News roundup - Monday, 1 January

Slovenia joins UN Security Council for two years

NEW YORK, US - Slovenia formally assumed its two-year stint as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council to take part in decision making about global peace and security until 31 December 2025. In a message on the occasion, Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said this is a major opportunity but also responsibility as the current situation in the world is demanding and complex. Prime Minister Robert Golob argued its small size gave Slovenia an edge in efforts to secure balanced solutions and announced the country will would not only be an observer but and active member of the council.

Slovenia enters 2024, officials wishing all the best

LJUBLJANA - The rainy weather was no obstacle to tens of thousands in Slovenia who entered 2024 at open air celebrations around the country last night, with no major incidences or emergencies reported by police. The country's top officials have wished people in Slovenia all the best in the New Year.

Ski jumping: Lanišek wins Four Hills event in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany - Slovenia's Anže Lanišek won the Ski Jumping World Cup competition in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, the second event of the prestigious Four Hills Tournament. Lanišek, the third best jumper of the 2022/23 season, beat two-time Four Hills champion Ryoyu Kobayashi from Japan. German jumper Andreas Wellinger was third and still tops the tournament overall standings. Lanišek was only 18th on the first hill and will have a hard time bridging the gap to the top in the final two events.

Goran Dragić ends basketball career

LJUBLJANA - Goran Dragić, the Slovenian point guard who can look back on a 15-year career in the NBA, formally announced his retirement from active basketball on Sunday. The 37-year-old thanked all who helped him on his path and expressed the wish to continue working in basketball. Dragić was an NBA All-Star at the peak of his career in 2018. He is s the Slovenian national team's record holder in terms of appearances (90) and points scored and was picked the MVP of the 2017 FIBA EuroBasket in Turkey, where he led Slovenia to their first title of European champions.