Latest News from Slovenia
Some high school students boycott remote learning to call for reopening
Ljubljana/Velenje – A number of secondary school students boycotted remote learning on Tuesday to express support for a movement that seeks face-to-face teaching at secondary schools. Opinions about this among students are still divided, though, a representative of the relevant organisation said.
Biathlon World Championships start in Slovenia’s Pokljuka
Pokljuka – Competitions at the 2021 Biathlon World Championships will start on the Alpine plateau of Pokljuka on Wednesday in what is the biggest winter sports event in Slovenia so far. Running until 21 February, the event will feature 337 competitors from 38 countries.
Writers opt out of independence anniversary celebration
Ljubljana – The Slovenian Writers’ Association (DSP) has decided it will not take part in the celebration of Slovenia’s 30th independence anniversary following revelations that Prime Minister Janez Janša has banned some government officials from making public appearances.
Debate highlights ethical aspects of AI, warns of risks
Ljubljana – Respecting ethical principles and human rights is key for artificial intelligence (AI) technology to inspire trust, heard a virtual debate on Tuesday. Legislation should be amended to become, among other things, more adaptable as future innovations will pose additional challenges and risks, said the participants.
Skytoll e-tolling deal under scrutiny
Ljubljana – The parliamentary Public Finance Oversight Commission is to discuss the recent decision by the motorway company DARS to pick the Slovak company Skytoll to set up the country’s e-tolling system in the wake of reports that DARS tailored the tender for Skytoll. The decision will also be challenged by one of the rivals in the tender.
President calls for culture of dialogue on Culture Day
Ljubljana – President Borut Pahor hosted the annual Culture Day event in Presidential Palace on Monday, receiving this year’s Prešeren Prize and Prešeren Fund Prize recipients. Pahor called for culture of dialogue. Author Feri Lainšček, one of the laureates, meanwhile highlighted the role Slovenian culture played in the country’s independence efforts.
Culture should not become collateral damage of epidemic, says speaker
Ljubljana – Parliamentary Speaker Igor Zorčič said in his Culture Day address, released on Monday, that culture and art “are not and should not be considered a privilege, but above all they should not become the collateral damage of the epidemic”. Everyone has an option to support artists, he added.
Graphic novel about Slovenia’s poet laureate released
Kranj – Ahead of Culture Day the Gorenjska Museum released a comic book about Slovenia’s most prominent poet, France Prešeren (1800-1849), authored by the museum’s consultant Magda Zore and painter Jože Trobec.
The comic, titled Comic Book about Prešeren, captures the life of the acclaimed poet who elevated the Slovenian poetry to the heights of established Romantic verse.
Switzerland Tightens Requirements to Arrivals in a Bid to Control Covid-19 Spread
As of today, February 8, 2021Switzerland requires, that all arrivals by plane submit a negative PCR test result, Bulgarian foreign ministry warned.
Slovenia Joins Region in ‘Me Too’ Outcry Over Sexual Abuse
Slovenia has joined the latest "Me Too" outcry in Southeast Europe as more women in the country start to share their own experiences of sexual abuse following reports of sexual harassment in the academic world.
Feri Lainšček, author whose characters have lives of their own
Ljubljana – Feri Lainšček, a writer, poet, playwright and screenwriter from north-eastern Slovenia, who will receive the Prešeren Prize for lifetime-achievement, sees his work not as a job but as a way of life. He believes literary heroes are spiritual beings with lives of their own.
Marko Mušič, an architect inspired by architectural greats
Ljubljana – Marko Mušič, one of the most distinguished Slovenian architects, comes from a long line of architects. He will receive the Prešeren Prize for lifetime-achievement, the country’s top accolade for artistic accomplishments, after leaving a notable mark with his work in Slovenia and throughout the former Yugoslavia.
Double podium feats for Slovenian ski jumpers
Linz/Klingenthal – Slovenia’s ski jumpers made it to the podium for the third day running as Nika Križnar and Bor Pavlovčič both finished as runners-up in their respective women’s and men’s World Cup events on Sunday.
Victory for Slovenia in women’s Cross Country World Cup team sprint
Stockholm – Slovenian cross-country skiers Eva Urevc and Anamarija Lampič won the women’s World Cup team sprint event in Ulricehamn, in Sweden on Sunday in their biggest feat ever after finishing third in the same discipline in Dresden in December.
Slovenia seeking to join MED7
Nicosia – Bilateral ties, EU issues, the Cyprus issue and Slovenia’s desire to join the MED7 topped the agenda as Slovenian Foreign Minister Anže Logar held talks with Cypriot counterpart Nikosom Hristodulidesom. Logar highlighted the need for small and Mediterranean countries to cooperate.