News roundup - Tuesday, 21 January, until 3pm
Ljubljana, 21 January - Below is a roundup of major events on Tuesday, 21 January, until 3pm local time:
One miner dead, two still missing after accident in Velenje mine
VELENJE/LJUBLJANA - One miner was found dead and two remain missing after an inrush of water and silt hit a shaft in the active part of the Velenje mine on Monday evening. The chances of the two missing miners having survived are believed to be very slim. An investigation into the accident is ongoing, while production at Slovenia's sole operational coal mine has been suspended. Visiting the site today, PM Robert Golob announced a special assistance programme for the families of those affected by the country's worst mining accident in more than 20 years. Both he and President Nataša Pirc Musar extended their condolences to the relatives and co-workers of the deceased. Pirc Musar also called for an in-depth investigation into the accident.
Govt passes changes to foreigners employment act
LJUBLJANA - The government adopted changes to the act on foreigners and the act on their employment on Monday, introducing seasonal work in tourism and gastronomy. The changes also transpose into Slovenian legislation the EU directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified employment. Seasonal workers will also be able to change employers after their permit for seasonal work expires, and foreign workers in general will be able to access a register of employers sanctioned for labour law violations.
Slovenian diplomat: Trump's policies could saw discord in EU
LJUBLJANA - Božo Cerar, a retired diplomat and former Slovenian ambassador to the US, told the STA that he is worried that the policies of new US President Donald Trump could create a division in the EU. Divisions could appear between members that would be more affected by possible US tariffs and those that would not, he believes. Nevertheless, he does not expect Trump to completely turn his back on either Europe or Ukraine.
Civil protection administration takes over 40 vehicles, equipment
LJUBLJANA - The Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief took over 40 specialized trucks and equipment for disaster intervention in what has been the largest project of providing civil protection and disaster intervention equipment in the history of the country, according to the administration chief Leon Behin. The purchase totalled over EUR 30 million, with EUR 6.5 million coming from the administration while the rest were EU funds. "The fact is that this equipment has not been bought at this scale and for this purpose using EU funds anywhere else in Europe," Behin said.
Efforts under way to save firm employing disabled people
ŠKOFJA LOKA - CSS, a state-owned company with just over 40 employees which has a status of sheltered workshop was sent into liquidation last week in a move that surprised its workers, especially the 19 employees with disabilities, and prompted the government and opposition to seek solutions to save the jobs of this vulnerable group. Liquidation was assessed as the only way to prevent receivership, but Labour Minister Luka Mesec said today the metal products manufacturer must be saved or workers re-employed before liquidation is over. Last week the opposition urged debating the issue in parliament, with two sessions of parliamentary bodies scheduled for later this week.
Handball World Championship: Slovenia fall to Iceland but keep faith
ZAGREB, Croatia - Following two wins, the Slovenian men's handball team lost their third match at the World Championship in Zagreb on Monday, conceding to Iceland with a score of 18:23 (8:14). Slovenia are taking two points to the second group stage of the tournament, hosted by Croatia, Denmark, and Norway. There Slovenia will first face Argentina on Wednesday, followed by Egypt on Friday, and Croatia on Sunday. The top two teams from Group 4 will advance to the quarter-finals.