Slovenia Business Week no. 39, December 4, 2006
Table of Contents:
HEADLINES ............................................................................................................................. 3
Environment Awards Go to Gorenje, BSH, Regeneracija and F3 ......................................... 3
Annual Inflation Edges to 2.3% in November ....................................................................... 3
Survey: Desire for Profit Key for Establishing New Companies ........................................... 4
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ...................................................................................... 5
Slovenia, Indonesia Sign Agreement on Cooperation in Science .......................................... 5
Hauliers from Four Countries Call for Unified Transport Rules ........................................... 5
EUROPEAN UNION ................................................................................................................. 7
Slovenia's Growth and Jobs Programme Termed Positive..................................................... 7
Slovenia Joins European Consumers Centre Network ........................................................... 7
Slovenia Supports Freeze of Accession Talks with Turkey ................................................... 8
LEGISLATION .......................................................................................................................... 9
Upper Chamber of Parliament Vetoes Asbestos Act ............................................................. 9
Parliament Passes Road Cargo Transport Legislation ........................................................... 9
STATISTICS/FORECASTS ...................................................................................................... 9
Labour Force Survey Unemployment at 5.6% in Q3 ............................................................. 9
Slovenians Not Keen on Taking Vows ................................................................................ 10
FINANCE................................................................................................................................. 11
NKBM Financial Group Posts EUR 32.38m Profit for Nine Months ................................. 11
Slovenia Brings Clear Message to Eurozone, Minister Says ............................................... 11
Bajuk Chosen Achiever of the Year by European Voice ..................................................... 11
Triglav Plans Strategic Partnership with Macedonian Insurer ............................................. 12
Cinemas and Bars Round Euro Prices Up ............................................................................ 12
LJSE Acquainted with OMX Strategic Partnership Proposal .............................................. 13
NLB Signs Credit Line with EIB ......................................................................................... 13
CCIS Wants Euro Code to Prevent Price Hikes During Euro Switch ................................. 13
Two Banks Start Changing Tolars into Euros Without Commission .................................. 14
Export Credit Agency SID to Become a Bank ..................................................................... 14
Ljubljana Stock Exchange .................................................................................................... 14
Foreign Exchange ................................................................................................................. 15
REGIONAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................ 16
Motorway Company Signs Final Contracts for Prekmurje Section ..................................... 16
BRANCH INFORMATION .................................................................................................... 17
Internet in Slovenia Celebrates 15 Years ............................................................................. 17
Farm Officials Optimistic About Future of Slovenian Farming .......................................... 17
Slovenian CO2 Emissions too Large, European Commission Says .................................... 18
Tabloids Top the Lists of Most Widely Read Periodicals ................................................... 18
Slovenian Wins EU Cluster Manager Award ...................................................................... 19
Government Mixes Ownership Cards Among Power Producers ......................................... 19
COMPANIES ........................................................................................................................... 21
Istrabenz Revenues Soar, Profit Slides ................................................................................ 21
Droga Kolinska Posts Upbeat Q3 Results ............................................................................ 21
MBO of Viator & Vektor Successful ................................................................................... 21
FVO Inspection Team Visits Slovenia ................................................................................. 22
Pivovarna Lasko's Sales Edge Higher, Profit Down ............................................................ 22
FAIRS, CONGRESSES ........................................................................................................... 23
Book Fair Opens with Award Ceremony ............................................................................. 23
SLOVENIA IN BRIEF ............................................................................................................ 24
Rupel: Intercultural Dialogue a Slovenian EU Presidency Priority ..................................... 24
Rupel Says Slovenia for NATO's Encouragement to Candidates ........................................ 24
Parliament Signs into Law 2-Year Telecoms Data Retention.............................................. 24
Slovenia Presents its Culture in Finland .............................................................................. 24
Brucan: EU Health Ministers United in Tackling Alcohol .................................................. 24
Minister Drobnic Dismissed................................................................................................. 24
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HEADLINES
Environment Awards Go to Gorenje, BSH, Regeneracija and F3
Household appliance makers Gorenje and BSH hisni aparati, chemical company
Regeneracija and electronics company F3 are the recipients of this year's environment
excellence awards, handed by the business daily Finance, Slovenia's Eco Fund and the
Environment Agency
Household appliance makers Gorenje and BSH hisni aparati, chemical company Regeneracija
and electronics company F3 are the recipients of this year's environment excellence awards,
handed out on Monday, 27 November by the business daily Finance, Slovenia's Eco Fund and
the Environment Agency.
Gorenje was awarded the international environmental partnership award for eco-friendly
facility for the production of refrigerators in Serbia.
The BSH hisni aparati won the eco-friendly award for its achievements in environmental
protection. The company reduced the consumption of drinking water by 50%, energy
consumption by 20.5% and waste by 34%.
The Ljubljana company Regeneracija won the eco-friendly product award for its aquareg oil
separator which, according to the award commission, can contribute to the reduction water
pollution.
The eco-friendly procedure award goes to company F3 for a procedure for generating solar
energy.
Annual Inflation Edges to 2.3% in November
Higher prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages pushed Slovenia's inflation rate up 0.3%
in November, taking the annual inflation rate to 2.3%, up from 1.5% in October
Higher prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages pushed Slovenia's inflation rate up 0.3% in
November, taking the annual inflation rate to 2.3%, up from 1.5% in October, the National
Statistics Office said on Thursday, 30 November.
The growth of prices measured with the harmonised index of consumer prices was 0.3%, but
this did not have much impact on the 12-month average price growth measured with the EMU
convergence price index, which remained level at 2.5%.
According to the latest data, for October 2006, the EMU convergence criterion for inflation
was 2.8%, so Slovenia was still well within the limits.
Prices of goods were up 0.4% over the month before, with prices of services edging 0.2%
higher on average.
The highest monthly price increases were recorded in the groups food and non-alcoholic
beverages (1.4%), clothing and footwear (1.2%), housing, water, electricity, gas and other
(0.5%).
The growth of prices in the group housing, water, electricity, gas and other was mostly a
result of a 6.6% hike in municipal services.
In Ljubljana the price for the discharge and treatment of waste water went up, propelling the
sewage system fee 42.1% higher. In Maribor waste disposal prices went up 11.6%.
In November lower prices were registered in the groups communication (1.1%), restaurants
and hotels (0.5%), transport (0.3%) and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (0.2%).
Higher prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages contributed 0.3 percentage points to the
inflation rate, while clothing/footwear and municipal services added 0.1 of a percentage point
each.
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Lower prices of liquid fuels and cars pushed the inflation rate down by 0.1 of a percentage
point each.
