05 Mar 2022, 04:06 AM

Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Saturday, 5 March 2022

Check the date at the top of the page, and you can find all the "morning headlines" stories here. You can also follow us on Facebook and get all the news in your feed.

This summary is provided by the STA:

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.

04 Mar 2022, 15:04 PM

Slovenia Condemns Russian Attack on Ukrainian Nuclear Plant

STA, 4 March 2022 - The Slovenian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned "Russia's attack on the nuclear power station in Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, which poses a threat to health and security in entire Europe". In the statement published on Twitter, the ministry has also urged an end to attacks on Ukraine.

The Ukrainian agency for nuclear safety said on Friday that 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.

The ministry also said that together with several other countries, Slovenia had launched an initiative for an international investigation of atrocities perpetrated in Ukraine led by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, and that the country supported proposals to hold an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Ukraine.

04 Mar 2022, 11:56 AM

Slovenia Supports EU Move to Offer Immediate Temporary Protection of Ukrainian Refugees

STA, 3 March 2022 - The EU interior ministers, including Slovenia's Aleš Hojs, agreed in Brussels on Thursday to trigger for the first time ever the legislation providing Ukrainian refugees with immediate temporary protection. Hojs noted that a compromise solution had been adopted that allowed each member state to take care of the refugees their own way.

The mechanism of immediate temporary protection includes residence permits and access to work, housing, education, social security and healthcare. It is expected to take effect in the coming days.

Hojs said that the EU interior ministers had made an unanimous decision to activate the relevant directive, and noted that a compromise proposal had been adopted.

"Visegrad countries do not oppose the compromise proposal," said Hojs.

He said the compromise proposal stated clearly who would be eligible for temporary protection, including all the rights; these would be Ukrainian citizens, those who have already had refugee status in Ukraine and those who have resided in Ukraine on the basis of a work permit.

He said the European Commission's proposal was not as clear. The compromise now clearly states that temporary protection applies to Ukrainians as well as to those non-Ukrainian citizens who had been granted protection or a residence permit in Ukraine before 24 February this year.

Each EU member state can take care of Ukrainian refugees in its own way, but it is not permitted to reduce the level of protection as provided by the EU legislation, he said.

Apart from the Visegrad countries, Hojs said Slovenia, Austria and some other countries too were bothered by the lack of clarity over who was to be eligible for temporary protection, but now the proposal was acceptable for all.

The member states are expected to adopt the measure within days.

Hojs said some 90 Ukrainians had expressed intention to ask for international protection in Slovenia in the first two days of March. There have been 2,500 applications for residence since the beginning of the year, of which some 600 in the first two days of March.

Most of the Ukrainians who enter Slovenia want to head on to their relatives or acquaintances, mainly to Italy and some also to Spain and France, he said.

The ministers did not discuss relocation of refugees between EU member states yet, but Hojs said that on agreeing on temporary protection, they adopted a political statement to allow a derogation from the Dublin system, under which the member state where the applicant first entered the EU is responsible for examining the asylum application.

The legislation was not being changed but it was agreed that if someone came to Poland and applied for asylum there but is then relocated to Germany there would not be a demand for their return.

The directive on temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of displaced persons was adopted in 2001 in response to the large number of refugees as a result of the war in the former Yugoslavia, but has never been used.

It stipulates action of EU member states in such an event and guarantees refugees from a crisis area the right to immediate universal temporary protection in a member state without the need for an asylum application to be approved.

04 Mar 2022, 11:45 AM

COVID Booster Now Available for Slovenian Residents Aged 12-18

STA, 3 March 2022 - Teenagers aged 12 to 18 can now get a coronavirus booster shot after this change to vaccination has been recommended by the task force on immunisation at the National Institute of Public Health. They will get the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine booster, the task force's head Bojana Beović told the STA on Thursday.

The immunisation group recommends booster for the children aged 12 to 18 who suffer from diseases that could worsen their Covid-19 should they fall ill with it.

"However, healthy youth can also get vaccinated with a booster shot," stressed Beović.

The immunisation group followed the recommendation of the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) human medicines committee from 24 February.

The committee said the available evidence was sufficient to conclude that the immune response to a booster dose in adolescents would be at least equal to that in adults.

