The Slovenia Times 118 by Slovenia Times

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Making ripples in Sloveniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rivers and lakes gets in vogue, again

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The Slovenia Times, Slovenian magazine in English, volume 6, number 118, EUR 4,80

July 2009

CONTENTS

July 2009 4

Panorama

POLITICS

6 8 9

Golobič’s big fat lie The European Elections resluts Remembering the Slovenian EU presidency

12 14 14

ECONOMY

16 17 20

22 24 26 28 29 28

Partners

Slovenia’s budget woes worsen The economy slips into recession Erhard Busek talks about the Balkans real estate Istrabenz faces break-up Interview: Mr. Nsour, head of Jordan Investment Board Pristop’s Dejan Verčič explains the importance of PR

ECOLOGY SPECIAL Energy efficiency takes centre stage Djani Brečevič on the potential of renewables Franko Nemac: Solar energy on the rise Hybrid cars taking over the roads Interview: Wieland Bruch, BMW Jože Bergant of Regeneracija focuses on waste water

31-34 Centrefold map of Ljubljana LIFESTYLE: SPLASH! 36 37 41 44 48 50 51

Freshwater fun Prepare for the beach The magic Ljubljanica riverbanks Ljubljana’s Sunday flea market Dine with style: Top Remembering Napoleon’s Illyrian provinces Interview: Chantal de Bourmont, Ambassador of France

CULTURE 52 54

People: Erica Johnson Debeljak, writer Igor Jelen’s theatre impresses the world

55 56

Svetlana Makarovič, poet and writer The Event Guide

SPORTS

60 61

Slovenia Open Tennis tournament Review of the basketball season

Every Picture Tells a Story July 2009

CY CMY

PANORAMA

source: STA, Slovenian Press Agency

There Goes the Deal ... The EU-sponsored talks between Slovenia and Croatia collapsed on 18 June as Croatia turned down Commissioner Olli Rehn’s latest proposal for arbitration on the border dispute between the two countries, designed to break the impasse in Croatia’s EU accession talks. Slovenia regretted the decision, while sources close to Rehn said the countries must now find a solution themselves. Rehn presented the latest proposal to the Slovenian and Croatian foreign ministers on the sidelines of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council session in Luxembourg after Slovenia proposed amendments to his earlier proposal in May. While Croatia accepted the former proposal, it found the latest

one unacceptable. On the other hand, Slovenia deemed the latest proposal the best coming from Rehn so far. Slovenian officials saw Croatia’s decision as a missed chance to tackle the border issue and said that to continue its accession talks with the EU, Croatia would have to remove from the process documents which Slovenia deems to be prejudicial to the border dispute. The documents were the reason Slovenia blocked the accession talks in October 2008. Slovenian officials also rejected a proposal by Croatian PM Ivo Sanader under which both countries would pass a joint statement saying that no document adopted after 1991 was prejudicial to the border dispute.

The government

Political parties

Public sector

Coaliton for Changes

The Line of Discretion

Justice for Judges

Former Prime Minister Janez Janša has been summoned to a criminal police hearing presumably concerning his public disclosure in February of a statement by Interior Minister Katarina Kresal regarding the border with Croatia. Janša is suspected of disclosing classified information. The accusation is related to Jansa quoting on a news show in March a statement supposedly made by Kresal in 2007 closed meeting of heads of parliamentary parties concerning Croatia. Janša’s claim that he was quoting from an official recording of the session prompted a response from Kresal’s Liberal Democrats (LDS), who pointed out that no recording devices were present in the room were the session was held. The SDS responded by saying that the quote was in fact taken from a meeting held a week later, which had been recorded. The minutes of the meeting were eventually discovered on one of the computers in the government cabinet, marked “secret” but not stored properly. The Ljubljana Police Administration said that the case was currently being investigated.

Following an agreement with judges that came after a 10-month work-torule strike, the government adopted changes that equalise wages in the judicial branch with those in the executive and legislative branches and reassert the primacy of fixed over performance-based wages. By placing judicial workers in higher pay brackets, most of them by one bracket, of the public sector pay system, the government is doing away with the current unconstitutional solution for judges’ pay.The amount of funds required for judges’ pay will stay unchanged until 1 December 2010. The chair of the Slovenian Judges’ Association and the head of the strike committee Janja Roblek pointed out that the “frozen strike” would be in place until all the legislative changes were published in the Official Gazette.

The four coalition parties met at Brdo pri Kranju to agree on their work in the future months, including on the new supplementary budget for 2009, and planned structural reforms. PM Pahor said that the first proposals for structural reforms would be presented at a development dialogue conference in July. The changes would affect health care, pension system and job security in the public sector. The coalition also debated possible changes to key laws dealing with the political system, including laws on political parties, election campaigns and elections, which would aim at securing more transparency. In response to the meeting, the opposition Democrats (SDS) said the coalition was only repeating the promises Slovenia had been listening to ever since the coalition agreement was signed.

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UNDER THE PRESS Vox populi

Government Losing Support The share of Slovenians who think the government is doing its work well has fallen to 40% from 46.8% a month before, a survey has shown. The share of those who deem the cabinet unsuccessful has meanwhile increased from 43.4% to 51%. Among the parties, the opposition Democrats (SDS) enjoy the support of 27.4% of the respondents, while the ruling Social Democrats (SD) got 18.8%. President Danilo Tuerk is meanwhile the most popular politician in the country, followed by Defence Minister Ljubica Jelušič, Economy Minister Matej Lahovnik, European Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Prime Minister Borut Pahor. The latest Politbarometer by the Facutly of Social Sciences also marks a significant fall in government support. Beside, the survey also shows that oppositional SDS gained two percents in overall party popularity, while the ruling SD lost six percents. The most trusted institution remains the army and the President of the republic with the political parties and the clergy at the bottom of the scale. Partisan preferences Which political party would you vote for, in %

26 25

December March

17 17

June

1 1

4 4 3

NSi

DESUS

2 2 LDS

Minister of Transport Patrick Vlačič explains to the reporters why his driver used blue lights and took the service lane to pass the jams without a good reason.

7 3

SDS

5 6 4

SNS

ZARES

Together with an ambulance, we had found ourselves in a situation, where because of the behaviour of other drivers, there was no space available for the ambulance to get through… Therefore, I call upon the drivers for patience and for them not to look for shortcuts. Let them follow the rules in case of a traffic jam.

ZLSD/SD

Source: Politbarometer

Road safety

Crash dummies galore

Photo: BOBO

The number of road deaths in Slovenia decreased last year by 27% compared to 2007. However, the road fatality rate in the country remains among the highest in the EU, shows the survey published by the European Transport Safety Council. Together with Estonia and Lithuania (-33%) and Latvia (-25%), Slovenia is among the countries which managed to decrease the most the number of road deaths in 2008. The ETSC attributes the decrease partially to the economic crisis and high oil prices. With the road fatality rate of more than 100 per million citizens Slovenia gets closer to the the deadliest countries (Bulgaria, Latvia, Greece, Romania, Poland) than the EU average of 79 fatalities per million people. According to the survey, the safest roads are in Sweden, the Netherlands, the UK and Switzerland, where less than 50 people out of a million get killed on roads annually.

The climate

Intolerance

Devastating Storms

Gay Activist Assaulted

Severe storms with hail and hurricane winds hit the country in June. The most devastating was in northeastern parts of Slovenia on 16 June. While total damage is not yet known, the figures are expected to be high, especially on crops. Reports suggest that in some places the hail tore up the plants so badly it is impossible to make out what grew in the fields at all. NE Slovenia witnessed up-rooted trees smashing countless cars and blocking numerous roads. Roofs were blown away and basements were flooded, while many were left without electricity. The hail have reached the size of a chicken-egg and in parts had to be shoveled away. Photo: BOBO

Gay rights activist Mitja Blažič was beaten up by eight masked attackers in front of a Ljubljana bar, as he attended a literary evening as part of the gay and lesbian literature festival. Eye witness said that the attackers then lit a flare and pressed it against his head, burning it, and shouted anti-gay slogans. Blažič, who spent a short time in an emergency ward, said that he was feeling fine, adding that such cowardly attacks will not stop the gay rights movement. Interior Minister Katarina Kresal announced at a presentation of the pride parade that the police will practice zero tolerance towards violence and hostile speech against homosexuals.

Ahmadinedjad can not be a dictator by definition. His authority is limited, while dictatorship means unlimited power. The label of dictator could be more likely attributed to Ayatollah Khamenei, but even he is voted and controlled by an assembly which can control and remove him… If Ahmadinejad is not – and cannot be – a dictator, and if Iranians know that, he still impersonates Iranian rule to the psychologically processed western public. Dictatorship and tyranny are labels that western powers stick on the countries that don’t dance to their tunes. “Dictatorship” is not a description of a government’s nature, but an expression of the negative attitude of the west towards it. Philosopher Tomaž Mastnak in his Dnevnik column explaining why the Iranian protest have more to do with giving up its independence and capitulation to the West, rather than with democracy. What we have seen on the streets is a political expression of a part of Iranian society that sees the rules set by the Islamic Republic’s becoming close to a dictatorship. The protests were not against the regime: a significant share of population denied the results of elections and proclaimed it to be faked, which needs to be taken seriously. It is relatively evident that this opinion is also shared by the religious leadership, which has ruled the country for decades, and is now also unsure if Ahmedinejad is the legitimately chosen president of Iran. Journalist Ervin Hladnik Milharčič, a former correspondent from Teheran for Vest.si on the nature of the Iraninan protests. Ahmadijenad’s political rise owes more to the American war on terror than to the sympathies of Council of Guardians and its supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. The war on terror, with its crusading brutality and lies about the Iranian regime, offered Ahmadinejad a free and extremely efficient advertising campaign. Boštjan Videmšek, The Middle East correspondent for Delo, on the

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

POLITICS

Caught in the lie

True Lies

By Jaka Terpinc

Gregor Golobič, a powerful figure

among the political elite, took a path from politics to business and back again. His party, Zares, which arose from the ashes of the once mighty Liberal Democrats, soon attracted the core of liberal intellectuals and continues to attract the support of around 10 percent of voters in Slovenian and European elections – enough to secure its presence in both parliaments and the domestic ruling coalition. Zares campaigned strongly against the greed of newly established tycoon elites and politically installed managers, the lack of transparency in government dealings and so on. In this manner, Golobič enjoyed much support because of his firm position against the previous government of Janez Janša (now in opposition). As an uncompromising opponent of the current right-wing populism, he is also much unlike the indecisive and – some would say – naïve coalition boss Borut Pahor, which certainly brings some tension into the coalition itself. This very same Gregor Golobič made a business career as a cofounder of a successful hi-tech company, Ultra d.o.o. When asked by a journalist about his personal finances half a year ago, he did not mention his relatively valuable stake in that company. Recently, he admitted that he withheld this fact from the public with the aim, as he said of preventing Ultra from becoming a target in the election 2008 campaign. A politician who advocates greater transparency was caught lying. What greater proof against one’s integrity is there than an admitted lie? This scandal was served on a plate to the entire anti-governmental bloc, who promptly fell into a trance, screaming out, “Liar! Liar!” Golobič became perfect fodder for that same Janša populism, and the opposition called for his political lynching. This exaggeration actually puts a question to the whole affair: Golobič lied, dooming his credibility, but at the same time, he deceived only the public about his private finances, which he in fact had reported to the anticorruption commission. Thus, legally, he has not done anything wrong. From the observer’s point of view, the situation is awkward. What is more worrying: a politician caught at a lie or the hysterical reaction from a populist opposition, bordering on a witch hunt, where every accusation exposes more of their own hypocrisy? But in populist discourse, it is much easier to aim the stones towards someone who admitted that he once said something that was untrue, no matter the significance, than explain the series of mysteries, proven and recorded controversies which end up to be lies too, or strange million euro deals. In reality, such attitudes seem to make no political gains. They only extend popular disgust for democracy. One result was probably the even greater lack of interest for the elections, this time the European ones, where the lack of turnout speaks for itself. Zares has truly lost popularity, but their votes, as the recently published polls show, would not shift to the opposition ballot boxes, but into another liberal party, which reminds us that political preferences can’t be easily changed just by the sensational exposing of a scandal. P.S. Soon after the Golobič affair broke, another member of the government took more liberties than he officially should. Minister of Transport Patrick Vlačič was hurrying towards the capital to attend a TV show. To break through the traffic jam on the highway, his ministerial limousine took a service lane, with blue protocol lights on, despite the fact that this was legally impermissible. Vlačič explained how he actually helped to make a way for an ambulance, which, according to the highway security cameras indeed followed – not immediately, but half a minute after the minister’s Audi. But after all, busy as he was on the backseat, he actually didn’t notice what was going on – so he blamed it on the driver. A lesson learnt?

Ultra Scandal

Gregor Golobič, the president of the political party Zares and the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, remains in both positions, not yet withdrawing himself from politics. The demands for his resignation appeared after his admitting that he had misled the media during the 2008 general election campaign regarding his investment in a successful IT company. By Barbara Štor

“

I have chosen the more difficult of the two options available,” explained Gregor Golobič to the Slovenian public, the Prime Minister and his colleagues, after he had taken full ten

days to consider whether to stay in politics or not. Golobič was convinced that resigning would not fix the original mistake. He added that resigning would, “... in fact mean repeating the same

mistake again. Back then that was my mistake and a mistake that had consequences for me; today, this would be a mistake that would also have consequences for others.” He also explained that he was aware that he had lost some of the trust he has previously enjoyed, but said he would do everything in his power to earn it again. However, few were pleased with the minister’s explanations or with his continued presence in politics. Not only the opposition, many voters also called the attention to the fact that when a minister lies without any consequences, democracy in Slovenia has died a little, and that lying has now become a value in politics.

The Disclosure T he s ca nda l w it h M i n i ster Golobič broke out at the beginning of June as the media reported that Ultra d.o.o., a hightech firm from Zagorje, where Golobič was employed between 2003 and 2007, had some EUR 21 million of unsecured loans at the state-owned Nova Ljubljanska Banka (NLB). When the media examined the loans, it also became clear that Golobič owns

10% of Ultra SUM, the Netherla nds-based compa ny, wh ich owns 70% of Ultra d.o.o. This was a fact that he withheld from the media during the 2008 general election campaign. However, according to Golobič, he did not want to hide anything; he merely wanted to prevent Ultra from becoming a target in the campaign. “This was a mistake, for which I apologise and which I regret,” the president of Zares said, when announcing that he would reveal his decision on whether to resign as a minister and whether to withdraw from politics after hearing the opinions of colleagues, his party, the government and the public. That Gregor Golobič owns a stake in the Dutch company Ultra SUM was also confirmed by Drago Kos, the head of the Anticorruption Commission, where Golobič had to declare his assets at the beginning of his mandate.

Double Standards? Golobič was not the first nor probably the last politician to withhold certain information from the media. What is striking in this case is the fact that the minister and his party Zares are outspoken opponents of bank loans for management buyouts. For example, a couple of months ago Golobič demanded the resignation of NLB CEO Draško Veselinovič, because of the extension of an unsecured loan of some EUR 150 million to Infond Holding, one of many companies controlled by “tycoon” Boško Šrot. The media has also discovered that the minister’s former employer was involved in unsecured loans, although Ultra as well as NLB immediately rejected such accusations as a rumour, with NLB stating that the loan was adequately insured.

Different Responses The responses to Golobič’s action among the Slovenian public were various: from full support to resignation demands. The Slovenian President Danilo Türk, for example, pointed out that Golobič had done nothing illegal, since he reported his investment to the Corruption Prevention Commission. According to the president, holding back the information from the public is morally wrong and a mistake, but he also added that a person who makes a mistake deserves a second chance. In contrast, the opposition parties were of course united in the view that Golobič should resign immediately. According to the President of the SDS, Janez Janša, Golobič should follow the exam-

ple of Pavel Rupar, who resigned his position as deputy in October 2006. Meanwhile, the Zares party gave Golobič their complete backing. “I would like Gregor Golobič to stay president of Zares and the Minister of Higher Education,” declared Speaker of Parliament Pavel Gantar after the meeting of the party council, adding that he enjoyed full support from the vast majority of party members.

sion, which is everyone’s duty,” stated the Prime Minister Borut Pahor. Asked whether he would sell his 10% stake in Ultra Sum, Golobič said that “there are no direct reasons” to do so, also explaining that he was not afraid of a possible challenge in parliament. This would give him “...a chance to directly respond to their reproaches, clearly, unequivocally, eye to eye,” he added.

The Decision

Lies in Politics

Appa rently, Ga nta r’s wishes have been fulfilled. Gregor Golobič remains a minister and has not withdrawn from politics. When declaring his decision, he explained that it was made more easily after discussions with colleagues in his party, coalition and the cabinet. His decision was also influenced by the party’s results at the European Parliamentary elections. The party received 9.77 percent of the votes cast and Ivo Vajgl from Zares will hold a seat in European Parliament for the next five years. “I have carefully considered the gravity of the accusations against him. It is wrong not to declare all your assets to the public. However, I have decided to keep Golobič as minister, since he presented his personal property statement to the Anticorruption Commis-

The lie is a very common weapon in politics. It is generally assumed that if you want to win an election, you’d better start lying and tell the people what they want to hear. Politicians also lie when they get into trouble; they think the consequences of telling the truth are too severe to bear. However, many seem to get caught in their lies. Who doesn’t remember Bill Clinton’s Lewinsky affair? In the 18 years of Slovenia’s independence, many ministers have been replaced or have stepped down from their post, none of them because of lying. The only Slovenian politician who resigned because of untruthfulness was the already-mentioned former SDS MP Paver Rupar, who did not register an apartment with the Anticorruption Commission. July 2009

POLITICS

European Elections

Message Sent, Message Received Even though most Slovenians were indifferent to the European elections, the June 7 vote still managed to send a message to those in power. By Jaka Bartolj

A Season of Discontent To some, particularly within the SD, this was an indication that Prime Minister and SD leader Borut Pahor had erred in his decision to pick party outsiders as his MEP candidates. Zoran Thaler, who topped the list, is a rethread from the 1990s; a former LDS politician, he had served as Foreign Minister in Janez Drnovšek’s Government. Tanja Fajon, a longtime Brussels correspondent for RTV Slovenija, is entirely new to politics. Their selection to front SD’s list was a result of Borut Pahor’s desire to offer an alternative to the political status quo, even if on a purely symbolic level. The disappointing electoral result, however, has brought the wisdom of this strategy into question, at least among some within the party. SD MP Dušan Kumer, for instance, told the daily Delo that the party “sent a Liberal Democrat to Brussels, and Social Democrats stayed home.” Still, what hurt the SD most of all was its uneven performance as the senior government party since the September general election. Originally positioning himself as a politician ready to introduce significant change to the Slovenian political arena, Pahor frequently emerged as indecisive and unwilling to say “no” to various demands from his coalition The Slovenia Times

Photo: BOBO

o the ruling Social Democrats (SD), the result was a disappointment. While the SD managed to get the same number of MEPs elected as the opposition Slovenian Democrats (SDS), the performance of the Social Democrats was nevertheless well below the share of the vote the party obtained in September’s general election.

The chosen seven: our men and women in Brussels.

partners. Opposition politicians have had a field day attacking his handling of the economic crisis, as well as the country’s increasing budget deficit. Recent opinion polls have shown that the public agrees with this assessment; most respondents say that the government isn’t doing enough to deal with the recession. If the European elections were a referendum of sorts on the SD, the message was clear. According to analyst Boštjan M. Turk, the elections represent a “serious noconfidence message to the party of Borut Pahor and its politics.” The party’s losses in comparison to the September general election stand in sharp contrast to the gains made by the coalition’s junior center-left parties, Zares and the Liberal Democrats (LDS). In fact, Zares’ increase in the vote – and the narrow election of its MEP, Ivo Vajgl – came despite a major political scandal sparked by Zares leader Gregor Golobič’s lie to a newspaper regarding his ownership share in a company. In that light, SD’s result may be even worse than it seems at first glance. “We experienced a defeat,” wrote SD MP Matevž Frangež. “We disappointed those who voted for us on September 21; that’s a fact.” Meanwhile, Pahor attempted to put on a more positive face: “Given that the opposition parties traditionally win in European elections, it’s no surprise that we did not manage [to win]. But I’m happy with the result – it’s solid,” he told RTV Slovenija.

Winning Personalities SD managed to elect the same number of MEPs – two -- as the winning SDS, even though SDS’s finished more than eight percentage points ahead in the popular vote. This led SDS head Janez Janša to criticize the current electoral system, pointing out its fundamental unfairness. Still, SDS was this election’s big winner. The comfortable margin of victory was very welcome news for the party after the narrow defeat in the general election. The personal popularity of soft-spoken Milan Zver, who topped the party’s list, was reflected in the large number of preference votes he had received – the most of any candidate. NSi also had much to cheer about. After losing all of its parliamentary seats in September’s general election, it finished third in the European election. For the ailing party, this was much-needed boost. The result was in large part due to the popularity of the party’s incumbent MEP candidate, Lojze Peterle, who was independent Slovenia’s first Prime Minister and is known for his common touch and folksy style. His performance also served as evidence that despite the party-oriented electoral system, voters still cast their ballots for the people they like. According to Peterle, the result is proof that his party “is very much alive and kicking.” Peterle was one of three incumbent Slovenian MEPs to be reelect-

ed, along with Jelko Kacin of LDS and Romana Jordan Cizelj of SDS.

Losing Grace On the other hand, the lack of a charismatic personality may have been a factor in the disappointing performance of the People’s Party (SLS). In fact, SLS received less than 4 percent of the vote, an embarrassing outcome for what was once one of Slovenia’s most influential parties. Aimless for quite some time, the party seems no closer to a well-defined national image or strategy in the wake of this election. The election results follow a twopronged European pattern of voters punishing parties in power and turning away from center-left parties. Unlike many other European countries, however, Slovenia did not experience a surge of support for protest parties. In fact, the Slovenian National Party (SNS), traditionally playing the role of a protest party, received less than three percent of the vote – far too little to get its MEP elected --, leading the party’s always-outspoken leader Zmago Jelinčič to question the maturity of the Slovenian electorate. What did distinguish Slovenia’s European elections was the paltry turnout. At just over 28%, it wasn’t just slightly lower than five years ago; it was also among the lowest in Europe. If the European elections are an indication of a country’s enthusiasm for the EU, the turnout may end up being the loudest message of all.

POLITICS

European Union

European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth Ján Figel, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia Vasko Simoniti and European Commissioner for Science and Research Janez Potočnik at the Opening Ceremony of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in January 2008.

Shadow of the Presidency One year ago, Slovenia ended its presidency of the Council of the European Union as the first postcommunist country to do so. As the second such member state, the Czech Republic, hands over the reins to Sweden, it is appropriate to look back, re-evaluate and compare to see how well Slovenia really did. By Luka Vodopivec

eading the EU Council for six months was the biggest task and challenge for Slovenia since its declaration of independence and one that will not have a parallel in the foreseeable future. Although it was officially mainly a government run project, it was much more than that. It was also an immense opportunity for the recognition of the country and its economy. Did Slovenia seize it? Yes. Could it have done better? Without a doubt, but the question worth answering is what benefits do we still have from this period, the memory of which is gradually

fading away from the thoughts of people here, let alone abroad.

Full of praise

A year ago, public opinion in Slovenia gave the kind of unanimous assent that any government would like to hear: an overwhelming majority of 85 percent considered the presidency to be mostly and very successful, 89 percent thought that it benefited Slovenia’s reputation in Europe and about 80 percent that it also did so globally. From 70 to 80 percent believed that it benefited Slovenia’s economy and its tourism. Flattering

Minor Project Almost a year after the end of the EU presidency, more precisely from 12 May until 18 November, Slovenia is at the head of the biggest and the oldest European organization, the Council of Europe. This means that Slovenian Foreign Minister Samuel Žbogar chairs the Committee of Ministers, the decision-making body of an international organization that comprises of 47 countries. Although the organization deals with practically all spectres of everyday life with the focus on strengthening democracy, rule of law and improving human rights, it lacks real powers and

authority, and its agenda is too often overlooked. In this regard, no breakthrough is expected. There are, however, some important processes and events that are taking place during the Slovenian chairmanship, such as the reform of the overburdened and thus inefficient European Court of Human Rights. In total, more than 50 events are going to take place in several Slovenian towns and elsewhere in Europe. In comparison with the presidency of the EU, this is a minor project with little public interest and mainly led by the small project group of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

words from the representatives of several other countries and the European Commission (who consider the Council’s presidency to be business as usual and decline to give comparisons on how well the presiding country performed in relation to others) reaffirmed the overall good impression. However, if we take a look from a wider perspective, it is evident that the Slovenian presidency will not be viewed internationally as a historic achievement. It did provide evidence that in regard to organizing such events even small (Luxembourg was the only smaller EU country in the same role) and former communist countries can do just as well as the others.

