Slovenia

Ljubljana – Two members of the European Parliament from the Greens-European Free Alliance group have concluded their three-day mission to Slovenia, assessing that, politically-speaking, the situation was very complex, and that they are leaving the country feeling concerned.

Ljubljana – Slovenia has slid five spots in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking to 40th among 64 countries, with the Covid-19 pandemic perceived as the main reason as it has significantly affected the competitiveness of all regions, countries and industries.

Brnik – A new passenger terminal was inaugurated at the Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport on Wednesday. The expansion brings 10,000 square metres of new surfaces, including more space for security checks and baggage handling, and more check-in points. Once opened for business on 1 July, the airport will be able to handle more than 1,200 passengers per hour.

Ljubljana – US President Joe Biden has sent his congratulations ahead of Statehood Day to President Borut Pahor. He extended his congratulations to all Slovenians at the 30th independence anniversary, adding that Slovenia was an esteemed partner and friend of the US, Pahor’s office said.

Ljubljana – The leader of the Social Democrats (SD) Tanja Fajon has proposed that four opposition parties forge a closer partnership, starting with a “partnership discussion” that would chart the way forward.

Ljubljana – Slovenia will focus on three segments at the Dubai Expo this year: know-how, economic opportunities, and unique sustainable experiences. Its showcase will go beyond the pavilion and a strong business programme is planned, Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek told the press on Tuesday.

Ljubljana – The parliamentary Culture Committee reviewed the report of the Broadcasting Council for the past year at a session on Monday, including the council’s recommendation to set down sanctions for fake news in a law. Some of the participants in the debate maintained that would be in contravention of the freedom of speech.

Novo Mesto – Slovenia’s Tadej Pogačar has won the Tour of Slovenia, the country’s biggest cycling road race, after defending the leading position in the final stage from Ljubljana to Novo Mesto on Sunday.

This marks the 25th career victory for the 22-year-old UAE Team Emirates rider, who won last year’s Tour de France.

Ljubljana – Ivan Zidar, who dominated the Slovenian construction industry for decades until his demise in the mid-2000s, has died aged 82, Delo newspaper reported on Sunday.

Zidar was among the defendants in the Clean Shovel, a anti-corruption sting which uncovered collusion of major builders in the construction of an air traffic control power at Ljubljana Airport.

Brussels – Slovenia has asked for an extension of the two-month term for the assessment of its national recovery and resilience plan along with Poland, Sweden, Croatia and Romania. The European Commission has granted the request and the deadline has been extended by two weeks.