News roundup - Thursday, 26 September, until 3pm

Slovenia endorses global governance reform at G20 ministerial

NEW YORK, US - FM Fajon backed Brazil's call for global governance reform as a courageous step forward as she attended on Wednesday a G20 ministerial which the Brazilian presidency opened to all UN members. Fajon said that the system must work for the benefit of humanity - to defend human rights, preserve peace and promote sustainable development. She said the existing global governance system should be strengthened to adapt to the new situation.

Fajon's appeal for united call for cessation of hostilities not heeded

NEW YORK, US - FM Tanja Fajon appealed to the UN Security Council on Wednesday to be united in its call for de-escalation and cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, a call that was not headed as the Council debated the situation in the aftermath of Israel's massive attacks on its northern neighbour. More violence will not bring more security, Fajon said. "Terrorism under disguise of solidarity or military operations under pretext of protection do not equal more security. They translate only into suffering of civilians. We need peace," she added.

Govt confirms budgets for 2025, 2026

LJUBLJANA - The government adopted the national budgets for 2025 and 2026, with Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič highlighting spending on the economy, healthcare, knowledge, innovation, housing and climate policy as the budget pillars. Funding is also being secured for the recently agreed pay rises in the public sector. The budget for 2025 had been adopted last year as part of legally mandated two-year budgeting and has now been revised. Revenue is projected at EUR 15.2 billion, 4.6% more than originally planned, and expenditure will increase by 8% to EUR 17.1 billion.

Watchdog finds no corruption breaches concerning PM's company

LJUBLJANA - The Commission for the Prevention of Corruption has not found any corruption risks concerning PM Robert Golob's company Star Solar and its relationship with the national electricity exchange Borzen. In an opinion issued today, it said it had "not confirmed violations under our purview" after having received input from Borzen and a variety of government departments. As for the appointment of the Borzen director, it said it was in line with the rules, but has nevertheless issued recommendations regarding the appointment of Borzen supervisors.

Package of opposition measures addressing Roma problems rejected

LJUBLJANA - MPs rejected a package of legislative proposals submitted by the opposition New Slovenia (NSi) amid escalating problems with members of the Roma community in the southeast of the country. While the NSi sought to curb school violence and misuse of welfare benefits, the coalition argued the measures were inadmissible and misguided.

EBRD downgrades GDP growth forecast for Slovenia to 1.5%

LONDON, UK - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) downgraded its economic growth forecast for Slovenia for this year to 1.5% from 2.3%, in line with a recent forecast by the Slovenian central bank. It meanwhile kept its forecast for 2025 unchanged at 2.6%. The 2024 forecast anticipates a recovery in investment, while the expected improvement of the situation in the eurozone and stronger investment are expected to accelerate the pace to 2.6% next year.

Slovenia keeping an eye on automotive industry woes

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The Slovenian authorities are keeping a close eye on the woes of the European automotive industry and want to leverage the green transition to strengthen the country's standing in the sector, Economy Ministry State Secretary Matevž Frangež said ahead of an EU ministerial. "We are monitoring the situation both at the level of our key markets and at the level of the key customers of the Slovenian car industry," he said.

Director of prefab house maker named Manager of the Year

PORTOROŽ - Marko Lukić, the owner and director of prefabricated house maker Lumar IG, has been honoured by his peers with the title of the 2024 Manager of the Year. Lukić developed the company into a globally recognised trendsetter in wooden low-energy homes, the Manager Association said before presenting the award at its annual congress on Thursday. "The company's financials, awards and certificates testify to his success," it said.

Ana Barič Moder wins literary translation award

LJUBLJANA - This year's Sovre Prize for best literary translation has been awarded to Ana Barič Moder for her translation of the fourth and fifth novel in Edward St Aubyn's bestseller series Patrick Melrose, published by Mladinska Knjiga in 2023. The jury praised her work as "highly readable yet stylistically brave - just like the original." Barič Moder told the STA that the novels were demanding, full of wit, word play and metaphors, but also "candy".