From Kosovo to Ireland The priorities for the Slovenian presidency were prepared together with Germany and Portugal, the other two members of the socalled trio, an informal alliance that helped set the EU projects and activities for a period of 18 months. The Slovenian presidency focused on the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, creating new jobs and greater economic growth as part of implementing a new cycle of a renewed Lisbon strategy, making concrete commitments in regard to the energy and climate change package, strengthening intercultural dialogue and brining Western Balkan countries closer to the EU.

All of the Western Balkan countries indeed managed to conclude their first step of EU integration – Stabilisation and Association agreements with EU – in that period, but the declaration of independence from Kosovo in mid February was an overshadowing, although anticipated, event. It was obvious that the EU countries cannot have a unanimous voice on how to respond, but Slovenia at least helped ensure that the issue did not interfere with other Balkan countries approaching the EU. Intercultural dialogue took the most concrete form with the establishment of the Euro-Mediterranean University in Piran. The energy and climate change package deal achieved at the spring European Council in Brussels is considered a poor compromise, but better than no compromise at all. With regards with the Lisbon strategy, the principle of free movement of knowledge was introduced, which stimulates closer cooperation among researchers in the EU. Also, the member countries agreed how to implement the Galileo European satellite radio navigation programme. One of the more noticeable events was the opening of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue in Ljubljana, followed by the visit of the EU Commission in Brdo pri Kranju. That is where most other continued on page 10

10 POLITICS Human capital Slovenian civil servants gave a substantial contribution to the project that included more than 8,000 events, i.e. more than 40 per day on average. The new knowledge, experience and especially social networking obtained inside the EU is still a valuable benefit. Approximately one fifth of all the government officials were involved, almost 2,800 people. An additional 290 were employed additionally just for the presidency; 245 students participated as well, together with 130 external experts. After the presidency concluded, many of the 290 new employees (about 120 of them were at Slovenia’s EU mission in Brussels) were hoping to maintain their jobs, even though their contracts expired. That is not surprising if we bear in mind that Slovenian

public administration is still one of the steadiest employers in the country. Fifty employees who were thought to have done a great job were kept by the government. Many others got a big advantage over other candidates in posts open for competition in the following months; in the end, some had to find work elsewhere. In total, by the end of 2008, there were only 71 fewer government employees than at the time of the presidency. In this regard, it is also important to note that soon after last autumn’s parliamentary elections, which resulted in the defeat of Prime Minister Janez Janša’s coalition, several employees with contracts for the term of the government got permanent positions.

continued from page 9

The Slovenian presidency provided evidence that in regard to organizing such events even small and former communist countries can do just as well as the others.

events took place and thus stayed out of sight and consequently out of hearts of the general public, although European issues were omnipresent in the daily news. The event that gathered the most public attention was certainly the EU-USA summit in June, which was essentially viewed as a visit of American president George W. Bush; it was in effect a big promotional event with little substance. Straight after that came the biggest event of the presidency: the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty by Irish voters, ruining the number one priority of the EU and causing an indefinite delay of treaty

Build up of Convention Tourism Before the EU presidency, several noticeable “face lifts” were carried out in Slovenia, mostly renovations of government buildings, hotels and other prominent buildings. Two of the issues that attracted most public attention at the time were the irritation of the Ljubljana municipal authorities, because they did not get government funds for remodelling, and second, the building of the new convention centre at Brdo pri Kranju, where a large majority of events took place. Four major halls for 70 up to 550 guests and eight smaller conference rooms make up the centre. It cost 15.5 million euros, 30 percent more than was projected. The dilemma that has surfaced was not whether the centre was needed for the presidency, but whether Slovenia and its protocol service would be able The Slovenia Times

to efficiently use it afterwards. At the time of the presidency, there were 1,282 events in this location. In the second half of 2008, the number naturally fell to 737; from beggining of this January to the end of May, there were 675 events. However, according to the representative of the service, about 60 percent of them were not held by the government, which means that the customers paid for the usage of conference rooms. They mainly organized conferences, seminars, trainings, representations of companies and its brands, luncheons and formal dinners. If the trend continues, the investment will be paid off. Bearing in mind that there are several other conference halls in Slovenia that are also quite busy, it is safe to conclude that the convention and conference tourism is on the rise.

ratification in other countries. One of which was the Czech Republic, whose president Vaclav Klaus saw the Irish referendum results as a victory and demanded that the treaty ratification must stop.

Weak and eurosceptic The evident eurosceptism of the Czech president was not really a concern when the Czechs took over the presidency of the Council of the EU. Even the weak government of Mirek Topolanek was not a cause for worries in Brussels. While the Slovenian government had no major internal political disputes in its presidency period, Topolanek’s government failed the vote of no confidence halfway through the presidency and the government stepped down. Although this was not the first such occasion during the presidency (Denmark and Italy had the same issue in 1993 and 1996, respectively), commentators and Topolanek himself warned against weakening the negotiation process inside the EU and with its partners. The burden of the new Prime Minister, Jan Fischer, and his new team was even greater, because they had to lead the EU in a period of a serious economic crisis, much different circumstances from what Slovenia had had. The European Union was trying to find swift and effective measures, but this was practically impossible, because member states’ governments were too busy looking for appropriate responses at home rather than in Brussels. Nevertheless, the failure of the Czech presidency was not even an option. A professor at the Fac-

ulty of Social Sciences in Ljubljana, Irena Brinar, asserts that the presidency is mainly a technical project where 90 percent of the tasks depend on the preparedness and knowledge of the officials. The Czechs had a team of over three thousand officials, and they employed 365 new ones. They had a budget of 73 million euros, ten million more than Slovenia had. They went through their priority list consisting of economy, energy and external relations (although it can be viewed as more of a paper tiger). Because of their internal issues, the Czechs might not get as much international recognition as Slovenia, but their economy, especially tourism, might have even greater benefits than Slovenia’s. Prague, for example, has long been considered one of the biggest European attractions.

Step by step Last year, Slovenia’s tourism definitely had benefits because of the EU presidency. Results of the research by the Slovenian Tourist Organization showed that the demand for Slovenian tourist destinations grew in between 5 percent (according to foreign tourist agencies) and 16 percent (according to Slovenian ones). There has not been other research on this topic lately, and in these times of recession the benefits of the Slovenian presidency in this regard would be hard to measure or even estimate. Still, organizing such major political events and offering great service to foreigners can tip the scale in Slovenia’s favour. However, these are always just pieces in the mosaic of how Slovenia is viewed from abroad.

POLITICS 11

Interview: Hans Joachim Goetz, Ambassador of Germany

Slovenia is a reliable partner Hans Joachim Goetz has been Germany’s ambassador to Slovenia for two years and nine months. He is now leaving Slovenia – due, as he said, to his age – but he will be remembered for how quickly and flexibly he adjusted to all spheres of German-Slovene relations, notably in culture and business. By Mitja Meršol

here was a pleasant midJune party in the gardens at German Embassy in Ljubljana. Many people came to say goodbye to Ambassador Goetz, who is leaving after being here for less than three years. At the end of his ambassadorial mandate, we asked him some questions. How would you briefly evaluate your work as an ambassador in Slovenia? I can divide it into two parts. The first one was during the trio EU presidency. It was very good and our two countries got closer to each other and ties have been deepened. Cooperation from that time is ongoing. Then came a period of political post-election changes in Slovenia, and in October/November I had to start working with a new government, with new ministers, state secretaries, with new members of the parliament and so on. There were people whom I had known already but there were also people completely new to me. And this represents the second part of my stay here. In our first interview some two years ago, I asked you a question: Germany as Slovenia’s largest trading partner represents 25 per cent of all Slovenia’s foreign trade in bilateral trade exchange. How would you describe this phenomenon? Mr. Goetz (b.1944) is a professional diplomat. After studying law in Freiburg and Berlin and a brief academic career, he joined the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs in 1973 and a year later became a consul in Liverpool, Great Britain. Later, he served in at embassies in Bangladesh, Rome and Warsaw. Before he came to Ljubljana, he had served as an emissary to the Holy See in Vatican.

My answer was that Germany is by tradition for many years a significant trading partner of your country. Even prior to 1990, the German market was widely open to Slovenian goods. So, Slovenia had its distinct position in Germany even then. Your country was one of the few on which one could fully rely from the very beginning of transition and of new relations in Europe. At that time, we also talked about German investments in Slovenia, which account for up to one billion euros, and you said there were sectors that German capital should go: banks, insurance companies, power sector and environment, etc. You said that transport is also one of interesting sectors into which Deutsche Bahn will probably enter. Yes, I said that and I can repeat it. Slovenia and German firms are jointly cooperating in the fields that are going beyond Slovenian borders, especially in the western Balkans – where the Slovene economy has been heavily involved – and south-eastern Europe up to Ukraine. Slovenes have much knowledge and experience in these areas, and therefore German firms are looking for Slovene managers to run new projects in this part of the world. Transport in general is a very important field for us, and also for Slovenia because of its specific geographic situation on the axis of two large trade routes. And your country should take advantage of this position. After the motorways you built in the last fifteen or so years, it is now the time for railways. And Luka Koper is of course connected to this complex. There are talks going on regarding participation of German firms in your railway projects. You said this two years ago. Is Deutsche Bahn still in the game? Yes. Our two transport ministers have also been in contact. They

met in May in Berlin and also in Leipzig; and I believe that the things are moving on. And what about Luka Koper? It is wit h i n t he sa me f ra mework: Luka Koper, Intereuropa and talks about t he ra i lway w it h Deutsche Bahn. It is all within one single logistics issue that is going on between our two countries. You spent less than three years in Slovenia? Why are you leaving so soon? The age limit; my retirement age is coming. And I thank all of those for the compliment for showing surprise when I told them this. So, I am leaving Slovenia soon. But there is a saying “I left a suitcase in Berlin,” which means that one intends to go back to Berlin. And let me tell you that I am leaving a lot of suitcases in Ljubljana. Let me also add this: before coming to Ljubljana, my post was in the Vatican. When I applied for Slovenia in 2006 people said, “But why do you want to change places since you cannot get closer to paradise than here, in Vatican.” But I replied, “Yes, I can.” Well, for this slogan I am not going to demand any copyright even if I said it few years before some other famous people did. I enjoyed my stay in Ljubljana od prvega trenutka (from the very beginning). I love the town, the country; I found many friends here. I started to learn Slovene. I even climbed up Mount Triglav. I did everything to convince Berlin to prolong my stay here, but... Well, maybe there is something in German proverb saying: you should go when you like it most. In any farewell, there is a chance for a new beginning.

Transport in general is a very important field for us, and also for Slovenia because of its specific geographic situation on the axis of two large trade routes. And your country should take advantage of this position.

And let me tell you that I am leaving a lot of suitcases in Ljubljana. Let me also add this: before coming to Ljubljana, my post was in the Vatican. When I applied for Slovenia in 2006 people said, “But why do you want to change places since you cannot get closer to paradise than here, in Vatican.” But I replied, “Yes, I can.” July 2009

Economy

FACTS AND FIGURES

source: STA, Slovenian Press Agency

That finance ministers around the world have become avid Keynesians is no secret anymore; increasing public spending and bailing out the banks are seen as necessary measures to lean against the plunging consumption and investment by households and companies and to keep the credit flowing. Combined with falling tax receipts, this means large holes in public finances. Slovenia’s budget deficit will hit five percent this year; however, a much more serious crisis is looming on the horizon – the pensions. The government of Prime Minister Borut Pahor adopted the second crisis budget of the year on 17th of June in a bid to deal with a drop in tax revenues brought about by the economic slowdown. In line with the government’s new spending plan, Slovenia’s budget deficit will top 5 percent of GDP in 2009. Compared to the existing budget, adopted earlier this year to fix the heavily out of touch original budget document, the new plan envisages an EUR 803m drop in revenues, which will amount to EUR 7.92bn. Taxes represent the biggest drop in revenues, falling by as much as 10 percent to EUR 6.73bn. Of that figure, EUR 400m is lost VAT income, EUR 310m corporate tax and EUR 62m personal income tax. Meanwhile, the document also curbs expenditure by EUR 147m to EUR 9.76bn. The biggest cuts in spending have been made in defence, What happened to saving in good times? budget deficit, in % of GDP

2004 2005 2006

transport infrastructure and public administration. The sum of deficits for all state purses (including national, health, pension and local) will top 5.5 percent. Sooner or later, the budget will have to be balanced to prevent the build-up in public debt that will rise as a result of the recession. However, that will not be easy; not only will Slovenia not be able to export its way out of the slump, because the economies of its trading partners are in the doldrums as well, but population ageing will hit the public finances in a way which will make the current recession seem pretty innocuous in comparison. In May, the European Commission made an assessment of the impact of ageing on the public finances in the EU and gave recommendations to individual member states on its basis. It placed Slovenia among six countries in which ageing could present the greatest risk for the public finances. Getting old age-related expenditure, in % of GDP

1 2008 2009 2010 2007

Slovenia EU27

35 30 25

-1

-2

-3

-4

-5

2007

2035

2060

Source: European Commission

Source: SURS

Photo: BOBO

Looking Into the Fiscal Abyss

Finance minister France Križanič (left) and Prime Minister Borut Pahor will have to deal with balooning government debt sooner rather than later

But are Slovenian policymakers in denial? According to finance minister Franc Križanič, Slovenia is reserved about the ideas stemming from the model which was used by the commission to calculate the burden of ageing-related spending on the economy. “They have a model which, like every model, simplifies the actual situation, but their model is a particularly great simplification from our standpoint,” Križanič said. According to the commission, the spending for pensions, health care, long term care, unemployment benefits and education could eat up 35.7 percent of GDP by 2060. Be that as it may, the fact is that the government is dragging its feet with respect to the pension and health reforms. True, both are politically unpalatable, but if there ever was a time to push them trough, it is now, in the beginning of the government mandate and with the crisis making the electorate more susceptible to the calls for reform.

Logistics

Transport

Najdi.si No. 1 Website in Slovenia

Airport Begins Runway Overhaul

Highways Get EUR 672.5M in 2009

Photo: Mobitel

The Najdi.si search engine was Slovenia’s most visited internet site in April. It was used by nearly 603,000 visitors with Slovenian IPs, according to a survey commissioned by the Advertising Chamber. Najdi.si was followed by 24ur.com, an info portal of commercial broadcaster POP TV (596,586 visitors), and by siol.net (481,044 visitors).

The Slovenia Times

Slovenia’s main international airport began a 12-day overhaul of its runway in the middle of June. It did not impact on travellers, Aerodrom Ljubljana, the airport’s operator, said. The Ljubljana airport’s fog light system was out of operation for the duration of the works. However, the company running the airport said that fog was a rare phenomenon at this time of the year. During the overhaul, aircraft were taking off from the auxiliary runway, which however can cater for all types of aircraft currently flying here. The works were the first stage of the overhaul; the second started on 30 June and will last until 15 August. The final phase is scheduled for the second quarter of 2010. The overhaul of the runway is taking place at the same time that the airport is expanding its ground facilities. The projects are worth a combined EUR 14m.

Photo: SCT

Web

The parliamentary Transport Committee endorsed on Tuesday the motorway development and maintenance plan for 2009, worth a total of EUR 672.5m. In line with the plan, a total of 44.7 kilometres of four-lane motorways will be open for traffic in 2009, as well as 10.3 kilometres of expressways and 1.9 kilometres of slip roads.

13 Logistics

Real estate

of the biggest corporate groups in Slovenia in 2008, with EUR 2.7bn in revenues, according to the rankings compiled by Delo FT, the business supplement of the daily Delo. Petrol is followed by retailer Mercator (EUR 1.8bn in revenues), car maker Revoz (EUR 1.2bn) and fuel retailer OMV Slovenija (EUR 913m). Hardware retailer Merkur is fifth with EUR 891.8m in revenues, followed by drug maker Krka (EUR 862.1m), power utility HSE (EUR 856.7m) and home appliance maker Gorenje (EUR 807.1m). Behemoths the biggest Slovenian companies by revenue, in EUR m Petrol Mercator Revoz OMV Slovenija Merkur

Housing Prices in Q1 Industrial Output Fall to 2007 Level Down 25% Y/Y in April

Photo: Luka Koper

Petrol Biggest Group Shipper Ups in 2008 Transport of Goods Energy group Petrol tops the list by 11% in 2008

Splosna plovba, the only Slovenian maritime transport company, carried 5.7 million tonnes of goods in 2008, up 11.1% year-on-year, and generated 30 billion ton-miles, which is 17.4% more than in 2007. Splosna plovba transported the majority of goods from the Indian Ocean, particularly the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, to East Asia and Oceania.

Prices of second-hand apartments dropped by over 3% in the first quarter of 2009 and reached the level of the beginning of 2007. Sales of such apartments reached its lowest point in the first quarter of the year, while sales of houses have been stagnating, the Statistics Office said. The most noticeable drop in prices was recorded in Ljubljana (-6.2%), while elsewhere the prices decreased by 1.7% on average. This is the second successive quarterly decline in prices of second-hand apartments outside Ljubljana. What goes up … second-hand apartment prices, 2005=100 Source: SURS

160 142 124 106

Rest

Total

70 Jan 2003

Krka

Economy

HSE Gorenje 0

500 1000 1500 2000 2500

Banking

NLB Seals Contract for EUR 405M Loan Slovenia’s top bank, NLB, has managed to obtain despite the rough conditions at the international financial markets a syndicated loan in the amount of EUR 405m. The money will be used for the group’s business operations. NLB signed a EUR 310m loan contract with 15 foreign banks in early June, which allowed additional loan givers to enter the deal after the contract was signed. Subsequently, the deal was sealed with four more banks for a total loan of EUR 405m. The oneyear loan was organised by Calyon, ING Bank, Intesa Snapaolo, Lloyds TSB Bank, Raiffeisen Zentralbank Oesterreich and Standard Chartered Bank. The deal is agented by Bayerische Landesbank.

Industry

Asset Relief Company Up The PDU, the special trust company created by the state-run DSU corporation to buy assets that banks obtain as part of seized collateral from entities that could not repay their loans, was registered in the beginning of June. Since the PDU lacks staff for now, some of its tasks will initially be carried out by the state-run Pension Fund Management (KAD) to prevent large stakes being sold in companies below reasonable price, Finance Minister Franc Krizanic explained.

Ljubljana March 2009

FDI

Hidria Expanding to China Industrial conglomerate Hidria will launch its production in the technological park of the Chinese city of Changshu in November. The initial investment will stand at EUR 3m and is expected to employ 100 to 150 people by 2012. In the city located 100 kilometres north of Shanghai, Hidria will produce laminates and rotors which will be supplied to the biggest international corporations, including Grundfos, a world-leading producer of pumps.

Highways

Weekly and Monthly Toll Stickers The Transport Ministry has drafted amendments to the public roads act which introduce weekly and monthly motorway toll stickers and abolish half-year vignettes for cars. The move comes after criticism from the EU about unfair treatment of occasional users of Slovenian roads, especially foreigners. Under the amendments, a seven-day vignette will cost EUR 15 and a monthly vignette will be sold at EUR 35. The price of annual vignettes will rise to EUR 95 from the current EUR 55.

Bottoming out industrial production index, 2005=100 120

Source: SURS

Companies

100

2004M01

2009M04

Slovenia’s industry stayed on a downward slope in April, contracting 24.9% at an annual level and 3.8% compared to March. The April contraction comes after a 19% year-on-year slump in March and the fall in industrial output for the first four months of the year is already at 20.9%. Year-on-year, output was also down across the board, especially in manufacturing (26.2%) and mining (22.1%). Manufacturing also stands out with a 22.5% fall in the year-onyear comparison for the first four months of this year.

Economy

Slovenia 32nd in Competitiveness Ranking Slovenia remained 32nd in the rankings of the 2009 World Competitiveness Yearbook, according to annual report of the Swiss International Institute for Management Development (IMD). Slovenia kept its position owing to strong economic results and reforms in recent years, while some indices regarding business efficiency and infrastructure give poor prospects for faster development. Among EU members, Slovenia ranks 14th. Among the newcomers, Slovenia lags behind the Czech Republic and Lithuania, while placing ahead of Portugal, Spain, Greece and Italy from the old member states.

Business

NLB Selling Stakes in Mercator and Lasko Slovenia’s top bank, NLB, announced an auction for a 23.51% stake in beverage group Pivovarna Lasko and a 10.75% stake in retailer Mercator, which it seized as collateral for an EUR 130m loan the bank gave to financial firm Infond Holding. Bids are expected by 10 July. In the first phase, NLB will collect the offers until the given deadline, while the second phase will include reviewing the bids and negotiating purchase contracts with one ore more buyers. Priority will be given to buyers who will give an offer for all stakes in both Mercator and Pivovarna Lasko. Bidders must also deposit a bank guarantee for their offer in the amount of EUR 10m. The stakes are currently worth EUR 158m on the stock market. June 2009

14 ECONOMY

Economic growth

Welcome to the Recession

Photo: Revoz

Photo: Gorenje

The figures on GDP growth in the first quarter of this year had been awaited with some trepidation. Heavily dependent on investment spending and exports, Slovenia’s economy was bound to suffer a sharp slowdown, register a second consecutive quarter of negative economic growth and thus slip into the recession. Few were, however, prepared for the news that the economy contracted by 8.5 percent in the first three months of this year compared to the same period of 2008.

Slovenia’s exports, Gorenje’s house appliances and Revoz’s cars are among the most important ones, are taking a beating

The good times

That exports are the engine of the country’s economic growth has become a platitude in political as well as expert circles. True, exports account for more than two thirds of Slovenia’s output. In the past three years, however, the contribution of trade to economic

growth was marginal or even negative; the economy imported more goods and services than it exported, with trade balance shaving off a few percentage points off economic growth, rather than adding to it (see chart). These trade deficits were a symptom of the profligacy fuelled by

Interview: Erhard Busek

“I Miss Closer Cooperation” Erhard Busek, PhD., former chief of the Austrian Christian Conservative People’s Party and vice-chancellor of Austria between 1991 and 1995, is also a well known figure in Slovenia. He is a recognized Balkan expert, thanks to his work as former special co-ordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. We caught up with him on the occasion of the IEDC-sponsored conference “Leading in Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities for Europe.” By Simon Demšar The Slovenia Times

cheap credit that was made available to the economy once the euro was introduced in 2007, and banks started to fight for market shares with ever more attractive interest rates and ever laxer loan-underwriting standards. Banks in Slovenia grew increasingly dependent on international financial markets. Demand for credit far exceeded the volume of deposits, so banks issued bonds and took out syndicated loans abroad to satisfy the appetites of households and companies that poured the money into real estate, stocks and equipment. As long as exports grew smartly on the back of surging world demand, it made sense to invest in the expansion of production facilities. Slovenia’s biggest exporters, such as Revoz, a subsidiary of French car maker Renault, and Gorenje, a household appliances producer, saw their profits rise smartly, while households could rest assured that the surging real estate and stock markets would take good care of their investments. Or so it seemed.