On the annual level, prices grew the most in the groups alcoholic beverages and tobacco,
miscellaneous goods and services, and furnishing, household equipment and maintenance
(4.8%).
The groups restaurants and hotels and food and non-alcoholic beverages recorded a 3.9%
price increase, while recreation and culture were 1.9% dearer.
Survey: Desire for Profit Key for Establishing New Companies
Higher profit (73%) tops the list of reasons, followed by new challenges (69%), a desire to be
their own boss (66%) and avoiding unemployment (58%)
Desire for higher profit, new challenges and the wish to be "their own boss" are the main
reasons for starting new companies, according to a National Statistics Office survey. The
obstacles meanwhile include red tape, bigger responsibility and securing sufficient capital.
Higher profit (73%) tops the list of reasons, followed by new challenges (69%), a desire to be
their own boss (66%) and avoiding unemployment (58%).
Overall, the major obstacles are red tape (55%), bigger responsibility (54%), and securing
sufficient capital (50%), Mojca Zaletel of the Statistics Office told the press on Thursday, 30
November.
Women entrepreneurs meanwhile named the biggest difficulties to be the level of
responsibility, determining the prices of products and services, and customer relations.
The main reasons the respondents think their company is innovative include the introduction
of new products (30%), new sales channels (20%), new production procedure or method
(19%), and new management and organisation (15%).
Nearly half of new entrepreneurs are older than 39 (42%), 33% of them are between 30 to 39
years old, and 25% are younger than 30.
Some 73% are men and they prevail in all activities except in catering, where the women
entrepreneurs make up 53% of the total.
Two-thirds of the entrepreneurs have secondary education, 29% of them have higher
education and 4% have primary education.
The survey dealt with success of companies established in 2002 and still operating in 2005. It
was carried out in 13 EU countries as well as Romania and Bulgaria.
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INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Slovenia, Indonesia Sign Agreement on Cooperation in Science
The countries will cooperate in areas of energy, geological research, and research in defence
and food industries
Slovenian Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Jure Zupan and Indonesian
counterpart Kadiman Kusmayanto signed in Ljubljana on Thursday, 30 November a bilateral
agreement on cooperation in science and technology.
The countries will cooperate in areas of energy, geological research, and research in defence
and food industries, Zupan said. Kusmayanto also highlighted cooperation in higher
education.
Slovenia has a long tradition in international cooperation in the field of scientific and
technological research, said Zupan, explaining that Slovenia cooperates with 78 countries,
with which it has signed almost 100 bilateral agreements.
Currently Slovenia is taking part in over 700 research projects in cooperation with 28
countries.
Zupan explained that on the basis of this agreement Slovenia and Indonesia were to finance
projects, which would involve industry, faculties and institutes.
The agreement will also enable the countries to participate in European programmes together,
especially in the EU Seventh Framework Programme for research and development.
Kusmayanto stressed that the agreement had a strategic value for Indonesia, especially since
Slovenia is an EU member. He pointed to the importance of drawing EU funds.
Kusmayanto also underscored the research of new and renewable energy sources, which will
help both countries to meet environmental standards.
In the area of higher education the countries will cooperate especially in doctoral studies and
exchange of professors Kusmayanto said. He also stressed the importance of cultural
exchange.
Kusmayanto invited Zupan to Indonesia, where the pair will continue the discussion. Plans for
establishing a joint committee for carrying out the project are also in the making.
Hauliers from Four Countries Call for Unified Transport Rules
Representatives of haulier associations from Austria, Hungary, Italy and Slovenia called on
the governments of the four countries to unify the rules in the area of free flow of goods and
passengers
Representatives of haulier associations from Austria, Hungary, Italy and Slovenia called on
Friday, 1 December on the governments of the four countries to unify the rules in the area of
free flow of goods and passengers.
Bojan Pecnik of the transport section at the Chamber of Crafts Industries expects the cabinets
to agree on restrictions on cargo transports, he said in Moravske Toplice.
As these restrictions, for example the days on which trucks are allowed on roads, differ from
country to country, the hauliers have to make individual itineraries, making it difficult to fulfil
the customers' demands.
The hauliers' proposals also include a reduction in road usage fees, discounts for motorway
tolls and restrictions in place only if the share of cargo vehicles exceeds 20% of all vehicles.
Ljubo Zajc, the director general of the Transport Directorate at the Transport Ministry, added
that large differences between the countries make it exceptionally difficult for the rules to be
unified.
5
The Ministry and the hauliers, however agree on encouraging the use of ecologically
friendlier trucks that fall in line with the euro 3, 4 or 5 car emission standards, Zajc added.
Zajc moreover said that Slovenia will in 2007 increase the maximum height for trucks by 20
centimetres to 4.2 metres and length by 3.25 metres to 22, comparable to neighbouring states.
The meeting is set to continue tomorrow.
6
EUROPEAN UNION
Slovenia's Growth and Jobs Programme Termed Positive
Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk said that the first general assessment of national reform
programmes for growth and jobs showed Slovenia was doing well in granting tax brakes to
companies investing in science and research, reducing the tax burden on emerging companies
and creating new jobs
Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk said on Tuesday, 28 November that the first general
assessment of national reform programmes for growth and jobs showed Slovenia was doing
well in granting tax brakes to companies investing in science and research, reducing the tax
burden on emerging companies and creating new jobs.
According to Bajuk, the assessment was made during the meeting of EU finance ministers in
Brussels. He underscored the importance of tax brakes for companies investing in science and
research for Slovenia given the poor cooperation between research institutions and business.
Bajuk also highlighted the aspect of employment. According to him, Slovenia topped the goal
for employment level among women and is also reducing tax burden on labour force.
The assessment that the ministers debated was "horizontal", while in the following months,
probably in January next year, every member state will get an assessment at the national level,
Bajuk explained.
On a different note, Bajuk said that EU finance ministers reached consensus on the allowed
tax-free imports of goods from third countries, while they failed to agree on the lowest excise
duties on alcohol.
Under the imports agreement, passengers will be allowed to import EUR 430 worth of goods
tax free, when travelling by air or sea, while those crossing land borders will be able to import
up to EUR 300 tax free.
According to Bajuk, member states decided to ask the European Commission to draw up a
comprehensive analysis of the alcohol market in all EU countries.
"We are still the hostages of past decisions under which wine is not taxed, while beer is."
Bajuk added that the only solution was to find an answer on the basis of concrete data, rather
than tradition. He added the issue was not essential for Slovenia as it would not bring any
major changes.
Bajuk also said that the ministers eventually reached agreement on the external mandate of
the European Investment Bank (EIB). According to Bajuk, this includes elements advocated
by Slovenia. "Slovenia insisted on directing attention to countries in Europe's
neighbourhood."
