Latest News from Slovenia
International school opening in Maribor
Maribor, Slovenia's second largest city, will launch its first international primary school programme in September, joining Ljubljana in catering to the needs of internationally mobile families.
More damage as gale-force winds hit
Severe storms with winds exceeding 100 km/h hit Slovenia late on 18 July, ripping roofs off buildings, and knocking down trees and power lines. Tens of thousands of households were left without power, more than 250 people camping outdoors were evacuated and rescuers helped hikers stranded in the mountains.
Ljubljana to host world’s first official water volleyball tournament
Ljubljana will host the world's first ever official water volleyball tournament on 12 and 13 August. After two successful promotional events, real volleyball showdowns are now on the programme as part of the re:do Volleyball on Water Ljubljanica 2023 tournament, the Slovenian Volleyball Federation has announced.
Slovenian firm goes all in on gelato
Slovenian gelato company Aroma Global is launching ice-cream production in Croatia's Ogulin in what it says will be the world's largest gelato factory using all-natural ingredients.
The company has invested €7.3 million in expansion over the past 15 months, opening 47 new ice-cream parlours in Croatia on top of existing three. They have none in Slovenia.
Slovenia and Croatia sideline border dispute
Slovenia and Croatia have sidelined a border dispute that had loomed over bilateral relations for years in favour of a focus on areas where they can cooperate. Paying his first official visit to Zagreb on 14 July, Prime Minister Robert Golob said Slovenia remained firmly committed to the result of border arbitration but the issue would be taken off the daily political agenda.
Plečnik done in Lego
Ljubljana architecture students have recreated some of the iconic buildings designed by architect Jože Plečnik (1872-1957) using Lego bricks. The scale models are on show at the chapel of Fužine Castle until 30 September.
Iconic partisan hospital badly damaged in storm
The UNESCO-listed Franja Partisan Hospital, one of the most iconic monuments to the partisan struggle in World War II, has been badly damaged in a storm that swept through northern Slovenia on 13 July.
Three of the 14 wooden buildings have been swept away and another three damaged. The flood wave also destroyed the last part of the access path and electric infrastructure.
Wealth in Slovenia concentrated at the very top
There are around 200 individuals in Slovenia who have between US$20 million and US$100 million in personal financial assets, and there are also a few who have over US$100 million and own 30% of total financial wealth in the country, follows from a report by the Boston Consulting Group.
Storms leave trail of destruction
Northern Slovenia was hit by ferocious storms early on 13 July with heavy rain, hail and gusts of wind exceeding 100km/h. Moving from the west to the east at high speeds, the weather system left a trail of destruction behind, injuring two French tourists who were camping outside a designated area in Bohinj.
Military airspace control centre gets new premises
A new underground facility and operations room were inaugurated at the military section of Ljubljana airport on 12 July to make the facility comparable to those in other NATO countries.
Under Slovenia's defence law, the country's airspace is monitored and protected by the military. The centre monitors and controls the airspace 24/7.
Major loan approved for Koper-Divača rail track
After a delay of over four years, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has given the final stamp of approval for an up to €250 million loan for the Koper-Divača rail project, slated for completion at the end of 2025.
Incentives instead of higher retirement age in pension reform blueprint
Slovenia does not intend to increase the retirement age to make the pension system more sustainable, instead it plans to offer incentives so that people keep working longer, but higher contributions and a new tax are also on the table, according to a Labour Ministry blueprint for pension reform released on 11 July.
Survey: Slovenians among biggest NATO sceptics
The annual NATO public opinion survey among member states regarding various aspects of membership in the alliance has shown Slovenia persistently ranking among the countries whose people express the most scepticism towards NATO membership and its policies.
New regime to help Alpine destination reduce traffic
One of Slovenia's top tourist destinations, the Upper Sava Valley has been looking for ways to curb ever busier traffic. Some of its most popular landmarks face veritable gridlocks during summer, most notably the Vršič mountain pass and the Vrata Valley, where new traffic regimes will be put in place.
Gates to reduce traffic into Vrata
Croatia, Italy and Slovenia agree closer cooperation in Adriatic
The foreign ministers of Slovenia, Croatia and Italy signed a declaration in the Italian city of Ancona on 10 July committing to enhancing cooperation in the management and protection of the North Adriatic, including with a view to preventing migrant boat tragedies.