STA, 25 February 2022 - As the EU adopted on Friday a second package of sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine, which target key sectors of its economy and include sanctions against President Vladimir Putin and FM Sergey Lavrov, Slovenian FM Anže Logar said this was the "strictest package of sanctions" that the bloc had ever adopted.

A new package of measures was adopted that will "significantly affect both the Russian economy and oligarchs and individuals who have participated in the aggression," Logar said after an emergency session of the EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

The package includes both individual and sectoral measures, and is "the strictest package of sanctions the EU has ever adopted against any country," the foreign minister added in the video statement for Slovenian journalists.

At the in-person meeting, the EU foreign ministers formally approved the new package of sanctions against Russia that covers the financial sector, energy and transport, dual-use goods, control and financing of exports and visa policy.

Several Russian individuals have been added to the list of persons who are banned from travelling to the EU whose assets in the EU are frozen.

The list now includes President Putin and FM Lavrov in terms of the freezing of assets in the EU. This was endorsed by all member states, Logar said, adding that it was possible that family members were included in the next round of sanctions.

The second package of sanctions was agreed by the EU leaders at an emergency meeting in Brussels on Thursday. It does not include the possibility of excluding Russia from the Swift payment system, which has been advocated by Ukraine.

Logar said that this had been discussed at length today, adding that the opposition to this measure was getting weaker.

"Several countries said they were aware of the consequences of this measure for their economy, but were nevertheless prepared to accept this damage given the importance of this historical event," he added.

The foreign minister said that "an even stricter package, with an even greater impact on the Russian economy", was being coordinated, and that talks to this end would continue in the coming days.

If a consensus is reached, the third package will include Swift - unless it is established that the international community can cause even more serious economic consequences for Russia in some other way, he added.

"Slovenia supports strict sanctions that have a deterring effect and that make it clear that such acts are unacceptable," said Logar in reference to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

PM Janez Janša meanwhile attended a virtual NATO summit at which it was decided that the alliance will deploy its rapid response forces on its eastern flank in what will be the first deployment of these forces for the purpose of joint defence.

Janša said on Facebook on the occasion that a decision would be made in the next few days about what Europe would be like in the future. "Only a victory of Ukraine and Putin's defeat can prevent a long period of new Cold War," he added.

According to Janša, three things should be done in order to truly help Ukraine and "win the war for Europe".

"NATO should close the airspace over Ukraine and deprive the Russian aggressor army of its strategic advantage, the EU should provide Ukraine with membership prospect and the democratic world should isolate Putin's regime with sanctions," he said.

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:

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.

STA, 25 February 2022 - A panel of judges of the Celje District Court found Prime Minister Janez Janša guilty of defaming two journalists 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 is also to cover the costs of the court proceedings.

The ruling comes after the Supreme Court quashed a guilty ruling over Janša's Twitter post in March 2016 reading "the FB page of the public house is offering cheap services by washed up prostitutes Evgenija C. and Mojca P.Š. One for 30 euros, the other for 35. #PimpMilan".

Today, the Celje court gave Janša two-month suspended sentences for defaming each of the two journalists, TV Slovenija reporter Eugenija Carl and Mojca Šetinc Pašek, who was the editor of the news desk at the public broadcaster at the time. But then handed down a combined suspended sentence of three months.

The president of the panel of judges, Alenka Jazbinšek Žgank, said Janša's tweet had been scornful and insulting.

Šetinc Pašek welcomed the ruling. She said Janša had indeed insulted her and Carl and smeared them both privately and professionally. "This tweet has marked me in a way," she said.

Her lawyer Stojan Zdolšek stressed the court had found the tweet was abject smearing that had nothing to do with criticism of journalist work. He is happy with the ruling although the case is not closed yet.

"We seriously suspect that the case will become statute barred in May, as the court is yet to write the ruling and hand it to the accused and his lawyer. Given Janša's past practice the court will not be able to hand him the ruling on time and the case will become statute barred."

Janša's lawyer Franci Matoz announced an appeal as he is convinced that the ruling could stand no trial and had no foundation. He said he and Janša were used to unfair rulings.

He said Janša had not committed the criminal act that he was accused of, so he expects the higher court to annul the ruling.

In their closing statements on Thursday, Zdolšek and Matoz disagreed over whether Janša had actually insulted the journalists.

Zdolšek argued the criminal act had been proven and that he had "committed a severe criminal act against the honour and good name of the two journalists".

Matoz, however, opined that an average Twitter user could not have known which journalists were being mentioned and that the pair had put the tweet in the spotlight themselves.

Janša was sentenced to a three-month suspended sentence by the Celje District Court in November 2018, but the Celje Higher Court ordered a retrial, which started in June 2021.