A booster shot is recommended three months after the basic two-dose vaccination.

Those who have recovered from Covid but have not been vaccinated are meanwhile recommended to receive a booster three to six months after recovering from the disease.

EMA last week also approved the Moderna vaccine for children over 6, which has so far been approved only for kids over 12, but the Slovenian immunisation task force has not yet discussed this change.

04 Mar 2022, 07:31 AM

Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Friday, 4 March 2022

Check the date at the top of the page, and you can find all the "morning headlines" stories here. You can also follow us on Facebook and get all the news in your feed.

This summary is provided by the STA:

Healthcare preparing for potential cyber attacks, power outage

LJUBLJANA - The healthcare system has activated preparations for a possible crisis due to the Russian attack on Ukraine, including for emergencies that may occur due to cyber attacks or electricity shortages. Minister Janez Poklukar also announced that the system was ready to provide medical care to refugees from Ukraine. The government decided the refugees were eligible for emergency medical care and urgent healthcare services.

Logar urges determined response to aggression in Ukraine

GENEVA, Switzerland - Foreign Minister Anže Logar called on the international community to respond with resolve and unity to Russia's increasingly brutal aggression on Ukraine as he addressed an emergency session of the UN Human Rights Council on the state of human rights in Ukraine. He announced Slovenia's support for the resolution to condemn Russian aggression on Ukraine and to put in place a mechanism to investigate human rights violations in Ukraine.

Hojs happy with compromise over protection of Ukrainian refugees

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The EU interior ministers, including Slovenia's Aleš Hojs, agreed in Brussels to trigger for the first time ever the legislation providing Ukrainian refugees with immediate temporary protection. Hojs noted that a compromise solution had been adopted that allowed each member state to take care of the refugees their own way. He was also happy that the compromise detailed more clearly than the Commission's proposal who would be eligible for the rights under temporary protection status.

Pahor and new US ambassador discuss Ukraine

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor and US Ambassador to Slovenia Jamie L. Harpootlian met to exchange views on topical developments in Ukraine. They stressed the role of the international community's great unity on, and unambiguous response to, Russia's military attack on Ukraine. Pahor presented more in detail his view on the situation in the Western Balkans upon the ambassador's wish, Pahor's office said. Harpootlian discussed the Ukraine situation with Prime Minister Janez Janša in the previous days.

Electoral commission for expelling Russia and Belarus from ACEEEO

LJUBLJANA - The National Electoral Commission decided to vote to expel the central electoral commissions of Russia and Belarus from the Association of European Election Officials (ACEEEO) because of their invasion of Ukraine, which it says runs against the association's principles. If the proposal for the expulsion is not carried, the Slovenian body will quit the association itself. It believes just freezing the two countries' status in the ACEEEO would be insufficient.

Ex-diplomat says Ukraine war marks end of Putin rule

LJUBLJANA - A debate on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict hosted by MEP Tanja Fajon (S&D/SD) heard participants such as Slovenia's former President Danilo Türk and former Defence Minister Ljubica Jelušič strongly condemn Russia's aggression as former diplomat Denis Mancevič said the invasion marked the end of Vladimir Putin's rule. "It's Putin's huge geostrategic mistake, because now he has lost his relatively stable support of the public," Mancevič said.

Janša denies SDS influencing NovaTV24 channel and portal

LJUBLJANA - Prime Minister Janez Janša appeared before the parliamentary inquiry looking into allegations of unlawful financing of his SDS party ahead of the 2018 election. He told the MPs that the SDS had not influenced in any way in the past the operation of NTV24, as it was a limited liability company, or the operations of Nova Hiša, which runs the web portal. He dismissed the inquiry as having been established because the transition left feared that its media monopoly could be jeopardised.

Mask mandate in schools lifted

LJUBLJANA - Face masks will no longer be obligatory in schools and other educational institutions from Monday under the latest relaxation confirmed by the government. This applies to both teachers and students. Other restrictions remain in place for now, including the mask mandate for indoor public spaces. Slovenian health authorities will start issuing Covid certificates for those who had a positive rapid antigen test whose results were not confirmed with a PCR test.

