News roundup - Friday, 24 May, until 3pm

Most parties support aid for Ukraine, not necessarily military aid

LJUBLJANA - Most Slovenian parties standing in the upcoming election to the European Parliament support continuation of support for Ukraine, but several do not approve of military aid. Most believe the EU should implement a strict and consistent policy of sanctions against Russia.

Support for cannabis legalisation prevailing among referendum campaigners

LJUBLJANA - Nine of a total of 15 parties and associations taking part in the campaign for the 9 June consultative referendum on cannabis support legalisation of cannabis for both medical purposes and limited personal use, arguing this would increase safety. Three centre-right parties and a Catholic doctors' association are strongly against, citing serious side effects.

EESC discusses importance of social dialogue in EU candidates

LJUBLJANA - A conference of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on the EU enlargement to the Western Balkans and other countries is taking place in Ljubljana on Friday. EESC head Oliver Röpke said the candidate countries need strong social dialogue structures, which must be a clear criterion for enlargement. Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon noted the importance of EU enlargement, but not only to the Western Balkans. "We're also talking about Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and last but not least, Turkey."

Ministers pledge post-flood reconstruction via EUR 2.3bn five-year plan

LJUBLJANA - The ministers in charge of reconstruction efforts after the devastating August 2023 floods that caused an estimated EUR 2.9 billion in damage around Slovenia updated the press on plans and progress made. Urgent works on watercourses are coming to a close, while long-term solutions are coming via a 2024-2028 reconstruction programme, envisaging EUR 2.33 billion in investment.

Govt hears calls by small businesses, PM says

LJUBLJANA - The government hears the calls by small businesses for a better business environment and will continue with its efforts for appropriate measures to be implemented, PM Robert Golob said at a forum hosted by the Chamber of Trade Crafts and Small Business (OZS), at which 137 demands to the government were presented, from less red tape to lower taxes.

SDS proposes aid to Slovenian fishermen after ECHR decision

LJUBLJANA - The opposition Democrats (SDS) tabled a bill to help Slovenian fishermen after their applications against fines imposed by Croatia for fishing in what Croatia perceives its waters while they were awarded to Slovenia by an arbitration court, were deemed inadmissible by the ECHR. The idea is to compensate them within 30 days for the enforced fines and fines that are still subject to proceedings. The fines amount to EUR 3.4 million.

Strike-averting deal reached at Pošta Slovenije

LJUBLJANA - The Postal Workers' Trade Union suspended its strike plans, saying that the management of the national postal operator Pošta Slovenije committed to meeting all of its demands by the end of the year. Most of them revolve around working conditions.

German fund Katera offering EUR 25 for Nama share

LJUBLJANA - The German private equity fund Katera P11, the majority owner of real estate operator Nama that owns the eponymous department store in the centre of Ljubljana, published a takeover bid for the remaining 12.42% of Nama shares it does not already own. It is offering EUR 25 per share between 27 May and 24 June.

Multi-purpose Roma centres win EUR 5m in EU funding

LJUBLJANA - The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development said it had approved EU funding for a project of building multi-purpose centres for the Roma community. The project Together for Knowledge, worth almost EUR 6 million, will receive more than EUR 5 million from the European Social Fund Plus. The goal is to help Roma children achieve better results in primary school, raising the percentage of them successfully finishing primary school and enrolling in secondary school.

Rogaška Slatina gets 106-metre observation tower

ROGAŠKA SLATINA - A 106-metre observation tower, the tallest in Slovenia, was inaugurated in the town of Rogaška Slatina on Thursday in a bid to boost tourism at the spa destination. The Kristal tower, which cost EUR 5 million, has thus replaced the 89-metre Crystal Palace in Ljubljana's BTC district as the highest building in the country. The goal is to attract 60,000 visitors a year, which would mean roughly EUR 600,000 in annual revenue.