News roundup - Saturday, 30 March

Seven countries hail NATO accession 20 years ago in joint statement

NEW YORK, US - The foreign ministers of Slovenia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Slovakia issued a joint statement on Friday to mark the 20th anniversary of their countries' accession to NATO. They stressed that the alliance remains strong and keeps the door open for further enlargement. The statement moreover expresses the expectation that all NATO members will deliver on their commitment to spend 2% of their annual GDP on defence.

Bishops wish blessed and peaceful Easter holidays

LJUBLJANA - The bishops of the Catholic Church in Slovenia have extended their Easter greetings to everyone through pastoral letters. While wishing for blessed and peaceful Easter holidays, they stressed the fragility of human life during Holy Week and highlighted Christ's triumph, love, peace, mutual respect, and joy. Easter vigils and blessings of Easter dishes were held at churches around the country.

Motorway company DARS net profit up 4% to EUR 140.5m in 2023

LJUBLJANA - National motorway company DARS generated sales revenues of EUR 525.3 million last year, an increase of 6% compared to 2022. The largest share of revenues was accounted for by tolls, which brought in EUR 509.2. Net profit rose by 4% to EUR 140.5 million, according to unaudited results. DARS sold 8.6 million motorway vignettes last year, 15% more than in 2022. The value of the vignettes sold rose by EUR 32.78 million year-on-year to EUR 236 million, the company told told STA earlier this month.