ECONOMY 15 The crunch A glance at Slovenia’s current account deficit, which jumped from 1.7 percent of GDP in 2005 to 5.9 in 2008, suffices to demonstrate that the country’s growth has been somewhat unbalanced. In this respect, Slovenia is similar to the three Baltic countries, which were accumulating double-digit current account deficits in the boom times and are now the only ones in the EU registering steeper falls in output than Slovenia. Not much of a consolation. Simply put, the current account deficit indicates not only that the economy is importing more than it is exporting, but also that it is paying more in interest to foreign lenders than it gets in returns on its own investments abroad. The main conduit for this outflow of funds has been Slovenia’s banks, which have relied heavily on international financial markets to finance the credit growth at home; coupon payments on bonds have to be made and loans have to be paid back. The fact that the banks’ lending often found its way into red-hot real-estate and stock markets had been overlooked, until it became too late. With the US financial meltdown in full swing and interbank markets frozen, foreign creditors have been increasingly unwilling to refinance loans given to Slovenian banks, so the latter have had to cut lending and dedicate funds to servicing their debts. The realestate market was the first to feel the pinch; with less money to go around, the demand for apartments fell, while companies started cutting costs, scraping plans to relocate to new premises. Construction firms and developers

You are one of the most prominent experts on the western Balkans region. How do you evaluate the political situation in the region? Do you see the spirit of nationalism re-emerging? Having observed the western Balkans for a very long time, I have to say that the political situation is comparatively very stable in the region. In Europe, in general there is a kind of nationalism, but it has to be said that it is more national ego than nationalism. There are some bilateral problems or some unsolved questions, such as the Hungarian minority in Romania or something similar, which is creating a wrong impression. The economic crisis will hit the region hard. What measures could the Western Balkans coun-

have thus been left sitting on a sizable stock of residential and commercial real estate of falling value, a problem when debt incurred in the process of building has to be repaid.

Sobering up It is no wonder then that fixed capital investment plunged by a third in the first quarter of 2009, compared to the same quarter of the previous year. However, it was not only investment in residential and non-residential real estate that took the hit, but also investment in transport equipment and machines. Fearing unemployment, households are putting off purchases of cars, while companies have to deal with excess capacity, built up in times of rising export orders. Now that Slovenia’s main trading partners, such as Germany and Italy, are deep in recession, exports are also flailing. Many Slovenian firms are tightly integrated into the supply chains of German car manufacturers and capital equipment producers; with Asian growth slowing down as the US consumers retrench, German firms export much less to China than they used to. In an interwoven global economy, a meltdown on the US real estate market can have almost immediate consequences for a medium-sized enterprise supplying car seat covers to German car giants. It seems that with households squeezed bet ween the credit crunch and rising unemployment, and firms faced with falling orders, only the government is willing to spend more. However, there is a limit to government spending; bonds are increasingly hard to sell

tries take to fight it? In comparison to other parts of the world, the economic crises in the region have been handled quite well. To be quite direct: the region is trained in handling crises; if it is falling, it is not so far to reach the bottom as in some western countries. Measures were taken by individual countries, but what I miss is really closer regional cooperation, because the requests for investment and infrastructure are a common issue, which might be useful in fighting the situation. Do you think the economic turmoil will postpone the entry of these countries in the EU? No. What really delays entry are the bilateral problems and the hesitation to fulfil the conditions of the acquis communautaire.

and the budget deficit is rising fast. The economy is in for a hard landing in any case. Just how hard is it going to be depends largely on events outside of Slovenian policymakers’ control. Which is, again, hardly a consolation.

Slovenia’s current account deficit jumped from 1.7 percent of GDP in 2005 to 5.9 in 2008.

Falling off a cliff economic growth, in %, y-o-y 8 6 4 2 0 -2 -4 -6 -8 -10 Q1 2007

Q1 2009

Source: SURS

Ouch! export and investment growth, in %

Exports Investment

30 20 10 0 -10 -20 -30 -40 Q1 2007

Q1 2009

Source: SURS

Bosnia-Herzegovina can hardly be called a normally functioning state. In your view, what are its biggest challenges? The answer is in the question: the biggest challenge is for BosniaHerzegovina to be a state. Do you think the disagreements over the sea border between Croatia and Slovenia are just political posturing or are there real economic interests involved? The disagreements bet ween Croatia and Slovenia have some real interest in the background but mainly they are more psychological. To be blunt: I have the impression that the whole question is psycho-pathological. In your view, which country of the region has the greatest potential in terms of economic growth?

Croatia has already done a lot, but I am sure that Serbia also has huge possibilities of improving. Bosnia-Herzegovina and partly Albania are quite away back. Montenegro is coming up and Macedonia is blocked by political difficulties. Away from the Balkans, how much do you think can conferences such as this one in Bled contribute to practical solutions? Leadership is extremely important in the present time. To create concern about missing leadership and to show the way to go – this is a great contribution of the Bled conference. The situation in the region is not only one where politicians are responsible; it also concerns the business community, scientists and the civil society. July 2009

16 ECONOMY

Istrabenz

A Sad Fairytale Istrabenz Holding is in dire straits. Although the company is indebted up to its proverbial eyeballs, its management believes it can still save it from a breakup. The creditors, however, disagree. They want their sort of resolution to the big Istrabenz problem and, of course, their money back.

A man of politics Officially, Bavčar’s polit ical career started in 1990 when he was appointed Minister of the Interior for Slovenia. He went on to become a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDS), where he was elected leader in 2000. For two years, he successfully ran the party, until he was offered the position of CEO for Istrabenz. Bavčar was always a political man, but was urged to enter the business realm, where he completely changed the way Istrabenz operated. It started off simply: acquiring new businesses, investing into stocks. The financial ventures of Istrabenz under Bavčar’s lead The Slovenia Times

Photo: Petrol

he month of May gave the world many things: the Cannes Film Festival, Norway winning the Eurovision song contest, and Istrabenz – a food, tourism, and energy conglomerate – being urged into receivership. True, the first two events are entertainment, yet Istrabenz’s whole ordeal has been anything but not entertaining. In entertainment, a key criterion is providing people with enjoyment; receivership lacks this type of pleasure. Being evaluated and forced into massive restructuring is serious. Companies opting for this – forced or planned – will not only feel the effects on the business, but the newly unemployed workers will be hard hit as well. However, the whole situation is overshadowed by the company’s former CEO Igor Bavčar’s continued presence in Istrabenz. This ever-interesting and entertaining situation is becoming increasingly tense with the banks wanting Bavčar gone, but Istrabenz’s board standing by him. Fast-forward a month later, Istrabenz is still fighting to stay above water and Bavčar was still in a position of power. The man credited for sinking Istrabenz to such a degree that it owes nearly EUR 975 million, was first unanimously voted by Istrabenz’s board to remain as a key figure in helping to solve the company’s looming insolvency, before the bankers finally forced him out.

Oil reservoirs on the Slovenian coast: Petrol might take over Istrabenz’s stake in them

soon paid off, and its portfolio and share price increased. From food and tourism, to energy and oil, the Koper-based conglomerate had stakes in it all. With the new brands of LifeClass Hotels & Spas, to food mergers with Droga and Kolinska, all the moves that Bavčar made seemed to be correct. By 2008, Istrabenz had more than 5,000 employees, business in food, tourism, energy, IT, as well as other investments in Slovenia and abroad. The company was able to celebrate 60 years of operations on a high note.

request of Istrabenz, trading of shares has been suspended, and their value has depreciated by more than 90% in the past year. Losses continue to mount with a reported EUR 35.8m net loss for the first quarter of 2009. Depreciation costs and growing interest rates are contributing to the mounting debt. Food and tourism divisions were hit the hardest; Droga Kolinska’s revenues alone fell for EUR 5.6m. Only the energy division reported a profit of EUR 2.3m, a figure up by 29% since the beginning of 2009.

Spiralling out of control

Cause & Effect

The party ended when some investments proved to be too risky over the long run; bad investments in the stocks of Petrol, the leading energy company in Slovenia, for more than EUR 197m; a controversial deal for acquiring a 15.34 percent stake in the retailer Mercator from the state-run KAD fund; and obtaining loans from banks by offering stock options instead of collateral are just some examples. Bavčar’s house of cards soon started to crumble – in part because of the struggling economy, but mostly because of bad corporate decisions and a souring stock market. Bavčar offered his resignation as CEO and in return was asked to stay on as a member of the management board. Now, Istrabenz is indebted to 19 banks for more than EUR 450m, while the group’s entire debt amounts to EUR 975m. At the

With the situation becoming increasingly grave, creditors want a quick resolution. The removal of Bavčar and the appointment of a CEO whom the banks would trust in drawing up an effective plan for restructuring was a necessary first step. Some creditors, like Probanka and Hypo Alpe Adria Bank, seized shares in order to secure payment of loans granted. Austrian bank Bawag and SKB bank, owned by France’s Société Générale, are the only two banks that demand Istrabenz to be placed into receivership. Bawag filed a motion for receivership with the Koper District Court, which said they would not rule on the matter before June 30. Until then, creditors had an outside international consultancy group make a thorough examination of Istrabenz and its subsidiaries. A.T. Kearney, a global man-

agement consulting firm focusing on strategic and operational CEOagenda concerns, was selected for the task. Their recommendation included selling the energy division, while Istrabenz’s management proposed selling the food and tourism division first. Bavčar wants to hold off on any drastic measures and try to solve everything with debt restructuring and an increase in capital: a move he hopes would prove to the courts that insolvency would not be necessary.

Drum roll please… In the meantime, Istrabenz has held a shareholder’s meeting and approved the proposal to increase the share capital from EUR21.6m to EUR 162.2m. Therefore, Istrabenz will offer 34.4 million new shares at EUR 13.80 per share, which should generate a whopping EUR 475m of new liquidity. It seems that the resolution of Istrabenz’s problems will consist of selling parts of the holding such as its tourist division which owns many hotels on the Slovenian coast and of disposal of stakes in companies such as Petrol. Observers say this could greatly relieve Istrabenz’s debt problems. Food processing division around Droga Kolinska, Slovenia’s biggest food company, will probably not be sold, while the holding’s energy services are eyed enviously by Petrol. In the end, it could all work out well for Mr Bavčar who will get to keep his 25 percent stake in Istrabenz.

ECONOMY 17

Interview: Maen Nsour

Jordan: The Gateway to the Middle East You would not guess it at the first sight, but Jordan’s economy is similar to Slovenia’s in more than one respect. As Maen Nsour, head of the Jordan Investment Board, says, his country’s economy is export-driven and relies on a strategy of integration into global trade and investment flows for its development. We spoke to Mr. Nsour on the occasion of the visit of Jordanian business delegation to Slovenia’s Public Agency for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments (JAPTI). Like Slovenia, Jordan depends on exports for economic growth. What are your country’s main trading partners? We do the most of our export business with the US. To give you an example of just how dynamic the Jordanian export sector is and how important our trade links with the US are: in 2002, we exported a mere USD 200m to the US, while in 2008 the volume of exports had risen to USD 1.6bn. We have the capability of penetrating foreign markets such as India, China, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Egypt, which we all count among our most important trade partners. We have successfully moved to exporting products with higher added value such as pharmaceuticals and electronic appliances, but we also sell a lot of phosphates and other primary products. Value added in exports is very important. How have you managed to make a transition from exporting products with lower added value to more sophisticated export goods? First of all, there is Jordan’s excellent human capital. We have very good universities, producing good doctors, capable engineers

and computer scientists. The second reason is the integration of the country’s economy with the rest of the world, i.e. globalization. We signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with the US when there were only three other countries in the world having such an agreement with the US. We are a member of the World Trade Organization; we also have an association agreement with the European Union, and are working on further FTAs with Canada and Turkey. Although the Jordanian market is pretty small, this network of trade agreements allows us to reach more than one billion customers worldwide. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is an important vehicle for technology transfer. Which success stories with regard to FDI would you emphasise? First of all, I’d like to point out that Jordan has been ranked sixth out of 141 countries with regard to FDI performance by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Investment from abroad has not only helped with the transfer of technology and managerial skills, but has also spurred domestic investment.

The French have invested a lot in the country’s telecoms sector, while the Saudis have a significant presence in the building materials industry. Jordan is home to five percent of the world’s uranium deposits, so it is not surprised that Areva, a French nuclear power company, is very interested in investing. The company is going to build a nuclear power plant in Jordan, making the country self-sufficient in electricity. Trade and investment relations between Jordan and Slovenia are not at a very high level. What can be done to remedy that? True, trade between the two countries amounted to just a little over USD 4m last year. The necessary first step should be to educate the private sectors of both countries with regard to the business opportunities opening up. For Slovenian companies, Jordan can be the gateway to the region. Jordanian businesses have long-standing contacts with the neighbouring countries and the Gulf region as a whole. Likewise, Slovenia can act as an entrance to the Balkans region for Jordanian companies.

For Slovenian companies, Jordan can be the gateway to the region. Jordanian businesses have long-standing contacts with the neighbouring countries and the Gulf region as a whole. Likewise, Slovenia can act as an entrance to the Balkans region for Jordanian companies

Riverside Hotel for sale Apart hotel Natura is located by the river Dreta in the Upper Savinja valley, one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas of Slovenia.

The property comprises 16 apartments and one presidential suite, with capacity for 70 guests. There is an additional 6,294m2 of development land with potential to extend the hotel by 968m2, creating at least 40 more beds. The property has an exceptionally attractive wellness centre with 4 different saunas and a whirlpool. There is a

function room for up to 70 guests. The property has a private terrace by the river, with outstanding views over the Savinjske Alps. There are many recreational activities in the area including skiing in nearby Golte, mountain biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, horseriding and white water rafting. The hotel is currently closed and is

keenly priced for a quick sale. Built in 2006 the property is in immaculate condition and fully equipped to resume business immediately. Offers are invited in the region of 1.7m EUR. Please contact us for a copy of the investment memorandum. The deadline for non-binding offers is Friday 31st July 2009.

For more details please contact: Slovenia Invest, World Trade Center, Dunajska 156, 1000 Ljubljana Tel.: 0590 75 780, E-mail: invest@sloveniainvest.eu

w w w . s l o v e n i a i n v eJuly s t 2009 .eu

18 ECONOMY

Infond Holding

The Incredible Shrinking Empire At first sight, Infond Holding might look as just another innocuous financial firm that made a lot of money flipping shares when the stock market boomed, but has found itself with its back to the wall once the boom petered out and margin calls started arriving. In fact, the company is at the heart of an over-indebted business empire whose fall could blow craters in the balance sheet of Slovenia’s biggest bank, NLB; it has already exposed rifts in the ruling coalition, sparking a government mini-crisis.

hen discussing the wave of management buyouts that swept over Slovenia in the period from 2005 to 2007, it is impossible to leave politics aside. The fact that the state had large stakes in important companies across various sectors of the economy made politicians important players in a game that made some managers incredibly wealthy and where the niceties of competition and takeover legislation were sometimes treated with a cavalier attitude, smacking of crony capitalism. A couple of years ago, Boško Šrot, the owner of Infond Holding and the head of Pivovarna Laško, Slovenia’s largest drinks producer, seemed to have it all. Although he was rumoured to be close to left-wing political parties, it was former Prime Minister Janez Janša, the leader of right-wing SDS, who enabled his meteoric rise as the most influential businessman in Slovenia. It all started with beer, however.

The fact that the state had large stakes in important companies across various sectors of the economy made politicians important players in a game that made some managers incredibly wealthy and where the niceties of competition and takeover legislation were sometimes treated with a cavalier attitude, Bottoms up! smacking of crony Laško beer, the Laško brewery’s capitalism. best-known brand, has always had Crushed by the stock market Infond Holding’s financial costs structure in 2008, in % Interest 14 %

Takeover on the cheap Writedowns 86 %

Source: Infond Holding

The Slovenia Times

a place in popular lore, largely due to its bitter taste, as the beer for real men. After the sweet victory over the Belgian brewing giant Interbrew in the takeover battle for Union brewery, Slovenia’s second biggest, in 2003, Pivovarna Laško included the latter’s lighter, milder brew in its product range, thereby capturing 90 percent of the country’s beer production. Brushing aside claims that the takeover was waved through by the competition watchdog because of political pressures, the company went on to consolidate the Slovenian drinks industry. No effort was spared in presenting the shopping spree as being in the national interest, a notion immediately dismissed by more liberalminded economists as a justification for the support of domestic monopolies and keeping foreign competitors out of the Slovenian market. Be that as it may, by establishing their firm as the leading drinks producer in Slovenia despite competition concerns, Pivovarna Laško’s managers proved to be a well-connected and hard-nosed lot who did not shy away from leaning on politicians to get their way. When Boško Šrot took over as the CEO of the company in 2005, he could be forgiven for thinking that he lived up to the reputation of the beer it was making.

However, it was a meeting in government offices on a hot August day almost four years ago that in many ways determined the fate of Šrot and his place in the contemporary political discourse in Slovenia. In what was the clearest demonstration of the dangers of state ownership to date, the Janša government traded its controlling stake in Mercator, the country’s biggest retailer, for influence over the editorial policy

Back to beer: Pivovarna Laško started building its business empire by taking over Union, then the second biggest brewery in the country

of Slovenia’s most influential daily, Delo, owned then as now by Pivovarna Laško. Although everybody involved denies that the deal took place, the fact is that while Šrot was busy taking over Mercator, Delo’s reporting took an obvious progovernment turn. Because the government did not invite other prospective buyers to bid for its stake in the retailer, the price Pivovarna Laško paid for it was probably lower than it would have been, had a foreign supermarket chain entered the bidding.

Disclosure The alleged agreement between Janša and Šrot unravelled not be-

ECONOMY 19 cause the former realized that selling the retailer to one of its largest suppliers was a bad move, but because the latter did not live up to his end of the bargain. Soon enough, the regulators started circling Pivovarna Laško, alleging infringements of takeover and competition law. When the fact that Šrot, through a shadow company, is the owner of Infond Holding, a financial firm with sizeable stakes in both Pivovarna Laško and Mercator, was disclosed in early 2008, things started falling into place. Šrot was basically conducting a less-thantransparent management buyout of Mercator through his proxies, trying to avoid making expensive takeover offers and opting instead to amass the shares by stealth. This was reason enough for the regulators to prohibit Šrot and his allies from exercising their voting rights in the retailer’s shareholder assemblies.

Crash and burn? For Šrot and his holding, this is the biggest single problem at the moment. Infond Holding took out hundreds of millions of euros in loans to finance the acquisitions of stakes in Pivovarna Laško and Mercator, the jewels in the crown of Šrot’s empire. But with stock market taking a beating in the wake of the financial crisis, the banks have become restless; the value of shares that were posted as collateral for the loans has been falling by the day. So have the chances of Mercator and Pivovarna Laško, In fond Holding’s most valuable assets, to repay the loans by tapping their profits. In order to get his hands on Mercator’s cash flow, which would help immensely with servicing the debt, Šrot would first have to install a friendly supervisory board and then the management of the company. However, although he controls 48 percent of the retailWhen the good times are over Infond Holding financial costs and revenue, in EUR m

er’s shares, he cannot exercise the votes until the competition watchdog gives its assent. In the current political climate, in which the government has in effect forbidden the banks to refinance MBO loans, this is very unlikely.

Unravelling Infond Holding bought itself some time when the state-owned NLB, the biggest bank in Slovenia, extended its EUR 130m loan for 45 days in April. The government mini-crisis that followed saw politicians trying to score political points by trying to appear tough on Šrot, with some political parties accusing the bank management of poor and politically-influenced judgement. In what was a clear case of damage control, the government then ousted NLB’s boss Veselinovič and decided to forbid banks from refinancing MBO loans with funds obtained with the help of government guarantees. In the past few months, Šrot had been frantically looking for a buyer for his stake in Mercator, which could bring in enough money to keep Infond Holding afloat. However, it was not to be; because the financial firm had not repaid the loan in time, NLB decided to seize the collateral: a 12.5-percent stake in Mercator and a 20-percent stake in Pivovarna Laško. It seems that Šrot’s empire will keep shrinking. Večer, Slovenia’s second biggest newspaper, owned by Delo, has been up for sale for months; if the current economic trends persist and Infond Holding’s debt burden does not shrink to a sustainable level, Šrot will also have to start thinking about selling Delo, the grand old lady of Slovenian journalism. How appropriate that Šrot’s ambitions should end where they began four years ago, when he leveraged his media power to buy himself entry into retailing. Wheeling and dealing indeed.

In what was the clearest demonstration of the dangers of state ownership to date, the Janša government traded its controlling stake in Mercator, the country’s biggest retailer, for influence over the editorial policy of Slovenia’s most influential daily, Delo, owned then as now by Pivovarna Laško.

Because the financial firm had not repaid the loan in time, NLB decided to seize the collateral: a 12.5-percent stake in Mercator and a 20-percent stake in Pivovarna Laško. It seems that Šrot’s empire will keep shrinking.

Reversal of fortunes Infond Holding net earnings/loss and loans outstanding in EUR m

120

500 Financial costs

100

Financial revenue

Earnings / Loss

400

300

200

100

-100 2008

Source: Infond Holding

Volume of loans

2007

2008

2007

Source: Infond Holding

July 2009

20 ECONOMY

Golden Drum

Good PR as a Way Out of Crisis Dejan Verčič is a partner and co-founder of Pristop advertising agency and a teacher of Communication Management at the Faculty of Social Sciences in Ljubljana. Author of many books and articles, the expert in the field of public relations has been presented with awards for developing the PR profession in Slovenia and abroad. This year’s Golden Drum festival will dedicate one day to public relations and Mr. Verčič will take the role of the president of the international jury that will assess the quality and inventiveness of PR campaigns taking part in the competition. By Polona Cimerman

Those big companies that acted responsibly towards their employees and their clients have retained their confidence. The responsibility for the degree of trust lies in the hands of corporate PR.

How can corporate PR aid in overcoming the challenges of the global economic crisis? At the moment, the burning issue that occupies the whole world is the immense drop of trust in all existing institutions, including the corporations. Those big companies that acted responsibly towards their employees and their clients have retained their confidence. They do business much

more easily than those corporations that completely lost people’s trust. The most obvious examples of this are banks and countries too. Those countries that investors do not trust any more have great troubles providing the finances for their economies. The same goes for banks – if the clients abandon them, they will collapse. The responsibility for the degree of trust lies in the hands of corporate PR. It is seen as a strategic, managerial function which contributes to the management of organisations and does not mean only mediation of information. What is the situation in Slovenia? Very similar to that of the rest of the world – it is very heterogeneous. There are companies that deal with the crisis extremely well and have relatively few problems. Then there are organisations who face troubles because of the difficult situation in their markets but can nonetheless be optimistic about their future. And there is a whole number of organisations that are collapsing. Do you think that the political and corporate PR are nowadays used mostly as means for deceiving the public rather than informing it? I would not say that today we see more of that than in the past. I think that situation with PR is twofold. On the one hand, the im-

mense popularity of PR results in attempts of its abuse. People who have limited knowledge about PR believe that one can hide the truth with it. But concealing the reality in the long run is absolutely impossible. On the other hand, there is a whole number of organisations which realise that serious work in this field pays off. A lot of research has been done over the past few years and studies, conducted by corporations and scientists, confirmed that investment in PR is a very wise decision a company can make. So this is a positive aspect of PR, but as always there are two sides of one coin. The same goes for political PR although the current Slovenian government believes that it does not need a professional PR. We can see that in a way this stance already backfires on them. Is there any difference between advertising and public relations? Definitely. The principle of advertising is based on the absolute right of the contracting entity that they create and shape their message within the sphere they buy. Public relations are about a broader spectrum of relationships between different participants of the communicative process. In comparison with advertising, publicity in PR needs to be deserved. It is a result of certain actions and not of someone’s desire that they are talked about.

ECONOMY 21 cent talk with ABC Nepremičnine, it seems the market is indeed moving in this direction although we are not there yet. Owners under financial distress are now progressively being forced to sell due to the pressure they are facing from banks. The lack of liquidity among both developers and individuals is leaving sellers with no choice but to be flexible and accept offers that were completely unacceptable a couple of months ago. Investors are counting on cheap acquisitions; in negotiations, they are trying to obtain the greatest possible reductions and they are succeeding in doing so. In Slovenia, there has been a reduction in the asking price from 20 to 40 percent, even when assuming that these asking prices were at a lower level than before the economic downturn.