STA, 25 February 2022 - President Borut Pahor offered a formal apology on Friday 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 and apologised for all the "wrongs and suffering" it had caused.

"Please accept my sincere apologies on my behalf and on behalf of the state for the unconstitutional act of erasing you from the register of permanent residents, for the violation of your human rights and for all the injustice and suffering that this act caused you and your families," Pahor said at today's ceremony at the Presidential Palace.

The president also expressed deep regret at "the losses you suffered as a result of the erasure, in your relationships with your loved ones, in your property and in the opportunities that could have turned your life around for the better".

"Today we are also taking moral responsibility for the unconstitutional act of erasure, and we are committing it to our collective historical memory," he said.

"I regret that you had to wait far too long for action to be taken to redress the wrongs done to you, even after decisions were adopted by the courts. I am aware that the measures only went so far to address the issues and that many of you are still suffering the consequences of the erasure.

Obeležitev 30. obletnice izbrisa oseb iz Registra stalnega prebivalstva RS #STAvživo @vzivo_si https://t.co/lglDnKkgC5

— STA novice (@STA_novice) February 25, 2022

"I realise that an apology will not make up for what you lost by being erased. By no means," the president said.

"However, today, we are putting an end once and for all to an era of denial and a failure to acknowledge all the suffering and all the grave, tragic consequences of the erasure that are still ongoing."

The president clearly stated that the erasure of 25,671 people, including 5,360 children, from Slovenia's register of permanent residents had been an "arbitrary and unjust act, it was illegal, unconstitutional and discriminatory, and it constituted a violation of human rights".

According to Pahor, the erasure denied people the legal basis for the right to work, the right to healthcare and social protection, the right to higher education and the right to buy a home.

Many were expelled from the country, and many families were separated. Many fell ill, and some even died prematurely without access to healthcare services, he noted.

"Because the erasure was carried out quietly, without informing those affected, in the first years following the erasure they could not understand why they were suddenly, without explanation, no longer able to support their families, go to their parents' funeral, or return to Slovenia, to their homes, after visiting relatives."

Pahor said he wished he could conclude his apology with an assurance that this would never happen again. "The erasure, as well as other events in our vicinity, show us that the rule of law and human rights cannot be taken for granted, that they must be constantly watched over and constantly fought for."

He urged all national and local authorities, as well as civil society institutions that are able to do so within the scope of their tasks and powers, to keep the memory of the erasure and the erased alive, to protect the rule of law and human rights as "our constant and shared concern is that such a thing should never happen again".

He also called on all future governments and all relevant institutions to protect and enable the independence of the judiciary, independent institutions, guardians of democracy, to respect the independence of the media, and to provide space and mechanisms for civil society to function.

Irfan Beširović, head of the Civil Initiative of Erased Activists, said today was a new day for the erased. But he warned that all injustices had not been eliminated yet and that the erased still lived without a proper status in Slovenia.

"Finally, after 30 years of agony, humiliation, we have received an apology from the state," he said, thanking the president.

He believes the apology means a recognition of the erasure and its consequences. "It is not a victory, but for me personally it is a moral victory that we have witnessed it."

STA, 25 February 2022 - 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.

In addition to Monday, Brussels Airlines will also operate flights from Ljubljana Airport on Friday and Sunday next week.

Currently, Slovenia-bound international flights are operated by eleven airlines that cover twelve destinations, the airport's operator Fraport Slovenija said.

Aeroflot flies to Moscow four times a week, Air France to Paris five times a week, Air Montenegro to Podgorica twice a week, Air Serbia to Belgrade six times a week and to Niš twice a week, EasyJet to London Gatwick four times a week, Flydubai to Dubai four times a week, LOT Polish Airlines to Warsaw four times a week, Lufthansa to Frankfurt 13 times a week, Swiss International Airlines to Zurich four times a week, Transavia to Amsterdam twice a week, and Turkish Airlines to Istanbul daily.

According to Fraport Slovenija, air traffic is still largely dependent on border crossing restrictions and other measures in individual countries, as well as on air travel demand. Despite the slow easing of restrictions on global travel, the situation at Ljubljana Airport is improving, the operator said.

The summer season is expected to see a return of a number of airlines to Ljubljana Airport that have suspended their services due to Covid-19, including new flights by Transavia France, Finnair, Lufthansa, British Airways, Wizz Air and Israir.

STA, 24 February 2022 - The Slovenia-based banking group NLB posted a record profit of EUR 236.4 million in 2021, a substantial growth compared to the previous year, excluding effects from the acquisition of Komercijalna Banka in Serbia, shows unaudited data published on the website of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange.

"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 as the unaudited 2021 results were published.

