News roundup - Saturday, 2 November

Fajon talks EU-African Union cooperation in Addis Ababa

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon met at the headquarters of the African Union with Deputy Chairperson of African Union Commission Monique Nsanzabaganwa to note the importance of cooperation between the African Union and the EU. As the Foreign Ministry announced on X, Fajon and Nsanzabaganwa discussed cooperation in peace efforts, security, climate change and respect for human rights. Fajon also visited the UN Women Ethiopia Country Office and the Don Bosco Foundation, a centre for street children where Slovenian missionary Polona Dominik works.

Rogaška glassworks back to profit last year

ROGAŠKA SLATINA - The Steklarna Rogaška glassworks recorded EUR 1.5 million in net profit last year to bounce back from a EUR 5.6 million loss in 2022. Net sales revenue was up 12% year-on-year to EUR 53.6 million, shows the annual report of the company owned by the Finnish group Fiskars. The glassworks based in Rogaška Slatina in eastern Slovenia, which had around 820 employees last year, generated 69.5% of its total sales on the EU market, with sales on this market increasing by 18% compared to 2022. In the US, the company saw a 34% drop in sales, while sales revenue in Slovenia was up by 6%.

Slovenian charities start collecting aid for flood-hit Spain

LJUBLJANA - The Slovenian Caritas said it has allocated EUR 5,000 in initial aid for Spain, parts of which were affected by devastating floods this week, while also launching a fund-raising campaign. The Slovenian Red Cross has also donated EUR 5,000 to its counterpart in Spain from the solidarity fund. "At the moment, they are still waiting for the situation to be assessed. The Slovenian Red Cross will, as always, respond to the actual needs and any call for help from the Spanish national association," the Slovenian Red Cross said.

Drink driving accidents claimed 13 lives this year

LJUBLJANA - Drunk drivers caused 1,190 traffic accidents in Slovenia by 15 October this year, which is 1% more than in the same period last year, while the number of people killed in these accidents dropped by two to 13. The number of casualties was 50% lower than in 2020, the national Traffic Safety Agency said ahead of a week-long Choose Yourself, Not Alcohol campaign to raise awareness of the risks of drink driving, supported by the market and health inspectorates.