The reached agreement was that the EIB would earmark a total of EUR 27.8bn for loans
abroad in the 2007-2013 period, of which EUR 8.7bn would go to pre-accession countries and
EUR 12.4bn for neighbourhood and partner countries.
Slovenia Joins European Consumers Centre Network
A European Consumer Centre (EPC), an institution that protects consumer rights in the
European Union, opened in Ljubljana on 29 November
A European Consumer Centre (EPC), an institution that protects consumer rights in the
European Union, opened in Ljubljana on Wednesday, 29 November. The centre is a part of
European consumer centres network from 25 EU member states, Norway and Iceland.
At the round table "Helping Consumers in the European Single Market" held before the
opening of the centre, Jana Huc Ursic, the head of the EPC Slovenia, said the main purpose of
the centre was to inform the consumers about their rights.
7
The most important goals in the next two years are to promote the centre and the network,
promote alternative ways for dispute settlement, educate and advise the consumers, and
cooperate with other centres from the network, said Ursic.
According to Ursic, consumers face the biggest difficulties in exercising their rights in air
traffic, timeshare and tourist services. Besides helping in the mentioned sectors, the EPC can
provide the consumers with guidance in the European single market, on the internet, food
labelling and bank services.
Consumer centres also provide help to people who feel they cannot exercise their rights in
other countries, who are afraid to communicate in a foreign language, and do not know how
to get helpful information about their rights as consumers, added Ursic.
Andrej Beloglavec, the deputy head of the European Commission Representation in Slovenia,
said that the EU was increasingly aware of consumer rights, which resulted in a number of
legislative measures adopted in recent years.
EPC Slovenia will operate as a unit of the Slovenian Consumers' Association and will be
financed by the Consumer Protection Office and the European Commission.
Slovenia Supports Freeze of Accession Talks with Turkey
Turkey must meet its obligations under the Ankara Protocol, government spokesman Valentin
Hajdinjak told STA
Slovenia supports the European Commission recommendation that accession talks with
Turkey be partially frozen. Turkey must meet its obligations under the Ankara Protocol,
government spokesman Valentin Hajdinjak told STA on Thursday, 30 November.
The government believes that Turkey has made good headway in the negotiating process. But
it regrets that the efforts of the Finnish EU presidency did not lead to a positive result on the
fulfilment of Ankara Protocol commitments, Hajdinjak said.
The Commission proposed on Wednesday, 29 November that talks on 8 of the 35 chapters
under negotiation be put off. These chapters deal touch on relations between Turkey and
Cyprus.
The final decision on the recommendation will be taken by the 25 member states at the 14-15
December EU summit.
8
LEGISLATION
Upper Chamber of Parliament Vetoes Asbestos Act
The amendments, which were passed on 23 November, will now have to be confirmed in a
renewed vote with an absolute majority
The National Council vetoed on Wednesday, 29 November the amendments to the asbestos
act in a 22-5 vote. The amendments, which were passed on 23 November, will now have to be
confirmed in a renewed vote with an absolute majority.
According to Zoltan Jan of the interest group for non-commercial activities, which proposed
the veto, the amendments substantially change and narrow down rights of asbestos patients.
Doro Hvalica, a representative of the employees, added that the ruling coalition in parliament
voted down all opposition proposals and even some proposals of coalition lawmakers.
The changes are a disaster for asbestos patients, a shame for a civilised European country and
a mistake that can be remedied for parliament, he added and called on the MPs to reject the
amendments in the re-vote.
Veto opponents meanwhile pointed out that prolonging the legislative process could prevent
reimbursements that could otherwise start on 1 January 2007.
Franc Znidarsic, MP of the ruling coalition's Pensioners' Party (DeSUS), meanwhile stressed
that it was very unlikely a better compromise could be agreed by the coalition parties.
In line with the original amendment, proposed by Znidarsic, the status of all asbestos patients,
regardless of whether they have fallen ill at their jobs or because they live in a contaminated
area, would be equal.
The parliamentary Committee on Labour, the Family, Social Affairs and the Disabled,
however followed government recommendations and proposed several changes that reduced
the scope of rights only to those who have fallen ill at work.
Parliament Passes Road Cargo Transport Legislation
The National Assembly passed on 30 November a new act on road cargo transport,
simplifying currently valid regulations and adjusting the area to EU rules
The National Assembly passed on Thursday, 30 November a new act on road cargo transport,
simplifying currently valid regulations and adjusting the area to EU rules.
The legislation that makes it easier for hauliers to register and operate their business by
cutting red tape was confirmed in a 48-to-1 vote.
The law mitigates the business conditions for Slovenian road cargo hauliers and introduces
basic qualification requirement for drivers in line with EU legislation, Transport Minister
Janez Bozic said as he presented the document on 14 September.
Bozic explained that the document had been in the works since 2004 and included many
proposals from Slovenian hauliers, who were in some respects operating under more difficult
conditions than their EU counterparts.
The bill facilitates the acquisition of a permit for haulage by reducing the number of
conditions from the current seven to four. Under the bill would-be haulers will need a good
reputation, financial capacity and suitable training.
STATISTICS/FORECASTS
Labour Force Survey Unemployment at 5.6% in Q3
According to the latest data by the Statistical Office, Slovenia's labour force numbered
1,030,000, with 58,000 registered as unemployed
9
Slovenia's ILO- and Eurostat-compatible unemployment rate was 5.6% in the third quarter of
2006, down from 5.9% in the previous quarter. According to the latest data by the Statistical
Office, Slovenia's labour force numbered 1,030,000, with 58,000 registered as unemployed.
The data shows that the average unemployment rate was 4.6% among men and 6.7% among
women. Unemployment among men dropped by 8% and among women by 3%.
The highest drop in the unemployment was recorded among the 15-24 olds (20%). Men in the
group were yet again better off, as their unemployment dropped by 31%, compared with an
8% reduction for women.
Slovenians Not Keen on Taking Vows
According to the latest data of the National Statistics Office, the annual number of marriages
plummeted in the last three decades, from over 15,000 in 1975 to less than 6,000 last year
People in Slovenia are increasingly reluctant to marry. According to the latest data of the
National Statistics Office, the annual number of marriages plummeted in the last three
decades, from over 15,000 in 1975 to less than 6,000 last year.
There were 8.5 weddings per 1,000 people in 1975 and only 2.9 in 2005. The statisticians say
that young people are preferring to live together without getting married.
As a side effect, the average age at first marriage has been increasing over the past three
decades, from 25.8 to 30.6 years for men and from 22.7 to 28.2 for women.
Whereas the number of weddings has been sliding, those who do get married are also more
likely to divorce.