Youths aged 12-18 can get booster shot

LJUBLJANA - Teenagers aged 12 to 18 can now get a coronavirus booster shot after it had been recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunisation. They will get the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine booster. The booster is recommended for the teenagers who suffer from conditions that could worsen their Covid-19 should they fall ill with it. "However, healthy youth can also get vaccinated with a booster shot," the committee's head Bojana Beović told the STA.

Daily case count down by nearly a quarter to 1,823

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia recorded 1,823 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, a decrease of nearly a quarter over the week before. The 14-day case notification rate per 100,000 population dropped by almost 130 to 1,447. This morning, 307 patients were in hospital because of Covid, down 23 from yesterday, including 78 in intensive care, down eight from the day before. Ten patients with Covid died.

Regulator urges companies to report impact of war in Ukraine

LJUBLJANA - The Securities Market Agency called on public companies in a letter to appropriately communicate to the investment public the impact of the state of emergency in Ukraine on their operations and the price of securities listed on the regulated market. The call comes after some of listed companies, such as pharma company Krka, saw their shares plummet in the wake of the Russian invasion. Krka gained 2.45% to EUR 92 today, which is still below the EUR 110 it had been before the invasion.

EU approves Slovenia's air connectivity scheme

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The European Commission cleared an EUR 7 million scheme to encourage Slovenia's air connectivity that was badly affected by the Covid pandemic. The Commission found the scheme was in line with the EU's state aid temporary framework. The scheme introduces subsidies similar to those approved in November 2020 which ran out at the end of 2021. Aid will be available to all airlines flying to and from Slovenia, but the amount they receive depends on the number their flights and passengers.

Petrovič appointed to European Court of Auditors

LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - The Council of the EU appointed Jorg Kristijan Petrovič as Slovenia's new member of the European Court of Auditors. His term will run from 7 May 2022 to 6 May 2028. Petrovič, who has served as first deputy president of the Slovenian Court of Audit, will succeed Samo Jereb, whose term ends on 6 May. Petrovič was endorsed by the European Parliament on 20 January by 487 votes in favour and 196 against with 11 abstentions.

Committee okays environment protection bill

LJUBLJANA - The Environment Committee endorsed on Wednesday evening an environment protection bill to which the coalition had tabled more than 120 pages of amendments just before the session. The opposition does not oppose the bill as such but proposed postponing the sitting to debate the additional amendments. Minister Andrej Vizjak argued there was no need for that.

Public debt estimated at 74.9% of GDP at end of 2021

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's public debt as percentage of GDP dropped by 4.9 percentage points last year to 74.9%, the first estimate by the Finance Ministry shows. It follows after the Statistics Office estimated Slovenia's GDP to have expanded by 8.1% last year. The office calculated GDP at current prices at EUR 52.02 billion, which means public debt as of the last day of 2021 stood at EUR 39 billion.

Registered unemployed total down by 4.5% in February

LJUBLJANA - After two months of seasonal growth, the number of the registered unemployed in Slovenia was down in February, with the Employment Service reporting 64,783 jobless persons for the previous month, which is 4.5% less than in January and 26.4% less than in February 2021. The drop is mostly attributed to a smaller influx of newly-registered unemployed.

Slovenia announces participation in Expo 2025 in Osaka

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia intends to take part in the Expo 2025 that will be hosted from 13 April and 13 October 2025 by Japan's Osaka. If the country is to present itself with an independent pavilion, the cost of the project has been estimated at EUR 15 million. The government today authorised Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek to sign a statement of intent for Slovenia's participation at the world exposition three years from now.

Bosio expanding production facilities

CELJE - A ground-breaking ceremony was held in Bukovžlak near Celje for a new EUR 7 million plant of Bosio, which is part of the Austrian Aichelin Group. The company, which develops and manufactures industrial furnaces, plans to increase hire 30 more staff aside from the 115 it already employs. The construction is expected to start on 1 September. The main investor is Aichelin Group, which is investing into the expansion of production to move capabilities from Austria to Slovenia.

SAB proposes changes to election law

LJUBLJANA - The opposition Alenka Bratušek Party (SAB) proposes changes to the general election act under which persons convicted of a crime prosecuted ex officio and those sentenced to more than six months in prison would not be allowed to stand in elections. The party believes this would help restore people's trust in politics and the rule of law, improve turnout in elections, and raise the political and legal culture.