Last year, NLB acquired Komercijalna Banka Beograd to become a major player in seven markets in South-East Europe, and integrated two banks in Montenegro - NLB Banka Podgorica and Komercijalna Banka Podgorica.

"The supervisory board is pleased that the NLB Group has successfully utilised the opportunities offered by the supportive economic environment of strong GDP growth in the region, healthy private consumption, and loan demand," said Primož Karpe, chairman of the supervisory board.

Net interest revenue was up by 37% to EUR 409.4 million last year, to which Komercijalna Banka contributed EUR 98.5 million. Excluding this, a 4% growth was recorded, mostly due to strong rise in loans.

The growth in net fee and commission income was at 39%, which NLB labelled as "impressive".

The group attributes this to "high demand for investment products, such as asset management and bancassurance products, together with high income from activities related to general business activities".

Loans were up by 9% and deposits by 8%. Deposits from customers increased by 5%, which shows that savers transferred part of their savings to alternative investments.

NLB released EUR 35.8 million worth of impairments and provisions.

In the future, the group plans to focus on intensive digitalisation and improving of user experience and its sustainability.

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 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.

STA, 24 February 2022 - Slovenia has condemned in the strongest terms the Russian attack on Ukraine, with Prime Minister Janez Janša saying it was unprecedented military aggression against the country and President Borut Pahor calling it a grave violation of international law and UN principles of peaceful resolution of disputes.

"Together with our @NATO and #EU allies we strongly condemn Russia's unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine. Russia must immediately withdraw its military and fully respect Ukraine's territorial integrity," Janša said on Twitter on Thursday.

"Introduce a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Respect Obligations from Budapest Memorandum 1994," he wrote in another tweet, adding the hashtag #StandWithUkraine, in what is the Slovenian prime minister's response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which was launched today.

Janša later warned that "many nations will now try to develop their own nuclear arsenal" in the light of the events in Ukraine that constitute a violation of the Budapest Memorandum. "The world just crossed to hot hybrid war with unprecedented consequences."

In the afternoon, the Slovenian prime minister spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal on the phone.

Predsednik vlade ?? @JJansaSDS je danes opravil telefonski pogovor z ukrajinskim predsednikom vlade ?? @Denys_Shmyhal. pic.twitter.com/5RVA09bfIo

— Vlada Republike Slovenije (@vladaRS) February 24, 2022

Janša tweeted that they had discussed "the situation after the Russian aggression, which is aimed at beheading the Ukrainian state and establishing a puppet government."

"But Ukraine is fighting and needs all our help. The battle for Ukraine is a battle for the EU," the prime minister added.

As a sign of solidarity with Ukraine, the country's flag was hoisted on the building housing the Government Palace and the Presidential Palace.

Ukrainian flags ?? hung in solidarity on government buildings in Slovenia.#StandWithUkriane ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/kM4LovgZaf

— Janez Janša (@JJansaSDS) February 24, 2022

Janša is expected to attend today's emergency EU summit on the Ukraine crisis in Brussels. His flight to Ukraine, which had been announced yesterday before the situation further escalated, has been cancelled, according to the Slovenian Armed Forces.

President Pahor also took to Twitter to "condemn in the most resolute terms the Russian aggression on Ukraine."

He added that it was a "severe violation of international law and the UN principles of peaceful resolution of disputes", and that Slovenia expressed solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine.

In a statement for TV Slovenija, Pahor said that, by recognising two self-proclaimed independent regions in Ukraine, and in particular by launching a military attack on Ukraine, Russia violated international order and undermined European and international security.

He called on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia to immediately terminate the hostile activities, suspend the use of military force and give diplomacy a chance.

"Putin can establish mutual trust only if he immediately stops military operations and give dialogue a chance," Pahor said.

The president expressed the concern that this hostility and aggression could spill over from Ukraine to Moldova and Georgia all they way to the Western Balkans.

Parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič also resolutely condemned the attack, writing on Twitter that it was an unlawful, unjustified and reprehensible act. He added that the EU must remain united and make every effort to achieve a ceasefire.

The government meanwhile held a closed-door meeting to discuss the situation in the wake of "Russia's aggression against Ukraine", Janša later announced on Twitter. It also took decisions to confirm the current NATO measures and to activate the required standby services. Janša added that the decisions would be presented to the parliamentary defence and foreign policy committees as soon as possible.

Before Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the military operation in Ukraine, during Wednesday's United Nations General Assembly debate on the situation in question, Slovenia strongly condemned Putin's decision to recognise the non-government controlled Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk and deploy troops in the two regions.

