Golob hints new government could have up to four new ministries
LJUBLJANA - Robert Golob, leader of the election-winning Freedom Party and the most likely PM-designate, suggested the new government could have up to four new ministries, as he met with the prospective coalition partners. He said the future coalition would pay particular attention to certain segments and "strengthen" them - highlighting climate change, inter-generational solidarity, digitalisation and regional development. Not all will necessarily get a ministry, Golob said, adding that more about this and the names of ministerial candidates will be known next Wednesday. The government now has 17 departments - 14 ministries and 3 government offices.
Chambers of small business and agriculture critical of fuel deregulation
LJUBLJANA - The Chamber of Trade Crafts and Small Business (OZS) and the Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry (KGZS) voiced criticism of the outgoing government's decision not to extend fuel price administration. They expect the emerging government to immediately take action. Both sectors are struggling with high prices of inputs, with the OZS suggesting that Slovenia should seek an exemption from the embargo on oil imports from Russia if need be.
Zorčič says enlargement EU's main geostrategic tool
TIRANA, Albania - National Assembly Speaker Igor Zorčič stressed that Slovenia supported the EU's enlargement to the Western Balkans, as he attended a conference of speakers from the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative. "Enlargement is a mutual geopolitical interest of the EU and Western Balkan countries" because only with a stable Western Balkans can the EU achieve its goals. Zorčič believes that enlargement policy remains the EU's main geopolitical tool.
Political reforms in the EU are a must, debate hears
LJUBLJANA - Political reforms in the EU are a must and EU citizens need to be given more say in decision-making in the bloc, and at the same time develop awareness of their EU citizenship, heard a debate on the Conference on the Future of Europe hosted by the European Parliament's Liaison Office in Slovenia. The speakers opened the debate with a question of political reforms in the EU and touched on the statement by Italian PM Mario Draghi that called for pragmatic federalism and more voting with qualified majority.
Over 5,700 Ukrainians seeking temporary protection in Slovenia
LJUBLJANA - 5,738 Ukrainian refugees have so far asked for temporary protection in Slovenia, of whom 2,149 underage children. Police data meanwhile show that since the Ukraine war started, 21,980 Ukrainians have entered Slovenia. The number of Ukrainian refugees asking for accommodation at state-owned centres is decreasing. There are currently 316 refugees at the Logatec centre and 91 in Debeli Rtič. Unofficial information shows that 806 applications have been submitted for financial assistance, with a third already being granted, and 88 Ukrainian refugees are registered with the Employment Service, while some have already found a job, mostly in hospitality.
Pivka, Postojna get EUR 400,000 in compensation for military activity
LJUBLJANA - The government approved a programme of co-financing investments in local public infrastructure in 2022-2023 in the municipalities of Pivka and Postojna as compensation for the damage caused by activities of the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF). They will get a total of EUR 400,000 this year. Both Pivka and Postojna, where the SAF's main training area is located, plan to spend the money on the reconstruction of local roads damaged by military vehicles.
Slovenia and Finland sign digital transformation agreement
HELSINKI, Finland - Slovenia and Finland signed on Thursday an agreement on strategic cooperation in digital transformation. Signed by Minister for Digital Transformation Mark Boris Andrijanič and Finnish Minister of Local Government Sirpo Paatero, the agreement is designed to nurture cooperation between research and educational institutions focusing on artificial intelligence and green technologies.
NLB proposes EUR 100 million dividend payout
LJUBLJANA - The shareholders of NLB will decide on 20 June how to divide last year's distributable profit in the amount of EUR 458.3 million. The management and the supervisory board propose a two-part dividend payout worth a combined EUR 100 million, or EUR 5 per share. The first payout, at EUR 2.5 per share, is proposed for June, and the second by the end of the year, the bank said.
Bad bank increases stake in publisher Mladinska to over 83%
LJUBLJANA - The Bank Assets Management Company (BAMC) increased its stake in Mladinska Knjiga, Slovenia's largest publisher, to 83.47% after acquiring 32.25% of shares in a takeover bid. BAMC had 51.23% of Mladinska Knjiga stock before making the bid. It offered EUR 8.90 per share, which values the 32.25% stake now acquired at EUR 3.54 million. The takeover bid expired on 3 May.
RTV management demands proof of pressure on Studio City team
LJUBLJANA - Responding to yesterday's protest from the Trade Union of Journalists (SNS) which speaks of pressure on the staff of current affairs show Studio City, the management of public broadcaster RTV Slovenija rejected the accusations, demanding proof of the claims or in the opposite case, an apology. The management regretted the SNS decided to address the public without first entering direct dialogue with the management, adding its demand for Marcel Štefančič to return to the show as host exceeded the SNS's competences.
Covid case count down substantially week-on-week
LJUBLJANA - Slovenia logged 726 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, down 42% from the same day a week ago, as three patients died, Health Ministry data shows. The number of patients treated in hospitals for Covid-19 dropped by four from yesterday to 84, including nine in intensive care.
Vipava Valley endurance running event starting
AJDOVŠČINA - The Ultra Trail Vipava Valley (UTVV) endurance running event started in Ajdovščina, with a record 1,400 runners from 32 countries having registered, which makes UTVV I Feel Slovenia the leading trail running event in the country. The participants will part with this picturesque valley in south-western Slovenia on Sunday. UTVV Slovenia is also part of the Alpe Adria Trail Cup running league and is one of nine major running events in Central Europe.