Pirate Party to campaign on freedom and anti-graft combat

LJUBLJANA - The non-parliamentary Pirate Party set out its manifesto for the 24 April general election which centres on measures to preserve democracy and freedom, and combat corruption. They want to strengthen direct democracy, introduce referendum days, limit terms of public officials and make it possible to recall MPs and mayors. They plan to repair the damage caused by Covid-19 and the government's "misguided" actions, and address the challenges of digitalisation and automation.

Slovenia jumpers retain lead in Raw Air

LILLEHAMMER, Norway - Slovenian ski jumpers Nika Križnar and Urša Bogataj placed second and third, respectively, in a World Cup event in Norway's Lillenhammer. The winner was Austrian Marita Kramer. The pair also retained the top two position in the Raw Air rankings. Young Slovenian female ski jumpers were also successful today, as the younger sister of the Prevc brothers, Nika Prevc, won the World Youth Championship in Zakopane, Poland, and another Slovenian, Taja Bodlaj, was second.

Cross-country skier Lampič 3rd in Drammen

DRAMMEN, Norway - Cross-country skier Anamarija Lampič finished third in the women's classic sprint at a World Cup meet in Drammen, Norway. She finished 1.97 seconds behind the winner, Maiken Caspersen Falla from Norway, and Swedish Jonna Sundling was second. After finishing 12th at the Beijing Olympics, Lampič thus secured her fourth bronze medal this season and the first one this year.

03 Mar 2022, 14:58 PM

Slovenia Ends Mask Mandate in Schools, Starting Monday 7 March

STA, 3 March 2022 - Face masks will no longer be obligatory in schools and other educational institutions as of Monday under the latest relaxation of restrictions that the government confirmed on Thursday. This applies to both teachers and students, Health Minister Janez Poklukar said.

Other restrictions remain in place for now, including the mask mandate for indoor public spaces.

Slovenian health authorities will start issuing Covid certificates for those who had a positive rapid antigen test whose results were not confirmed with a PCR test.

According to Poklukar, this is in line with the latest EU guidance.

Slovenia has phased out the Covid pass in most settings, with only health institutions, care homes and prisons now requiring a Covid pass for visitors.

03 Mar 2022, 08:23 AM

68 Ukrainian Refugees, Mostly Children, Arrive in Logatec

STA, 2 March 2022 - The refugee centre opened by Slovenia in Logatec, south-west of Ljubljana, to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, welcomed the first arrivals from Ukraine in the night to Wednesday. The group of 68 includes 38 children.

The refugees are members of a football club, including children, their coaches, chaperones and some women with children, Katarina Štrukelj, director of the Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants, told reporters in Ljubljana.

They arrived in Slovenia last night and were accommodated in the renovated wing of the Logatec centre and will be provided with full material supply, food and health service, she said.

Štrukelj has spoken with them. She said the football club members mainly wanted to play football, so they got in touch with the Slovenian Football Association, who said they would organise training and friendly matches for the kids.

The group has not asked for international protection.

The part of the centre that they are accommodated is intended for unaccompanied youth as the most vulnerable group.

The office today held a meeting with NGOs, which Štrukelj said got organised well and established a network of volunteers to help with psychological and social support and distributing material aid.

The number of refugees is expected to increase in the coming weeks with the office having been informed about them being on their way.

The Logatec centre can accommodate 300, and individuals are also offering private accommodation. The office is also in talks with the local communities that have experience accommodating refugees.

Those planning organising transport for refugees were urged by Štrukelj to turn to them first to be given all the necessary information.

Labour Minister Janez Cigler Kralj said that his ministry had made ready 80 accommodations at crisis centres for children and youth where they would get looked after in a comprehensive way.

For adults they are looking for ways to enable them to enter the job market as soon as possible should they wish so. However they can only get a job when they get refugee status.

03 Mar 2022, 08:16 AM

Rally in Support of Ukraine Held in Ljubljana

STA, 2 March 2022 - The second rally in support of Ukraine in two days was held in Ljubljana on Wednesday with senior government officials condemning Russia's aggression and highlighting that Ukraine was fighting not just for itself but for freedom and democracy throughout Europe.