The number of divorces started rising in the 1970s and levelled off in the 1990s, but it has
started edging higher again in the past years to total 2,647 in 2005.
Interestingly, in 2005 over a half of the couples who got a divorce had been married for 15
years or more, while only 345 couples divorced after less than four years of married life.
10
FINANCE
NKBM Financial Group Posts EUR 32.38m Profit for Nine Months
This means that the group's pre-tax profits amounted to 84% of the planned total profits for
the year
The NKBM financial group around Slovenia's second largest bank, the Nova kreditna banka
Maribor (NKBM), posted a pre-tax profit of SIT 7.76bn (EUR 32.28m) in the first nine
months of 2006, the bank said on Monday, 27 November.
This means that the group's pre-tax profits amounted to 84% of the planned total profits for
the year, the company's supervisory board heard in Maribor.
The group's assets meanwhile stand at SIT 944bn (EUR 3.94bn), 97.5% of the SIT 967.6bn
(EUR 4.03bn) in assets that it plans to have by the end of the year.
Slovenia Brings Clear Message to Eurozone, Minister Says
"The euro switch is the final step on the country's long path back to Europe," the minister
added
"Slovenia brings a simple and clear message to the eurozone - God's blessing on all nations",
Finance Minister Andrej Bajuk said as he opened in Brussels on Tuesday, 28 November an
exhibition entitled Slovenia and the euro.
"The euro switch is the final step on the country's long path back to Europe," the minister
added, toasting the "historic achievement" with a glass of "good Slovenian wine".
Slovenia's slogan also forms a line in the country's national anthem and is featured on its two
euro coin.
"The message of Slovenian euro coins is very important - we are singing our anthem - this is
not only our hope, it is our message to all - we live in a place and time where everybody's
identity is respected and we can hope for a better future," the minister explained.
"I believe that everybody understands why Slovenians cannot hide their pleasure over the
achievement... The euro changeover is a milestone and a strong signal" on the strength of the
Slovenian economy, the visibly pleased Bajuk stated.
European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik said that "today's exhibition
means the beginning of the 'now it's for real' stage".
Bajuk moreover commented on his nomination for the European of the Year award, conferred
annually by the weekly European Voice.
"I am very proud to be nominated as this is a recognition for the whole of Slovenia, for what it
has achieved," he added.
The exhibition is the first in a series of events to mark Slovenia's entry into the eurozone on 1
January 2007.
The exhibition, launched by Slovenia's permanent mission to the EU, features eight Slovenian
euro coins and 16 explanatory posters.
Bajuk Chosen Achiever of the Year by European Voice
Receiving the award, Bajuk said it was an honour for the whole of Slovenia
The European Voice, an EU affairs weekly, has selected Slovenian Finance Minister Andrej
Bajuk the winner of it annual Achiever of the Year award. The award was given out in
Brussels on Tuesday, 28 November.
Receiving the award, Bajuk said it was an honour for the whole of Slovenia. "What [Slovenia]
has achieved is exceptional. This is not the achievement of an individual but of the whole
nation," he said.
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His role in steering Slovenia to become the first among the EU newcomers from 2004 to join
the eurozone was the main factor in his selection, the publication said.
"I'm happy that we're back in Europe, where we belong... This is the last step on our long path
home," he said.
"This was truly a national project, which was respected by all governments and the social
partners in spite of the political changes," Bajuk added.
Meanwhile, the main award given out by the weekly, the European of the Year, went to
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.
Triglav Plans Strategic Partnership with Macedonian Insurer
Slovenian insurer Zavarovalnica Triglav and Macedonian insurer Vardar Osiguranje signed
a memorandum of understanding, which paves the way for a strategic partnership
Slovenian insurer Zavarovalnica Triglav and Macedonian insurer Vardar Osiguranje signed
on Tuesday, 28 November a memorandum of understanding, which paves the way for a
strategic partnership, Trigav said in a press release on Wednesday, 29 November.
According to the release, Zavarovalnica Triglav is pursuing its strategy of development and of
extending its presence to the markets of SE Europe through strategic investments in countries
where it has not been present so far.
The insurer stressed, however, that buying an insurer in the region would not be a
precondition for entering these markets.
Zavarovalnica Triglav has decided to diversify its investments and the project in Macedonia
presents a part of this policy, the release further reads.
With a 30% market share, Vardar Osiguranje is the second biggest insurer in Macedonia. It
collects premiums in excess of EUR 25m annually.
Cinemas and Bars Round Euro Prices Up
The Slovenian Consumers' Association (ZPS) said it had received a number of consumers'
complaints on the increase in prices of cinema tickets and prices in bars prior to the euro
changeover
The Slovenian Consumers' Association (ZPS) on Wednesday, 29 November said it had
received a number of consumers' complaints on the increase in prices of cinema tickets and
prices in bars prior to the euro changeover.
Manca Novinec of the ZPS told STA the association was gathering information about price
hikes in other sectors and would present them to the press next week.
The association said the recent increase in the price of tickets in multiplex cinemas Kolosej
and Planet Tus was unjustified, and urged the Competition Protection Office to launch an
anti-trust inquiry. However, the association has not lodged any complaints as yet, Novinec
said.
The association found out that ticket prices in Kolosej increased by up to SIT 86 (EUR 0.36)
to SIT 1,186 (EUR 4.95), while Planet Tus increased them by SIT 100 (EUR 0.42) to SIT
1,000 (EUR 4.17). The association believes the increase is a result of price rounding in the
conversion of tolars to euros.
It pointed out that the move went contrary to the proposal of the government and the
European Commission that prices should be rounded down. Moreover, the association said
the hike in turn provoked an increase in the prices of other goods and services in the cinemas.
The Consumers' Association also wants to warn the public about the lack of competition in
the market. Ticket prices in Maribor, where cinemas are operated by two rival companies, are
lower than in Ljubljana, Koper or Kranj, where all cinemas are owned by Kolosej.
Regarding the prices in catering service, consumers' complaints concern mainly prices of
coffee in bars and restaurants.
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LJSE Acquainted with OMX Strategic Partnership Proposal
The LJSE wrote that the decision on possible forms of partnership will be taken by the stock
exchange's shareholders
The Ljubljana Stock Exchange (LJSE) is acquainted with the strategic partner initiative by the
OMX group of Nordic stock markets, the LJSE wrote on Wednesday, 29 November in a press
release. The response comes after daily Delo revealed that OMX offered a strategic
partnership, including ownership links, to the LJSE.
The LJSE wrote that the decision on possible forms of partnership will be taken by the stock
exchange's shareholders.
