Latest News from Slovenia
Covid figures remain modest
Ljubljana – Slovenia recorded 290 new coronavirus cases for Thursday, down 42 on Wednesday and 25 more than a week ago, show data by the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ). One person infected with the virus died. According to the Health Ministry, 24 people were in hospital on Thursday due to Covid-19, three of which in intensive care.
Bode Miller partners with Elan in production of own ski brand
Begunje na Gorenjskem – Former US skiing star Bode Miller has paid a visit to Slovenia as part of what is now a confirmed partnership with sports goods maker Elan in the production of Miller’s own ski brand.
Slovenian minister supports tighter rules on internal border checks
Luxembourg – The EU interior ministers have reached agreement on a negotiating basis to reform the Schengen Borders Code as part of which the rules when a Schengen member state wants to reintroduce internal border controls would be tightened. Slovenian Interior Minister Tatjana Bobnar stressed at Friday’s ministerial that these checks must be temporary.
Slovenia elected to UN Economic and Social Council
New York – The UN General Assembly elected Slovenia with 176 votes to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), one of the six principal bodies of the United Nations, responsible for coordinating the economic and social policies of the organisation.
Over 70% in EU Support Economic Sanctions on Russia
Over 70% of people surveyed in the EU agree with the imposition of economic sanctions on Russia, with two-thirds feeling that more stringent sanctions should be imposed. Support for economic sanctions is particularly high in Scandinavian countries, the Baltic states, Romania, Poland and Ireland.
Week in Review: The Search for Normality
New Beginning
Albania President - elect, Bajram Begaj. Photo credits: Edi Rama Facebook
After the often turbulent and anything-but-dull five year term of Ilir Meta as President of Albania, is the country about to get a 'normal' president? On Saturday June 4, Albania's Parliament elected Bajram Begaj as the country's new President, due to take office at the end of July.
Croatia's message to Serbia: We will not allow this
"Croatia does not accept that the Serbian prosecutor's office raises indictments against non-Serb citizens living on the territory outside of Serbia," said Andrej Plenkovic last night, as Hina reported.
He expressed an opinion that "Serbia, which was an aggressor on Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, now acts as "prosecutor's office or court" and said that "it will not pass".
Pahor notes importance of Trubar and Slovenian language in Italy
Gorizia – President Borut Pahor addressed a ceremony ahead of Primož Trubar Day in Italy’s Savogna on Tuesday, noting the importance of the Slovenian language for the Slovenian nation, saying that the “Slovenian language was and will be the foundation of our identity.”
SDS says government already trampled on constitution
Ljubljana – Opposition SDS MP Branko Grims has accused the Robert Golob government of trampling on the constitution as soon as it came to power; he cited its demand to compile lists of staff that were hired during the previous two governments and the interior minister’s withdrawal of consent for the suits regarding anti-government rallies.
PM Golob to visit Brussels next week
Ljubljana – Prime Minister Robert Golob will travel to Brussels next week to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, his office told the STA on Tuesday. This will be his first visit to EU institutions following his government taking office last Wednesday.
Covid case count up to almost 460
Ljubljana – As many as 458 new coronavirus cases were logged in Slovenia on Monday, a weekly rise of 78, while there were no deaths, the data released by the Health Ministry shows. The number of persons hospitalised due to Covid-19 dropped by 5 to 21 from Sunday to Monday, and another four persons were in intensive care, the same as on Sunday.
Latvian poet Amanda Aizpuriete wins Vilenica Prize
Ljubljana – Latvian poet Amanda Aizpuriete is the winner of this year’s International Vilenica Prize for Central European literature, which will be given out during the 37th Vilenica International Literary Festival in Slovenia in September. The Slovenian author in the focus will be Andrej Blatnik, the festival’s organisers told the press on Tuesday.
Writer Boris Pahor laid to rest in Trieste
Trieste – Several hundred people gathered at St Ana’s Cemetery in Trieste on Tuesday to lay to rest Boris Pahor, one of the greatest Slovenian writers. Pahor was paid respects by several Slovenian politicians and other public figures, who highlighted the high moral and ethical standards of the writer and witness to all three totalitarianisms.
Slovenia joins EU countries urging changes to Covid vaccine contracts
Brussels/Ljubljana – Ten EU member states, including Slovenia, have called on the European Commission to amend contracts for the supply of Covid vaccines to reduce the number of doses ordered. They warn about the issue of vaccine surpluses and the need for a better management of public funds.
Fajon stresses support to Ukraine’s EU accession efforts
Ljubljana – Deputy Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament Olena Kondratiuk thanked Slovenia for its support for Ukraine as she addressed the press with Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon in Ljubljana on Tuesday. Fajon said Slovenia would also support Ukraine in its EU accession efforts and announced the Slovenian ambassador would return to Kyiv next Tuesday.