductor Jože Trošt with state decorations. Fink Inzko and Fink, who have been active in both opera and concerts, received the Silver Orders of Merit for extraordinary services in music and their commitment to the Slovenian songs. Composer Trošt, long-term music head of the Ljubljana cathedral and conductor of several choirs, was honoured with the Order of Merit.

NBA player Goran Dragić signs with Brooklyn Nets

NEW YORK, US - Goran Dragić, widely regarded as one of Slovenia's best basketball players ever, has signed a new contract until the end of this season and will move to the Brooklyn Nets, said the BDA Sports International management agency. At the age of 35, this will be Dragić's fifth team in the NBA and another chance to win an NBA title. The speculations of him potentially joining his compatriot Luka Dončić, an NBA star, at the Dallas Mavericks have thus failed to materialise.

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EU answer to W Balkan issues, Pahor tells Munich conference

MUNICH, Germany - President Borut Pahor urged stepping up EU enlargement to the Western Balkans as he appeared in a panel debate at the Munich Security Conference, saying the EU was the only answer to the issues troubling the region. He identified the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the stalled Belgrade-Prishtina dialogue and Bulgaria's blocking North Macedonia's EU accession talks as three major issues at the moment. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Anže Logar said the key was to resolve issues in the region stemming from the past.

PM Janša appears in Italian documentary on foibe

ROME, Italy - Prime Minister Janez Janša and Cardinal Franc Rode featured as witnesses in a documentary on summary executions in the wake of Second World War that was aired on Rai 2, the second channel of the Italian public broadcaster, on Saturday night. The documentary, entitled Foibe ed esodi, i giorni dell'Odio (Foibe and Exodus, Days of Hatred) was made by journalist Andrea Romoli. Janko Petrovec, the Rome correspondent for the Slovenian public broadcaster RTV Slovenija, who saw the film, described it as "an Italian view of the history of 20th century dictatorships in the North Adriatic".

Slovenia's daily coronavirus count at seven-week low

LJUBLJANA - A total of 2,267 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Slovenia on Saturday, the lowest daily tally in the Omicron-driven wave of infections. The count is the lowest recorded since 2 January. It is 40% below Friday's count and down by 47% from the figure reported a week ago. The number of patients in hospitals increased somewhat, which is typical at the weekend, and 19 more patients with confirmed infection died, government data shows. Most Covid restrictions will be lifted on Monday.

Slovenia second in medals per capita at Beijing Games

BEIJING, China - Slovenian athletes won seven medals at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, which puts the country second only to Norway in medals per capita. Overall, Slovenia ranks 15th among all countries on the Olympic medal table. Team Slovenia won two golds, three silvers and two bronze medals, four of which in ski jumping, two in snowboarding and one in alpine skiing. On the last day of the Games Team Slovenia finished 7th in the mixed team parallel slalom after being eliminated by Austria, who went on to win gold.

High-school band wins Slovenia's Eurosong contest

LJUBLJANA - LPS or Last Pizza Slice, a band of five teenagers, will represent Slovenia at the 66th Eurovision song contest in Turin with the song 'Disko' (Disco) after winning the combined vote from the audience and judges on Saturday. LPS made it to the final of the national EMA contest as one of the four finalists of EMA Fresh, the competition for young up-and-coming talents. They will appear in the first semi-final of the Eurovision song contest in Turin on 10 May.

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Covid pass abolished for most activities as of Monday

LJUBLJANA - Covid pass will no longer be required in Slovenia as of Monday, except in healthcare and social care institutions, and in prisons, Health Minister Janez Poklukar told the press after today's correspondence session of the government. Students at schools will no longer need to self test either, but face masks remain obligatory under the same conditions as so far.

Pahor hods several bilateral meetings in Munich

MUNICH, Germany - President Borut Pahor held several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, focussing on the Ukraine crisis, including with his Finish and Montenegrin counterparts. Pahor and Finnish President Sauli Niinistö expressed concern over the security crisis in Ukraine. They agreed that the conflict should be solved in a peaceful way and through diplomacy. The talks with Montenegrin President Milo Đukanović focussed on the process of Montenegro's EU accession, which they agreed should be faster and more active.

Poll shows SDS strongly in the lead

LJUBLJANA - If election was held this Sunday, most respondents in a poll conducted by pollster Parsifal would vote for the ruling Democrats (SDS). The party's support rose by 3 percentage points to 22.9% in the past month. The Freedom Movement party headed by Robert Golob would come second, on 13.2% support, up by 2.8 percentage points. The opposition Social Democrats (SD) in third place saw their support rise by 1.1 percentage point to 7.6%.

Just over 3,700 new coronavirus infections recorded on Friday

LJUBLJANA - A total of 3,731 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in Slovenia on Friday in 2,427 PCR and 86,503 rapid antigen tests, as the epidemic continues to wane. The National Institute of Public Health estimates there are still 88,410 active cases in the country, down 7,934 from the day before. Today, 495 Covid patients were in hospitals, down 15 from yesterday, including 97 in intensive care, down six from the day before, the government data show. Ten more patients with Covid died on Friday.

Slovenian artwork included in first space exhibition

NEW YORK, US - Slovenian artist Eva Petrič has contributed two miniature artworks to the first space exhibition at the International Space Station (ISS). Miniature works by 65 artists from around the world, including Petrič, will reach the ISS onboard am Antares rocket, which was scheduled to launch from Virginia today. Petrič contributed her Earthling Tattoo Seal in plexiglass and DBE - Message from Earth in a clay cube, a cooperation with designer Mateja Š. Dimic.