The rally was organised by the Ljubljana-Kyiv Cultural Association, the Ukrainian diaspora and Ukraine's embassy and featured speeches by Prime Minister Janez Janša, deputy prime ministers Matej Tonin and Zdravko Počivalšek, National Council President Alojz Kovšca, and Ukrainian Ambassador Mykhailo Brodovych.

Ambassador Brodovych said Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to punish Ukraine and its people for their Euro-Atlantic aspirations and desire to be part of the European family as he vowed that Ukrainians will "fight and defend our homeland".

He also thanked the people of Slovenia and the government for "determination, patriotism and support."

Prime Minister Janez Janša said that soldiers as well as civilians were dying in Ukraine fighting "not only for freedom, democracy and a European future, but for survival."

He praised the bravery of Ukrainians standing up to Russian tanks with their bare hands and drew parallels with Slovenia's independence war.

"When Slovenians saw and felt that we are united and brave, we knew we would succeed. But we still remember the tensions, threats and victims. This is why we know how the Ukrainians feel, hence the solidarity with them."

The prime minister singled out Ukrainian ore deposits, nuclear energy and fertile land as the reasons why Russia has attacked. He is convinced that those who think Putin should be appeased "have learnt nothing from history."

If Putin captures Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova and Baltic countries will be next, and perhaps other parts of Europe as well, he said.

Defence Minister Tonin similarly said that Ukraine's survival would mark the survival of freedom and democracy. "Every day that the Ukrainian people persevere, we are closer to victory and peace."

According to Economy Minister Počivalšek, Slovenians know, perhaps better than some other nations, that there is only one way - for the whole world to unite and stop the rampage. "I'm very glad that we are united in the EU," he said.

Slovenia's unity was also highlighted by Kovšca, who said Europe was "determined to defend the freedom of the world." It will pay the price in the form of higher energy prices, but "we will not let the dominoes of freedom and democracy fall."

Yevgeny Goreshnyk of the Ljubljana-Kyiv Cultural Association stressed that Ukraine wanted to become a member of the EU and thanked Slovenia, in particular Janša for his advocacy of Ukraine's EU membership.

A statement by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal was read and in it he mentioned yesterday's destruction of the Slovenian consulate in Kharkiv. "Dear Janez, we will rebuild it together as a EU family. We are ready," he said.

The rally followed a similar gathering in Ljubljana yesterday that was organised by over thirty civil society organisations.

03 Mar 2022, 07:49 AM

Morning Headlines for Slovenia: Thursday, 3 March 2022

Check the date at the top of the page, and you can find all the "morning headlines" stories here. You can also follow us on Facebook and get all the news in your feed.

This summary is provided by the STA:

Slovenia formally protests with Russia over destruction of consulate in Kharkiv

LJUBLJANA - The Foreign Ministry summoned Russian Ambassador to Slovenia Timur Eyvazov to lodge a formal protest and demand an apology and compensation after the Slovenian consulate in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, was destroyed by a Russian missile yesterday. The ministry said Slovenia would use "all diplomatic means available" to express opposition to such actions. It plans to notify international organisations such as the UN, OSCE, CoE and NATO of the "inadmissible act" and will support an investigation by the International Criminal Court.

Support for Ukraine's fight at Ljubljana rally

LJUBLJANA - The second rally in support of Ukraine in two days was held in Ljubljana with senior government officials condemning Russia's aggression and highlighting that Ukraine was fighting not just for itself but for freedom and democracy throughout Europe. The rally was organised by the Ljubljana-Kyiv Cultural Association, the Ukrainian diaspora and Ukraine's embassy and featured speeches by Prime Minister Janez Janša, deputy prime ministers Matej Tonin and Zdravko Počivalšek, National Council President Alojz Kovšca, and Ukrainian Ambassador Mykhailo Brodovych.

Slovenia takes in 68 Ukrainian refugees, mostly children

LJUBLJANA - The refugee centre opened by Slovenia in Logatec, south-west of Ljubljana, to accommodate Ukrainian refugees, welcomed the first arrivals from Ukraine overnight. The group of 68 includes 38 children. The refugees are members of a football club, including children, their coaches, chaperones and some women with children, said Katarina Štrukelj, director of the Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants. The number of refugees is expected to increase in the coming weeks with the office having been informed about them being on their way.

