News roundup - Friday, 2 February, until 3pm

Slovenia's exports up by 4.4% in 2023, imports up by 0.6%

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia exported EUR 54.9 billion worth of goods in 2023, up by 4.4% compared to 2022. The import of goods reached EUR 57 billion, up by 0.6% from 2022. The external trade deficit amounted to EUR 2.1 billion, putting the export-import ratio to 96.4%. Export to EU countries decreased by 5.2% compared to 2022, while export to non-EU countries increased by 19.4%.

Specialised prosecution investigating 19 suspects for grand corruption

LJUBLJANA - After police carried out a number of house searches last week, including at Ljubljana's Town Hall and Mayor Zoran Janković's home, the Specialised State Prosecutor's Office said it is investigating 19 individuals suspected of systemic corruption regarding acquisition of building permits and abuse of the municipality's funds. The prosecution initially investigate two persons but over the course of a year it expanded the probe.

Adria Mobil posts record revenue

NOVO MESTO - Adria Mobil, a maker of caravans and motorhomes which is part of the French group Trigano, generated a record high revenue of EUR 572 million in the 2022/2023 business year. The company sold 4% fewer units or 15,000. The Adria Mobil Group, which also includes Slovenian companies Adria Plus, Podgorje and Adria Dom, as well as companies in Croatia, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK and Switzerland, sold 16,500 vehicles and generated EUR 660 million in revenue, up 12% on the previous year.

Maribor Art Gallery celebrates 70 years with major display

MARIBOR - The Maribor Art Gallery (UGM), a regional museum of art, is marking its 70th anniversary with a major display of over 250 works from its 10,000-plus collection, which features Slovenian artists since the end of the 19th century. Some have iconic status, some are less known, and others will be on show for the first time.

Ptuj entering carnival mode

PTUJ - Carnival festivities chasing away winter are starting early this year and will run from 3 to 13 February. Ptuj, one of the country's best known carnival cities, will host its 64th traditional Kurentovanje festival. The highlight will be an international carnival procession on 11 February. At the core of Kurentovanje are Kurents, scary sheepskin figures with huge cow bells, which are also part of UNESCO's intangible heritage.