Real estate

The Hidden Opportunity

Have we now reached the lowest level?

Slovenian real estate market is cooling down rapidly, although by far not at a pace observed in countries such as Latvia or the UK

In recent months, the watchword among real estate buyers has been, “Delay your purchase.” Presently, divergent opinions are heard all over Europe. Should buyers follow this advice and wait, or is it time to start planning purchases and open negotiations? You may keep wondering, but the fact is experienced players buy when everyone else is selling. By Carlos Marques Silva

s the credit crunch continues, some market players are secretly sighing with satisfaction. It is, after all, the best time to go shopping – assuming you have enough money to do so. Thus far, there is no sign of any shopping spree in the development sector; however, regarding purchases of properties, there is some evidence of activity.

The Actual Scenario Investors with cash at their disposal still seem to be waiting for the absolute bottom, which experts expect to be at the end of the third quarter of this year, although the economic condition we are facing might last until the end of the year. Companies and individuals are still afraid to make decisions about purchases. They are still nervous about further deterioration of market conditions, as well as buying at prices that are still too high. According to the Surveying and Mapping Authority of Slovenia, the number of apartments sold dropped by 58% over the last 12 months, while the number of houses sold nose-dived by 85%. Those numbers accurately

reflect the actual situation of the market.

When to start looking for a bargain? The date of the bottoming out of the economy is unknown, although observers of the real estate sector advise not waiting any longer to begin the process of acquisitions. Jacqueline Stuart, a real estate expert and director of the company Slovenia Invest stated at her appearance at the SDBP’s spring conference last month of April that the right time to buy is actually right now, before prices pick up. Indeed, investors wishing to acquire a property or development areas usually do not do so in a matter of days. In fact, it is a timeconsuming process, requiring patience and a good eye for the market. Investors wishing to buy at a good price are advised to start closely looking at the market early on, indentify projects or properties of interest and start the first step of negotiations now. It might not be the right time to buy today, but as prices are progressively dropping and sellers are becom-

ing more reasonable, buyers who have already contacted sellers or agencies and shown interest will certainly be the first ones to be informed about bargains. Therefore, the advice is not to rush the whole buying procedure, but to delay the purchase in an informed and open way, understanding the pressure sellers are facing and acting on it at the right time. As the saying goes, negotiations are a game; but if you wait too long, someone else might be outbidding you on your desired property. At the same time, buyers should start planning their financial support for the investment by talking with experts in the field. Banks offer conditions that vary widely from each other, and simply by “shopping around” and seeking the best rate, bargain hunters may save thousands of euros in the long run.

How much cheaper is Real Estate? Many small and large investors are expecting some spectacular bankruptcies, bank foreclosures and the associated possibility of taking over such properties. In a re-

The general consensus among experts and observers, as heard several times at the real estate event “Real Vienna,” is that we have not. Properties in the most attractive locations and cities do not seem like they will get any cheaper soon; therefore, investors will have to be proactive and negotiate if they wish to obtain lower prices. Merely watching the market passively and waiting for the prices to go down simply won’t do. Many investors have already taken the first step and opened negotiations, although few have finalized their deals. As Ms. Oblak from ABC Nepremičnine said, “People are still waiting to make their final decision.”

Hard negotiations Negotiations between sellers and buyers were simpler and shorter during the bull market between 2003 and 2007. Even if buyers had paid too much for a plot of land or property in comparison to the market prices of the time, they would not lose as the mad growth rates of properties prices compensated for this. Nowadays, buyers are much more cautious and know perfectly well the risks of buying too expensive property in the long run. It seems like speculators have learned a hard lesson: usually there is no quick profit in real estate and every investment must be meticulously evaluated regarding its value potential in both the short and long run. With prices falling, the Euribor rate at record low and no real signs of recovery, good deals are made by those who are smart enough to catch the windows of opportunity that are about to open. July 2009

ECOLOGY SPECIAL

Photo: Dreamstime

ECOLOGY SPECIAL

Ecology and environment

Looking for Green Shoots Perhaps you have not noticed yet, but there has not been much talk lately of energy efficiency, climate change and environmental sustainability. As the economic crisis takes hold, these issues have receded into the background. The greening of products and services can still be a fairly expensive process; when focusing on cost-cutting, however, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that green can be cheaper in the long run. By Marko VukoviÄ&#x2021; The Slovenia Times

ECOLOGY SPECIAL 23 Cars are a favourite pastime of Slovenes. However, not so long ago few bothered to consider how much greenhouse and other gases their autos emit into the atmosphere. This might soon change. Not only are governments implementing increasingly tougher standards on car emissions, the taxes on more-polluting vehicles might soon be considerably higher than on environmentally-friendly ones. True, implementation of tougher emission standards is expensive for car makers, especially for those selling the heavy SUVs and other gas-guzzlers that have become a regular sight on Slovenian roads. However, this should be a boon to Slovenia’s economy. Revoz, the country’s largest exporter and a subsidiary of French car producer Renault, is the only factory in Europe making Renault’s Clio II and Twingo models, renowned for their fuel-efficiency and low emissions. With heavier, more powerful vehicles becoming more expensive as a result of higher taxes and the costs of implementing tighter standards, the demand for cleaner, lighter cars is set to grow; Revoz has been one of the few firms in the country to hire, rather than lay off workers since the onset of the crisis.

Alternative driving Those car producers that do not have a strong foothold in the small cars market are, of course, fighting back. Hybrid vehicles, running on conventional fuels as well as electricity, are all the rage. Biofuels such as biodiesel and ethanol are being introduced as car fuels. This opens up numerous business opportunities for Slovenian companies, and not just those from the automotive sector. The port of Koper, Slovenia’s only port, for example, has been touted as a possible regional entry point for Brazilian ethanol.

Transit troubles Being a transit country at the crossroads of major European transport corridors, Slovenia saw increased freight traffic on its roads in times when the world economy and t rade boomed. While cargo ships lined up in the front of the port of Koper, truckers were busy transporting goods to western and central European markets. The consumption of diesel in 2008 shot up by 15 percent over the year before, mainly as a result of the increased demand in the transport sector. Of course, this does not reflect well in the statistics tracking Slov-

enia’s implementation of the Kyoto targets agreed to at the beginning of the 1990s. According to the latest figures released by the European Commission, Slovenia is lagging behind its target of reducing emissions by eight percent until 2012. Transport emissions are one of the main culprits. Without additional measures to curb emissions, in 2010 the country will emit 3.5 percent more gases than it should, if it wants to stay on the Kyoto track. While the looming recession might dent the demand for transport services, motor fuel and energy as such, the effect will be marginal at best. The demand for electricity, for example, is set to grow. This makes it all the more important to explore the options for producing electricity in an environmentally sustainable manner. Around a quarter of Slovenian electricity is produced by hydro power plants dotting the country’s biggest rivers, the Drava and the Sava, making renewable energy sources a pillar of the energy sector in the country.

Eco-certified Experts emphasize, however, that the most efficient and the quickest way towards reducing Slovenia’s carbon footprint is energy efficiency. Making renewable energy work is expensive; the investment needed to set up wind farms and solar farms is often prohibitive, especially when the prices of conventional sources of energy like oil and coal are low. However, major energy savings can be realized by making household appliances more energy efficient. The burden on the environment can be reduced by making production processes more sustainable. This is what Slovenia’s second biggest exporter, Gorenje, a household appliances producer, has been doing.

Cleaning the house In Europe alone there are 188 million household appliances older than 10 years. Replacing these appliances with new ones would result in power savings equivalent to the output of twelve 500 megawatt coal plants. A study by the European Association of Domestic Appliance Manufacturers has shown that only the use of environment-friendly refrigerators could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 22 million tons annually. Gorenje has always been at the forefront of environmentallyfriendly design. In 1993, it was the first European home appliance maker to reduce and then completely abandon the use of ecologically detrimental refrigerants

and propellants. The company has also invested heavily into cleaning up its production processes. In 2007, Gorenje received the award for being one of the most environmentally-conscious companies in Slovenia. The achievements were impressive: the quantity of hazardous waste generated per product dropped by 42 percent in the 1998-2002 period, while the quantity of disposed waste was decreased by 54 percent per product, total usage of the waste treatment plant was lowered by 76 percent, water consumption was cut by 65 percent per product, and use of natural gas fell by 39 percent per product.

Tougher times Looking ahead into the future, investment in clean technologies and processes will be even more of a competitive advantage for companies. The European Union’s emission trading scheme in which companies buy the permits to emit CO2 into the atmosphere was not a success in the first years of its existence. The permits were given away at no charge and there were obviously too many of them on the market as their prices were dropping constantly.

The European Commission has therefore decided to clean up its act and to reduce the number of permits available. This makes the emissions more expensive; companies that emit less pay less. This is an important advantage in a time of crisis when firms increasingly compete on price.

Major energy savings can be realized by making household appliances more energy efficient. The burden on the environment can be reduced by making production processes more sustainable. This is what Slovenia’s second biggest exporter, Gorenje, a household appliances producer, has been doing.

It gets worse, before it gets better? energy from renewable sources without hydro, in TJ 23000

22200

21400

20600

19800

19000 2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Source: Ministry for Economy

A lot of water electricity production by source, 2007 Nuclear 24,2 % Thermo power plants 47,5 %

Hydro power plants 28,3 % Source: Ministry for Economy

July 2009

ECOLOGY SPECIAL

Bigger is not better

24 ECOLOGY SPECIAL

Interview: Djani Brečevič

Renewables Taking Centre Stage When asked whether the recession means less business for his consultancy, Djani Brečevič, the head of the Energy, Ecology and Technology Research Institute (IREET), just smiles. Pointing out that in economic crises cost savings are what most companies focus on, Brečevič explains that demand for energy efficiency solutions usually rises in difficult times. Increasingly ambitious climate change targets that raise the price of emissions are also a strong incentive for firms to change their ways of using energy. By Marko Vuković

ECOLOGY SPECIAL

It has to be emphasized that energy efficiency and renewables targets are tightly linked. Even if we didn’t add any new generation from renewables, increasing the efficiency of our energy use from conventional sources would make the share of renewables bigger. The Slovenia Times

Experts think that increasing energy efficiency should be the first step towards the goal of lowering the emissions of greenhouse gases. Why? The increase in energy efficiency is good in more than one respect. By using less energy for the same effect, the emissions of gases such as SO2, NOX and CO2 are lowered. At the same time, saving energy also means saving money, which is especially important in times where costs have to be controlled tightly. Governments have recognized the threats posed by climate change and have thus decided to

commit to lowering their countries’ greenhouse gases emissions. In accordance with the Kyoto protocol, Slovenia has to lower them by eight percent. This is not all, however. The EU targets mandate an increase in the share of renewable energy sources to 25 percent by 2025. This will be very hard to achieve. It has to be emphasized that energy efficiency and renewables targets are tightly linked. Even if we didn’t add any new generation from renewables, increasing the efficiency of our energy use from conventional sources would make the share of renewables bigger.

What is the potential of energy efficiency measures such as better building isolation, electricity and heat co-generation and more energy efficient domestic appliances? When talking about these issues, the whole chain of electricity generation, distribution and final consumption has to be taken into account. With regard to generation, investment into new capacity has been considerable in recent years, making the installations relatively efficient in producing electricity from various energy sources. Transmission and distribution networks have also seen extensive upgrades, so energy losses in

ECOLOGY SPECIAL 25 these two segments are limited. The biggest potential for increasing energy efficiency lies within households. Is the state doing enough to promote efficiency in energy use, especially by the end users? More money should be directed towards awareness campaigns, not just in schools and universities, but also in individual households. People should have a clear idea what sustainable energy use is; they should also be made acutely aware of what happens if energy is not used in a sustainable way.

Would that be enough to reach the target of 25 percent of energy use? Not really. Taken together, the full development of above-mentioned potential would mean that Slovenia would get a quarter of its electricity needs, not overall energy needs, from renewable sources. Transport is still the biggest obstacle to reaching the target. Things are moving forward here as well, though. In the future we can expect biofuels to play a more important role. Moreover, hybrid

vehicles are not science fiction anymore, and in 10 to 15 years we will start seeing electric cars on our roads. The prices of oil are picking up again, so substitutes for oil don’t look so expensive anymore. Do you support switching from more polluting, CO2-intensive sources such as coal to relatively cleaner ones such as nuclear and gas? Slovenia needs new electricity generation capacity. Although this year the economy will use 15 percent less electricity as a consequence of falling industrial production, I expect that the demand will revert back to trend, growing by 2.0 to 2.5 percent a year. As old facilities go off line, new ones have to be built and connected to the grid. After 2020, it would make sense to build a new nuclear power plant with a capacity between 1,000 and 1,500 MW. The question is, however, how to supply enough electricity for households and industry until the new nuclear power plant comes on line. I think gas-fired power plants are the answer. How do you explain the fact that TGE, a German gas engineering firm, was given a cold shoulder when applying for a permit to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the Slovenian coast? We will have to wait and see how this will play out. Maybe the government will be more forthcoming when they receive additional information about the project. The fact is that an LNG terminal would be very useful, especially

with regard to the diversification of energy sources. True, one can say that the South Stream pipeline also means diversification, but in this case we are talking about the diversification of supply routes bringing us the same Russian gas. An LNG terminal would allow Slovenia to procure LNG from all around the world; this would certainly enhance Slovenia’s energy security. Again, there is the problem with environmentalists. However, I am confident that the technology TGE would use is safe. There are quite a few LNG terminals being planned in the Mediterranean at the moment, also in neighbouring Croatia, and many of them are already functioning on the Spanish and Italian coasts.

Environmentalists claim that wind turbines would have a harmful impact on the environment, especially birds. I am certain, however, that there are locations in Slovenia where wind power would not unduly burden the environment.

A tough target to meet electricity generation potential from renewable sources, in GWh, under optimistic scenario Coal, nuclear, gas 9492

Hydro 1474

Wind 580 Solar 470 Biomass 300 Biogas 190 Geothermal 150

Source: IREET

July 2009

ECOLOGY SPECIAL

You say that increasing the share of renewables to 25 percent of Slovenia’s energy use is a target that will be very difficult to achieve. Yet energy experts agree that the country has major potential when it comes to renewables. That is correct. The potential is great, but exploiting it to its full effect is difficult. The national action plan for renewables is in the making. With regards to the country’s renewable potential, hydro energy cannot be overlooked. By building large hydro power plants on the lower and middle Sava River and on the Mura River, we could produce 1,300 GWh of electricity. An additional 174 GWh could come from smaller plants. Of course, there are always environmental concerns, but I think a compromise could be reached. The harnessing of wind power is plagued by similar problems. Environmentalists claim that wind turbines would have a harmful impact on the environment, especially birds. I am certain, however, that there are locations in Slovenia where wind power would not unduly burden the environment. Photovoltaics are another segment where big gains are possible. The prices for electricity produced by solar energy are attractive, so solar generation is picking up. Wind and sun together could provide a little more than 1,000 GWh of electricity. There is also large, but yet untapped potential in biomass, biogas and geothermal energy. Together, they could furnish around 650 GWh of electricity.

26 ECOLOGY SPECIAL

Interview: Franko Nemac

Let the Sunshine In Since 2004, when the buying price of electricity from renewable energy sources began to increase gradually, the output of solar power plants in Slovenia has doubled each year. There are now 140 solar power plants connected to the electricity grid, explains Franko Nemac, Director of the Energy Restructuring Agency (APE). In the future, solar power plants are expected to generate nearly as much electricity as the nuclear power plant in Krško. By Valerija Hozjan, Energetika.NET the costs of transferring the produced energy into the electricity power network. Of course, solar power plants are also extremely important; their number keeps growing very rapidly, they are less problematic from the viewpoint of the environment and they will indeed achieve a comparable power output in the long-term. In Slovenia, this market has a 100 percent growth rate per year, though on account of having started out small – we only exceeded two megawatts of cumulative power last year – there is a long way ahead of us before reaching 100 megawatts.

ECOLOGY SPECIAL

Proponents of conventional energy believe that wind and solar energy are only marginal, minor sources in Slovenia. This is a reflection of the current state of affairs and why supporting solar energy projects worth a billion euros is difficult – they consist of a long series of smaller projects.

The Slovenia Times

Intending to back some energy projects with €3.9bn, the European Commission only included wind energy from among the renewable energy sources. What is the reason for excluding the other renewable sources? Wind farms produce between 100 and 200 megawatts of power, which can be compared to a very large hydroelectric power plant or a thermal power plant. This means that, in the short-term, wind farms can generate the most energy. Farms with very high power outputs can be built quickly, especially in the North Sea. The European Commission has dedicated a lot of attention to this, especially because we are talking about remote locations. The Commission actually aims for society to cover

Does this mean that the European Commission has made the correct decision? It was not the best one, but it is understandable from a political viewpoint. Look, Slovenia has many difficulties finding a suitable location for building a wind farms. As far as farms out at sea are concerned, they are completely out of the question because our sea is too small and there is not enough space. Proponents of conventional energy believe that wind and solar energy are only marginal, minor sources in Slovenia. This is a reflection of the current state of affairs and why supporting solar energy projects worth a billion euros is difficult – they consist of a long series of smaller projects. This involves developing a distributed system unlike dominant systems such as the South Stream gas pipeline, the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant or the Krško Nuclear Power Plant. Of course, we could launch the construction of, for example, a solar cell factory worth between 50 and 500 million euros. What is the potential for large projects in the area of renewable energy sources in Slovenia? Solar energy is undoubtedly one of these areas. We are already

involved through the company Bisol, which produces 15 megawatts a year – the power output of one hydroelectric power plant. Despite the rapid market growth, only 1.1 megawatts of modules were installed in Slovenia last year, which means that Bisol exported nearly all of its production to Spain, Germany and Belgium. If we decide to produce solar cells, we should do so wholeheartedly; this is not a project for one afternoon and cannot be financed by just one small company. Such an undertaking is almost as large as the construction of the lower Sava River chain of hydroelectric power plants or the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant. Investment in this kind of production requires a hundred or several hundred million euros. What is the problem in switching to renewable energy sources? It is in our nature to be a little lazy. Doing what you are used to is always the easiest. You copy what you were doing yesterday and add a little extra. Someone working at the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant, an expert in their field, will know when the old blocks will need to be replaced and will, of course, want it to be replaced with a newer, technically superior block. Everyone is thinking within the confines of their own field of expertise because they do not know any differently. Consequently, seeing that this is a relatively new technology that only started “taking root” in 2000 when Germany adopted their law on renewable energy sources that made solar power plants more profitable, we have a large shortage of this kind of knowledge within the education system. Lately, we have been trying very hard to convince the companies Holding Slovenske Elektrarne and GEN energija that they should do more than just build solar power

ECOLOGY SPECIAL 27 plants. Every farmer can build a solar power plant with the help of qualified institutions. But not everyone can produce solar cells as this requires knowledge and relatively large financial resources. The Šiška Secondary School for Technical Sciences in Ljubljana introduced a training programme for fitters of thermal solar systems and photovoltaic systems. Will there be enough work for everyone? The number of projects will only grow. I am not concerned about the projects, more that we will export all our capital, all our added value abroad. Solar modules represent 60 percent of the investment value in solar power plants, with other equipment – inverters, cables, etc. – amounting to between 20 and 30 percent and the remaining 10 to 15 percent to documentation, engineering and assembly. When none or very little of this is made in Slovenia, we must buy Japanese modules and German inverters. This means that through guaranteed high buying prices for solar electricity we are financing jobs creation and technology development abroad. Slovenia should start producing silicone or thin-layer solar cells and other solar power plant equipment or else completely withdraw the support schemes for higher buying prices of electricity as soon as possible. Some say that investing in lowering solar cell prices is more prudent than investing in their efficiency... The existing silicone technology is mature enough, there is no need to wait for the next generations. If we were to cover every building in Slovenia using the current technology, we would produce as much electricity as we actually need. Future generations will only happen if the solar power plant market continues to grow and only then will there be enough resources allocated to development.

Should the solar energy be used for heating or for electricity?. Of course, I support both – along with all renewable energy sources. However, certain facts have to be taken into consideration. The chief problem with getting heating energy is that the summer is the sunniest season, a season when cooling is far more desirable. For this reason, we design systems for autumn and spring, when there is less sunshine. In the future, we will have systems that will combine heating in winter and absorption cooling in summer. When using solar collectors solely to heat water, six square metres is sufficient or we will have a problem with excess heat during the summertime. The situation with solar power plants, however, is different. It is suitable to convert the entire roof into a solar power plant, provided that it is facing in the right, non-shaded direction. The electricity thus generated is then transferred into the electricity grid, which supplies it to those who currently need it. There is usually a problem with money... It is much more rational to have an electricity-generating solar roof instead of regular roofing tiles, which just lie there on the roof do-

Try a little bit harder share of renewables in electricity generation, 2007, in % 40

ing nothing. People never ask about the pay-back period for classic roofing. A solar power plant pays for itself within 15 years and also generates the profit necessary for a new solar power plant to boot. This means that it is a production facility with an actual added value. Sometimes I do not understand the energy industry experts who say that solar power plants are not worth the money because their pay-back period is 15 years – and they say this during the construction of the lower Sava River chain of hydroelectric power plants with a pay-back period of, say, 20 years. How could anyone understand such a situation?

Through guaranteed high buying prices for solar electricity we are financing jobs creation and technology development abroad. Slovenia should start producing silicone or thin-layer solar cells and other solar power plant equipment or else completely withdraw the support schemes for higher buying prices of electricity as soon as possible.

LET YOUR HOME BECOME A PART OF NATURE With the SBR_REG biological treatment plant, made by Regeneracija d.o.o. from Lesce Nowadays, connection with nature is becoming more and more valueable. Gases, acid rain, pesticides, fungicides and various wastes are polluting the environment and our fear of pollution is becoming more and more justified. Luckily, more and more people among us are aware of how important it is to protect the environment, not only for us, but for all the generations to follow. Owners of residential or business buildings and owners of catering establishments can help this cause by installing our SBR_REG biological treatment plants, used for cleaning wastewater from toilets, bathrooms, kitchens and other similar sources.

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 EU27 Source: Eurostat

Slovenia

Germany

Denmark

Latvia

When using this biological treatment plant, you may release any such wastewater either into underground water streams or into any surface waters. The SBR_REG is distinguished by its small weight, outstanding chemical stability, long life span and substantial energy savings. Let your home become a part of nature! Equip it with the SBR_REG biological treatment plant, which will delight you with excellent quality and a fair price!

28 ECOLOGY SPECIAL

Hybrid cars

The Greening of Roads For decades, we have been hearing that our careless, highly polluting lifestyle will haunt us in times to come, but we ignored these warnings. Now it is becoming clear that Mother Nature is about to respond. “Eco-friendly” and “green” have become more than just empty catchphrases. They have emerged as the dominant guidelines for our future endeavours, especially in the car industry. It is no different in Slovenia, although progress is rather slow. By Roman Oberč

Tougher standards

ECOLOGY SPECIAL

The standards that define acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of CO2 are voluntary and therefore largely ineffective. This is in stark contrast to non-CO2 fuel emissions. This area is regulated by the EURO standards that are obligatory for all new vehicles. The current standard is EURO 4, which came into force in 2005 and will be superseded towards the end of 2009 by EURO 5. The EURO 4 standard covers four types of pollutants: nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter, unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, and is a significant improvement over EURO 3, especially with regard to particulate matter. The EURO 5 standards for cars will further restrict emissions, from both petrol and diesel cars, and will also close the current loopholes under EURO 4 for heavy sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and four-wheel drive vehicles above 2,500 kg. Adopted at the same time as EURO 5, EURO 6 will come into force five years later and will set significantly lower emission limits for NOx emissions from diesel cars. The EURO 6 standards are still quite unclear; what is certain, however, is that there will be no exemptions for heavier or larger The Slovenia Times

Photo: Dreamstime

h e Eu r o p e a n C l i m at e Change Programme (ECCP), launched in 2000, set a goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in Europe to 8 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-2012, as required by the Kyoto Protocol. To do this, the ECCP has to identify and develop all the necessary elements of an EU strategy to implement the protocol. The ECCP is at the end of a chain of climaterelated initiatives dating back to 1991, when the first Community strategy to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and improve energy efficiency was issued. With regards to cars, it culminated in negotiated self-commitments by the automobile industry to meet a quantified CO2 emission objective of 140gCO2/km (a 25 percent reduction) to be achieved by 2008.

