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This summary is provided by the STA:
Army readiness report shows visible though still insufficient progress in 2021
LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Armed Forces made visible progress in 2021 in terms of readiness on the back of higher defence spending and staffing improvements, but there are still shortcomings and the force is not yet sufficiently prepared to comprehensively operate in wartime, shows an annual report on the army's readiness. Funding has increased and equipment has improved, but "the disparity in this field was such that it could not be eliminated in a single step", President Borut Pahor said.
Committee endorses resolution on Ukraine situation
LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Foreign Policy Committee endorsed a draft resolution on the current situation in Ukraine that was tabled by MPs from all but one deputy group. The document condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine, expresses solidarity with the Ukrainian nation, supports humanitarian efforts and calls for efforts to establish peace. The draft resolution, spearheaded by Speaker Igor Zorčič, will be voted on at a plenary session on Wednesday.
Slovenia condemns attack on Ukrainian N-plant
LJUBLJANA - The Foreign Ministry strongly condemned on Twitter "Russia's attack on the nuclear power station in Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, which poses a threat to health and security in entire Europe". At the same time, it urged an end to attacks on Ukraine. The Ukrainian agency for nuclear safety said today the Russian forces had seized the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. A fire broke out before the capture and following the Russian attack, but it has been already extinguished.
Tonin suggests pushing forward defence spending target by five years
LJUBLJANA - Defence Minister Matej Tonin indicated that Slovenia might have to push forward its target to increase defence spending to 2% of GDP to 2030, five years sooner than currently planned. "Given the current situation, given the decisions by the entire alliance, and in particular our European allies, it seems we will have to correct our decision slightly and shift the date of the achievement of 2% defence spending from 2035 to 2030," he said.
Janša tells Ukrainians they are fighting for a just cause
LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša addressed the Ukrainian nation in a video broadcast by the Ukrainian TV channel 24 Kanal stressing that Ukrainians were "on the right side of history, fighting for a just cause". "By defending your country, you defend your fundamental values, that are our common European and also universal fundamental values," he said.
Pahor rejects idea of no-fly zone over Ukraine, Logar says it would protect civilians
LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor rejected initiatives that NATO should establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine in order to help the Ukrainian forces fight Russian aircraft, which has been floated also by PM Janez Janša. He said this would mean a "large-scale war" and a completely "unpredictable development of events". Foreign Minister Anže Logar meanwhile said that such a zone would be the most effective way of preventing bombardment of civilian buildings. Logar attended a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on the Ukraine situation, after which NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said NATO members were against a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
Ukraine war enhances risks for Slovenian economy, central bank says
LJUBLJANA - The war in Ukraine and sanctions imposed on Russia have so far had only a limited impact on Slovenia's economy and inflation, but risks are increasing, says Banka Slovenije, the country's central bank. The central bank would upgrade the country's GDP forecast for this year based on the robust growth and new fiscal measures, but future economic trends are unpredictable due to the situation in Ukraine. Annual growth will probably exceed the central bank's 4% forecast from December, which could be upgraded to over 5%, yet the situation is rather unpredictable.
Zorčič attends informal meeting of EU speakers
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič took part in an informal meeting of EU speakers hosted by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, which was also attended by Ukrainian Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. "The battle for Ukraine is a battle for our values as well," said Zorčič. He said the Slovenian National Assembly was abolishing a group of friendship with Russia to show solidarity with Ukraine, while a resolution on the situation in Ukraine is also in the parliamentary procedure.
TV Slovenija news programme gets new editor-in-chief
LJUBLJANA - Jadranka Rebernik was appointed the full-fledged editor-in-chief of TV Slovenija's news programme for four years after serving as acting editor for a few months in the wake of Manica Janežič Ambrožič's resignation in mid-October. RTV Slovenija director general Andrej Grah Whatmough appointed Rebernik even if the staff endorsed her rival with 82% vote. The staff intend to challenge the appointment as part of established internal procedures.
Sava insurance group net profit up by 35% in 2021
LJUBLJANA - The Sava insurance group generated a record net profit of EUR 76.2 million in 2021, up 35.1% on the year before and 43.8% above plans. Revenue rose by 7.6% to EUR 732.7 million, show unaudited business results. Gross premiums were up by 7.4% to EUR 729.9 million, mainly due to the Slovenian life insurance segment, which saw a 40% growth due to the acquisition of insurer Vita. Other segments grew at slightly lower rates.
NLB sees Srberbank takeover as "win-win" situation
LJUBLJANA - After Slovenia's bank NLB acquired the Slovenian subsidiary of Russia's Sberbank, NLB chairman Blaž Brodnjak said that this was a "win-win" situation for both banks. He announced that Sberbank would be renamed N Banka and its visual identity changed. The full incorporation is expected to take up to a year and a half. Brodnjak said Sberbank was a good fit strategically and described the takeover as an opportunity for continued consolidation of the market.
SKB Group net profit up by third last year
LJUBLJANA - SKB Group, which has been part of the Hungarian banking group OTP since the end of 2019, posted a net profit of EUR 46 million last year, up 32% compared to the year before. The bank attributes the rise to the general economic recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic. Net revenue was level at EUR 122 million. Operating profit was down by 8% to EUR 55.6 million due to higher operating costs.
1,862 coronavirus cases confirmed in slight week-on-week drop
LJUBLJANA - A total of 1,862 cases of coronavirus infection were confirmed in Slovenia on Thursday in what is a slight decrease week-on-week, show figures by the National Institute of Public Health. The 14-day case notification rate per 100,000 population continued to drop, decreasing by almost 100 to 1,355, as did hospital numbers. Six patients with Covid-19 died.
Slovenian ski jumpers win team event in Norway
HOLMKOLLEN, Norway - Slovenia's mixed team won a World Cup event in Norway's Holmenkollen with more than 75 points ahead of Austria in what is the third consecutive mixed team victory for Slovenia. They also won the previous World Cup event in Willingen, Germany and the one at the Beijing Olympic Games. Bronze went to Norway.
