Government Communication Office

Ljubljana – The slogan of Slovenia’s EU presidency in the second half of the year will be Together. Resilient. Europe. According to the Government Communication Office, the slogan was picked as a response to the challenges of the EU and questions about future development. The logo of the presidency was also presented today.

Ljubljana – The parliamentary Commission for Oversight of Public Finances urged the government on Thursday to resume STA funding as set down in a coronavirus relief law in three days. A Culture Ministry official meanwhile announced that the ministry would like the funding dispute to get resolved and was thus drafting a decree.

Ljubljana – The government changed on Thursday the decrees limiting attendance at public sport and cultural events to increase the permitted number of viewers from 50% to 75% of the number of fixed seats at a venue.

The relaxed attendance cap applies both to indoor and outdoor venues, the Government Communication Office said.

Ljubljana – The government has changed the decree on the conditions for entering Slovenia to recognise a negative rapid antigen test in addition to a negative PCR test. The change enters into force on 5 June and is valid until 13 June, the government said in a press release. Some measures in the services sector have also been relaxed.

Ljubljana – The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), an initiative funded by the European Commission that monitors violations of press and media freedom, will be on a virtual mission to Slovenia over the next two weeks to examine alleged deterioration in media freedom in the country. The findings are to be released in July.

Ljubljana – Labour inspectors checking on the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) on the government’s initiative have found no infringements with respect to the employment relationships act or safety at work, including in response to the Covid-19 epidemic, while they have issued a warning over a minor issue that has been tackled, the STA management has said.

Ljubljana – The government has approved the Chinese-owned group Hisense Europe Electronics EUR 1 million in non-refundable funds for its TV production plant at the existing Gorenje operation in Velenje.

Ljubljana – An NGO that offers legal support to individuals and organisations that find themselves in legal proceedings because of their non-violent public activity has filed a criminal complaint against the head of the Government Communication Office (UKOM) over suspension of funding to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA).

Ljubljana – CIVICUS, an international organisation of NGOs, warns in its latest report of the attitude of Prime Minister Janez Janša and the Democrats (SDS) towards the civil society and media. It expresses concern over government attacks on the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) and a ban on protests.

Ljubljana – Several parties welcomed on Thursday the European Commission’s announcement that the state funding of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) does not constitute state aid because the STA is performing a public service. Most opposition parties said the government had inquired about this to delay the payment. The government has not responded.