News roundup - Wednesday, 19 February

Golob urges building Europe's defence capabilities

PARIS, France - Europe's strength lies in its unity, Prime Minister Robert Golob told an informal meeting on Ukraine hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. According to his office, he also called for building Europe's defence capabilities and industry as soon as possible. Featuring several leaders from Europe and elsewhere, the meeting focused on the exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine, possible responses to it and on strengthening the EU's resilience and defence capabilities.

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.

Constitutional amendments on preferential vote, judge appointment voted down

LJUBLJANA - The parliamentary Constitutional Commission rejected the proposed amendments to the Constitution which would increase the number of MPs from 90 to 92 and introduce preferential voting in general elections, as well as amendments on the appointment of judges and the composition of the Judicial Council. The preferential vote was backed by more than 70% of voters who cast their vote in the June 2024 referendum.

Opposition joins massive anti-government rally

LJUBLJANA - The Voice of Pensioners party and the 1 October Institute led by Pavel Rupar staged a rally to protest against the current government and collect signatures in support of early elections. The crowd was also addressed by opposition Democratic Party (SDS) leader Janez Janša and representatives of other right-wing parties. Janša called for a "coalition of reason" that would be able to amend the constitution by scoring a convincing win in the next general election.

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.

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.

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.

Banks' net profit down by 2% in 2024

LJUBLJANA - Banks in Slovenia generated EUR 1.2 billion in pre-tax profit in 2024, up 5.5% from 2023 while their net profit dropped by 2.1% to EUR 1.1 billion. Between 2024 and 2028 banks are liable to pay a 0.2% tax on total assets to raise funds for reconstruction after the August 2023 floods. The total assets of banks increased by 2.2% to EUR 54.24 billion last year, according to the central bank.

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.

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 protest against lithium mining in Serbia

LJUBLJANA - Activists and members of NGOs staged a rally in Ljubljana's Miklošič Park 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 coincided with the opening of an international conference on critical raw materials as part of which a documentary allegedly highlighting Rio Tinto's interests was 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.

Slovenian start-ups explore opportunities in UAE

DUBAI, UAE - Several Slovenian start-ups explored opportunities to expand into the United Arab Emirates market in the past week during a working visit to Dubai organised by Slovenian Enterprise Fund. During the five-day visit, which was part of a cross-border accelerator programme co-financed with EU funds, companies attended a series of presentations and workshops, the Economy, Tourism and Sport Ministry said.

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. This 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).

Mayor grooming teen committed reprehensible act, but not crime

DORNAVA - Prosecution dismissed a criminal complaint against the mayor of a small municipality in northeastern Slovenia who groomed a teenager he thought was 14 for sex because under the valid legislation he did not commit a crime as the teen was in fact 16. However, the prosecutor described his act as reprehensible. Dornava Mayor Matej Zorko would not comment but some representatives of the local community again called for his resignation.

Scabies on the rise, especially among foreigners

LJUBLJANA - A number of cases of scabies have been recorded in Slovenia. The National Institute of Public Health has recorded 92 cases of the disease and two outbreaks this year. A notable increase in the number of cases was recorded last year too, and in 2023. Last year, more than 1,400 cases were reported, including over 600 among foreigners.