News roundup - Wednesday, 28 August, until 3pm

Tax changes ready to be endorsed by govt

LJUBLJANA - The government has found common ground on the fist package of changes to tax legislation which is expected to enter into force in 2025. The changes are expected to be endorsed and sent to parliament on Friday. Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič told the press after today's government session that only a few minor technical issues remain open regarding the package, which the ministry sent to public consultation before the summer and then made some corrections.

RTV Slovenija licence fee to go up by 10% next year

LJUBLJANA - Come 2025 the compulsory monthly license fee for the public broadcaster RTV Slovenija, which has totalled EUR 12.75 since 2012, will increase by 10% to EUR 14.02 per household, the government agreed as it endorsed a resent proposal by the Culture Ministry. The fee, which accounts for more than two-thirds of the broadcaster's total revenue, has been increased after lengthy discussions, said Culture Minister Asta Vrečko, who is responsible for media policy.

Vesel holds introductory meeting with von der Leyen

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Slovenia's candidate for EU commissioner Tomaž Vesel met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as part of preparations for the appointment of a new Commission. The details of the introductory meeting have not been disclosed, but the pair are expected to speak again soon. It is not yet known which portfolio Vesel, a former president of the Slovenian Court of Auditors, could take over. He has singled out budget, administration and EU enlargement as his preferences.

Left urges boycott of BSF due to Livni's appearance

LJUBLJANA - The junior coalition party Left has joined an appeal by a couple of civil society organisations to disinvite Tzipi Livni, a former Israeli foreign minister, from next week's Bled Strategic Forum (BSF). If she attends nevertheless, they call for the boycott of the event. Slovenia recognised a Palestinian statehood several months ago, and this diplomatic step must now be followed by a more determined policy of boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel, the party said.

Telekom Slovenije's net profit up by 25% in first half of year

LJUBLJANA - Telekom Slovenije saw group net profit rise by 25% in the first six months of the year to EUR 29.6 million as sales revenue increased by 4% to EUR 346.6 million on the back of user growth and higher sales of IT merchandise and services, show unaudited results. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to EUR 38.7 million, an increase of 7%, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 4% to EUR 121.4 million.

Minister calls for boosting business cooperation with Bulgaria

GORNJA RADGONA - Economy Minister Matjaž Han told a Slovenian-Bulgarian business forum, held as part of the AGRA fair, that Bulgaria is a very important business partner of Slovenia and that cooperation should and can be boosted. The head of the SPIRIT agency Rok Capl said that Slovenia, a very export-oriented country, has not tapped into the potential of the Bulgarian market, so cooperation should be stepped up.

Festival in Murska Sobota showing contemporary dance is universal

MURSKA SOBOTA - Murska Sobota will host between Wednesday and Saturday Front@, an international festival of contemporary dance. Artistic director Matjaž Farič told the STA the festival wants to highlight non-Europocentric performances. One early highlight will the opening performance Grand Bolero by Spanish choreographer Jesus Rubio Gamo and two professional dance formations, En - Knap and the Zagreb Dance Ensemble.

Brežice hosts first local festival of European film

BREŽICE - The eastern town of Brežice is hosting for the first time ever the European Film Festival Brežice, a four-day event the organisers hope will become an annual tradition. The festival, which starts tonight, will screen ten features, and the audience will get to pick their favourite. The films will be screened in the Posavje Museum Brežice, which is located in Brežice Castle.