Latest News from Slovenia

Analysis: 2021 EU – Western Balkans Summit: EU Credibility in Western Balkans Undermined?

International Institute for Middle East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) from Ljubljana, Slovenia, has analyzed the current political situation in Western Balkans in the context of the upcoming EU-Western Balkans summit. Ifimes brings the most important and interesting excerpts from a comprehensive analysis titled "2021 EU - Western Balkans Summit: EU credibility in Western Balkans undermined?"

Spain reacted because of Kosovo - set a condition

According to the Spanish newspaper Periodico, since Spain does not recognize Kosovo, there will be no symbols of Kosovo, reports Ekonomija online.
As it was announced, Sanchez will travel to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, tomorrow, to attend the meeting of the leaders of the European Union before the summit with the representatives of the Western Balkans.

Drastic decline in number of bumblebees in Slovenia

Ljubljana – The first monitoring of wild bees in 2021 did not yield encouraging results, with the bumblebees count dropping five-fold compared to last year. “This is bad news for both agriculture and nature, as bumblebees are among the most important pollinators,” the National Institute of Biology (NIB) said on Monday.

EU summit in Brdo on strategic sovereignty and relations with W Balkans

Ljubljana/Brussels – EU leaders will gather in Brdo pri Kranju on Tuesday for a strategic debate on the EU’s international role in the light of developments in Afghanistan, the AUKUS security partnership and relations with China. On Wednesday, the Slovenian EU presidency will host an EU-Western Balkans summit, but no significant developments are expected.

Movement in Ljubljana, Bled and Brdo restricted on Tuesday, Wednesday

Ljubljana – The government decided to restrict or prohibit movement in Ljubljana, the lakeside resort of Bled and around the Brdo pri Kranju conference centre on Tuesday and Wednesday, citing a high probability of severe violations of public order and peace. This comes as new mass protests have been announced and ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit.

Police trade union takes action to warn about abuse

Ljubljana – The SPS police trade union has submitted to parliament an initiative to collect signatures from citizens in support of amendments to the employment relationships act that would make conditions for reprimanding employees before dismissal stricter and more specific. The SPS warns the disciplinary measure has been abused in the police force.

Janša says govt will not cave to pressure

Ljubljana – Prime Minister Janez Janša said the government would “not cave to pressure” after Zoran Stevanović, the leader of the protests against the Covid pass mandate, called on the government to resign or face new protests, including a blockade of the upcoming EU-Western Balkans summit. He called on the competent authorities to take action.

Sparkasse acquires issuer of Diners Club cards in Slovenia

Ljubljana – The Slovenian branch of Sparkasse bank has acquired Erste Card, which has exclusive rights for issuing Diners Club cards in Slovenia, from the Croatian Erste Card Club. The contract was signed on Friday and still needs regulatory approval.

Sparkasse and Erste Card have been cooperating for years in offering personal and business Diners Club cards to Sparkasse clients.

Sunday’s coronavirus count at 225

Ljubljana – Slovenia reported 225 coronavirus cases for Sunday, a drop of 20% from the same day a week ago, as the number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals rose further and 7 patients died, combined data from the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) and Covid tracker show.

Teaching still predominantly domain of women

Ljubljana – More women than men work in education-related professions in Slovenia and the situation is getting more imbalanced still. Ahead of World Teachers’ Day, Statistics Office data show that the higher the level of education, the less disproportionate the share.

Court of Audit blames faulty system for lack of doctors

Ljubljana – While Slovenia is grappling with a shortage of doctors and long wait times for medical procedures, the Court of Audit has found the Health Ministry and the Medical Chamber of Slovenia do not know how many additional specialist doctors are needed, which ones, and how to provide them, describing the system as ineffective.

Systemic risks to financial stability improving but remain elevated

Ljubljana – The general gravity of systemic risks to financial stability has been reduced as the economy has rebounded, but there are elevated risks stemming from the housing market and the long-term profitability of banks, according to the central bank’s latest Financial Stability Review.

New "Kosovo reciprocity measure" ready

According to Kurti, within full reciprocity, there should be mutual recognition between the so-called Kosovo and Serbia.

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