Slovenian diplomat Miha Erman presented Slovenia's opinion on behalf of Slovenian Ambassador to UN Boštjan Malovrh, who chaired the General Assembly session. Erman said that Slovenia endorsed the EU's statement on the matter and welcomed the debate.

"These illegal actions undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and independence and constitute a grave violation of international law and international agreements, including the UN Charter and its main principles, and the Budapest Memorandum and the Minsk agreements," Erman said, adding that Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected and preserved.

Erman also noted the difficult humanitarian situation and said that Slovenia urged an unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for Ukraine. It is also very concerned about the many victims of landmines on both sides and human rights violations and abuses in Crimea, especially against Tatars, Ukrainians and minorities.

STA, 24 February 2022 - 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.

Shrovetide festivities in Slovenia usually culminate with carnivals and parades during the weekend, and end on Shrove Tuesday with the death of Pust, as the Shrovetide period is called in Slovenian.

Pust celebrations are believed to have their roots in the pre-Christian period, when people engaged in ancestor worship and used masks to mark the end of winter and arrival of spring.

One of these celebrations is the traditional Laufarija festival in Cerkno, the main feature of which are furry wooden-faced creatures called Laufarji (Runners). After a period of uncertainty, the event is now confirmed to be held in-person.

The organisers have told the STA that the traditional festivities will be held on Sunday and on Tuesday, which include a street parade. The general public is invited to attend, with no special restrictions in place.

"A live performance and a street parade are important to preserve tradition. We are old-fashioned, and only seeing the procession live brings the most authentic experience," the organisers added.

Despite the relaxation of measures, there will be no Kurentovanje in Ptuj this year, though a celebratory event will be held online. Before the epidemic, the traditional carnival had been bringing tens of thousands of visitors each year to the oldest Slovenian town.

The local tourism board said it would not be able to organise the traditional parade on Sunday in full scale in such a short time. However, several events have already been organised in Ptuj as part of the celebrations since 2 February, and the organisers said that the upcoming main carnival weekend would be lively as well.

Despite the lack of a grand parade, Ptuj can still expect to see many people during the Shrovetide period, especially this weekend, as people dress up in carnival attire and indulge in fatty and filling foods like cured pork and doughnuts, in accordance with tradition during the Pust season.

One of the few places where a public open-air carnival celebration has been announced is Novo Mesto in south-eastern Slovenia where a parade featuring a programme for children is to be held on Saturday. No other major carnival parades, which were a regular feature of the streets of many Slovenian towns before the epidemic, have been announced for this year.

For the most part, smaller celebrations with a limited number of participants will take place, while traditional Pust characters like the Kurenti, which feature a full-body sheepskin attire with huge cowbells around the waist, will also take to the streets.

On Shrove Tuesday on 1 March, the last day before the start of Lent, Pust will be buried or burnt at the stake, depending on local tradition.

STA, 24 February 2022 - Slovenian Prime Minister 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 their EU counterparts in the face of Russia's aggression in Ukraine. They urged prompt and brave decisions in what they termed as "battle for Europe".

In the joint letter to European Council President Charles Michel and leaders of EU countries ahead of the EU summit on the Ukraine crisis they said Ukraine should get the status of a candidate for EU membership as soon as possible and become a member in 2030 after meeting all the conditions.

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 seen by the STA on Wednesday.

The European Council would need to strategically assess the situation and take brave political decisions, they noted.

"We need to prepare an ambitious and tangible plan for rapid integration of Ukraine into the EU by 2030." The pair believe the same plan is needed also for Georgia, Moldova and Western Balkan countries.

The plan must be specific, with clearly defined steps, timeline and a membership guarantee by 2030 provided that all conditions are met.

The first phase must be a decision on immediate recognition of a European perspective for Ukraine and then Ukraine must obtain the status of an EU candidate country as soon as it requests for membership.

The fact that Ukraine at the moment does not control all of its territory must not be an argument against its EU accession. The EU has already shown how such situations should be tackled, Janša and Morawiecki said.

They did admit though that supporting Ukrainian EU accession would require substantial financial means.

However, this process can only have positive effects, as it would be in line with the EU's fundamental historic mission and its values and principles, while it would also give hope and motivation to Ukrainian people in defending their homeland, sovereignty and democracy.

As regards the effect that such a plan would have on relations with Russia, the two prime ministers stressed that the process of European integration was not directed against anyone and was in no way a threat to Russia.

The EU with new members would remain open to cooperation with the Russian people and if the Russian side agreed, to building the strategic partnership that was once set as a goal.

"It is time for swift and brave decisions. A battle for Europe is under way. History of the last two decades teaches us that if the EU does not expand, someone else does. Now we are paying the price of ignoring this."

The pair said that unless the EU learned from this, the cost of ignorance would only increase in the future.