The LJSE's strategy says that in 2007, the company will begin integrating the Slovenian
market with other organised EU markets.
In line with the strategy, the LJSE's management supports all the initiatives that would
facilitate its development and the Slovenian capital market, and guarantee competitive
services, the press release also reads.
OMX was created by the merger of the Stockholm, Helsinki and Copenhagen stock markets.
It also owns the stock exchanges in Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius.
A total of 742 companies are listed on OMX, which controls around 80% of securities trading
in the Scandinavian and Baltic states, according to Delo.
NLB Signs Credit Line with EIB
The funds have been earmarked for projects by small- and medium-sized companies,
municipalities and public utilities, NLB said in a press release
Slovenia's largest bank, NLB, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed on Tuesday,
28 November a new credit line worth EUR 50m. The funds have been earmarked for projects
by small- and medium-sized companies, municipalities and public utilities, NLB said in a
press release on Wednesday, 29 November.
More specifically, the money will focus on projects dealing with energy saving, environment
protection and transport as well as on infrastructure projects in health-care, education, tourism
and cultural heritage.
CCIS Wants Euro Code to Prevent Price Hikes During Euro Switch
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS) is pushing for a euro price code
to bind the companies from instituting speculative price hikes during the forthcoming 2007
euro changeover
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS) is pushing for a euro price code
to bind the companies from instituting speculative price hikes during the forthcoming 2007
euro changeover, Cveto Stantic of the CCIS told the press on Friday, 1 December.
CCIS wants to see the code signed, but the initiative for the document should come from the
Economy Ministry, the CCIS representative in the national euro coordination body added in
Ljubljana.
The chamber is also trying to cut red tape for companies with limited liability during the
recalculation of their basic capital into euros. The current recalculation system involves the
registration court, making it lengthy and costly, Stantic explained.
He noted that euro preparations are proceeding well in Slovenian companies and that no
major problems were reported.
Nina Presern, the head of the euro project group at the CCIS, called on companies to send all
the bills to other companies as soon as possible, as business-to-business payment transactions
would only be possible by 29 December.
13
Two Banks Start Changing Tolars into Euros Without Commission
The two largest Slovenian banks, Nova Ljubljanska banka (NLB) and Nova Kreditna banka
Maribor (NKBM), have started changing tolars into euros without charging a commission
The two largest Slovenian banks, Nova Ljubljanska banka (NLB) and Nova Kreditna banka
Maribor (NKBM), have started changing tolars into euros without charging a commission. On
1 December the banks equalled their exchange rate with the irrevocable exchange rate
standing at 239.64 tolars to the euro.
Abanka Vipa will start using the irrevocable exchange rate on 15 December, while other
banks are not planning this for the time being.
According to the euro act, all banks will have to exchange tolars into euros free of charge
between 1 January and 1 March 2007.
After that they will be able to charge a commission, while the central bank will change tolar
banknotes for euros indefinitely and without commission. It will only exchange tolar coins
until 31 December 2016.
The act also determines banks can charge a commission for the exchange of sums over 1,500
euros if the clients do not state their desire for exchange a day in advance.
NLB group has said the bank will not charge a commission even in such cases, unless if there
is a possibility that it could run out of cash. NKBM also said that it would exchange amounts
in excess of SIT 360,000 (around EUR 1,500) free of charge only if the clients announce the
transaction a day in advance.
Export Credit Agency SID to Become a Bank
SID banka will be launched on 1 January 2007
Slovenska izvozna druzba (SID), an export credit agency, has received permission from the
central bank to transform into a bank. SID banka will be launched on 1 January 2007, the
company said on Friday, 1 December.
SID banka will continue to insure and finance exports, but it will eventually expand to other,
broader development businesses, the press release reads.
The bank will get a new management board headed by incumbent board member Sibil Svilan.
The current chairman, Marko Plahuta, will stay on as board member alongside Jozef
Bradesek.
Ljubljana Stock Exchange
Smaller issues outperformed the big names by a wide margin, helping to push the main
market SBI 20 index nearly 2% higher to 6,121.35, a new record
The Ljubljana Stock Exchange (LJSE) saw a surge of activity last week. Smaller issues
outperformed the big names by a wide margin, helping to push the main market SBI 20 index
nearly 2% higher to 6,121.35, a new record. The blue chip SBI TOP was up 0.76% to
1,428.08.
Despite the absence of tangible news, port operator Luka Koper soared 17.53% to SIT 11,281
(EUR 47.07), rounding off a ten-day streak during which it has gained over 22%.
Luka Koper also saw unusually high volumes, as deals were worth SIT 405m (EUR 1.7m).
Food company Droga Kolinska jumped by 10.3% to SIT 3,253 (EUR 13.57%) on news that it
was the best performing part of the Istrabenz conglomerate.
The big names posted high volumes, but trading was much more mixed.
Drug maker Krka dominated the market in volume terms with deals of SIT 1.05bn (EUR
4.38m), but it added only 0.28% on the week to SIT 187,257 (EUR 781.41).
Energy company Petrol was up 1.47% to SIT 117,265 (EUR 489.34) on SIT 541m (EUR
2.3m) in total volumes.
14
Istrabenz was one the biggest loser among blue chips, sliding 1.94% to SIT 9,499 (EUR
39.64) as the group's net profit slipped despite solid sales.
With all the action on the official market, the free market was not nearly as stellar. The PIX
investment fund index was down 0.42% to 4,937.53 and the bond BIO index shed 0.11% to
120.05.
Dealers wrapped up deals worth SIT 8bn (EUR 33.5m), of which over one-third was done in
block deals.
Foreign Exchange
Mean exchange rate of the Bank of Slovenia
Euro (EUR) - SIT 239.63 (+0.02)
U.S. dollar (USD) - SIT 181.02 (-2.06)
Swiss franc (CHF) - SIT 150.89 (-0.61)
British pound (GBP) - SIT 356.22 (+2.39)
15
REGIONAL INFORMATION
Motorway Company Signs Final Contracts for Prekmurje Section
The Motorway Company (DARS) signed the final two contracts for the construction of the
motorway network in the northeastern region of Prekmurje, worth SIT 9.4bn (EUR 39.22m)
The Motorway Company (DARS) signed on Monday, 27 November the final two contracts
for the construction of the motorway network in the northeastern region of Prekmurje, worth
SIT 9.4bn (EUR 39.22m).
The first contract was signed for a SIT 6.93bn (EUR 28.91m) tunnel which will be
constructed by SCT, Slovenia's largest construction company, and Cestno podjetje Maribor.
The second contract involves a SIT 2.44bn (EUR 10.18m) expressway between the motorway
and the Dolga vas international border crossing between Slovenia and Hungary, DARS said.
