News roundup - Thursday, 16 May, until 3pm

ECHR throws out fishermen's lawsuits against Croatia

STRASBOURG, France - The European Court of Human Rights decided that the applications brought by Slovenian fishermen against Croatia were inadmissible. Today's decision says that the court does not have the jurisdiction to rule on the validity of the border arbitration and also that the fishermen could have foreseen minor offences convictions. This came as no surprise to the fishermen, who receive assurances from the agriculture minister of continued support.

Court throws out applications against asylum centres

LJUBLJANA - The Administrative Court has thrown out applications by the border municipalities of Brežice and Središče ob Dravi against the government's decision to set up asylum centre units there. The court decided against staying the implementation of the government's decision. Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arčon said that the decision, which the municipalities can appeal, "was expected in a way" and that "we will take all the measures planned".

Post-flood reconstruction mechanism cleared at EUR 2.3 billion

LJUBLJANA - The government endorsed a post-flood reconstruction programme under which it projects EUR 2.3 billion will be needed in the next five years to tackle the impact of the August 2023 floods, of which EUR 360 million is set aside for this year, Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arčon said after the government session.

NLB announces takeover intention for Addiko Bank shares

LJUBLJANA - The NLB bank announced on Wednesday its intention to launch a voluntary public takeover offer aimed to acquire control over Addiko Bank for all issued and outstanding Addiko shares. The bank will offer EUR 20 per share on a cum dividend basis.

Krka reports record-high sales revenue and profit

LJUBLJANA - The pharmaceutical group Krka generated EUR 486.1 million in sales revenue in the first three months of the year, an increase of 6% over the same period last year, while its net profit increased by 11% to EUR 98.8 million, the core company said, adding that the figures are record-high.

Cinkarna Celje revenue, profit down, but above plans

CELJE - The chemical company Cinkarna Celje saw its revenue drop by 5% to EUR 47.5 million in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2023 due to lower sales prices of titanium dioxide pigment. Its net profit was down by 66% to EUR 1.3 million, the company said, adding the results were still above plans.

Govt notes Slovenia safe after Fico assassination attempt

LJUBLJANA - Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arčon said regarding the assassination attempt on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico that Slovenia is a safe country and safe society. "We trust our experts and security bodies, and we will respond accordingly," said Arčon, calling on public office holders to avoid hate speech and show restraint on social media.

Wind farm, one of the largest Slovenian investments in Serbia, inaugurated

BELGRADE, Serbia - A Slovenian fund and a Serbian group have inaugurated Krivača, a joint wind power plant in Serbia, each contributing half of the EUR 165 million needed to build it, in what is one of the largest Slovenian investments in Serbia.

MPs urge stepping up efforts to build Mokrice hydropower plant

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Infrastructure Committee called on the government on Wednesday to accelerate procedures for the construction of the Mokrice hydropower plant, a project that has been stalled due to environmental concerns. The Left was the only party to agree with NGOs and oppose any additional hydropower projects.

Ex-justice minister acquitted of tax evasion charges

MURSKA SOBOTA/LJUBLJANA - Marjan Dikaučič has been fully acquitted of tax evasion and forgery of business documents, but the former justice minister's assets remain frozen as the Financial Administration (FURS) continues an investigation into his dealings, the news portal Necenzurirano reported. All alleged wrongdoings are from before he became minister, from the 2013-2016 period, when Dikaučič was the director of the family business Prevozi Žižek.

Report: Jewish symbol in Piran damaged

PIRAN - A stone relief with the Star of David in Piran's Jewish Square has been damaged by carving, Primorske Novice reported. Police told the paper they were investigating damage to property. It is not clear yet whether this was an expression of Antisemitism or vandalism.