News roundup - Wednesday, 19 February, until 3pm

Golob to take part in new round of talks on Ukraine

LJUBLJANA - PM Robert Golob will take part in the new round of talks of the EU member states and other countries on Ukraine, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron this afternoon. "This is a consultation on possible responses to the situation in Ukraine and on strengthening the EU's military and defence capabilities," the government said on X. Golob was briefed yesterday on the content of Monday's meeting on Ukraine, which involved only the leaders of eight European countries and NATO and EU representatives, by President of the European Council Antonio Costa.

Chief of the general staff calls for higher defence spending

LJUBLJANA - Lt-Gen Robert Glavaš, chief of the general staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF), called for higher defence spending both in Slovenia and NATO in the face of the war in Ukraine and the challenges such as hybrid conflicts, cyber attacks and terrorism. "Urgently needed adjustments and robust defence plans are the only way to address both current and future challenges," he said, pointing to the need to fill the army's ranks and continue investing in the equipment.

Slovenia planning new retail bond issue

LJUBLJANA - Following a successful EUR 261 million retail bond issue in 2024, the Finance Ministry is planning a second issue for March. Like last year, maturity will be three years, while interest rate will be slightly lower, at 2.75%. The value of the issue will not be capped. "We are continuing with the efforts to develop the capital market, disperse savings of small investors and improve financial literacy," Minister Klemen Boštjančič said. The bonds will be issued on 28 March and listed on 1 April.

Pirc Musar will host Croatian counterpart next week

LJUBLJANA - President Nataša Pirc Musar will host her Croatian counterpart Zoran Milanović in Ljubljana next Wednesday in what will be Milanović's first trip abroad after he was inaugurated for second term as the Croatian president on Tuesday. The visit will be an opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation and exchange views on the topical European and foreign policy issues, the president's office said. The Slovenian-Croatian relations, developments in the Western Balkans, the cooperation within the Brdo-Brijuni regional initiative, and business cooperation will be on the agenda.

Slovenia, Algeria taking steps towards space tech cooperation

LJUBLJANA - Representatives of Slovenian space tech companies visited Algeria last week to get to know the country's space tech sector. They believe that there is a lot of potential for cooperation and the countries are to sign a memorandum during an upcoming visit by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Slovenia. During the visit, the Algerian Space Agency and the Slovenian Space Office also presented the space ecosystems of their respective countries, the Economy Ministry said.

President receives honorary doctorate in Naples

NAPLES, Italy - President Nataša Pirc Musar received an honorary doctorate in international relations from the University of Naples "L'Orientale" on Tuesday. The honorary doctorate is a recognition of Pirc Musar's extraordinary contribution to the protection of human rights, freedom of expression and the right of the public to be informed, university representatives were quoted as saying by the president's office. Addressing the event, the Slovenian president advocated for a stronger role of medium-sized and small countries, adding that they must not be observers of crises and growing inequality.

FinMin sees no reason to designate CSS strategic asset

LJUBLJANA - Amid efforts to salvage the state-owned sheltered workshop CSS, Finance Minister Klemen Boštjančič said that designating it as a strategic rather than portfolio asset would not change whether it could be recapitalised. The ministry has drafted changes to the strategy of state assets to give all sheltered workshops special treatment so that factors other than profit are considered, such as the broader societal importance.

Activists to protest against lithium mining in Serbia

LJUBLJANA - Activists and members of NGOs will stage a rally in Ljubljana's Miklošič Park in the evening to protest against the plans to mine lithium, a crucial raw material for electric car batteries, in Serbia and elsewhere in the Balkans, and to express support to the people's movement against the mining giant Rio Tinto. The protest coincides with an international conference on critical raw materials as part of which a documentary allegedly highlighting Rio Tinto's interests is to be screened.

NSi urges free bluetongue vaccination for cattle

LJUBLJANA - The opposition party New Slovenia (NSi) called for free vaccination for cattle after bluetongue disease was detected in Slovenia earlier this month. The party criticised the veterinary authority for not calling a disease control meeting to impose measures at the farm where the disease was detected. Up until the disease was confirmed, Slovenia had the status of a country free of bluetongue.

Top meetings industry providers convene in Ljubljana

LJUBLJANA - The annual Conventa, a three-day business-to-business conference for the meetings industry, kicked off in Ljubljana on Tuesday, brining over 120 exhibitors and over 180 hosted buyers to the Slovenian capital. Conventa co-founder Gorazd Čad said that the event is very respected because of its dedication to quality. "This is not your ordinary show, we make an effort to bring the best providers and the best organisers of meeting events from this area," Čad told the press, referring to what he calls the New Europe, the area between Helsinki and Istanbul and Milan and Baku.

Pogačar wins stage 3 of UAE Tour to take overall lead

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates XRG) won the third, 181-kilometre stage of the UAE Tour around the United Arab Emirates from Ras Al Khaimah to Mount Jebel Jais propelled Pogačar to the top of the general classification four stages to go. Pogačar, who is chasing his third overall victory in the race after winning it in 2021 and 2022, is 18 seconds ahead of Joshua Tarling of the UK (Ineos Grenadiers).