News roundup - Thursday, 28 September, until 3pm

Slovenia, Croatia to strengthen joint patrols on border

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Interior Minister Boštjan Poklukar and his Croatian counterpart Davor Božinović discussed joint activities for the prevention of illegal migrations on the sidelines of the meeting of EU interior ministers. They agreed to strengthen joint patrols and compensatory measures, including specially trained police officers and the use of technical surveillance. The ministers agreed the countries will henceforth act in a coordinated manner in their relations with Brussels and third countries with the aim to improve the situation in transit and origin countries.

Benedejčič yet to assume head of NATO mission post

LJUBLJANA - Andrej Benedejčič has not yet assumed his new job as the head of the Slovenian diplomatic mission to NATO, although his new posting was published in the Official Gazette as early as July. "He is expected to do so soon, as soon as he completes his outstanding duties at the prime minister's office," the Foreign Ministry explained for the STA. Until he takes over, the embassy is led by the deputy head of mission Tadej Furlan.

WizzAir launches regular Skopje service

BRNIK - Hungarian budget airline WizzAir launched a regular route between Ljubljana and Skopje on Wednesday. It will be flying between the two capitals throughout the year twice a week, on Wednesday and Sundays. "After four years, Skopje is once again a part of our network and we are confident that the budget-friendly WizzAir flights will draw many to explore this charming destination," said Babett Stapel, the head of airport operator Fraport Ljubljana.

Boss of mobile home maker named Manager of the Year

LJUBLJANA - Marta Kelvišar, the director of the Črnomelj-based maker of mobile homes and glamping tents Adria Dom, has been named Manager of the Year by the Manager Association, which described her as a charismatic leader who prioritises action over promises. Kelvišar "pushes the brakes when it comes to promises and accelerates when it comes to actions - because she is convinced that business leaders are more successful if they over-deliver on their promises," the business association said.

Fire retardant maker plans to invest in Maribor

MARIBOR - A German-Kosovar fire retardant company has announced it wants to build a production facility in Maribor for what it says is a pivotal product which is not only very effective but also environmentally friendly. Trident CSL already has a production facility in Frankfurt and another in Prishtina and has chosen Maribor for its next location. This facility would meet the demand on neighbouring markets, Trident CSL representative Bojan Kotnik told the STA.

Court dismisses NGO lawsuit against bear culling

LJUBLJANA - The Administrative Court dismissed a lawsuit by an environmental NGO against the decision of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning to cull 230 brown bears. Suspended by a temporary injunction, the culling may now continue, the ministry announced on Wednesday. The order is in effect until the end of the year.

Prices of commercial property continue to rise

LJUBLJANA - Following a fall in the first quarter of the year, commercial property prices rose by 1.5% in the second quarter, as a nearly three-year period of steady price growth continued in April-to-June, the Statistics Office said. The general quarterly increase was fuelled by more expensive premises for retail and services (+6.3%), while offices were 3.2% cheaper.