Hybrid vehicles are not the thing of the future anymore

categories of passenger cars. This will hit the high-end gas-guzzling car segment hard, and simultaneously favour small cars. This is good news for Slovenian car maker Revoz, a subsidiary of Renault, which produces Twingos and Clios, both situated in the small car segment.

Think ecologically

The automobile industry in Slovenia is well-developed and is an important part of the economy. To illustrate: cars, car components, tools and machines for automobile industry represent 20.2 percent of goods exports and 17.5 percent of total Slovenian exports. The industry employs 24,000 workers directly and many more in R&D, logistics and other services. The total income of the Slovenian Automotive Cluster (SAC) is estimated to be EUR 1.5 bn EUR, of which EUR 1.2 bn comes from foreign markets. It is imperative that the Slovenian automobile industry remain competitive in the future and that means investing in green technologies and ecological solutions. At the SAC summit in the alpine town of Bled, the main topic was dealing with eco-challenges and innovations in that area. Over 120 experts from 10 countries stressed

the need for an increased focus on ecology. Meeting those challenges calls for combined action between governmental, public and economic spheres. To that end, a series of successful applications for reducing fuel consumption, lower emissions, alternative materials, intelligent electronics and futuristic components were presented by Bosch Automotive Technologies, Iskra Autoelektrika and the Hidria Automotive Institute.

The capable will win

One such company is Elaphe, which prides itself on its innovations in electric drives. The technology enables designing a superior electric vehicle. This company is a good example of excellent Slovenian know-how. The strengths of Elaphe electric drives are their low weight, high torque and excellent yield. Their in-wheel motors are useful in all kinds of machines, from electric scooters to electric planes. The technology cannot as of yet offer a superior green product over conventional fossil fuel technology. The problem is mainly in performance and range. So the current bet is on hybrid cars (a battery propels the car to 40km/ h, then the internal combustion engine takes over) that partially

solve these shortcomings but suffer from increased weight, higher price and complexity. Hybrids will eventually be superseded by electric cars. These cars use batteries, capacitors, fuel cells or a combination of these. The problem here is that current solutions still use existing drive construction with mechanical transfer of energy to the wheels complete with gearboxes. The advantages of electric drive are therefore not utilized. The next step will be when we see all the advantages of electric cars. Direct drive is the simplest and most effective drive assembly for electric cars. Motors are positioned inside the wheels; therefore, all power and torque is directly conveyed to the wheels, removing the need for a gearbox or other mechanisms for delivering the power to the wheels, thereby saving a lot of weight. This is the where Elaphe is strongest and may just be the centrepiece of the Slovenian automotive industry in the future. Of course, one problem in Slovenia is where to charge an electric car; the country has only two charging stations: one in the Logarska valley, an attractive location for Austrian costumers, and one in Ljubljana, part of the service offered by a local restaurant. Let us hope this is just a temporary state of things.

ECOLOGY SPECIAL 29 Photo: BMW

Interview: Wieland Bruch

Step on It While small-car manufacturers can sleep easily in the knowledge that governments’ focus on fighting climate change and consumers’ increasing concern with fuel savings favour their fuel-efficient, lowemission vehicles, makers of bigger, more powerful cars will soon have to adapt to new market conditions. The BMW Group has been at the vanguard of the industry’s efforts to make itself more environmentally friendly, says Wieland Bruch, BMW press spokesman. already much greener than some people still think. And they will see more green measures soon. Electric cars and the hybrid models are the next steps. Car sales are plummeting at the moment, as consumers retrench in response to the economic crisis. Do you think environmental sustainability could be an attractive selling point? Absolutely. Our market research clearly shows that for more and more customers low fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions play a crucial role when deciding on a new car, even for those who don’t need to care about high fuel prices. In fact, showing environmental responsibility is becoming fashionable all over the world. We feel that we are well prepared for this development with our EfficientDynamics strategy. Many customers particularly appreciate the fact that BMW is offering many models with low fuel consumption and – at the same time – high power output. So they don’t need to sacrifice driving fun to get fuel savings. How much potential is there in hybrid cars and alternative fuels? Hybrid vehicles are one of the next steps under the BMW Ef-

ficientDynamics umbrella. The first two models will be the BMW X6 and 7 Series. Both of them will be ready for production in 2009 and they will offer up to 20% better fuel economy. However, hybrid technology will continue to be quite an expensive solution for the customer. Therefore, all the efficiency measures which can be found in today’s BMW will also be present in future models – as standard equipment in each and every BMW at no extra cost. Furthermore, we consider alternative fuels as a promising measure to bridge the time until availability of hydrogen on a broad scale. Only hydrogen offers truly emissions-free mobility. In particular, we are in favour of 2nd generation biofuels, which avoid the competition between food and fuel production. What else is BMW doing to maintain its status as socially responsible company? The BMW Group addresses sustainability issues by supporting projects focusing on intercultural learning, AIDS prevention, and recycling-friendly product design. That the BMW Group has received the Dow Jones Sustainability Award four times over the last four years for outstanding achievements in the area of sustainability proves our commitment to sustainability.

Our market research clearly shows that for more and more customers low fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions play a crucial role when deciding on a new car, even for those who don’t need to care about high fuel prices. In fact, showing environmental responsibility is becoming fashionable all over the world.

You could say BMW is already much greener than some people still think. And they will see more green measures soon. Electric cars and the hybrid models are the next steps. July 2009

ECOLOGY SPECIAL

Photo: BMW

Countries around the world have decided to implement stricter emissions standards. This poses a problem for car makers, such as BMW, which are known for their powerful vehicles, known as gasguzzlers in some quarters. Is that image of BMW vehicles still valid? What is BMW doing to “green” its cars? At BMW, we were already thinking about these aspects in the late 1990s, long before the beginning of the current CO2 discussions. We decided that the key for future success of BMW is two-fold: we need to continue building sporty cars, just as in the past. In addition, we need to become a segment leader in terms of fuel efficiency. The result of all these discussions was EfficientDynamics, our global strategy for substantial fuel savings without compromising BMW’s sportiness. Today, we enjoy quite a favourable position among our competitors because of our forward-thinking approach. All BMW cars come with a comprehensive package for low CO2 emissions, fitted standard at no extra cost to the customer. Independent parties honoured our efforts by, for example, awarding BMW the World Green Car Award. So, you could say BMW is

30 ECOLOGY SPECIAL tributions provided by the state. In Austria, for example, we were involved in a project where the state’s contribution was 50%, which was received with a tremendous response from the local people. In Slovenia, much of it is left to individuals and local communities. If you compare prices, a home-made septic tank would cost you in the region of EUR 2,500 plus regular cleaning costs, while a basic treatment plant is available for roughly EUR 3,500. And if it works properly, you are also entitled to reimbursement of water treatment fees paid to the public service provider.

Interview: Jože Bergant

Regenerate! Browsing the Regeneracija company’s catalogue, one simple device caught my attention. It was a rainwater collector pipe that you install in the drainpipe of your eavestrough and attach to a tank to collect rainwater. This small piece is indicative of the notion that drain and waste water management can be easy; however, we should be familiar with all of the possibilities that today’s technology offers. By Simon Demšar

uilding their homes, the post-WWII generation in Slovenia mostly relied on home-made concrete solutions, including septic and water tanks and pipes, and many still do s. However, knowing today’s solutions, a wholly new world opens and the only limit is the imagination. With 20 years experience, Jože Bergant, general manager of the Lesce-based Regeneracija d.o.o., is the man in the know. Starting in a barn 20 years ago, his company now employs 140 people in several European countries. Clean drinking water is usually taken for granted in Slovenia, although this too is changing. What solutions does your company offer to maintain the quality of water?

We do provide water purification solutions, but not for water that enters pipelines from reservoirs, because in Slovenia’s many resources, drinking water is not a problem yet. As far as I know, there is no pumping of water from rivers for household use, which usually needs treatment before it enters pipeline systems. We are a regional company with branches all over ex-Yugoslavia (except Macedonia), plus Poland and Russia; we have set up a desalination system in Montenegro. Otherwise, we are more involved in wastewater treatment, based on watertight plastic containers, providing systems for 5 and up to 2,000 people. We are actually one of the very few (maybe three altogether) producers of small sewage treatment plants in Slovenia.

We also provide comprehensive rainwater harvesting systems, drainage systems, water filters and anything in connection with water around your house. On top of that, we produce pumping stations, shafts and basically anything to do with plastics: all sorts of containers, pipes, and products for municipal infrastructure. What are trends in small sewage treatment plants? There is a law that stipulates the use of treatment plants instead of simple septic tanks; however its enforcement is quite another issue. However, people’s environmental awareness has increased and we have recorded a steady growth in the use of treatment plants. There is still room for improvement, such as grants and financial con-

How much do you invest in research and development activities? We invest around 4% of our annual turnover in R&D, which includes researching new markets. R&D is extremely important; there is no future without it. You might be tempted to do away with it in order to improve your annual balance, but this would be a very short-lived policy. What are your competitive advantages? We seek advantages in procedures and work together with the Faculty of Civil Engineering, where we have set up a pilot sewage treatment plant. Students can study there and perform experiments. These findings help our R&D staff find new solutions. We also have a postgraduate student working on water treatment. How are you coping with the recession? We have seen a decrease in orders in the region between 10 to 15%. We work according to plans but instead of taking the last two or three years, which were “crazy” in business terms, as a benchmark, we took 2005 and 2006, which provides a more realistic picture. We are looking for new opportunities, such as doing business directly with end customers. As a result of lower starting material costs, our products have become a bit less expensive but otherwise, we talk to the customer in order to arrive at the optimum solution for both sides.

publication by The Slovenia Times bringing you the latest in investment opportunities, economic success stories and tourism. Coming in September. The Slovenia Times

ECOLOGY SPECIAL

Slovenia: Business and Investment , a yearly

Ljubljana The Slovenia Times centrefold pocket map and guide to the town centre’s favorite picks for eating, drinking, partying and shopping.

Excursion maps

Atlases Photo: Jakse, Jesic

Specialized shop with cartographic materials Trg francoske revolucije 7 SI - 1000 Ljubljana T. +386 1 200 27 32, F. +386 1 200 27 33 kodkam@gzs-dd.si, www.gzs-dd.si/kod&kam

Tourist guides Sailing maps GPS equipment

Road maps

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Opening hours Mon - Sat: 9 am - 1 am

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Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11 am - 11 pm

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Available now in Slovene and English

Summer guide is a special supplement of The Slovenia Times magazine.

LIFE STYLE

Splash! Summer is definitely a time to slow down. Over and over, this season somehow makes us realize that there is no need to always be in such a terrible hurry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leisureâ&#x20AC;? becomes the watchword. When the summer heat strikes, refreshment is necessary. And what is more refreshing than rivers and lakes?

36 Life style

Apart from The Seashore...

The Slovenia Times inspects some the most desirable points fresh water rivieras. By Marjan Žiberna and Jaka Terpinc

here are two common ways to refresh yourself in the summer: the first one is strongly connected with beer and the second one with water. A bottle of beer, dewy from the refrigerator, is a great choice, but this time we would like to explore the cooling waters of Slovenia. This time the focus is not on the more obvious choices, like its pocket-sized seashore or any of its spas; we have chosen to make a short overview of freshwater swimming places. Needless to say, many Slovenian rivers and lakes are clean and calm enough to al-

Kolpa River The Slovenia Times

low swimming, so there are many improvised, local beaches along the shores. We decided to pick a few most interesting ones, from famous Lake Bled, which mustn’t be missed, to the Bela baths hidden among the Idrija hills.

Alpine Scenery Lake Bled Bled, together with its surroundings, ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts in Slovenia. It can be quite crowded in the summer – for decades it has been attracting the old and the young,

not just from Slovenia but also from abroad. The lake has a designated outdoor bathing area, called Grajsko kopališče (Castle Bathing Area), located just below the castle rock. It welcomes swimmers from June to late September. The enclosed bathing site is about 300 meters long, with a total area of over 6,000 square meters. Here you can use some waterslides, a trampoline, a climbing wall, some outdoor swimming pools, change rooms, lockers, toilets, a sandbox for children and more. There are also some traditional bathing places on the lakeshore:

Swinging over Krka.

Kopališču pod Vilo Bled, Kopališče Mlino, Kamp Zakaa and the Regatni Center. The maximum annual water temperature is 26°C. If you want to explore the bottom of the Lake Bled – 30 m at its deepest – you can get assistance from the Bled Society for Underwater Activities. The town of Bled with its lake is situated in the north-western part of Slovenia, at the foot of the Julian Alps, just a few kilometres from the main road connecting Ljubljana with Villach. It has good bus and train connections with Ljubljana and other larger Slovenian towns.

Life style 37 Clean lakes, rivers and streams, allowing people to enjoy swimming and relaxing on their shores might have been taken for granted a century ago, but not anymore! The point is that we should keep them this way. So every time you approach a river or a lake, do so with a responsibility to nature. Seeing empty cans and plastic bags left next to a campfire ashes means somebody had a good time, but a couple of such careless situations may spoil all the fun for everybody else and – on a bigger scale – for generations to come.

Šobec Not far from Bled there is another opportunity for refreshing in the summer heat – small Šobčev Bajer Lake with an island, which is situated just two kilometres from the Ljubljana-Villach main road. The Šobec campsite is just beside the lake, located in the pine forest near the Sava Dolinka River. If you are travelling from more northern parts of Europe to the seaside, it’s not a bad idea at all to stay here for some hours or even days.

Bohinjsko jezero Lake The Bohinj region is situated about 25 kilometres southwest from Lake Bled. It is somewhat less touristy and, therefore, not as crowded as Bled. The lake itself with its clean water invites visitors to take a swim, but if you are not “cold-resistant,” this is possible only on the sunny days of the warm summer months. The waters that fill the lake flow from the mountains, where the snow is still melting at the beginning of the summer, and they are usually refreshingly cold. There is no bathing infrastructure (i.e.

change rooms, lifeguards, etc.) at the lakeshore. Sava Bohinjka, the river that flows out of the lake, is suitable for rafting, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and such activities, but not for swimming. Bohinj, which has good bus connections with Ljubljana and some other towns in the Gorenjska region, is also an excellent starting point for visiting the mountains around it. The railway line passes Bohinjska Bistrica, a town situated about five kilometres from Bohinjsko jezero Lake.

The Rivers The Bela Baths The Bela baths (kopališče Bela in Slovenian) are a very popular place for swimming in the summer months; they are situated by the village of Idrijska Bela, at the confluence of the Idrijca and Belca Rivers, about seven kilometres from the main Ljubljana-Idrija road. Among the locals, they are also known as Pri Lajštu – Pri Lajštu being a nice basic outdoor inn, situated just beside the bathing area. It’s open from middle of June to the end of September. There is no bathing infrastructure here (i.e. change rooms, lifeguards, etc.), but the ambience is really pleasant. If you want to visit it, you need your own transport: a car or – why not? – a bicycle. There are also some nice places for bathing along the Idrijca River. Slap ob Idrijci and Bača pri Modreju, just before the Idrica’s joining the Soča River, are the most popular ones.

The Soča River The Soča River, which flows from north to south not far from the Slovenian-Italian border, is pretty cold, but during the summer months it offers some nice possibilities for swimming for the continued on page 38

On the Beach Summer brings us the long and relaxed vacation we all deserve so much. By Marta Sternad Since we usually spend most of our vacation time on the beach, it is important to look good - not in ter m s of wor r y i ng about style and fashion rules, but to feel good. Your summer seaside image should make you feel free, beautiful and absolutely self-confident. If you are spending your vacation on a desert island, you won’t need to take much with you. If not, here are some tips for a stylish appearance in just a few simple steps. • Choose a swi m suit t hat makes you feel comfortable and enhances your figure. Be it a one-piece, bikini or thong; make sure it is a suitable cut in your favourite colours. • Bring several towels in similar colours as your swimsuit. You will need a few different sizes (for lying on the beach, for drying yourself and to support your head). • Comfortable sandals or flipflops, a hat and a pareo are indispensable accessories for a summer outfit. The pareo should match your swimsuit, but you can also wear it independently. • Large and brightly coloured jewellery is the perfect accessory on carefree summer days. • Complete your outfit with hair accessories: colourful hair clips in the shape of flowers or butterflies, hair bands, head scarves, etc. • A large bag will come in handy for bringing various indispensable objects to the beach (magazines, books, sun creams, towels, portable radio, small pillow, swimming goggles, fruit and a bottle of water). You can also use a straw bag or, better yet, one made of synthetic materials that seawater can’t damage. • Bring a long T-dress – it’s comfortable and practical and you can wear it to breakfast or add an elegant necklace and wear it to dinner.

Photo: Dreamstime

Respect nature

• Don’t forget to pack a cardigan for colder days.

Relaxed and Elegant in Stylish Swimsuits This year, swimsuits are either playfully seductive or romantically restrained. There are a number of brands available in stores everywhere that will remind you of cocktail parties by the sea. You can choose from different models in bright colours that will hide what you don’t want to show. Also available are dynamic flower patterns and bikini bottoms with straps to show off your tan, even if you’re wearing a T-shirt rather than a bikini top. The Nancy collection is in black and white, Palmers swimsuits are black and very feminine with animal patterns, flower patterns predominate in the Calvin Klein collection, while Lisca offers a number of different materials and models in black, white, silver, royal blue and a whole range of bright colours. One-piece swimsuits and bikinis all have little details, unusual cuts, buckles and ribbons. The same goes for Speedo and Seafolly collections. All you need now for a walk in the sunset is a summer dress, a flower in your hair, pleasant company and lots of love for yourself and others.

River view of Novo Mesto. July 2009

38 Life style

Protected in Style In the time of holes in the ozone layer and increasingly harmful sunshine, very few people go out without sunglasses. The sun can have a highly damaging effect on your eyes. It is advisable to wear sunglasses even in cloudy weather, as UV rays can penetrate clouds even if we can’t see the sun. By Marta Sternad

Photo: Dreamstime

uality sunglasses have 100% or 99% UV protection, which should be clearly marked. The glasses should be comfortable to wear, cover your eyes completely and not distort colours. If the tag on the sunglasses doesn’t contain enough information, it is best to double-check the details. It is advisable to buy sunglasses only in large department stores where you can talk to an assistant, in specialised shops or from opticians. Ophthalmologists have been warning us for decades to protect our eyes from sunshine and their warnings get louder each spring. It is important not to choose sunglasses only for their looks, but with the increasing number of quality sunglasses that are available, we no longer have to choose between protection and appearance. If you wear contact lenses, sunglasses are even more important, because the contacts make

The Slovenia Times

your eyes drier and more sensitive to dust, sunshine and UV rays. Choose the right sunglasses for every occasion – obviously you won’t use elegant, stylish sunglasses for a bike ride or other sports. If you are a sports enthusiast, look for sunglasses that are appropriate for sports. If you often hike in the mountains, sunglasses with hybrid frames and additional leather protection at the sides and nose are a good choice. They will protect your eyes from UV rays and harmful blue light and won’t steam up. Quality sunglasses for cycling should have a good airing system. You can also buy glasses with replaceable lenses, enabling you to choose the lenses depending on the light conditions. Sunglasses for golfers are coming on the market soon: using a new lens technology with light stabilisers, they will compensate for excessive light deviation by adding

another shade of light to improve visibility on green surfaces. The best sunglasses for sailing, surfing and fishing ensure clear and undistorted vision. Try to find a pair that floats. What about our children? We often forget that they also need protection from harmful sunshine, especially because they spend a large part of the day playing outside. They should start wearing sunglasses as early as possible, as well as a hat that covers the back of the neck (preferably, they should play in the shade). Babies in strollers can be protected with a cloth cover to prevent the sun shining into their eyes. Children’s sunglasses should be large enough to cover as much of their field of vision as possible, with resistant, unbreakable lenses and light, durable frames. Protecting your children’s eyes in any weather is the best thing you can do for them.

Fashion Guidelines We visited one of Ljubljana’s department stores in the town centre. The choice of sunglasses is as varied as with any other fashion item. You will find everything from pilot sunglasses and large retro sunglasses with thin frames reminiscent of the 70’s, to small round frames made legendary by John Lennon. Haute couture designers also have a broad selection this season. Cerruti sunglasses are characterised by extravagant design and noble form. Robert Roche has taken up the contemporary Goth design that has been extremely popular in the fashion world lately. Fendi sunglasses offer a combination of retro models and the famous Fendi logo. The frames of Gucci sunglasses are bold and technologically advanced, aimed at careful users. Furla continues to inspire with elegance and sensuality in refined, feminine forms and colour combinations, referencing timeless film icons. Prada sunglasses maintain their tradition of originality. Individualism is at the height of its popularity this season. Stay true to yourself and your wishes and choose the right sunglasses to make you stand out from the crowd.

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brave ones and sunbathing for anyone. There are a lot of people, especially locals, who enjoy themselves along the banks and gravel sections of the river between the towns of Kobarid and Tolmin. The most popular place is Sotočje – the convergence of the Tolminka and Soča rivers on the outskirts of Tolmin. There are also some popular

The alpine gem Bled - warm and surrounded with beaches.

To Treat, or to Extract: That is The Question

Dr Zoran Trajanovski

The Krka River In the past the Krka, at 94 kilometres the longest river to flow exclusively across Slovenian territory, was very popular with

bathers. These days, however, it is mainly children and youngsters who enjoy themselves in its waters in summer. Finding a place where it is easy to get into is not always simple, especially higher up the river. From the village of Krka, which is roughly eight kilometres from the town of Ivančna Gorica and the source of the river, the Krka’s waters have cut their way deeply into the landscape throughout history, resulting in several narrow gorges. There are also dozens of picturesque steplike weirs, like small waterfalls, which have formed over time. One of the places suitable for bathing is near the village of Žužemberk, almost directly below the castle, which stands on a crag high above the river. Some bathing places are downstream in villages of Stavča vas, Straža, Vavta vas, Jasa pri Otočcu and Kostanjevica. Most of these bathing-places have no special infrastructure; generally, they have simple wooden steps and perhaps a diving-board. In the past, the biological and chemical conditions (monitored from mid-June to the end of August) weren’t always suitable for bathing, but in the recent years the situation has improved. Nevertheless, bathers should be careful not to drink the water while swimming, since it might upset sensitive stomachs. Rather like the sea, the Krka River occasionally “blooms.” This natural phenomenon, caused by algae, can occur both in winter and in summer. The growth of algae, which is not dangerous to bathers, has been known for centuries on the Krka.

The Kolpa River The Kolpa River has five great and unique qualities: it is the southernmost river in Slovenia, it is one of the cleanest rivers in Slovenia, its water temperature rises to 25°C in summer, it is rich with fish, and is a perfect site for active holidays. Between Stari trg and Fučkovci, the Kolpa flows through the Kolpa Country Park, which features clear water, rich animal and plant life, as well as a naturally preserved riverbed with numerous rapids and gravel beds. The tourist and recreational opportunities connected with the Kolpa are oriented towards relaxed, social activities suitable for families and large groups. To avoid the overcrowded Adriatic, and instead swim, camp and picnic along the Kolpa River, head to the Vinica or Podzemelj camp. It takes no more than two hours to drive from Ljubljana or Maribor, but you will definitely want to stay there much longer than that.

Today I am focusing on a subject that is contemporary and topical, as well as extremely interesting. Modern implantology is technically advanced and has been perfected to an impressive level. However, patients should be aware that retaining your own teeth is always a priority. Although nerve inflammation can cause serious damage, saving the affected tooth is preferable to extracting it, as long as it can be treated with endodontic (root canal) surgery. This is a highly demanding procedure and its success depends on your dentist’s experience and technological equipment.

