Slovenian Press Agency

Brussels – The Brussels-based web portal Politico has published an extensive analysis of the media situation in Slovenia based on talks with Slovenian journalists and foreign observers, in which it says that “Prime Minister Janez Janša’s attacks create climate of fear”. It adds that Janša is waging a big campaign against journalists he does not like.

Ljubljana – The STA staff has made a public appeal to lawmakers and heads of political parties, expressing concern after an amendment was passed yesterday under which the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) would be folded into the emerging National Demographic Fund.

Ljubljana – The emerging National Demographic Fund might become the founder and the only shareholder of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA), according to an amendment to the government-sponsored bill on the new fund. The agency’s founder and only shareholder is now the Republic of Slovenia, with the government acting on behalf of the state.

Ljubljana – The government has provisionally approved the release of overdue budget payments to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) as required by the 7th economic stimulus package, the Government Communication Office (UKOM) said on Thursday.

Brussels – European rules cannot be used as an excuse to stop the funding of press agencies, an European Commission spokesperson said on Tuesday about the financing of the STA. It appears that the aid could be granted without the need for prior approval by the Commission, according to Arianna Podesta.

Ljubljana – The Slovenian Press Agency (STA) will celebrate its 30th birthday this year only days before the country observes the 30th anniversary of its independence in June. From its humble beginnings as a single-desk agency, the STA has grown to become a modern media service provider.

Ljubljana – The National Assembly voted 44:40 on Tuesday in favour of a last-minute amendment to the latest economic stimulus bill that the coalition Modern Centre Party (SMC) tabled to reinstate public financing of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA).

The management of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) has appealed to Prime Minister Janez Janša and members of his government to support the call by the agency’s staff and supervisory board for the Government Communication Office (UKOM) to restore the financing of the public service provided by the STA.

Strasbourg – Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatović wrote a letter to Prime Minister Janez Janša on Monday, urging him to immediately reintroduce funding to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA). She expressed concern that the suspension of public funding could jeopardise the agency’s future.

The Government Office for Legislation has issued an opinion on the suspension of financing of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) by the Government Communication Office, saying this could only be the ultimate penalty, as a stoppage of public service would be unlawful. It also says the law secures the STA independence, also from the government.