16
BRANCH INFORMATION
Internet in Slovenia Celebrates 15 Years
"In statistical terms, Slovenia is exceptionally well covered with internet access," said Jure
Zupan, Slovenian minister of higher education, science and technology
Fifteen years have passed since research institution Jozef Stefan Institute (IJS) established an
internet connection with the Dutch Institute for Physics and Mathematics (NIKHEF). This
was the first internet connection in Slovenia and one of only 200 internet points of that time.
"In statistical terms, Slovenia is exceptionally well covered with internet access," said Jure
Zupan, Slovenian minister of higher education, science and technology, at the event taking
place at IJS in Ljubljana on Monday, 27 November. However, he said internet coverage in
remoter areas was worse.
The expansion of broadband access is enabled by two factors, the supply of services and
content and the development of competition, said Matjaz Jansa, Head of the Directorate for
Electronic Communications at the Economy Ministry.
He said much had been done in this sphere as a tender for the 3rd generation of mobile
communications, the UMTS, stirred up the competition. Positive trends are also seen in
wireless broadband access, he added.
The increase in competition of broadband service providers will enable the users in remoter
areas to acquire access to broadband communications, especially where there was previously
no interest of service providers because of big investment costs, he said. "This is one of the
methods to bring broadband access to remote areas," Jansa pointed out.
However, according to him, liberalising the market alone will not be enough. Therefore, the
government has embarked on a project which aims at bringing sufficient broadband access to
all residents by 2010. In the long-term, by 2020, the project aims at bringing public optical
networks to 90 % of the households, he explained.
The history of internet dates back to the early development of communication networks in the
50s and 60s, when the American Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) developed a
network for military purposes. Broader use of the internet began two decades later, with the
implementation of the TCP/IP as the standard for interconnecting different types of networks
and exchange of data.
Later, in the early 90s, Gopher and World Wide Web (www) appeared, starting the everincreasing use of the internet.
Farm Officials Optimistic About Future of Slovenian Farming
The EU's budget framework for 2007-2013 offers good possibilities for Slovenian farming
The EU's budget framework for 2007-2013 offers good possibilities for Slovenian farming,
agricultural consultants agreed on Monday, 27 November at a meeting entitled "How to
Efficiently Use the Money Offered by the EU".
The Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry (KGZS) has been extensively training agricultural
consultants in the last couple of months, so they will be able to acquaint the farmers with
novelties that new European programmes bring, said the president of the chamber, Peter
Vrisk.
The 2007-2013 period is extremely important, since this is the last financial perspective when
something can still be done for Slovenian agriculture, Vrisk added.
Slovenia's agriculture will receive SIT 278bn (EUR 1.16bn) between 2007 and 2013, a period
that will be marked by structural changes. These changes are necessary and should be carried
out more efficiently, said Agriculture Minister Marija Lukacic.
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Lukacic pointed to the problem of the average age of the farmers in Slovenia, which is over
55. The authorities will therefore encourage early retirement of older farmers so that younger
farmers can take over.
The authorities will also earmark 33% of the funds for the modernization of farm technology.
Some 10% will be allocated for activities that bring additional income to the farmers.
We will encourage founding of small companies that would assure development of the rural
areas, Lukacic said. She also believes that the Slovenian countryside is very appropriate for
ecological and integrated farming.
We have been talking about family farms for a long time, however Slovenia does not have
conditions for farms that could support whole families, Vrisk said. The development of
Slovenia's countryside should therefore be based on middle- and small-sized farms, he added.
The rural development programme for the 2007-2013 period brings good possibilities for
medium- and small-sized farms, said Vrisk. However, research has to be carried out to ensure
that the money goes to the right people.
The criteria for acquiring funds are too high and if this continues many farms will be unable
to get the money, said Vrisk. He believes that it is better to spread the money among a greater
number of farms than to give big amounts to only few farms.
Slovenian CO2 Emissions too Large, European Commission Says
The European Commission said Slovenia does not meet the demands regarding carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions
The European Commission said on Tuesday, 28 November that Slovenia does not meet the
demands regarding carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Even if the country enacted additional
measures, its CO2 emissions would be too large, the Commission said in a press release.
According to the Commission, Slovenian companies release 13 percentage points too many
greenhouse gases, meaning that the country needs to buy additional emission coupons.
Even if the country enacted additional measures, its emissions would still be 8 percentage
points over the allowed limit.
The EU executive body formally warned Slovenia on 12 October for its failure to submit the
plan for curbing the emissions between 2008 and 2012.
Slovenia sent the plan to the Commission on 26 October.
The Commission will present its assessment of the suitability of national 2008-2012
allocation plans for 11 EU states, excluding Slovenia, on Wednesday, 29 November.
Tabloids Top the Lists of Most Widely Read Periodicals
Tabloid Slovenske novice remained the most widely read daily in the third quarter of 2006,
while Nedeljski dnevnik, a tabloid-style edition of daily Dnevnik, continued to top the list of
weeklies
Tabloid Slovenske novice remained the most widely read daily in the third quarter of 2006,
while Nedeljski dnevnik, a tabloid-style edition of daily Dnevnik, continued to top the list of
weeklies, a survey has shown.
In the third quarter of 2006, Slovenske novice sold 90,200 copies, while the figure reached
91,400 in the same period last year, the Advertising Chamber, which commissioned the
survey, said on Monday, 27 November.
The leading serious paper Delo is in second place, however the number of sold copies
dropped from around 72,700 to 66,000.
Delo is followed by dailies Dnevnik and Vecer. Dnevnik sold around 47,100 copies in the
third quarter (46,800 in the same period 2005), while Vecer's circulation dropped from 49,000
to 45,700.
The business daily Finance noted a rise from 11,300 to 12,100 sold copies.
18
Nedeljski dnevnik leads among the weeklies with 121,000 copies sold (126,000 in the same
period last year), and is followed by Nedelo - the Sunday edition of Delo (53,800), and tabloid
Lady (57,100).
Weekly Zurnal tops the list of free editions, recording a slight rise in circulation.
Slovenian Wins EU Cluster Manager Award
The cluster manager award presented by the Europe INNOVA Initiative went to Dusan Busen
of Slovenian Automotive Cluster (ACS) for excellence in management and entrepreneurship
The cluster manager award presented by the Europe INNOVA Initiative went to Dusan Busen
of Slovenian Automotive Cluster (ACS) for excellence in management and entrepreneurship,
ACS said on Wednesday, 29 November.
The Europe INNOVA initiative, supported by the European Commission, is aimed at
becoming a central connecting point in the field of entrepreneurial innovations in Europe.