How We Treat the Affected Tooth For each individual patient suffering from a dead nerve and root inflammation, we need to decide whether it is better to treat the tooth or to pull it out. Regardless of what the dentist sees as the better solution or what his priorities are, it is crucial that each patient is treated on an individual basis. The following optimal factors must be taken into consideration: general dental health and the overall health of the patient, evaluation of the patient’s teeth and the financial aspect of the procedure. The patient should be acquainted with both the positive and the negative aspects of any decision.

The Serious Consequences of Nerve Inflammation If an inveterate, deep caries is not removed in time, it can cause nerve inflammation resulting in severe pain. The only solution in this case is to go to the dentist, who will remove the nerve (dental pulp) and treat the canal. This procedure is known as endodontic surgery and it entails cleaning and widening the root canal, which is then disinfected and filled. The aim of the procedure is to stop the bacteria from spreading further into the root canal and causing inflammation near the top of the root (apical periodontitis). Apical periodontitis often occurs even if the dead nerve is not causing the patient any particular problems. The dentist can discover this during a routine check-up: the affected tooth is darker in colour and does not respond to vitality tests or hot and cold thermal stimulation. The x-ray image shows a shadow around the root, indicating that inflammation has already set in. Patients usually refer to this condition as granuloma.

Presenting the Options and Making the Decision In the situation described above, the dentist must decide whether to start treating the tooth or to extract it. When

considering these options, we should take into account the condition of the affected tooth, the state of the other teeth and the overall health of the patient. Before making the final decision, the dentist must acquaint the patient with the possible consequences of each option and take the patient’s wishes and needs into consideration. If we decide to treat the tooth, endodontic treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible. The inflammation around the top of the root should disappear and the rest of the tooth can be saved. The aim of this treatment is to preserve the tooth. If we determine that treatment of the tooth is not an option, the affected tooth is extracted. Prior to this procedure, we must decide on the course of treatment to be undertaken after the tooth is removed. This can either be prosthetic (fitting a bridge to fill the gap created by the missing tooth) or implant prosthetic (inserting a dental implant and coating it).

Express Your Opinion My advice is to always talk to your dentist, request a clear description of the state of your teeth or the affected tooth, and discuss the treatment and its consequences. It is best for patients to be honest and to express their fears, hesitations and questions before any kind of procedure is undertaken. In this way, they can take part in the decisionmaking process. Do not forget that your wishes, capabilities and expectations should always be taken into account.

bathing places in the Nadiža River, the tributary of Soča. The most recommended are near the small villages of Podbela and Kred, a few kilometres west of Kobarid.

Close To Home, Close To The Heart The water treasures of our country are CLOSE by, too. We are always only a short distance from the sea, the lakes, rivers, wells, mineral springs, etc. Have you ever noticed that in Slovenia, we have access to pure drinking water straight from the tap, any time and anywhere? And by the way, did you know that our drinking water is one of the cleanest in the world? Slovenia also has unique mineral water with the highest level of magnesium per liter, as well as countless springs of beneficial water. In combination with mud treatments, brine and the sea climate, the water has an extremely positive effect on your health and the many spas and resorts offer plenty of opportunities for comfort and relaxation on your vacation.

Water is a source of life. It is also the common thread of CLOSE TO HOME, CLOSE TO THE HEART, a marketing and communications campaign by the Slovenian Tourist Board, intended to present Slovenians with a number of options for spending their holidays in Slovenia during the main tourist season. Sloveniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rivers and lakes and the Slovene part of the Adriatic Sea offer various water-related sports from traditional boating for relaxation to adrenaline-inducing white water descents over waterfalls and rapids. Among the most popular destinations for the truly adventurous is undoubtedly the SoÄ?a River with its challenging tributaries. Here, the courageous test their strength not only in kayaks, canoes, and rafts but also canyoning through the narrow gorges of streams and small rivers or plunging over waterfalls into deep pools with hydrospeed boards. Adrenaline encounters with whitewater can also be found on the Sava and the Savinja, and a range of kayakThe Slovenia Times

ing, canoeing, and rafting outings are also possible on the Krka, the Kolpa, and many other Slovene rivers. Many of these adventures can be arranged with experienced guides from sport agencies, which also organize kayak and canoe schools and rent the necessary equipment. On the more peaceful parts of the rivers, family rafting is an option, and a descent of the Kolpa River can take several pleasant days. Rowers can often be spotted on the tranquil waters of the Ljubljanica, Drava, and Mura rivers, and many, of course, on lakes such as Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled, which was the scene of a world rowing championship, as well as on many other lakes and reservoirs across Slovenia with organized recreation areas. As on Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, boat rentals are available on Zbiljsko jezero, Ptujsko jezero, Velenjsko jezero, and many other lakes. On many lakes, windsurfing is also possible: the disappearing Cerknica Lake is a paradise for windsurfers - when it is filled with water, of course.

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LIFE STYLE 41

Ljubljanica

Photo: B. Kladnik

Riverbanks as the Town Beach

Ljubljana’s riverside cafés attract a large and diverse crowd of people...everyone gathers here to enjoy a stroll, a cup of coffee and, of course, the limelight. It is the place to see and be seen. by Tanja Goršič

Photo: S. Rančov

A Look Back A former café-owner explained some of the modern history of the area: the riverbanks used to be dull and deserted until Café Maček opened in 1995; then the riverbank began to wake up from its long slumber. People started pouring in and soon new cafés were opening. Kuriln’ca opened two years later, followed by Bohem, the renovated Zlata Ribica, Pr’ Skelet, Korzo, and Stara Mačka in the coming years. Soon this renaissance also spread to the Knafelj passage, once a forgotten park, today a high-end version of the riverfront scene. The lively atmosphere seems to have caught fire; cafés are open-

ing all over the wider area, also spreading to the other side of river, and most recently, to the Petkovšek bank. The new lounge area is already hugely popular, but after the construction of the Mesarski Bridge, planned for this year, which will connect it with the marketplace, it is really going to take off. There are two regular weekly events held on the river banks. On Saturday mornings, the cool creative, and quirky art market comes to town; artists lay out their stalls with unique ceramics, knitwear, clothes, jewellery, shoes, purses, belts and anything that is original and handmade. On Sunday mornings, the antique and flea market is held. Precious finds range from

old coins, the cookie tins of our grannies, antique furniture, exquisite china, old jewellery, to used books and vinyl records.

River Boats A pleasant and relaxing way to see the sights and take a peek into the town’s history is to take a ride with one of the tourist boats lining the banks near the Tromostovje (Three Bridges) area. Other landing spots are located at Ribji Square, Dvorni Square, Breg, and the Gallus bank. An hour-long trip takes you from Tromostovje to Špica and back, and further on to the Zmajski Bridge, past the market and back to where continued on page 42

Photo: M. Tančič

he river has always been a central place in the town. In the old days, it was an important service area. The river served as the main transportation artery; one could travel as far as Sisak in Croatia. Along the Breg area were the warehouses, Krakovo was the centre of fishing and Trnovo of boating. Today, it is home to the liveliest café culture in town. Summer evenings are the best time to visit “the Ljubljana Riviera.” There is a cool rhythm in the air as people promenade up and down the streets; the famous and the fabulous simply have to be seen here. Finding a vacant seat can be a daunting task during evenings and weekend mornings.

July 2009

100 95 75

25 5

Photo: S. Jerčič

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you started. The driver-cum-guide is full of interesting stories of the past and knows quite a few modern legends as well. You can surrender to the smooth melodies of Slovenian classics as you drift by architectural landmarks and green river banks.

The Bridges of the Ljubljanica Many beautiful and prominent bridges span this river. For example, Šuštarski Bridge was one of the first projects of Slovenia’s renowned architect, Plečnik. The Zmajski (Dragon) Bridge can be regarded as one of Ljubljana’s top

attractions. It has ornate Secession details and the famous dragons; so prominent that they made their way onto the town’s coat of arms. Tromostovje is stunning from the ground, as well as from the river. It is easily the most famous riverside feature, and another one of Plečnik’s masterpieces. Apart from the architectural enthusiasts, the bridges are also appreciated for other reasons. One very popular water activity, especially with inebriated nocturnal visitors, is jumping off the bridges. The managing director of Ljubljana Tourist Board Ms. Barbara Vajda says that they do not plan to make it an official event as, she is convinced there are enough events already; for example, the recent Povodni mož

The Ljubljana Water Games Also this year, on 19 August betweem 3 and 11 pm, kayakers and canoeists from all over Europe will compete in a traditional parallel slalom for the prize of the city of Ljubljana. For the first time the competition will be held under its new name – The Ljubljana Water Games. The competition is divided into four thematic sets. In the first part, the competitors of the junior categories will compete in a circuit race. The race will be followed by a promotional kayak polo match and just before the finals the team of celebrities will compete against the team of the sponsors. 100 In the evening, the spectators will get to see a genuine sport spectacle, the finals in parallel slalom that will take 95 place on the illuminated Ljubljanica River. Aside from the competition, all passersby will also be able to watch a rich 75 accompanying programme, which will be connected to water games, water sports and the history of the Ljubljanica River. Children will be able to learn new things in workshops, while the grownups will get a chance to watch various shows 25 connected with water. Finally, at the end of the finals, the visitors will be in for a big surprise, a concert on the Ljubljanica River featur5 ing the rock band Los Ventilos. 0

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The Flourishing Riviera

… are carefully designed, featuring various details, to which a lot of careful thought has been given. They come in exquisite shapes and all are added a specific flavour that develops into divine mixtures which suit each and every taste. If you have not treated yourself in a long time, now is the time to experience a positively mouth-watering treat with a wide variety of chocolate creams …

Zoran Janković, the current mayor of Ljubljana, has given the city a boost in its reconstruction. The Ljubljanica River and its banks are no exception. According to his recent announcement, swimming is coming back to the town centre soon. By Tanja Goršič and Jaka Terpinc

Ljubljana Water Games

River Traffic Barbara Vajda, Managing Director of Ljubljana Tourist Board, foresees that after the reconstruction of the Špica area all river traffic will be regulated and all boats will have to be docked in the marina, located in the Gruber Channel. The Tourist Board is striving

Photo: M. Tančič

Triathlon and the Čop Challenge rowing championship, attracting biggest names in rowing. What is it in the end that draws people to the banks of Ljubljanica? Is it the cool atmosphere, the need to see and be seen, the cool atmosphere of the cafés? The cafés are blessed with a great position, sunny in the springtime, and shaded by tall trees in the summer, with fresh breezes coming from the river. The no-car policy in the central part of the town only adds to the relaxing atmosphere – no noise or exhaust fumes, just the sounds of chatting, laughter, and the tinkling of spoons.

for a high quality experience of the Ljubljanica for all. The river is easily navigable to Vrhnika, just 26 km away. To be able to offer these trips, cleaning will have to be carried out first. Individual boat hire had been available free of charge up until this year, until a Tourist Board-sponsored canoe rental service ceased operations. The free service is expected to be restored soon, but meanwhile rental is available; anyone interested can stop by at the Trnovo turnabout at the stall.

Swimming in Ljubljanica

…Elaborately designed with plenty of detail and a lot of care, each praline has an individual shape and a specific flavour to create a heavenly treat for every taste. Has it been a while since you treated yourself? Enter a world of delights with the wide selection of Curkček pralines…

Vesna, a Slovenian film classic made in the 1950s, shows young people swimming in the Ljubljanica, proving that half century ago this was a common practice. Then, an intense wave of urbanisation and industrialisation took its toll. According to the city administration, the main cause for Ljubljanica’s degradation lies in the nearby neighbourhood of Rakova Jelša, with many illegally built houses, no sewers and improvised cesspits.

…Can’t imagine going a day without fruit? Our selection of chocolate-dipped fruit is perfect for you: pear, apple, banana, ginger, melon, strawberry, pineapple, orange, plum, date, fig… The fruit is carefully selected and dipped into white, milk or dark chocolate…

continued on page 44

he city has had an extensive face-lift in recent years. The entire riverside has seen much of reconstruction lately and the trend will continue. The Trnovo Quay renovation is now complete; the next stage is the Krakovo bank, which will be renovated by the end of this year. Also, Breg is in the finishing stages... This year’s projects include the construction three more bridges including the one at Poljane, underneath which a fifth landing spot for the tourist boats will be constructed. We are also about to get a new viewing platform near the Rog factory. Špica is also undergoing a vast metamorphosis, with many large-scale projects still to come. It is going to become a new performance and recreational venue, while in the nearby Gruber Channel a marina will be constructed.

Benedict, d.o.o., Mestni trg 11, 1000 Ljubljana www.cukrcek.si, info@benedict.si Cukrcek chocolate shop locations: Mestni trg 11, Nebotičnik underpass and Mercator center Šiška

44 LIFE STYLE

continued from page 43

However, the Ljubljanica area is being improved. The quays are under renovation; three more bridges are to be built this year. The plans are great but difficult to carry out because of the strict legislation concerning the environmental standards for water. Optimistically, with the arranging of sewers in Rakova Jelša improving the microbiological properties of the water, the Ljubljanica may comply with bathing water regulations by the end of next year. The Mayor’s cabinet sees this as a crucial environmental project for the city, adding to the quality of life, as well as to the impression visitors may get.

Ms. Vajda of the Tourist Board is also optimistic about the arrangement of the banks, but a bit reserved with estimating the “swimming” date, mostly due to the unfavourable times that we live in at the moment: “The improving water quality reawakened an almost extinct sport on the river – fishing. Nowadays, one can see people fishing again, especially at the Trnovo Quay. In addition, the National Fishing Competition was held here recently, and the word is that this year’s winner caught as many as 30 kilograms of fish...” So, in the near future, hopefully swimmers will join the fish in the Ljubljanica.

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good deal and taking home a slice of past? The market is also a collectors’ haven, with heaps of old coins, banknotes, stamps, medals, postcards and documents; it draws an international crowd from the neighbouring countries as well as local friends of the old, odd, unique and antique. Stroll down to the river on a sunny Sunday, and search for old acquaintances and great new finds. Stopping at a few stalls will leave you with a collage of impressions as colourful as the market itself. There are numerous sellers and everyone has something special. A lady at one of the traditional stalls specializes mostly in Slovenian souvenirs. She says the most popular are old items that could be found in Slovenian rustic homes. A favourite with the foreigners are beehive panels that are painted with typical folk art motifs;

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n t he we eke nd s, old Ljubljana transforms itself into a promenade. The pace slows down as people take time to savour the good things in life. Taking a stroll by the colourful stalls of Ljubljana’s Antique and Flea Market (held every Sunday morning between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on Cankarjevo bank of the Ljubljanica) is the thing to do if you are in town. Don’t be fooled by the name, though; it’s so much more than a collection of knick-knacks from someone’s attic. The market is as chic as it can be. On sale are all sorts of curiosities and rarities, antiques and paintings, old books and vinyl records, romantically rusty cookie tins, stuffed dolls and fine china, ancient furniture and gilded mirrors – anything with a patina of time and nostalgia. Before sitting down for a latte, what can be better than sealing a

LIFE STYLE 45

Upscale Flea Market in the Heart of the Old Town Here’s one good reason not to leave the capital even on a sunny Sunday: while others are stuck on the highway, bound for the coast, you can soak up the atmosphere and hunt for out of the ordinary finds at Ljubljana’s Antique and Flea Market. By Tanja Goršič

the most famous one is the devil sharpening a gossip’s tongue. The market is brimming with life; its stalls are so numerous they almost seem to compete with the

open air gardens of the riverside cafés. The market also possesses more extravagant fixtures; for example, Drago’s stall. He is actually a painter but since the rules say his has to offer antiques or used items, he has combined his passion for art and travel. And now offers a colourful selection

A.D.S., offers a selection of mostly collectors’ items. He contemplates the good old days; he has been around from the very beginning, some 26 years ago. He says that the first three years were the golden age of the market. Back then, people were hauling superb antiques from their attics and, not knowing their

of Indian and Nepalese antiques, gemstones, old stuffed dolls from India, as well as his own art. A real veteran on the scene, who introduces himself with the initials

real worth, sold them to foreigners for a pittance. Now, he says many of the goods are mass-produced in factories and you must have a sharp eye to spot the originals.

Afterwards, he steers the conversation to present his world view – a curious mixture of Vedic Buddhism and genuine Slovenian cynicism – saying he is simply selling off his former addiction. He was obviously a passionate collector, but the present situation has left him somewhat in despair, thus provoking him to sell until his collection runs out. Katja is a young force on the market and has a stall with antiques. Even though she is young, she is hardly a novice in this game. She had been helping her father since high school and has now set up her own stall. She says the current trends have turned towards cleaner lines and vintage 1970s design, so the antiques are selling rather slowly. A small piece here and there bought for a gift, and that is it. Tourists mostly buy vintage tea and coffee cups, statuettes and small ornamental objects; items which are easy to carry onboard a plane. Business is slow she says, most of the time it is just a lot of talking to people who stop at the stall. When you are full to the brim of colourful impressions, it is finally time to sit down at one of the riverside cafés for that cup of coffee.

Siam Thai Thai Massage Salon Open every day from 10:00 to 22:00

Traditional Thai Massage Reflexology Aromatherapy Warm Herbal Anti-cellulite Massage

Siam Thai Dunajska cesta 190, 1000 Ljubljana T: +386 (0)59 075 100 GSM: +386 (0)41 319 888 www.tajskemasaze.si info@tajskemasaze.si

IC Logistics 2009 organized by

Investment

Conference

2009 Going Intermodal: Slovenia as a Gateway to the European Markets Business networking conference Presenting logistics Opportunities in Slovenia To international audience

Meet the key decision makers at the IC Logistics 2009 conference IC conferences, organized by The Slovenia Times, take pride in being the best networking opportunity for foreigncompanies who are looking to do business in the region. Individual meetings are the essential part of the conferences. Access to meet withkey local business and government decision makers is granted.

Becoming Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s logistics and transport hub Despite Sloveniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population of two million, its economy often punches above its weight on the international business play field. Being the EU, Eurozone and Schengen member, Slovenia is an investment location that delivers quality at a reasonable price. In logistics sector the highway network has almost been completed. Government has promised to shift its focus to railways. The other big push should come from multimodal logistics centres that the government wants to set up in public-private partnerships in the years to come. Given the geographic position of Slovenia at the northernmost tip of Adriatic, acting as the most attractive gateway to Central Europe for Asian exports, this is an opportunity that should not be missed.

20-21 October 2009 Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia

www.investment-conference.si

48 DINE with style

Top Eat & Party

There’s Nothing Above the Top

Fusion food during the day – party snacks all night long: Top, a new restaurant at the most prominent location in Ljublana’s centre satisfies every taste and desire. Eat & Party – with VIP privileges. wonderful panorama is revealed. A large terrace surrounds a spacious open interior with two cocktail bars, a dining lounge and a dance floor. The entire place offers a view of Ljubljana’s centre from the roof level, contributing to a special atmosphere. It took some research of the coolest examples of the latest trends seen in London – and the idea of a contemporary cosmopolitan night-and-day place with a literally top offer of food and beverages – and Top was conceived. The restaurant offers breakfasts, lunches and coffee breaks or party snacks, depending on the time of day. The open environment, outdoor scenery, comfortable sofas, seats and tables; and a free WiFi access make you want to stay there for more than just a drink or snack during the daytime. Yet, it’s the nightlife of Top that is a story of its own...

Top Eat & Party Ljubljana centre, Tomšičeva 2 Tel (reservations): +386 40 177 775 info@klubtop.si; www.klubtop.si Wed-Sat: 8:30 am - 5 am

Fusion food

Delights of the French, Mediterranean and Slovenian cuisines.

Food type: Fusion food based on Asian, Mexican and Mediterranean influences Ambience: Spacious, outdoor, panoramic Price range: five-course menu EUR 30-45; snacks from EUR 2, Reservation: Recommended for lunches and dinners; obligatory for VIP access at night.

ocated at the top of Ljubljan a’s Na m a depa r t ment store, this brand new restaurant offers a variety of exotic delicacies, served in an inspiring environment with a wonderful view. The glass elevator takes you from its central location on Slovenska street to the top floor, where a

Top specialties Breakfasts: Omelette, Breakfast Bowl ***** Daytime menu: Cheese mix with honey & truffles, Coconut soup with shrimp, Halapenjos ‘n’ dips Grilled Ostrich fillet, Bali Risotto, TOP Salad Chocolate soufflé, Nutella-banana cake with coconut sorbet ***** Party Snacks: Sushi, Asian rolls, Mexican bites

The Slovenia Times

Top’s cuisine is not based on any one domestic or local foreign theme, but offers you a diverse menu, featuring the best of all worlds... Well, the Mediterranean element somehow can’t totally blend into this multitude of cuisines. Ingredients such as truffles, coconut, fresh fish or even ostrich meat find their way to the plate in an innovative and, above all, tasty combinations.

Top choice

DIne with style 49

Restavracija Calypso & Hotel

Kidričeva 7, Nova Gorica Tel : + 386 5 336 31 35 e-mail: restavracije.perla@hit.si Sun – Thu: from noon – 3pm, 7pm -midnight Fri – Sat (also on Italian holidays): from 7pm-1am

In Issue 116

Restavracija Smrekarjev Hram The ongoing fusion also affects the menus themselves as the menu is constantly changing and improving, meaning you can always come back for something new or yet undiscovered. Not only the food, but the whole experience is imaginative and creative. The food goes down nicely with a select choice of quality wines from Slovenia as well as other countries: Argentina, New Zealand, Chile, Italy and Australia. In addition to the wine list, Top impresses with an extensive offer of spirits: between the most common shots and Martell’s L’Or Cognac, you can find almost anything. The cocktail scene is also a strong point at Top: besides the essential Mohito and Cuba Libre, Ljubljana’s most popular ones, the cocktail menu has an extensive list of refreshing mixtures. Top barmen are also capable of entertaining with their mixing acrobatics. Worth seeing.

Eat & party After the kitchen closes at 10pm, the part y atmosphere begins to build. Slowly but surely, the deejays and barmen take the main role in assuring a memorable party experience. House and guest DJs take on the beats; however, the main theme depends on the

day. Wednesdays are dedicated to R’n’B, Hip-Hop, Funk and Soul, Thursdays to House and Poptrash, Fridays nights present the contemporary Vocal House, and Pop Clubbing, while Saturdays awake the nostalgia of Disco. Most importantly, the food service doesn’t stop as the restaurant moves to a party mood. During party time – well into the morning – party snacks are available to guests. We are talking sushi, spring rolls, nachos etc. – snacks that are a perfect companion to a cocktail. Night access to Top is restricted to visitors above 21 years. Also relatively uncommon and new to Ljubljana is the special VIP treatment, which requires advanced reservation of a table in VIP Lounge. Beside a dedicated space, the VIP package includes some special and enhanced services. And who are the people you are most likely encounter partying here? The urban, often very international crowd enjoying the vibes of Top can be simply be described cool party people. Top is one place with different faces, transforming itself throughout the day... The club closes at 5 am, for a short rest, awaking as a restaurant at 8:30 – and so on.

Featured wine

Dveri-Pax Benedict Red, cuvée

Red Cuvée with fruit cherry bouquet and soft touch of herbs together form a fresh flavour with a touch of red strawberries. Uncomplicated, soft and smooth flavour of tannic acid makes for a smooth, lissom drinking pleasure.

