News roundup - Wednesday, 13 September, until 3pm

Slovenia issues new dollar bond

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia issued a new ten-year bond, the first one denominated in US dollars since 2014. Worth a billion dollars, it comes with a coupon rate of 5%. Investor demand exceeded 3.8 billion dollars, which is "a strong testimony of the confidence institutional investors have in the Republic of Slovenia," the Finance Ministry said. The treasury implemented a currency swap to hedge against exchange rate risks. The actual cost of financing after currency exchange is thus at 3.802%. The bond issue "is of great strategic importance from the point of view of Slovenia's position on the capital markets," the ministry said.

Minister says flood-hit businesses to get aid shortly as he opens trade fair

CELJE - Economy, Tourism and Sport Minister Matjaž Han said that the businesses hit by the devastating floods in August would receive an advance payment of 10% of the damage they are estimated to have suffered "in the coming days", as he opened the 55th International Trade Fair (MOS). "It's encouraging that some companies are already back to business, which is also important for their foreign partners," he said, noting that this was a signal to foreign partners that Slovenia is a reliable economic partner. This year, MOS focuses on green transition, digitalisation and staff shortages. It runs until Sunday and features 650 exhibitors from 25 countries.

Electricity price regulation could be extended into 2024 for vulnerable groups, minister says

LJUBLJANA - Electricity price regulation expires at the end of the year, but could be kept for vulnerable groups yet not for businesses, Energy Minister Bojan Kumer said in an interview with the STA. This is one of the options on the table, but no decision has been made yet. On the other hand, gas price regulation will not be extended. The minister believes capping the prices for medium-sized and large companies is no longer necessary, because market prices largely enabled them to get lower prices than the capped ones. An exception are small businesses, where the capped electricity prices are extremely low, Kumer explained.

Experts want sustainable post-flood reconstruction

ŠKOFJA LOKA - Experts in water management, spatial planning and landscape architecture have joined forces with NGOs, environmentalists and flood victims in issuing a public appeal for a sustainable, systemic and interdisciplinary reconstruction after the devastating August flooding. One particular problem that was noted is the erection of walls along waterways, which may prevent flooding at those specific locations but make things worse downstream. Possible flood protection measures include widening waterways, creating different zones with canals, wetlands and spill zones, the creation of meanders, and afforestation.

Two more temporary bridges open in flood-affected areas

GORNJI GRAD/MEŽICA - As part of the post-flood reconstruction effort, temporary bridges are being set up in cooperation with foreign teams, with one such bridge to be open for traffic today in Gornji Grad and another one in Mežica, both in northern Slovenia. The bridge across the Dreta River in Gornji Grad is important for the entire Upper Savinja Valley as it is part of the shortest route to Ljubljana, Gornji Grad Mayor Anton Špeh told the STA. The third temporary bridge in Mežica, built by Czech soldiers will officially open today, Mežica Mayor Mark Maze said, noting that at least one more temporary bridge would be needed in the town on the Meža River.

Committee unhappy with lack of progress on Roma issues

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Home Affairs Committee discussed the situation of the Roma in Slovenia in a lengthy debate on Tuesday, with members expressing concern over the lack of progress. Many believe that situation has not improved but worsened over the past 30 years, while good practices are few and far between. The committee passed several resolutions, among other things underlining the importance of cooperation between the Roma and local communities, and encouraging more organised activities for Roma children and families. The National Assembly will take note of the annual report on the situation of the Roma community in Slovenia today.

Business chamber and ministry launching digital info points

CELJE - The Chamber of Craft and Small Business (OZS) and the Ministry of Digital Transformation signed a contract under which the OZS will be launching 222 digital info points across the country, providing assistance to residents with digital public services. The info points are to be up and running in two months, OZS President Blaž Cvar said, adding that there would be one info point in each of Slovenia's 212 municipalities and several in the cities of Celje, Kranj, Koper, Maribor and Ljubljana. They will be open at least five days a week, for a total of at least 18 hours a week. The first 62 points will open within a month and the others a month later.

Scouts addressing alleged sexual assault case within their ranks

LJUBLJANA - The Scout Association of Slovenia notified the public of a case involving a suspected sexual offence against minors committed by a troop leader. The suspect has been withdrawn from all activities until the circumstances are clarified, and the parents of the members of the troop have been contacted. The General Police Administration said the suspect had been brought before an investigating judge and that he had been put in detention. It added that the investigation was still ongoing. After the incident, a contact point was established where scouts and their parents can report any deviant behaviour and related concerns.

Borut Pahor becomes honorary member of Slovenska Matica

LJUBLJANA - Former President Borut Pahor became an honorary member of the nation's oldest cultural and scientific society, Slovenska Matica. Presenting the title, Slovenska Matica President Aleš Gabrič pointed to Pahor's support for legislation that ensured reliable funding, and his sponsorship of several events. Accepting the honour, Pahor said Slovenska Matica was a cornerstone of the nation's maturity in culture and science, and said the title was a responsibility to advocate for the society also in the future.

Exhibition on late writer Pahor moving to his native Trieste

TRIESTE, Italy - After being on display in the European Parliament in Brussels and the National Assembly in Ljubljana, an exhibition dedicated to Slovenian writer Boris Pahor (1913-2022) and marking the first anniversary of his death has moved to the National Hall in Trieste, Pahor's native city. Focusing on Pahor's literature, it features the author's works, including translations of Necropolis, a novel about his experience of concentration camps, in various languages, and awards and personal belongings. It is in his 2006 novel Trg Oberdan (Oberdan Square) that Pahor describes how he witnessed in 1920 the Fascists burning down the National Hall building.