Latest News from Slovenia
Slovenia aiming for progress on migration, asylum policies
Ljubljana – Slovenia’s EU presidency will try to achieve progress in negotiations on legislation under the framework of the asylum and migrations pact. Strengthening the Schengen zone and security are also high on the list of priorities.
Slovenian, Portuguese German presidents stress importance of European idea
Brdo pri Kranju – Slovenian President Borut Pahor and his German and Portuguese counterparts, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, highlighted the importance of Europe’s unity and the European idea as they held a meeting in Slovenia on Sunday.
Mass anti-government protest calls for early election
Ljubljana – Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Ljubljana on Friday protesting against the government’s actions and calling for an early election. The rally included various groups and movements and was supported by trade unions and part of the opposition. PM Janez Janša said spreading Covid-19 with unregistered mass rallies was a crime.
Another attempt to dismiss Speaker Zorčič fails
Ljubljana – Igor Zorčič remains speaker as only 45 MPs voted to dismiss him in a secret ballot Friday, one short of the needed majority, just like in the first attempt on 30 March after he quit the coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC). Two ballots were invalid while no MP voted against as the centre-left opposition and unaffiliated MPs obstructed the vote.
New internal paper unveiled: Final Belgrade-Pristina agreement to be reached in 2021?
This document was made after the recent dinner of the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, with the leaders of the Western Balkans, reports Pristina portal Demokracia.com.
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.