Minister indicates state might help business hit by war in Ukraine

PODLEHNIK - Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek has indicated businesses hit by the war in Ukraine and sanctions against Russia might get state aid if that should prove necessary, but said it would be premature to talk of any concrete plans. He said it was too early too talk of concrete plans until the impact was analysed and the figures were available, but noted companies would have to pivot towards some more stable markets in the long term.

FinMin confident Slovenian business to find new markets fast

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Finance Minister Andrej Šircelj is confident that Slovenian businesses will soon find markets to substitute for Russia and that the economy will cope with the fallout from the war in Ukraine. Speaking after a virtual emergency meeting of the EU finance ministers, he said the biggest impact was expected on the members that depend the most on Russian energy. He said Slovenia had an extremely robust financial system and sufficient reserves to support the economy.

Pahor receives Ukrainian ambassador to Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor received Ukrainian Ambassador to Slovenia Mikhaylo Brodovych. The pair expressed concern over the war in Ukraine, and the ambassador outlined to Pahor the current situation in Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion, Pahor's office said in a written statement. Pahor pledged all possible available support for Ukraine and stressed that compared to the aggressor, Ukraine has all the moral advantage.

NLB head reassures Sberbank clients as the bank reopens

LJUBLJANA - After NLB bank acquired the Slovenian subsidiary of Russia's Sberbank, Sberbank's operations in Slovenia resumed today with NLB chairman Blaž Brodnjak reassuring clients they have "no reason to worry any more, open accounts at other banks or transfer assets to other banks". The 40,000 Sberbank clients have full access to their money again, he said. NLB will first change the bank's name and gradually integrate it. The takeover has already been approved by the Competition Protection Agency.

Supreme Court president warns of hidden threats to judiciary

LJUBLJANA - Supreme Court President Damijan Florjančič talked of attempts to weaken the judiciary at a high-profile ceremony where he warned of hidden dangers such as the wage policy and budgetary measures. He spoke of the importance of the judiciary being independent to perform its mission as he said the judiciary must enhance the rule of law through its decisions. He warned of the risks to the judiciary's independence, both from the inside and the outside.

Courts reducing backlogs, but issues remain

LJUBLJANA - Slovenian courts continued to reduce backlogs last year, even compared to the pre Covid-19 time. The number of unsolved cases rose above 5% in 2020 but the trend was reversed in 2021. The courts resolved more cases than they received and by the end of the year reduced the number of pending cases again. However, the results are less good in major cases and in the per-judge resolution rate, Supreme Court President Damijan Florjančič reported as he presented the 2021 court statistics. Trends are not favourable at the Administrative Court either.

Food security in Slovenia not jeopardised

LJUBLJANA - While the Russian invasion on Ukraine may have a profound impact on the global food market, food security in Slovenia is not jeopardised. However, the long-term consequences are a cause for concern, Agriculture Minister Jože Podgoršek said after a session of EU agriculture ministers. Nevertheless, the minister has appointed a food security task force to analyse the situation in the food market and trade between Slovenia and Ukraine. The 12-member task force will also monitor the situation with commodity reserves.

Universities joining general strike in the education system

LJUBLJANA - Universities decided to join the general strike in the education system scheduled for 9 March after a list of their demands had been ignored by the Education Ministry for over a month. Much like school and kindergarten teacher, professors at universities are unhappy with the public sector pay system after the government decided to offer doctors a higher top pay bracket. They also want better working conditions and an overhaul of working time rules.

Insurer Triglav ups 2021 net profit by 53% to EUR 113 million

LJUBLJANA - The Triglav Group, Slovenia's largest insurer, saw net profit increase by 53% to EUR 113 million in 2021 year-on-year as premium revenue rose by 10% to EUR 1.46 billion, the company said. The growth was driven by the technical-insurance part of the business and the management of client assets in mutual funds and individual management. Gross written premium totalled EUR 1.35 billion and growth was posted across all segments and in all markets.