The initiative, a part of 6th Framework Programme, aims to inform, support and stimulate
company and cluster managers, policy makers, investors and associations.
The winners were announced at Europe INNOVA conference held from 26 to 28 November
in Valencia, Spain.
Government Mixes Ownership Cards Among Power Producers
The government launched the preparatory phase of the privatisation of power utilities by
carrying out an ownership shake-up among the two state-owned power producers, HSE and
Gen energija
The government launched on Thursday, 30 November the preparatory phase of the
privatisation of power utilities by carrying out an ownership shake-up among the two stateowned power producers, HSE and Gen energija.
The ownership changes include the transfer of the state stakes in the power utilities
Termoelektrarna Trbovlje and Dravske elektrarne to HSE, and the transfer of HSE's stakes in
power utilities Termoelektrarna Brestanica and Savske elektrarne Ljubljana to rival Gen
energija.
The move is a prelude to the planned privatisation of the energy sector the government is to
carry out under a strategy adopted on 27 July that envisages the creation of competition prior
to the sale of shares in HSE.
In line with the decision, the HSE has gained a 80.34% stake in Termoelektrarna Trbovlje, the
company that operates the Trbovlje coal-fired power plant in central Slovenia, and the
remaining 0.14% stake in Dravske elektrarne, the operator of a chain of hydro power plants
on the Drava in NE Slovenia, to control 100% of the utility.
Under the decision, HSE has had to relinquish its stakes in Termoelektrarna Brestanica, the
operator of the thermal power plant in Brestanica in eastern Slovenia, and the manager of
hydro plants on the Sava, Savske elektrarne Ljubljana, to Gen energija.
The transfers will be carried out in phases and will be completed on 31 December 2006.
The ownership shake-up is part of a pre-privatisation strategy which envisages that there
should at least two power producers on the Slovenian market. Gen energija currently owns the
Slovenian half of the Krsko Nuclear Power Plant (the other half is in Croatian hands).
The HSE remains the owner of hydro plants on the Drava and Soca rivers, the Sostanj and
Trbovlje thermal power plants and the Velenje coal mine.
The end goal is to launch the privatisation of HSE, which is due to get underway in 2007 with
the listing of the company on the stock exchange. Gen energija is to remain is state ownership
because of its stake in the N-plant.
19
In line with government documents, the sale of HSE would be a two-step process, with the
state reducing its stake to 51% from the 100% it currently holds as part of the first phase that
is scheduled to follow the listing.
Meanwhile, the second phase is scheduled to take place three to five years after the first
phase.
Unveiling the strategy on 27 July, Economy Minister Andrej Vizjak said that the government
would decide on the second phase after an analysis of the effects of the first phase.
20
COMPANIES
Istrabenz Revenues Soar, Profit Slides
The food, energy and tourism holding Istrabenz generated SIT 128.2bn (EUR 535m) of net
revenues in the first nine months of 2006
The food, energy and tourism holding Istrabenz generated SIT 128.2bn (EUR 535m) of net
revenues in the first nine months of 2006, up 35% over the same period last year. The
unaudited unconsolidated data also shows operating profit up 45% to SIT 6.1bn (EUR
25.5m), while net profit slid 6% to SIT 3.35bn (EUR 14m).
The rise in the operating profit and revenues was mainly due to larger sales of Istrabenz's food
subsidiary Droga Kolinska and its energy arm Istrabenz energetski sistemi, the company said
in Koper on Tuesday, 28 November.
Istrabenz's food division posted SIT 58.7bn (EUR 245m) in operating revenues and posted
SIT 2.4bn (EUR 10m) in net profit.
The energy arm generated SIT 47.3bn (EUR 197.4m) in operating revenues and SIT 345.9m
(EUR 1.4m) in net profit, down 29% year-on-year.
Istrabenz's tourism division also failed to keep up with last year's results, as a drop in
overnight stays shrunk its profit by 29% to SIT 663m (EUR 2.7m) on operating revenues of
SIT 7.87bn (EUR 33m).
The holding expects to meet its targets by the end of the year. Its plan project SIT 172bn
(EUR 717.7m) in revenues and SIT 3.7bn (EUR 15.4m) in net profit.
Droga Kolinska Posts Upbeat Q3 Results
Food group Droga Kolinska increased net profit by 64% in the first nine months of the year,
to SIT 2.37bn (EUR 9.9m)
Food group Droga Kolinska increased net profit by 64% in the first nine months of the year,
to SIT 2.37bn (EUR 9.9m). Sales rose 63% year-on-year to SIT 57.61bn (EUR 240.4m),
largely as a result of the inclusion in consolidated financial statements of Serbian coffee
maker Grand and confectionery company Stark.
The core company's sales meanwhile rose 20% to SIT 32.87bn (EUR 137.16m), with net
profit soaring by 67% to SIT 1.62bn (EUR 6.76m), the company said in a press release on
Tuesday, 28 November.
The Droga Kolinska group is a part of the Koper-based tourism, energy and food
conglomerate Istrabenz. It comprises 27 companies with over 3,500 employees.
MBO of Viator & Vektor Successful
Vektor and Petin, two small companies affiliated with the chairman of logistics group Viator
& Vektor, said they had already acquired an additional 37.87% target stake in Viator &
Vektor, in what is another in a series of management buyouts in the ranks of Slovenia's
largest companies
Vektor and Petin, two small companies affiliated with the chairman of logistics group Viator
& Vektor, said they had already acquired an additional 37.87% target stake in Viator &
Vektor, in what is another in a series of management buyouts in the ranks of Slovenia's largest
companies.
While the threshold for the bid, published on 22 November at SIT 35,000 (EUR 146.05) per
share, was set at 51%, Vektor and Petin have acquired 71,823 shares, which makes them
owners of a total of 110,511 shares or 58.27%.
21
While the threshold for the bid has already been reached, the offer remains open until 19
December, the two companies said in a press release on Wednesday, 29 November.
Vektor, headed by Vekoslav Sket, was established by Petin and by 48 current and former
managers at Viator & Vektor and affiliated companies.
Petin on the other hand only has one owner, the CEO of the Viator & Vektor group Zdenko
Pavcek.
The bid is being carried out on the basis of a shareholder agreement, signed by Vektor and
Petin on 7 November, which also stipulates that the acquired shares are to be divided equally
among the two companies, despite the fact that Vektor owned no shares of the group before
the bid.
According to Vektor and Petin, the main motives behind the move are increasing the
influence on the company's operations and development goals, and the belief that an MBO
could have a positive effect on the growth of the company.
Before the latest acquisitions, the biggest shareholders of Viator & Vektor aside from Petin
included asset management firms Infond Holding (24.8%), Zlata Moneta 2 (19.6%) and
Proholding (13%).
