Latest News from Slovenia
Slovenians Mobilise for Another Anti-Jansa Push, Demanding Elections
Al least 10,000 protesters gathered in the centre of the capital Ljubljana's Preseren Square on Friday for an anti-government protest entitled "All-Slovenian uprising", calling for an end to the right-wing government of Janez Jansa and snap elections.
European chief prosecutor concerned over govt decision
Brussels – European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi has reacted to the government’s decision to annul the procedure to appoint Slovenia’s two European delegated prosecutors by saying the Slovenian authorities’ lack of sincere cooperation seriously undermines the trust in the effective functioning of the management and control systems for EU funds in Slovenia.
Justice minister resigns as govt annuls delegated prosecutor procedure
Ljubljana – Justice Minister Lilijana Kozlovič has handed her resignation, the Justice Ministry confirmed for the STA. The reason is the government’s decision to annul the procedure to appoint Slovenia’s two European delegated prosecutors and to publish a new call for applications, which Kozlovič sees no justified grounds for.
Vrtovec discusses cross-border infrastructural projects with Austrian minister
Ljubljana/Vienna – Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec met his Austrian counterpart Leonore Gewessler in Vienna on Thursday to discuss bilateral cooperation, especially in transport and infrastructure, and bilateral relations. They agreed cooperation should be strengthened in infrastructure.
Akrapovič says development key to 30 years of success
Ivančna Gorica/Črnomelj – Akrapovič, a Slovenian company known for its exhaust systems, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Founder and owner Igor Akrapovič pointed to continuous investment in development as the key to success. The epidemic led to a slight decline in sales, but last year’s profit remained comparable to 2019.
Right to use of sign language enshrined in Constitution
Ljubljana – The right to use and development of the Slovenian sign language was enshrined in the Constitution on Thursday as MPs endorsed the step unanimously. The latest constitutional law also sets down that a free use and development of the deaf-blind language is governed by law.
DARS and Skytoll sign e-toll system contract
Ljubljana – The national motorway company DARS and Slovakia’s Skytoll signed a contract on Thursday to launch an e-tolling system for cars in Slovenia. Both sides will try to push forward the date of the launch so that drivers could start using the system on 1 December as was initially planned, DARS said.
Tourism with cautious optimism ahead of summer season
Ljubljana – Slovenian tourism providers are cautiously optimistic ahead of the summer tourism season in light of a major decline in the epidemic. Roughly half the accommodation facilities are open, whereas the bulk of the other half will welcome guests again in early June.
New tourist vouchers intended also for cultural, sport events
Ljubljana – Slovenia will introduce new tourism vouchers as it is finalising an emergency bill to help the tourism industry. Unlike the vouchers issued last year, it will also be possible to use these for services such as cultural and sport events or recreational activity, Economy Ministry State Secretary Simon Zajc said on Thursday.
At Gymnich meeting, ForMin Aurescu emphasizes need for integrated approach to Eastern neighborhood conflicts
The protracted conflicts in the Eastern Neighborhood and the wider Black Sea region, EU-Africa relations and the EU's strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region were some of the subjects discussed at the informal meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers (Gymnich) held Wednesday and Thursday in Lisbon, under the Portuguese Presidency of the EU Council, the Foreign Ministry informs in a release.
Slovenian Ministry Accused of Bias in Awarding Media Funding
Slovenian journalists unions have criticised the Culture Ministry after a release of the results of the annual tender for co-financing media programs in 2021 revealed that several known radio stations, newspapers and investigative media outlets will not get any funds.
Ten people arrested in record seizure of 1.4 tonnes of heroin
Ten people from Belgium, the Netherlands and Romania were arrested in record drug seizure - 1,452 kilograms of heroin - in the Port of Constanta. According to Eurojust, it is about 10 suspects, who are part of a group of traffickers specialized in bringing large quantities of heroin to Europe.
ForMin Aurescu to attend informal meeting of EU foreign ministers
Romania's Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu is attending today an informal meeting of the European Union heads of diplomacy (Gymnich format) in Lisbon, Portugal, under the Portuguese presidency of the EU Council.
Slovenia remains in yellow tier of Covid restrictions
Ljubljana- Slovenia formally remains in tier yellow of coronavirus restrictions, despite meeting the conditions for the green tier, where most restrictions would be lifted. The current regime will remain in place until 6 June, save for some changes to rules governing the convention industry, the government decided on Wednesday.
IMF commends Slovenia’s response to Covid, says consolidation must follow
Washington – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Slovenia’s “swift, substantial, and well-coordinated policy responses” to the pandemic following consultations with the authorities earlier in May, as it stressed that once the recovery is entrenched, the focus should shift toward consolidation.