Latest News from Slovenia
Referendum on budget act declared inadmissible
Ljubljana – The National Assembly has voted 46:31 to declare as inadmissible a referendum on amendments to the budget implementation act that exempt the military from certain budget constraints.
People massively turning down AstraZeneca jab
Maribor/Ljubljana – Slovenia’s largest two vaccination centres witnessed massive cancellations by those due to get an AstraZeneca jab last week. Half of those invited turned down the jab in Maribor and a third in Ljubljana.
EU Commission launches investigation of Trimo takeover
Brussels – The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Slovenian maker of prefabricated construction elements Trimo by the Irish Kingspan Group. It is concerned that the transaction may reduce competition and lead to price increases.
Unions oppose bill opening door to Uber as minister argues in favour
Ljubljana – Trade unionists have came out against legislative amendments that would provide the legal basis for ride hailing platforms such as Uber arguing they often violate labour rights. Refuting the charge, Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec said the goal was to make transport services cheaper and more modern.
Central bank says economy shows signs of recovery
Ljubljana – All sectors in Slovenia that are not under direct impact of coronavirus restrictions recovered in the first quarter of the year, the country’s central bank says in its latest publication Economic and Financial Trends. Data shows signs of moderate although uneven economic growth, and the labour market situation remains stable.
Slovenia joins Locked Shields cyber defence exercise for first time
Ljubljana – The Locked Shields 21 cyber defence and strategic decision-making exercise will start on Tuesday in 30 countries, including Slovenia for the first time. The largest and most complex international exercise in the field will in Slovenia also include representatives of businesses.
Thirteen EU Member States Reach Agreement on Vaccination Passport, Bulgaria Among Them
Bulgaria is among the 13 EU member countries which reached agreement on 7 criteria necessary for the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination certificates.
EU Commission on virtual Rule of Law Report visit to Slovenia
Brussels – The European Commission is on a virtual visit to Slovenia today in preparation for its second Rule of Law Report, which is expected in July, the Foreign Ministry confirmed for the STA. Slovenia submitted its assessment of the situation in late March. The purpose of the visit is to obtain additional information and clear up any issues.
MEPs address to govt series of questions about media freedom, other topics
Ljubljana/Brussels – The European Parliament’s democracy monitoring group has addressed almost fifty written questions to the Slovenian government, Prime Minister Janez Janša and Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti, as it is trying to fully assess media freedom in Slovenia.
Journalists condemn threats by govt national security official
Ljubljana – The journalists of the newspaper Delo, as well as the paper’s editorial board and the Journalists’ Association, have condemned threats levelled against Delo’s Brussels correspondent Peter Žerjavič by Žan Mahnič, the state secretary for national security.
Vaccination coordinator blames info commissioner for vaccination problems
Ljubljana – National vaccination coordinator Jelko Kacin pointed the finger at Information Commissioner Mojca Prelesnik last night when asked about problems in vaccination organisation on a current affairs show broadcast by RTV Slovenija. Prelesnik denied the accusation, saying the responsibility for delays lay solely with the government.
Slovenian Leaders Deny Calling for ‘Dissolution’ of Bosnia
Slovenia's President, Borut Pahor, on Monday, denied calling for the dissolution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, saying he wanted Bosnia to join the European Union as soon as possible.
Lockdown ended, Slovenia enters red tier of restrictions
Ljubljana – Slovenia enters the red tier of coronavirus restrictions under an overhauled traffic light system on Monday after an eleven-day circuit breaker lockdown has ended. Most notably, the night curfew is gone after nearly six months and schools are once again open.
Gea revenue, profit down due to pandemic
Slovenska Bistrica – Gea, the largest producer of vegetable oils in Slovenia, saw revenue drop by nearly 10% last year over 2019, while profit tumbled to EUR 140,000, only 20% of 2019 profit. The company saw the biggest drop in sales to restaurants and hotels.
Poll: Almost two-thirds think Slovenia needs a new party
Ljubljana – Voters in Slovenia are apparently not tired of new faces and parties as more than 64% of the respondents in a public opinion poll conducted by Mediana for the newspaper Delo said the Slovenian political arena needs a new party that would fill the content gap.