FVO Inspection Team Visits Slovenia
The inspectors left Slovenia satisfied with the measures in place
An EU veterinary team paid a visit to Slovenia between 27 November and 1 December to
inspect measures for the protection of animals in food-processing facilities, the National
Veterinary Administration (VURS) said on Friday, 1 December. The inspectors left Slovenia
satisfied with the measures in place.
The team from the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) inspected food-processing facilities
for cattle, pigs and poultry and the VURS regional office in Kranj (north), VURS said in a
press release.
According to VURS, the FVO inspectors will send a draft report to VURS within 20 working
days on which the Slovenian authorities will have 25 days to file comments. The initial
assessment of the inspectors was that the situation in Slovenia was satisfactory.
This was the latest FVO inspection this year. In May a FVO team checked the legislation on
authorities tasked with inspecting food quality, while in June oversight at food-processing
facilities and production of foods of animal origin was examined.
Pivovarna Lasko's Sales Edge Higher, Profit Down
Beverage group Pivovarna Lasko posted net sales revenues of 50.2bn (EUR 209.5m) for the
January-September period
Beverage group Pivovarna Lasko posted net sales revenues of 50.2bn (EUR 209.5m) for the
January-September period, up 1.6% over the year before. Operating profit was up 8.1% to SIT
5.7bn (EUR 23.8m), while net profit was down 3.3% to SIT 4.3m (EUR 17.9m) year-on-year,
the company said on Thursday, 30 November.
The group increased volume sales by 2.9% to 3.98 hectolitres. Beer accounted for 41.5% of
volume sales, followed by soft drinks (36.6%), mineral water (13.9%) and still water (7.2%).
Volumes sales were below target in all groups bar still water, the company said.
The group includes brewers Pivovarna Lasko, Pivovarna Union and Jadranska pivovara and
soft drinks makers Vital Mestinje and Fructal.
The core company, Pivovarna Lasko, posted net sales of SIT 15.15bn (EUR 63.2m), up 1.9%
year-on-year, with net profit increasing by 1.9% to SIT 1.64bn (EUR 6.8m).
22
FAIRS, CONGRESSES
Book Fair Opens with Award Ceremony
Several awards for achievements in publishing, printing, literature and book design were
presented as the 22th Slovenian Book Fair opened at the Cankarjev dom arts centre
Several awards for achievements in publishing, printing, literature and book design were
presented on Tuesday, 28 November as the 22th Slovenian Book Fair opened at the Cankarjev
dom arts centre.
The Schwentner Life-Time Achievement Award for the advancement of publishing, book
selling and reading went to Ivan Bizjak, an editor and author of books for children and youth.
According to the award jury, Bizjak has been a great contributor to excellent results of two
major Slovenian publishers, Mladinska knjiga and Presernova druzba.
Best literary debut award went to travelogue "Ime tvoje zvezde je Bilhadi" (Your Star's Name
is Bilhadi) by Magda Reja, in which a woman from the West writes about her travels through
a desert with a caravan.
The Association of Slovenian Literary Translators presented the award for best translation to
Barbara Skubic for her translation of "Pot med palacama" (Between-the-Palaces), a novel by
Nobel Prize Laureate Naguib Mahfouz of Egypt. The jury described novel as a complete,
colourful and powerful portrayal of intellectual and socio-political scene in Egypt after World
War I.
The Association of Slovenian Printers gave a special award to newspaper publisher Delo for
the quality of its printing, as well as for its membership of the IFRA, the world's leading
association for newspaper and media publishing.
Krilati lev, the award for best printing, also presented by the Printer's Association, was
conferred on the monograph "Rudolf Spanzel" published by Gorenjski tisk.
Best book design awards were given to three volumes of diverse genres, among them
"Zamejski viharnik" by Ivan Trinko in the fiction category, "Pepelka" (Cinderella) by
Brothers Grimm in the children's literature category, and the publication "Razvezani jezik"
(Unleashed Tongue) in the science and school book category.
The award in the faction category went to the monograph "Plecnik, Dunaj, Praga, Ljubljana"
(Plecnik, Vienna, Prague, Ljubljana), while a book on acclaimed pop singer Marjana Derzaj,
"Marjana - Zvezde padajo v noc" (Marjana - The Stars Are Falling into the Night), by
Katarina Lavs won the art monograph and bibliophile editions category.
23
SLOVENIA IN BRIEF
Rupel: Intercultural Dialogue a Slovenian EU Presidency Priority
Focusing on the situation in the Middle East and relations between different cultures in the
Mediterranean, the EU-Mediterranean ministerial in Tampere expressed broad support for
intercultural dialogue, Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel told STA on the sidelines of the event
that wrapped up in Tuesday, 28 November.
Rupel Says Slovenia for NATO's Encouragement to Candidates
Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel arrived in Riga for NATO summit on Tuesday, 28 November
saying that Slovenia favoured the alliance's "encouraging attitude" towards Croatia,
Macedonia and Albania, while it also worked towards inviting Serbia, Montenegro and
Bosnia-Herzegovina to join the Partnership for Peace as soon as possible.
Parliament Signs into Law 2-Year Telecoms Data Retention
Parliament signed into law on Tuesday, 28 November a two-year period of compulsory data
retention for telephone calls as part of amendments to the electronic communications act, the
longest period envisaged by the relevant EU directive.
Slovenia Presents its Culture in Finland
The Month of Slovenian culture kicked off in Finland on Thursday, 30 November with the
opening of an exhibition of Slovenian art and design at the International Cultural Centre Caisa
in Helsinki. The exhibition presents the project "Any Sharp Objects?", which brought together
19 fashion designers, the achievements of Slovenian industrial design, including the legendary
Rex chair, and photographs by Branko Ceak, which document buildings in Ljubljana designed
by Slovenia's best-known architect Joze Plecnik. The exhibition will close on 20 December,
Slovenian diplomats in Helsinki said.
Brucan: EU Health Ministers United in Tackling Alcohol
EU health ministers called on Thursday, 30 November for measures aimed at reducing the
damaging effects of alcohol use on the health of the young, children and unborn babies,
Slovenia's Andrej Brucan told STA on the sidelines of the EU Council of Employment, Social
Policy, Public Health and Consumer Protection in Brussels.
Minister Drobnic Dismissed
Labour, the Family and Social Affairs Minister Janez Drobnic was dismissed in a 59-7 vote in
parliament on Friday, 1 December in what is the first dismissal of a cabinet member in this
government's term in office. PM Jansa said that Economy Minister Andrej Vizjak would take
over as caretaker until a new minister with full powers is appointed.
24