Latest News from Slovenia
Restrictions broadly unchanged as state of epidemic extended by a month
Brdo pri Kranju – The government has extended the majority of coronavirus restrictions by another week as it prolonged the state of the epidemic by another thirty days as part of its weekly review of measures on Wednesday.
“The current epidemic situation … requires a new, temporally limited declaration of the epidemic across the entire territory of Slovenia,” the government said.
Business excellence award goes to Ptuj health centre
Ljubljana – This year’s national award for business excellence and international five-star excellence certificate EFQM have been bestowed on the Ptuj Community Health Centre. Investment agency Spirit Slovenija welcomed the fact that the winner is a public sector organisation.
Average daily coronavirus count down as hospitalisations fall below 500
Ljubljana – Slovenia confirmed 952 coronavirus cases on Tuesday, a drop of 21% from the same day a week ago, to push the 7-day average to 728 from 764 the day before. Covid-19 hospitalisations dropped below 500 again, but four patients died, data released by the government show.
Committee passes controversial water act amendments
Ljubljana – The parliamentary environment committee has passed amendments to the water act changes, under which hazardous substances could be used under certain condition by production facilities located in water protection areas. While the government says adequate safety mechanisms are envisaged, the opposition warns of harmful effects for water sources.
EP service’s internal document provides in-depth analysis on developments in Slovenia
Brussels – A European Parliament policy department service compiled an in-depth document on the situation in Slovenia in preparation for Friday’s session of the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group. The document, which is for internal use only, also details Prime Minister Janez Janša’s attacks on media.
Karavanke Tunnel work on Slovenian side on schedule
Jesenice – Work on the second tube of the Karavanke Tunnel on the border with Austria is on schedule. Turkish Cengiz workers have already bored some 550 metres of what is a roughly 3.5-km tube on the Slovenian side. No major problems have been encountered since boring started last August and is expected to be completed in two years.
EU urged to protect independent journalism in Poland, Hungary, Slovenia
Ljubljana – A group of 19 NGOs and associations advocating media and human rights urged the EU on Tuesday to “take decisive action to protect independent journalism” in Poland, Hungary and Slovenia. The call comes a day before a debate on threats to media freedom in the three countries to be held at the European Parliament.
Democracy advocacy group challenges Hojs’s protest ban comment
Ljubljana – The Legal Network for the Protection of Democracy, a group providing legal support to individuals and NGOs facing prosecution for non-violet public actions, described as inaccurate a claim made by Interior Minister Aleš Hojs in an interview with the STA that protests were not banned in Slovenia.
Ombudsman says Environment Ministry violating democratic standards
Ljubljana – Human Rights Ombudsman Peter Svetina has voiced criticism over the procedure in which the Environment and Spatial Planning Ministry wants to change the environmental protection act. The ministry’s actions are not in line with modern democratic standards, which has recently become an established modus operandi of the ministry, the ombudsman says.
The First Two Stages of the Virtual Tour of Slovenia with almost 500 Cyclists from 43 Countries!
In the first two stages of the I Feel Slovenia Virtual Tour of Slovenia, sponsored by Zavarovalnica Generali and Hervis, a total of 479 cyclists from 43 countries have already registered.
DeSUS president Erjavec joins Iskratel as expansion advisor
Ljubljana – Karl Erjavec, the president of the Pensioners’ Party (DeSUS), has taken a job at the telecommunications equipment provider Iskratel where he will advise the CEO on expansion to new markets, prompting speculations about the future of his political career.
Kacin says delays in vaccination could still be compensated
Ljubljana – Jelko Kacin, the coordinator for the logistics of mass vaccination, told the STA on Monday he was happy with the vaccination process so far. He is confident that with increased supplies Slovenia can make up for some of the lost time. The country is very hopeful about the Janssen Pharmaceutica vaccine, which is yet to be approved.
Officials pledge continued efforts to achieve gender equality
Ljubljana – Slovenia’s most senior officials called for continued efforts to improve gender equality on International Women’s Day, praising women’s contribution to the battle against Covid-19. They also noted Slovenia’s comparably good gender equality record.
Connectivity identified as key to digital transformation
Ljubljana – Public Administration Minister Boštjan Koritnik emphasised the role of connectivity in a successful digital transformation, as he addressed the Regional Forum for Europe on Meaningful Connectivity, organised by International Telecommunication Union with the support of his ministry.
New hospitality bill to bring tighter tourist rental rules
Ljubljana – A new hospitality bill that has recently been sent into public consultation brings stricter rules for renting out flats and houses to tourists on platform such as Airbnb. Service providers will have to get registered, have an identification number, and obtain certain permits, while facing high fines for breaking the new rules.