Jernej Vrtovec

Koper – A 100-metre extension to Quay I of the container terminal at the Koper port was inaugurated on Wednesday in what the port operator’s CEO said was a key strategic project that would allow Slovenia’s sole maritime port to preserve its leadership in container transshipment in the North Adriatic.

Luxembourg – Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec attended a meeting of EU transport ministers in Luxembourg on Thursday to present the priorities of Slovenia’s upcoming EU presidency in transport. He said the country would promote sustainability and resilience, the Infrastructure Ministry said.

Ljubljana/Dubai – Low-cost airline Flydubai intends to start operating flights between its base in Dubai and Ljubljana in September. According to the Ljubljana airport flight schedule, Flydubai will launch flights to Slovenia’s capital on 24 September, flying three times per week, aviation portal Exyuaviation.com reported.

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.

Ljubljana – Hauliers, who have been severely hit by the Covid pandemic, can now count on EUR 35 million in loans to weather liquidity issues, while they can also look forward to some 10 million in grants in coming months.

A contract on financing and implementing the new scheme was signed on Monday by Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec and SIB Banka chairman Sibil Svilan.

Ljubljana – The National Assembly has narrowly rejected opposition-sponsored changes to the act on the construction of a new railway line between the port of Koper and Divača seeking to strike out the option that allows foreign capital to be invested in the project. Coalition MPs pointed to the role of foreign countries in the port’s development.

Ljubljana – Trade unionists have came out against legislative amendments that would provide the legal basis for ride hailing platforms such as Uber arguing they often violate labour rights. Refuting the charge, Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec said the goal was to make transport services cheaper and more modern.

Koper – A new centre for maritime traffic control and management in crisis situations was inaugurated in Koper on Friday in what is a project that is expected to greatly improve navigation safety in the Slovenian territorial waters and decrease risk of accidents by as much as 70%.

Ljubljana – The parliamentary Commission for Oversight of Public Finances debated Friday the selection of Slovakia’s Skytoll for an e-tolling system for cars. While the opposition alleged irregularities, motorway company DARS and the Infrastructure Ministry rejected any impropriety. The MPs asked the anti-graft commission to look into the tender.

Ljubljana – Following a gradual but persistent decrease in coronavirus infections and hospitalisations, Slovenia has entered orange tier, with the government deciding on Thursday for a sweeping easing of restrictions. Movement will once again be allowed throughout the country and primary schools will reopen in full on Monday, among other things.