Coastal community opposed to LNG terminal idea

KOPER/ANKARAN - The local community in the Slovenian Istria is opposed to the idea, floated by PM Janez Janša, that a liquefied natural gas terminal should be built on the Slovenian coast to diversify the country's energy supplies and reduce dependence on Russia. Ankaran Mayor Gregor Strmčnik described the idea as unacceptable from an expert's point of view after Koper Mayor Aleš Bržan ruled out gas terminals. He said Slovenia had to reduce its dependence on Russian gas and diversify its sources, but the right approach would be to step up decarbonisation and invest in alternative sources.

Committee endorses changes to act on Independence War victims

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Defence Committee endorsed changes to the act on the rights of victims of the 1991 Independence War, expanding the right to compensation also to the family members of victims who were civilians. Families of the members of the Territorial Defence, Slovenia's army at the time, and interior affairs bodies already have certain rights under the existing legislation, said Defence Ministry State Secretary Janez Žakelj.

New Covid-19 vaccine available in Slovenia

LJUBLJANA - The first shipment of 36,000 doses of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by US company Novavax has arrived in Slovenia and will be available at vaccination centres as of Thursday, according to the website of the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ). The Nuvaxovid vaccine is registered for those over 18 years old. It requires two doses which administered three weeks apart.

Daily coronavirus case count down to just over 1,800 on Tuesday

LJUBLJANA - The number of new coronavirus cases dropped again both in weekly and daily comparisons to 1,836 in Slovenia on Tuesday, after a 10% rise on the same day a week ago was recorded on Monday following weeks of steady decline. Just over 33,200 cases are estimated to be active by the National Institute of Public Health. Hospitalisations continued to decline, and another eight patients with Covid died.

Double podium for Slovenian jumpers at outset of Raw Air

LILLEHAMMER, Norway - Slovenian ski jumpers Nika Križnar and Urša Bogataj grabbed second and third place at the outset of the Raw Air jumping series as Sara Takanashi of Japan recorded her 62nd World Cup victory. Bogataj lead after the first series and Križnar was third, but they did not cope well with changing conditions on the hill that forced the jury to lower the starting position.

President decorates five sports coaches

LJUBLJANA - President Borut Pahor conferred the Order of Merit on five Slovenian sports coaches, honouring them for their contribution to the outstanding achievements of Slovenian athletes. Marjan Fabjan received the Order of Merit for judo, Andrej Hauptman and Franc Hvasti for cycling, Roman Krajnik for sport climbing and Polona Sladič for achievements of disabled shooters.

Most wanted Slovenian suspect extradited by Spain

KOPER/LJUBLJANA - Enes Kočan, a Slovenian wanted in connection to a 300 kilo heroin bust at the Koper port in April 2018, was extradited to Slovenia by the Spanish authorities last week, Slovenske Novice reported. The General Police Administration confirmed that Kočan was taken into custody in Koper on the same day after being heard by the Koper District Court.

02 Mar 2022, 17:11 PM

Universities Joining Education System Strike on 9 March

STA, 2 March 2022 - Universities decided on Wednesday to join the general strike in the education system scheduled for 9 March after a list of their demands had been ignored by the Education Ministry for over a month.

Much like school and kindergarten teacher, professors at universities are unhappy with the public sector pay system after the government decided to offer doctors a higher top pay bracket.

They also want better working conditions and an overhaul of rules on working from home, being on stand by, and extra days off for working in dangerous conditions like in healthcare.

The Higher Education Trade Union sent a list of its demands to the ministry over a month ago but received no reply. Since the 30-day deadline for responding to such initiatives expired, the only response is strike, the trade union believes.

It pointed a finger at Education Minister Simona Kustec and State Secretary Mitja Slavinec, saying they were again ignoring the needs of higher education.

"The only appropriate response to your ignoring of legitimate proposals by our trade union, to your harming of public higher education and to corruptive provincialism is a strike in higher education," the trade unions said in an open letter released yesterday.

The strike will be conducted in line with the law. The pedagogical and research processes will be suspended and libraries closed.

Only exams scheduled beforehand and presentations of theses, and clinical practice crucial for patients' health will still be conducted along with meetings and sessions dedicated to strike demands and the situation in higher education, the trade union said.

Primary and secondary school teachers and kindergarten staff announced a general strike for 9 March on 18 February. They demand higher pay for teaching and non-teaching staff alike plus bonuses for extra work connected with the Covid-19 pandemic.

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