News roundup - Wednesday, 10 July, until 3pm

Golob notes NATO shared goals in embassy address

WASHINGTON, US - Prime Minister Robert Golob addressed a reception for Slovenian and US officials at the Slovenian embassy in Washington, DC on Tuesday on the sidelines of the three-day NATO summit, noting the importance of sharing common goals such as prosperity and democracy, regardless of the size or power of a country. "Today we celebrate not only the alliance's anniversary but also the friendship between our two nations," Golob said in his address, referring to the US.

Fajon attends NATO Women, Peace and Security roundtable in Washington

WASHINGTON, US - Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon attended the NATO Women, Peace and Security roundtable discussion hosted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of the alliance's 75th anniversary summit in Washington on Tuesday. She said women's participation significantly improves the outcomes of peace negotiations, expressing Slovenia's support for the alliance's updated Women, Peace and Security policy, which will be endorsed at the summit.

MPs pass housing act changes

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly passed changes to the Housing Act introducing state compensation in case of existing non-profit rentals of denationalised flats. The changes also aim to boost public housing loans and overhaul the national Housing Fund. The opposition argued that the changes regarding denationalised flats would not address the existing unconstitutionality of the law and that the Housing Fund does not need its management board expanded.

Bill to speed up TEN-T projects passed

LJUBLJANA - The National Assembly passed a bill to streamline procedures for infrastructure projects within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The bill defines projects that must be treated as a priority, shortens procedures for their construction, upgrade, adjustment or change, and covers public procurement. With the new legislation, Slovenia fully includes in its national law the EU directive on streamlining measures for advancing TEN-T.

Industrial output down in May

LJUBLJANA - Slovenia's industrial output decreased by 5% in May year-on-year and total turnover in industry dropped by 4.3%. Compared with May 2023, industrial output decreased the most in manufacturing (-4.9%), data from the Statistics Office show. Total value of stocks in May was up 0.3% higher year-on-year.

Electricity production up, consumption down last year

LJUBLJANA - A total of 14,194 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity was delivered to the transmission and distribution system in Slovenia last year, 16% more than the year before, with total hydroelectric power output rising by 58%. Total electricity consumption was down by 7%. Domestic electricity production met 91% of the country's needs, shows a report by the Energy Agency.

MPs unanimously back changes expanding school lunch subsidies

LJUBLJANA - MPs unanimously backed the coalition-sponsored changes to the act regulating school meals, expanding the eligibility to a free school lunch to all children from families whose average monthly income per parent does not exceed EUR 470 until 1 September 2027, when school meals will be free for all children. The changes were filed by a group of MPs led by Borut Sajovic from the Freedom Movement and were backed by 81 MPs and none against.

Charles Lloyd and Chief Adjuah open Ljubljana Jazz Festival

LJUBLJANA - The 65th Ljubljana Jazz Festival is opening at the Križanke open-air theatre tonight with a double bill featuring the renowned wind player Charles Lloyd and Chief Adjuah, formerly known as Christian Scott, who comes from the cradle of jazz, New Orleans. Running until Saturday, the festival will feature 20 concerts by nearly 100 musicians from more than 20 countries.