A la carte restaurant in the city centre of Ljubljana Nazorjeva 2, 1000 Ljubljana Tel: + 386 1 308 19 07 E-mail: smrekarjev.hram@gh-union.si Every day from noon to 11 pm

Pri Vitezu Breg 20, Ljubljana Tel : +386 1 426-60-58 E-mail : privitezu@siol.net Mon-Sat noon-11pm (closed on holidays)

Grad Otočec Restaurant Grajska cesta 2, Otočec Tel.: + 386 7 38 48 900 E-mail : booking.grad-otocec@terme-krka.si www.terme-krka.si Every day until 11pm

Bled Castle Restaurant Special experiences for special occasions. Cesta svobode 11, Bled, Tel : +386 4 579 44 24 Every day from 8am - 8 pm (November-April till 6pm) E-mail: blejski.grad@zkbled.si, events@vgs-bled.si www.hotelastoria-bled.com, www.zavod-za-kulturo-bled.si

Restavracija Vila Bled Delights of the French, Mediterranean and Slovenian cuisines. Cesta svobode 26, Bled Tel: +386 4 575 37 10 E-mail: info@vila-bled.si, www.vila-bled.si Every day: 12pm-10pm

In Issue 117

Dvorec Zemono Tradition with innovation and creativity. Gostilna pri Lojzetu Dvorec Zemono, 5271 Vipava Tel : +386 5 368 70 07 E-mail : zemono@zemono.si Pantone Process Black cmyk 0/0/0/100 rgb 0/0/0

Top Eat & Party Ljubljana centre, Tomšičeva 2 Tel (reservations): +386 40 177 775 info@klubtop.si; www.klubtop.si Wed-Sat: 8:30 am - 5 am

Pantone 186 C cmyk 15/100/100/10 rgb 191/31/36

In Issue 118

Delights of the French, Mediterranean and Slovenian cuisines. Dveri - Pax d.o.o. Polički vrh 1 2221 Jarenina, Slovenia Tel.: +386 2 644 00 82 www.dveri-pax.com

Atrium Restaurant Pot za brdom 55, Hotel MONS (main entrance), zahodna obvoznica, izvoz Brdo. Tel : +386 1 470 27 00 E-mail : info@hotel.mons.si Every day: 12 am – 10 pm

July 2009

50 LIFE STYLE

The Illyrian Provinces

When Napoleon Ruled Slovenia is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Illyrian provinces. On this occasion, the city museum retells the story of the French imperial expansion to Slovenia. By Marc Botte

Napoleon Pillar next to Ljubljana’s Križanke auditorium.

hen Napoleon created the Illyrian provinces in 1809, brilliant strategist that he was, he had a special vision: by controlling the region, he had “one foot in Rome, and the other one in Constantinople.” The Ilyrian provinces: four years under the power of the French empire that marked Slovenian history forever. Have you ever seen, outside of France, a monument in honour of the Corsican emperor? Yes, on the square Trg Francoske Revolucije in Ljubljana, an obelisk has stood since 1929, testifying that the French were once in the region. Why Napoleon? A Slovene would say that he was the first foreign leader to recognize our language. A conqueror who “transformed this land in four years more than the Austrians did in centuries,” explains Irena Žmuc, museum councillor at Mestni muzej (City Museum) where an exhibition, “Napoleon says ‘Illyria arise’,” is organized all summer. When the French Empire took control of the Illyrian provinces (territories lying north and east of the Adriatic sea, covering Dalmatia, Istria, most of Slovenia and parts which now belong to Italy, Montenegro and Austria), their goal was to block sea access to England, allies of Austrians, and to gain a border with the Ottoman Empire. This was at the peak of The Slovenia Times

the emperor’s power, as the massive statue of Napoleon standing in the hall of the museum testifies. “He wanted to be as renowned as Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar,” explains Žmuc. The relation between Slovenia and Napoleon started in 1797, when he came for the first and the last time in Ljubljana. The French army came back in 1805 and finally invaded the region in 1809, creating the Illyrian provinces and imposing its influence over four years, following their victory over the Austrian in the battle of Wargram. Among the main changes the French empire brought were the overhaul of administration, the changing of the schooling system – creating universities and making Slovene a learning language – and the usage of the Napoleonic code (the French Code Civil) and the Penal Code. Coming from France, the ideals of the Revolution were present as well: by abolishing the feudal system, and bringing in all the law applicable in France, the occupants made all the citizens theoretically equal under the law for the first time. Also imported from France: the botanic garden, the redesigning of streets and the obligatory vaccination of children. The “French gift” of letting the Slovene language being used at school is one of the most impor-

tant reforms, represented by Valentin Vodnik, author of the poem Illyria Arise, and creator of the first Slovenian grammar book in Slovene. Despite this important gesture, the official recognition of the Slovene language may have simply been a way not to make trouble with the local population. The locals did have enough reasons not to like the French anyway: the economy was not good, taxes rose as the cost of Napoleon’s wars was great, and young men had a long and sometime fatal military service. To discover the history of the Illyrian provinces in details, the City Museum proposes a special exhibition in honour of the 200th anniversary of the creation of the provinces. It is a good way to learn about that episode of Slovenia’s history, and see 220 original items, half of them coming from the Louvre, the French National Library and many other institutions. What is most surprising is the

The Exhibition.

variety of objects: from paintings to administrative archives, but also clothes, weapons, scientific prototypes and more. “Many private collectors contacted us once we opened the exhibition,” explains Žmuc. Also interesting, a multimedia display where you can listen to the story of three soldiers (one Austrian, one from the French army and one Slovene who avoided military service); the soldiers “speak” while you examine illustrations. From the early days of the Illyrian provinces to the opening of the monument dedicated to it in 1929, this highly detailed exhibition gives a wide overview of this period. Launched during the visit of French Prime Minister François Fillon in May, the exhibition has already attracted many visitors, school groups and tourists. The French are said to be happy and surprised by such an exhibition. And the Slovenes continue to feel grateful towards Napoleon!

LIFE STYLE 51

Chantal de Bourmont, French Ambassador to Slovenia

Celebrate the Past to Prepare for the Future Starting in May and continuing throughout summer, celebrations of the 200th anniversary of Napoleon’s Illyrian Provinces will take place. It’s a good time to meet the French Ambassador to Slovenia.

or a year and a half, France has been preparing for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the creation of the Illyrian Provinces. A conference (“Europe and National Identity: from Napoleon to the EU”), an exhibition (“Napoleon says ‘Illyria arise’”) and many other cultural events are on the agenda during the summer. Already up and running, these celebrations have been organized with Slovenes, respecting the idea of equity, and praised by the French ambassador. You organized the conference “Europe and National Identity: from Napoleon to the EU.” What was it about exactly? We wanted to show that celebrating a 200th anniversary is not just a time of memorial, as the French were an occupying army, which is not necessarily comfortable for us. We wanted to show that we could use those 200 years to talk about the present, as we both are in the EU and NATO. On this occasion, we made the first attempt to organise an “ideas debate,” which is quite common in France but less so here. We were a little bit concerned at the beginning, because it is not an easy thing, but in the end it worked magnificently! The interventions and the questions that were raised were very satisfying.

Born in September, 6th, 1947, Chantal de Bourmont has been the Ambassador of France in Slovenia since November 2006. A “Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur” since 2005, Ms. Bourmont previously was ambassador of France in Tallinn, Estonia (2002-2006) and deputy director of Military and Defence Cooperation in Paris (1999-2002). Spokeswoman of France in Brussels for the European Union (1995-1999), she specialized in south-east Asia and worked as an adviser in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1989-1991.

How are the relations between France and Slovenia influenced by the Napoleonic conquest? They may be more influenced on the Slovenian side than on the French side, because the French do not know much about the Illyrian provinces... perhaps because they don’t know about Slovenia! The ignorance on the French side is significant. But of course, Slovenes know France, and they know it even more because they know that France is part of Slovenian history. At the time, there were good and bad things coming from the French Empire, but they decided only to keep the good memories of Napoleon! For us, it’s a gateway on which we can base our relations for working and cooperating together. But we should not rest on our laurels; it happened 200 years ago, it is only a basis for our work. Do you think that the French language is developed enough in Slovenia? Yes and no. For example, the delegation of the Prime Minister who came to visit in May was pleasantly surprised that two thirds of the Slovenian delegation spoke or at least understood French! In administrative and political circles, people who are about 40 to 50 years old usually understand French. Then, there is a gap, the generation that grew up when Yugoslavia fell apart. The English language expanded massively in that time. For five to six years, there has been a will to give more space to French in secondary school. Before, there were only 250 students learning French in Slovenia. Now, there are 2,500. This generation will now arrive at university, and the major challenge is to enable them to continue using and learning French, even if they study sciences or law, so they can collaborate with French universities. What is the image of Slovenia in France? Is there a “before the Slovenian EU presidency” and an “after the presidency”?

I don’t think that it much changed the image that businessmen have about Slovenia. They actually know Eastern Europe much better than most of our fellow citizens. I do not have the feeling that the presidency of the EU by Slovenia made French companies pay more interest to Slovenia. But the administrations became aware, as the Slovenian presidency was good, that it is a very serious country that France wants to cooperate with. What are the projects in which French and Slovenes collaborate at the moment? We are now working on a socalled “Strategic Partnership,” as French Prime Minister François Fillon has proposed. We had not made it yet with Slovenia, although we are trying, generally, to get closer to the new EU members. We couldn’t have done it with Slovenia earlier, for some agenda reasons. We have proposed wideranging projects, and Slovenian authorities are now working on them. They include politics, climate, finances, common agriculture policy, energy, nuclear power, science, education etc. How can the experience of Renault and E. Leclerc, two of the main French companies established in Slovenia, influence other French investors? Simply by proving to them that you can do good business in Slovenia. When you look for a new market, you wonder about many things. But the general feedback from the French companies is really good. They are happy they made their choice. Sometimes there are difficulties, but that is just normal. French Prime Minister François Fillon came in May for a visit. What was his reason for doing so? The main goal was, first of all, to give a positive answer to Borut Pahor’s invitation. Everybody in Paris agreed that the head of the government should pay a visit to Slovenia, as there hadn’t been any since the independence. It was

urgent! The invitation plus the 200th anniversary of the Illyrian Provinces were good pretexts for a visit of Prime Minister Fillon. So he came to talk about the strategic partnership, with the message that, “I come, as the first French head of government, so we can work together, on an equal footing.” This was the in-depth message, and the anniversary was the symbol. It was a very complete visit, and politicians here were very flattered that Mr. Fillon gave a very detailed speech about EU policy. French people do not represent a big part of the tourists in Slovenia. What do you think about this? It is normal... For centuries, Slovenia was under German influence. There is a very strong connection between those countries. I am not shocked that French don’t come too often to Slovenia for holidays. I would be worried if, in terms of investment and tourism, we were behind the Spanish and British. But it is just normal to be behind the Germans and Italians. The contrary would shock me! However, I do hear a lot of French in Ljubljana; there might not be too many French tourists, but believe me they are more than enough for the consular office during the summer! July 2009

52 PEOPLE

Erica Johnson Debeljak, writer

A Difficult, Yet Rich Existence Erica Johnson Debeljak is an American writer in Ljubljana. She moved to Slovenia in 1993 and since that time has published three books in Slovenian translation: two books of non-fiction and a collection of short stories. This year her first American book was released, Forbidden Bread, which revisits her move to Slovenia in the 1990s and adaptation to life in the newborn country. She is a regular columnist for Večer. By Jaka Terpinc

H The choice of spending one’s life in a different country than one’s home is a difficult, and at times heart-breaking, one. It means that you are never truly at home anywhere, that you are never free from a comparative frame. The Slovenia Times

er story in brief: Erica Johnson moved to Ljubljana in 1993 to marry Aleš Debeljak, a renowned Slovenian poet and cultural critic, after meeting him in New York. The couple has lived in Slovenia ever since, during which Erica became a mother of three kids, now teenagers. She abandoned her job as a financial analyst and dedicated herself to writing. In the meantime, Slovenia has grown from a post-socialist newborn into mature westernized country. Her first book, Foreigner in the House of Natives, published ten years ago, read as an anthropological insight into a small, traditional and exotic country on the outskirts of the turbulent Balkans,

told from a much different, multicultural and urban – via New York – perspective. In this story of a nation, with a population smaller than Brooklyn’s, she painted a humorous and inspiring portrait of the country she had adopted. For Slovene readers, she also challenged and relativised some totally self-evident domestic habits and rituals – such as always wearing slippers in the house and having a dedicated drawer for plastic bags in every kitchen. Her most recent work, Forbidden Bread (North Atlantic Books), is a sort of updated, mature Foreigner, put in a broader context, and wrapped into a touching love story: A love that exchanges a comfortable New York life, trad-

ing it for a man and a life in his unpredictable, unknown Slovenia, where you could still hear the blasts of shelling in the Croatian war, as she describes it at their wedding at Otočec: a sort of White Masai with different details, circumstances and outcomes, leading to a happy ending. Love migrations are an interesting phenomenon, they often include a longing for something different, challenging, exotic, and also frequently the expectation of an improved standard of living, which was certainly not the case with Erica. Slovenes can be attracted to or attract passionate southerners, wealthy westerners or simply the beautiful (whoever they might be), but there is always someone less or more wealthy or passionate than you and Slovenia holds its special position on the beauty-temperament-wealth axes. Entertained by such suggestions, Erica takes the position of Slovenian women who aim outside their borders to find eligible and passionate men to marry: “There’s a longstanding joke in my Slovenian family – because I tend to find Southern Balkan men so attractive – that it was just an accident me coming to Slovenia and marrying Aleš, a question of not being familiar enough with the region. I was really aiming for Sarajevo or Belgrade and just landed a couple of hundred kilometres too far north. But I do think there might be a grain of truth in the stereotype about the aloof Slovenian male – though certainly Aleš didn’t fit the stereotype. A lot of my single female friends living in Ljubljana, both foreign and local, complain about Slovenian men, about a certain restraint, an unwillingness to throw themselves wholeheartedly into a love affair. And I remember a joke about a Slovenian man being stuck on a desert island with Claudia Schiffer; when she suggested they get together sometime, he begs off, saying he has to check his calendar. That says it all!”

PEOPLE 53 Homesickness “I think the choice of spending one’s life in a different country than one’s home is a difficult, and at times heart-breaking, one. It means that you are never truly at home anywhere, that you are never free from a comparative frame. And yet it’s also a very rich existence,” Erica comments on her fundamentally fragmented life between her original and adopted country. One review of her last book suggested that her move couldn’t have actually been so breezy, so light and amusing as it is portrayed; that she must have had some moments of real despair, unhappiness, or homesickness. But in fact, she says, in the first decade here, during the early years of marriage and having three babies, she really was so busy there just weren’t opportunities to look back. “Only now that that the longer arc of my life becomes clearer do I have some regrets and second thoughts. Namely, that I really miss the life I could have had with my own family – my mother and sister and brother, and their children – if I had lived closer to them. I would like now to be able to take care of my mother as she gets older.”

Literary twist Erica’s work is much about stereotypes, their sense and nonsense; but in speaking of them, we might also consider the one that business people lack imagination not to mention artistic talents. While the books and columns speak for themselves, she considers her career as a writer the greatest gift in her life Slovenia has given her. “The whole voyage from banker to writer was, in a way, completely accidental, an adaptation to the environment and conditions. But, in retrospect, the transformation feels like the most essential one, because now my career as a writer and columnist has become central to my identity. It has given me a purpose in life that I need and cherish and that, quite honestly, I never had before. It has, in the end, been as fulfilling as my life as a wife and mother.” Furthermore, Erica also finds her career swap to be an unexpected relief in the context of the current financial crisis. After all, who’d have thought a literary translator and writer would ever be a more secure option than a high-flying career in the devastated New York financial sector? Her works include a series of articles in different magazines, four translations (plus one in progress) of Slovenian literature to English and four of her own books. Beside the two auto-biographies, there’s

a compilation of her short stories titled You Are So Mine and an unconventional biography of Srečko Kosovel, the prominent Slovenian avant-garde poet who died at 22. The Kosovel book provoked an interesting observation: “I was really surprised by all the comments I received about how brave and daring I was to write about a Slovenian icon. That really startled me because it never occurred to me that in some sense Slovenia views its own culture and cultural icons as sacrosanct, something that shouldn’t be meddled with by non-Slovenians. I noticed that that book received far fewer reviews than the others and no reviews by any serious Slavic or comparative literature critic, which was too bad because it was a very different way of looking at a familiar subject. So that’s when I realized the limits of openness in this culture. Foreigners, or citizens who are not born Slovenians, are allowed to comment on Slovenia and to be active in public life, but they’re expected to occupy a certain circumscribed role.”

Erica and Aleš back in 1991...

Petty bureaucratic concerns Despite being a determined political activist when it came to certain issues back in the USA, after nearly two decades of prudent observation of Slovene society, Erica is still reserved when it comes to commenting on Slovenian politics. She has been disappointed by the level of political discourse. “It seems so small and smallminded. It fails, and this includes all the parties, to transcend petty bureaucratic concerns and power games and rise to a level where it could address the real problems, concerns and aspirations in people’s lives. I do think the ‘founders’ of the current Slovenia were competent enough in creating a functioning state and that’s more than you can say for many of the current generation of leaders. But that’s as far as it goes. There is sadly no figure or movement in the Slovenian framework that I find inspiring or uplifting. We need a Green Party!” To get back to her recent book, available in English and awaiting a Slovene translation to be published next year (with Založba Modrian), it can be said that, in addition to featuring everything already mentioned, it also shows one nostalgic aspect. Especially in its epilogue, it is capable of reminding us, that more things have changed that we are aware of. “It really was a ‘transition’ to use the economic term, and this bizarre parenthesis between socialism and full-blown consumer

...and in 2009 with their three children.

capitalism lasted a very brief time. Looking back on it now, it was a magical time: the lazy unmotivated leisure of socialism – drinking all night and having seriously absurd conversations about literature and history and the bankruptcy of Western ideas – combined with a sense of forward momentum and hope for the future. Now that we all have to work so hard and the West really is bankrupt, it’s much less fun.” Such reminiscences and flashbacks can be powerful to the generation of Slovenes who have seen it all: socialism, the transition, the present. It is our life and we cannot separate or distance ourselves from it. That is why an outsider’s view is so appreciated, and why Erica Johnson Debeljak’s books are a valuable contribution to the understanding of our individual and national identities.

I do think the ‘founders’ of the current Slovenia were competent enough in creating a functioning state and that’s more than you can say for many of the current generation of leaders. But that’s as far as it goes. July 2009

54 CULTURE

Dance

Across the Stages of the World Igor Jelen was one of the first contemporary dancers in Slovenia. Thirty years ago, he opened his own dance studio as a teenager, and today he runs a dance theatre and dance school, training more than 200 children. Creating hit after hit, their performances are well known to many international festivals around the world. By Petra Milič

gor Jelen – “Iggy” – the founder and artistic director of Igen, one of the oldest dance theatres and schools in Slovenia, is an avid world traveller. The world is his home; he absolutely loves life, living it to the utmost. At the age of 13, he established his first dance studio and, at the age of 19, he became the youngest person in the country with the status of an independent artist, celebrating his 25th anniversary this year. The Igen dance theatre and dance school employs seven instructors, educating around 200 lovers of dance in various techniques. Some of them have stayed with him for over 20 years. They have been extensively travelling and performing around the world, and have won several national and international dance competitions. As ambassadors of Slovenian culture, they have danced before presidents, ministers and parliaments, the King of Morocco and at numerous prestigious venues and festivals around the world. They are about to celebrate 30 years of existence and success around the world. How does Iggy feel about it? Proud and happy, with even greater enthusiasm to pursue success in this way. The slogan of his dance theatre and school is: Life and dance on the stages of the world. This kind of thinking and positive energy helped him conquer stages

On the stage and... The Slovenia Times

Iggy with the Turkish president Abdullah Gül.

around the world, including Japan, Spain, Netherlands, Canada, the US, Turkey, the Czech Republic and many more.

I Wish His latest hit performance I Wish or Children’s Parliament was a huge success in Izmir, Turkey, at the 31st international “23 Nisan” festival, on April 23rd. This is the biggest children’s festival in the world and is repeatedly on Iggy’s schedule. It has also opened numerous doors to many other festivals all around the world. April 23rd is a national holiday in Turkey and on this day the majority of the country, around 50 to 60 million people, watches the broadcast of the festival on television. This year, sixty two countries participated, with over 1,000 dancers. The story of I Wish is taken from real life situations and contemporary world problems, and deals with issues like ecology, hate, war, love, poverty, hunger. It reminds us that every 20 seconds a person dies in the world from malnutrition and exposes many problems we face in our everyday lives. In Iggy’s creative world of dance, the left and the right political wings eventually unite, saying: we ought to stand together and face problems that are in front of us, not argue, but find a solution instead.

For this piece, Iggy and his crew received a standing ovation in Turkey and he was constantly asked for interviews. The highlight was meeting with Abdullah Gül, the President of Turkey to whom he, as an ambassador of Slovenian culture, gave a traditional Heart of Lect as a gift. Because of this event and the promotion of Slovenia as the only country that has the word LOVE in its name, he was on the main Turkish TV news. After the festival, it was very positive for Iggy and the dancers; they have already received invitations to perform in Cyprus, Morocco and Croatia.

Choreography and Event Management Five years ago, Iggy started organising high-level events. These events are usually huge spectacles with imaginative and extraordinary stage settings, where the product is presented in a very unusual and creative way. His idea is to merge commercial and artistic elements, and he is doing so in a fantastic way. There is a lot of glitz and glamour, but behind every single element he incorporates into his work is a message or a story. He has executed 150 events in last five years for various companies. Event management is a great way to stay creative (and get paid

...in the strets.

for it). Iggy invests this additional income into the school, theatre and children working there. He has found the perfect way to do both and is absolutely the perfect man to do it. However, with his artistic projects, Iggy also has additional help. “I am extremely thankful to all our donors and supporters and especially to the Cabinet of the Mayor of Celje, Bojan Šrot, and Aleksa Gajšek Krajnc for all their support in the last ten years. Without them we couldn’t have reached our goals.” Igor Jelen is a choreographer, visionary, director, and educator, but above all, he is a lover of dance. Lately his face has been looking down from billboards all over Slovenia in a Belinka advertisement for paint. He couldn’t have chosen a better one, for he is truly a colourful person. He is everywhere, nationally and internationally. His story is one of success many people admire. “It’s all hard work, a lot of energy, patience, understanding and experience. I’m always thinking it must pay off sometimes. I have to work hard if I want to realize everything I’m planning in my head. We want to keep working globally; we are doing our best to continue in this way and achieve even more. I love life and I want to make the very best of it.”

CULTURE 55

Svetlana Makarovič , poet and writer

Art of Individuality in a World of Conformity Svetlana Makarovič is not your usual cup of tea; some cannot bear the sight of her, others worship the ground she treads on. In a word, she is a rare voice of individuality in a world where everyone seems to think alike. By David Aleksander

vetlana Makarovič is a contemporary Slovene poet and a fairytale writer. Although mostly writing for children and the youth, her target group (in her own words) are adults who have preserved their childhood character, but themselves are not juvenile. Emphasis of this last feature seems to be closely related to what she perceives in the psychology of her compatriots, which sees certain unfavourable characteristics of Slovenes often dissected in her works and columns, and Svetlana often publicly provides unsparing critiques of various aspects of Slovene society.

Svetlana the social critic Svetlana Makarovič has never been known to spare her tongue. Never failing to side with the weak and the marginalised, her comments have always borne unusual sharpness and precision, even if many of her readers and listeners have not often exactly seen eye to eye and resented her for her harsh choice of words. When retirees protested against a home for new mothers fearing that the children would inevitably disturb their peace, she was quick to suck the wind beneath their wings by calling them “oldies stinkies”, and when a few years ago virtually everyone who had a moment to spare poured tons of bile over a group of transvestites winning the Slovene national Eurosong competition she did not hesitate a second and retorted in her usual manner: “Microphalluses always need someone to slender, be it the Jews, homosexuals or smokers, anyone so that they can feel more secure, purer and more decent.” Recently she drew attention to herself again (as well as her fist) and rekindled the rebellious image ignited nine years ago when at the 2000 Prešeren awards she “respectfully” declined the award for lifetime achievements on account of the questionable decision by the management board of the

fund to give the second award to someone whose work was not exactly public (as mandated by the statute of the fund) but rather involved painting the Pope’s private chapel. The roots of the recent “slap-me-silly street-cred” incident in which Svetlana slapped the living daylights out of Marijan Zlobec (the journalist of the daily Delo) when running into him at a crossroads in Ljubljana, lie in that very refusal; the latter in his article nine years ago questioned the moral grounds for, in his view, dubious denial in such a manner as to leave little doubt whether or not (according to Svetlana) the article was meant more as a personal full-blown blatant attack on her or an objective report on what actually took place. In a recent interview she confessed that she had been saving the slap for a whole nine years, which, needless to say, again divided the Slovene nation. Her numerous comments on the state of society have rendered her somewhat of a free-world speaker that is not afraid of calling a spade a spade. She is noted for having coined a neologism “Slovencelj”, which is a derogative term for a Slovene and which, of course, in the Slovene language bears the appropriate pejorative ring to it. The word “Slovencelj” is her way of denoting the existential pattern of behaviour observed in her compatriots which she sees as narrow-minded, primitive, hypocritical and submissive. Ridiculing “universal human stupidity” she sees everywhere around her, Svetlana provides a point of view from the other side, the one that is often untold or glossed over or most people simply do not know it even exists.

