News roundup - Tuesday, 25 June

Slovenia qualify for knockout stage at Euro 2024

COLOGNE, Germany - Slovenia have beaten the odds and qualified for the knockout stage at the Euro 2024 after a goalless draw with England in game three in Group C, a historic first for the team. With three points from three draws, Slovenia finished third in Group C and qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. They had an identical record as Denmark, but Denmark are second due to their superior disciplinary record. England top the group with five points.

Slovenia observes Statehood Day

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia celebrated Statehood Day, commemorating 25 June in 1991, when parliament passed key laws that created the legal stepping stones for the country's independence from Yugoslavia. According to tradition, the highlight of Statehood Day celebrations was a state ceremony honouring the 33th anniversary of independence on the eve of the holiday. The Presidential Palace opened its door to members of the general public, who were welcomed by Pirc Musar. She also laid a wreath at the memorial to victims of all wars in Congress Square.

Govt warns top court ruling on judges upsetting pay balance

LJUBLJANA - After assurances about prompt implementation given by the PM and justice minister after the 1 June Constitutional Court order to adjust judges' salaries to inflation recorded in the past decade, the government warned in an official response released on Monday that this will completely disrupt the balance between the three branches of government. Itpointed out that the accross-the-board raise by a roughly estimated 26% will for instance result in the Supreme Court president being paid more than the PM or the country's president. It indicated that the ongoing public sector pay reform, meant to take effect in 2025, would have done a better job at implementing the top's court original ruling on judicial pay from 2023.

State Department remains unhappy with Slovenia's efforts against human trafficking

WASHINGTON, US - For the second consecutive year, the US State Department has classified Slovenia among countries that do not fully meet all standards in the fight against human trafficking. Washington warns that temporary employment agencies in Slovenia continue to exploit workers, while criminals traffic women and children for sexual exploitation. Slovenia has dropped from the top tier of countries that fully meet minimum standards to the second tier, meaning among countries making significant efforts to comply with minimum standards but not yet fully meeting them.

Luka Elsner officially takes over as coach of Reims

PARIS, France - Slovenian football coach Luka Elsner has officially taken the helm at French club Reims. The 41-year-old had spent the last two years managing Le Havre, leading them to promotion to the tier 1 level of French club football and avoiding relegation this year. According to reports by L'Equipe, Reims will have to pay a EUR 500,000 release clause for Elsner. The Slovenian coach, the only one currently managing in the top five European leagues, had a contract with Le Havre until the end of next season. Reims finished the 2023/24 season of the national league in ninth place.