Artistic voice of individuality Svetlana’s fairytales for children and the young at heart are full of animals with unusual names and strong characters expressing the archetypal motif for departure from home. Many of her fairytales

have been performed on stage also – the best known Sapramiška (Sapra Mouse) has been performed over one thousand times. The Slovene public first got to know her through her poems, which are a precise expression of how she experiences the world. They are often tragic, pessimistic and pervaded with a balladic mood. In 2002 she bid farewell to poetry by publishing an anthology of her best poems Samost (Aloneness), which was published only in 100 copies and only one third of them sold, the rest stored as heritage to fund the animal asylum in Maribor after her death. Svetlana Makarovič does not offer light entertainment. Even her simplest fairytales and poems often carry profound insights about life and the human nature. Though self-professed to be warm and mild around those she loves, her tongue is as sharp as a razor and her mind watchful of external influences. Her life is a life of individuality, always encouraging Slovenes to think and decide for themselves, not as part of a group. She never fails to stress the need for always “staying you, unique

and unrepeatable”. To this effect she once wrote in one of her poems: “Two people do not equal two times one. Two do not mean more. Two are two times less”. And so Svetlana keeps singing her song of individuality, of individual freedom, which is a path of one, saying: “There is a song in me/ That none/ Knows how to sing. No one/ Except for the wind, dusk and the rain,/ No one/ Except for the ravaged sky”. She sings a song of individuality in a world that knows and allows only conformity: “No one follows me/ Into the meaningless morning.” Svetlana Makarovič – noted for having one of the largest biographies among Slovenes with more than 300 book titles to her name – is one of Slovenia’s rare unique and daring voices and as such a beacon for all who dare to be different and question what appears most obvious. In life she has never been known to take the easier path but always seems to be drawn to the more difficult road, the more winding road, or, in the immortal words of the American poet Robert Frost, “the road less travelled by”. July 2009

56 EVENTS Ethno & rock

Ballet

Vlado Kreslin

Teatro alla Scala Ballet Company – Pink Floyd Ballet

5th July at 9.30pm, Lent (Central Stage at the Drava river), Maribor, EUR 11

Mythical was the union between academic dance and the live music of Pink Floyd, which premiered in 1973 at the Palais des Sports in Marseille: a true rock ballet that only the open-mindedness of a famous choreographer Roland Petit could have conceived. Petit transposed the energy of this music onto pointe shoes, in a kaleidoscopic flood of light and laser effects that were worthy of the live experimentation of the British band. Over time, the four initial sections grew in stature and the ballet has been presented practically all over the world. For Italy, it is La Scala that will present the ballet for the first time in its entirety. Despite the fact that this time it will not be played live, historic tracks from “The Wall,” “The Dark Side of the Moon,” “Meddle,” “Relics” and “Obscured by Clouds” will resound in 90 minutes of pure dance, which will also see the entire La Scala Ballet company perform in solos, duos and group sections.

For nearly two decades Vlado Kreslin has been at the centre of the Slovenian popular music scene. At the same time, he been going back back more and more to his own roots and drawing upon the creative energy of the musical heritage of his home region of Prekmurje. Through his appearances with Beltinška banda – a legendary group of folk singers and musicians from Prekmurje – he has enriched his repertoire with folk songs of the region. This time, Vlado will be joined on stage by both the veterans of Beltinška banda and his band Mali bogovi, as well as by the choir of the secondary school from Slovenska Bistrica. C

6th July at 8pm, Cankarjev dom (Gallus Hall), Ljubljana, EUR 59-84

CY CMY

Ethno

Terrafolk 6th July at 9.30pm, Lent (Central Stage at the Drava river), Maribor, EUR 11

and elsewhere. One thing is definitely true for their live performances: once you’ve seen them live, you will want to see them again and again.

Classical

Gautier Capuçon & The Prague Symphony Orchestra 9th July at 9pm, Cankarjev dom (Gallus Hall), Ljubljana, EUR 19-39

The soloist of the evening is Gautier Capuçon, who began playing the cello at the age of only five. He is the recipient of numerous international prizes, has given recitals in many European capitals and music centres, and has been invited to perform at numerous important festivals. Capuçon is an enthusiastic chamber musician and he also performs and records a great deal with his brother, violinist Renaud. He plays on a cello made by Matteo Goffriler in 1701, as well as on an instrument from 1746 from the workshop of Joseph Contreras. The Prague Symphony Orchestra will present an entirely Czech programme, led by Jiří Kout, the chief conductor and musical director of the Prague Symphony Orchestra, who is especially devoted to the music of Czech composers.

Rock

David Byrne 10th July at 9pm, Križanke, Ljubljana, EUR 39 After running out of money in New Zealand, Mystica and Boston Balkany began a busking show that was a blend of ethnic tunes that at least one of them knew. Later that year, they met up with violinist Bojan CV at Festival Lent and put on an impressive improvised set. Terrafolk was born. Musically, they have evolved from playing only traditional music to playing mostly their own compositions. Live performances started as duo gigs but now the band performs more concerts with their own Symbolic Orchestra and other orchestras from across Europe, introducing more talented guests from Slovenia The Slovenia Times

This Scotsman rose to fame in the pop music world and became an American icon of new wave and post-punk in the late ‘70s. He is best known as a founding member and principal songwriter of the band Talking Heads, which was active between 1974 and 1991. In 1977, the Talking Heads wrote the cult hit “Psycho Killer” and on their second album, they worked together with Brian Eno. This collaboration lasted until 1980, culminating in the ingenious David Byrne/Brian Eno solo album “My Life in the Bush of Ghosts” (1981). Since then, Byrne has released his own solo projects, and worked in a variety of media, including film, photography,

opera, and internet-based projects. He has received Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe awards for his achievements.

Pop

Bajaga & Instruktori 11th July at 9.30pm, Lent (Central Stage at the Drava river), Maribor, EUR 16 Bajaga was one of the biggest rock stars of the former Yugoslavia and he remains extremely popular to this day. At the age of 14, he became the lead singer of a group called TNT, but it wasn’t until he joined Riblja Čorba in 1978 that he became really famous. Even though at first he was assigned the role of a guitarist, he soon proved to be an excellent composer. After recording five albums with the band, he decided it was time to start a solo project and formed a group called Instruktori.

Pop

Morcheeba 12th July at 8.30pm, Križanke, Ljubljana, EUR 37

Morcheeba are a British band that mixes influences from rock, trip hop, rhythm and blues and pop. The word morcheeba means “the way of marijuana.” Formed in 1995, they consisted of Paul Godfrey (DJ), Ross Godfrey on guitar and keyboards and Skye Edwards as the primary vocalist. Their first two releases seemed to portend a trip-hop-based modern psychedelia that they seemed to completely eschew for a meatier, beatier, mom & pop-centric sound on 2000’s “Fragments of Freedom.” In 2005, Daisy Martey succeeded Skye; however, as Skye and her voice had become an integral part of the Morcheeba, the abrupt switch to a new lead singer was met with mixed reactions. Perhaps because of this, the Godfrey brothers replaced Daisy with Jody Sternberg for their live performances. Their most recent album, “Dive Deep,” was released in February 2008. On the album, Morcheeba cooperate with several different artists, including Manda,

EVENTS 57 a formerly unknown singer who contacted the brothers through MySpace and continued to tour with Morcheeba as the lead singer.

Classical

Ramón Vargas 14th July at 8pm, Cankarjev dom (Gallus Hall), Ljubljana, EUR 59-84 Critics throughout the world agree that Ramón Vargas is one of a handful of singers who are successfully continuing the tradition of the great tenors of the 20th century, thus ensuring that golden tenor voices are not just the thing of the past. Vargas began his singing career in his native Mexico and, after initial success at home, set off to perfect his art at the Vienna State Opera. To date, Vargas has played more than 50 different roles on stage, but he is most popular as an interpreter of the bel canto repertoire (the operas of Bellini, Rossini and Donizetti) and of French opera. Vargas’s personality is marked by intellectual breadth and musical curiosity; he also likes to delve into less frequently performed works. Since 1999, the Austrian Festspiele Magazin has regularly named him as tenor of the year and he has also received the prestigious German Echo Prize for tenor of the year.

situation, even if it means going to “the full monty.” The musical will be performed in the Croatian language with Slovenian and English subtitles.

Film

La Traviata

Man on Wire

22nd & 23rd July at 8pm, Cankarjev dom (Gallus Hall), Ljubljana, EUR 34-64

30th July at 9.30pm, Ljubljana Castle (open-air), Lj, EUR 3.80

Multimedia installation

Transition 17th July to 30th August, 10am7pm, Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljana Transition is multimedia installation – Iztok Maroh contributed video and installation, Petra Kapš the sound and words. Iztok Maroh works as independent artist and is currently engaged in the fields of ceramics, installation and video. Petra Kapš is a performer in the contemporary art field. Her work is primarily focused on a continued search, examination and realisation of ways of cooperation, production, and (self)reflection.

Classical

The China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra 21st July at 8pm, Slovenian Philharmonic Hall, Ljubljana, EUR 12-19

Musical

The Full Monty

Even though Giuseppe Verdi was under enormous time pressure when he was composing La Traviata, he succeeded in creating one of his most enduring works – an opera in three acts on a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave. Verdi and Piave found in Alexander Dumas’s play “La Dame aux camellias” a timeless theme especially suitable for an operatic setting. The love story, which revolves around the conflict between what is socially acceptable and the dictates of the heart while bringing into focus the futility of trying to surmount social differences, found in Verdi’s characteristic musical language a perfect partner for the future. The music, through which the pulsing light of salons and dance halls echoes, convincingly giving expression to humanity’s inner distress, effectively illustrates the intimate story of the unhappy Parisian courtesan as well the world in which the drama takes place.

On 7th August, 1974, a young Frenchman named Philippe Petit stepped out on a wire illegally rigged between New York’s Twin Towers. The extraordinary adventure, which was brought to life by a director James Marsh, won an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. As a prefilm, “Chicory ‘n’ Coffee,” a brilliantly animated Slovenian tale, will be shown.

Film & music

Shine a Light 3rd August at 9.30pm, Ljubljana Castle (open-air), Lj, EUR 3.80 Martin Scorsese and the Rolling Stones unite in a look at The Rolling Stones. Scorcese filmed the Stones over a two-day period at the intimate Beacon Theater in New York City in the fall of 2006. Cinematographers capture the raw energy of the legendary band.

Township day

Dolenjske Toplice Celebrates 17 - 19 July, Dolenjske Toplice, various venues, admission free

Dance & music

15th & 16th July at 9pm, Križanke, Ljubljana, EUR 39-49 With its ensemble of singers, actors, instrumentalists and dancers, the Zagreb Comedy Theatre, a company with a tradition spanning almost 60 years, will stage a pop opera written just a few years ago. The musical The Full Monty is based on the film of the same name from 1997, which caught the imagination of a broad audience of all generations and was nominated for four Oscars. In 2000, the story from the British film was a smash hit on the Broadway stage, with more than 770 performances. With the interweaving of lyrical and rockpop songs, spiced with dance, the composer David Yazbek outlined the tragicomic story of a group of workers who have lost their jobs and decided to earn enough to survive as male strippers. The main characters are burdened by some of the common problems facing contemporary men (unemployment, divorce, homophobia, racial discrimination). With their common will and hard work, they overcome their internal barriers and demonstrate that they are capable of finding a way out of a difficult social

Opera

The China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra carries an audience attuned to the Western musical tradition to a world of completely different music. This ensemble will fill the hall to the brim with the sounds of the tam-tam, the pipa, the guqun, the sheng and other musical instruments from China. The audience will witness a display of virtuosity and spirit by excellent musicians, graduates of acknowledged conservatories, who have been accepted to the orchestra on the basis of demanding auditions. This symphonic orchestra for folk music is derived from two predecessors from the middle of the 20th century, The China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra and The China Broadcasting Film Symphony Orchestra. Thanks to conductor and composer Peng Xiuwen, more than a thousand musical works have been composed for the orchestra, presenting Chinese folk music in a symphonic form. The Ljubljana Festival offers this unique opportunity for an encounter with the diversity of Chinese musical culture.

The Russian Cossacks 25th July at 8.30pm, Kranjska Gora (Vitranc Hall) & 27th July at 9pm, Križanke, Ljubljana, EUR 29-39 Since 1991, the group of 50 dancers, singers and musicians known as the Russian Cossacks has been captivating audiences throughout the world. Under the guidance of artistic director Leonid Milovanov, their performances are imbued with the basic values of the Cossack: courage, pride, love and justice. They present the acrobatics of Cossack dance with extraordinary skill. The professionally polished movements of the performance are complemented by perfectly designed costumes, carefully selected music and other details that ensure the ensemble’s continued success and international reputation. Cossack songs are one of the essential identifying elements of Cossack ethnic identity. Numerous stories bear witness to how the Cossacks fortified and motivated themselves spiritually and physically before entering into battle with the aid of singing.

The town of Dolenjske Toplice organises a series of events to mark its township day. The programme includes rock and folk concerts (rockabilly entartainers Rok’n’Band on Friday evening, female folk attraction Vesele Štajerke on Saturday), Sport tournaments, children animation and demonstrations of local organisations’ activities

July 2009

58 EVENTS

The Slovenia Times Recommends

A Summer of Festivals Slovenia boasts a tradition of summer festival events. While some have already finished, others are ongoing and more are yet to come. They are spread throughout the country and across various genres; it’s easy for anyone to find something suitable. Here’s a short overview. Details can be easily found on the internet.

jubljana Festival – Happen ing th roughout the summer, it is the most ambitious festival in Ljubljana, if not in the whole of Slovenia, never failing to bring important classical musicians to the capital. This year, the festival opens with an interesting combination of music and dance: La Scala Milan presents a ballet, choreographed by Roland Petit to the music of Pink Floyd. As many people are eagerly anticipating this performance, tickets will likely sell out quickly. La Scala is not the only big name at this year’s festival; in addition to a number of Slovenian and foreign virtuosos, Križanke will again host the Bolshoi Theatre, performing the opera Eugene Onegin. Other interesting performances include the musical The Full Monty from Zagreb, a singing and dancing performance by a group of Russian Cossacks from the Don region, a concert by the Prague chamber orchestra and a flamenco performance. The cinema under the stars will screen movies in the Ljubljana castle courtyard. In Maribor, the Lent Festival takes to a number of stages, concluding on 7th July. Ray Charles, B. B. King, James Brown, Maceo Parker, David Byrne, Living Colour and Omara Portuondo are just some of the previous performers at this festival by the Drava, where world famous foreign artists are joined by a number of Slovenian musicians. Over 400 events and

Metalcamp in Tolmin.

500,000 visitors a year make Lent one of the largest European festivals of its kind, attracting visitors from all over the world. This multicultural festival, which developed from the Folkart folk festival 15 years ago, has won a number of awards, including 34 awards from the International Festivals and Events Association. Covering over 30 festival venues, Lent hosts classical, jazz, pop and ethno concerts as well as singer-songwriter evenings, theatre, dance and puppet shows, creative workshops for children and sporting events. The international Folkart folk festival, the Jazzlent festival and the festival of Ljubljana’s Ana Desetnica street theatre are also parts of the Lent festival.

Small towns and countryside Apart from the two major festivals, various small festivals await their audience. One of such is Schengenfest, held between 31st July and 2nd August at Vinica. Schengen is not only an area, but also an open air festival connecting fans of music and fun across borders. SchengenThe Slovenia Times

fest takes place in Bela Krajina by the Croatian border, offering pop-rock and ethno concerts by the biggest Balkan and central European stars and other activities. This year’s performers from Slovenia are Siddharta, Dan D and Strojmachine. In Kranj, the Carniola Festival, ending on 10th July, is the largest cultural festival in the Gorenjska region. It showcases international performers and multicultural events taking place in historic venues and in the old town centre. Previous performers include Laibach, Terrafolk, the Platters, the Picikato Brass Band and many more. As every year, this year’s festival features a number of music, theatre and dance events. Headbangers should head to Tolmin to attend Metalcamp (2nd-8th July). The largest Slovenian metal festival, which never fails to delight the performers as well as the visitors, has long outgrown the restrictions of the genre it promotes. The festival is located by the Tolminka and Soča Rivers. This year’s line-up includes Napalm Death, Nightwish, Blind Guardian, Down,

Dimmu Borgir, Lamb of God, Testament, Hatebreed, Amon Amarth, Satyricon, Kreator and many more. The same venue will host Soča Reggae Riversplash only a week later (15th-19th July). Fans of Bob Marley, reggae and similar sunny genres can return to the emerald-green Soča for more good vibrations. This year’s performers include Rasites, Sister Nancy, Max Romeo, Najavibes and Asher Selector. At the same spot (28th July1st August), the Sajeta Festival focuses on artistic expression rather than musical genres, and features experimental and avantgarde musicians. This year’s lineup includes Trevor Watts & Peter Knight, Paul Wirkus, Clementine Glasser and Jean Louis. Electronic music fans should not miss Disco Nautica (10th11th July) in Koper. This festival brings thousands of visitors to the coast every year. It focuses on electronic music, from house and techno to drum’n’bass and chill-out. This year’s VJs and DJs include DJ Shah, Axwell and Masiello.

60 SPORTS

Slovenia Open

Safina Comes to Portorož Not so long ago, it would have been science fiction, but now it is reality: WTA Number 1, Dinara Safina of Russia will take part in the Slovenia Open tennis tournament to be held in Portorož between 18th and 26th July. Furthermore, she will be joined by 6th ranked Jelena Dokić of Serbia. With several Slovene players, both men and women, climbing up the rankings, the timing for the tournament couldn’t be better. By Simon Demšar

Dinara Safina, the star of forthcoming Slovenia Open.

ith USD 220,000 of prize money (t he w i n ne r takes 37,000), the fifth Portorož tournament is not on par

Photo: BOBO

even with medium-ranking tournaments worldwide; however, it is gradually moving up. In the past, regulations also prevented top 10 pl aye r s f rom joining minor t ou r n a me nt s, but things have changed in this a rea, too.T he Po r t o r ož o r ga n i zers a nd sp on s or s a r e u ndoubtedly de l ig ht e d a s the best players a r e ex p e c ted to draw huge c r owd s a nd attention. Tou r n a m e nt director, Andrej Bi z j a k , s a id, “This is a proof that the tournament is growing and developi ng i n t he right direction. I expect t h is year’s edition Katarina Srebotnik, the best Slovenian tennis player at one of the past to generate the Portorož Tournaments

largest response so far from the media in Slovenia and beyond.” Mima Jaušovec, former top tennis player and president of the organising committee added, “It’s a great honour to have world’s number one here. People, including the players, admit that the tournament has become an established event and they love coming back. The limit to qualify directly for the main event is now a top 100 position, which speaks of the strength of this year’s tournament.” The 23-year old Russian star will use the event, played on clay, as practice ahead of a series of WTA tournaments on hard surfaces that follow later in the season. “I’ve heard many nice things about Portorož from my [Croatian] coach Željko Krajan, and I decided to check it out and play here. After all, Katarina Srebotnik [the highest ranking Slovene player], who is a good friend of mine, told me that this is a really nice tournament in a nice setting. As it also fits in my training schedule, I decided to come to you,” said Safina.

The tournament couldn’t come at a better time with tennis becoming bigger than ever in Slovenia. For the first time, two Slovenian men played in the Wimbledon tournament and three women are in the top 100. In recent years, it was mostly Katarina Srebotnik who was flying the flag for Slovenia but it seems that Maša Zec Peškirič and especially the 18-year old Polona Hercog are rising in a major way. After many years, Hercog became the first Slovenian besides Srebotnik to first qualify and then reach the second round of a Grand Slam tournament, doing so in Paris this year. All three players accompanied by a rank of up-andcoming hopefuls are expected to take part, although Srebotnik’s participation is still in doubt due to an injury. Interestingly, Srebotnik has not won the tournament yet, even when she was at her best, ranked around 20th. As of mid-June, the next highest ranked players after Safina and Dokić are Spain’s Anabel Medina Garrigues (ranked 20th) and Sara Errrani of Italy (39th).

Handball

Climbing

Gymnastics

Slovenia Qualifies for Euro 2010

At the Top of the World

Excellent in Moscow

Slovenian men’s handball team beat Belarus 36:32 in Minsk, qualifying for the European Championships that will take place in Austria next year. Slovenia finished the qualifications second in its group, after Germany. This will be the seventh European Handball Championships for Slovenia. Its greatest success was the silver medal it won on home ground in 2004. The Slovenia Times

Slovenian Natalija Gros became third best boulder climber in the world. She finished the last world cup event as second. Slovenian Klemen Bečan finished the season as tenth. 24-year-old Natalija was very happy after the final competition, already looking forward to the world championship in China. Klemen, who ended the final challenge as fifth was thrilled as well, in his words: “I felt mega good”. In the women’s competition, Japanese Akiyo Noguchi won the world cup, second was Austrian Anna Stoehr. Men’s cup went to Austrian Kilian Fischhuber, second was Russian Rustam Gelmanov, third this season was Italian Gabriele Moroni.

Slovenian gymnast duo Mitja Petkovšek and Aljaž Pegan further expanded their medals collection, as Petkovšek finished first on parallel bars and Pegan second on the horizontal bar at the World Cup finals in Moscow. Adela Šajn moreover bagged two silver medals, excelling in the floor and balance beam competitions.

SPORTS 61

Basketball

Above The Rim Summer has begun, which means that another great basketball season is behind us. The Euroleague and Adriatic league finished with no success for Slovenian teams, while the domestic championship saw Union Olimpija get another trophy, sweeping away Helios, the hapless team from Domžale. By Andrej Pirnat

nion Olimpija and Helios had already squared off with each other in the finals of the previous two seasons, each team taking the top podium once. This year, the series was very one-sided in favour of Olimpija, who defeated Domžale in three games, not losing once. After the first game, in which Olimpija humiliated Helios with a result of 72-43, Domžale just could not find a way back, and Olimpija won its fifteenth national championship.

Perhaps more important than the win in the finals is the story of a coach and a player, the first being Jure Zdovc and the latter Sašo Ožbolt. Jure Zdovc proved to many doubters that he can coach a team and come out victorious, somewhat redeeming himself for poor results in the Euroleague and regional Adriatic league, where Olimpija failed to qualify for the second stage of the competition. There were many sceptics when Zdovc was named head coach of the best-known basketball club in Slovenia, especially because he did not have much previous coaching experience and was still relatively young for the job, at the age of 42. He established his name as a player, playing both for Yugoslavian and Slovenian national teams, as well as for some of the best European teams, and is today considered one of the top Slovenians to ever play the game; however, his coaching career is still in the early stages and he still needs to prove himself as a coach. The first step in the right direction was winning a national championship. Determination and good results in the end brought Jure more recognition of him doing the right thing, as he was named coach of the year.

Return of the forgotten Another interesting story is that of a player named Sašo Ožbolt, once considered one of the top young talents in Europe. When he came to play for Olimpija in 2003,

Photo: BOBO

Time to prove

he was seen as the saviour of the franchise and a player who would dominate on European courts for many years to come. Fans were crazy about his game, which was smooth and fluid and every one of his moves came with such an ease it was a joy to watch him. He brought showtime back to Hala Tivoli. His performances did not pass by unnoticed by the coaches, and in 2004 he was called to play for the national team – he did not disappoint. Now he was not only seen as the cornerstone of Olimpija, but also as a player who would lead Slovenian basketball in the next decade. Unfortunately, not everything went as planned. In 2005, Ožbolt suffered a devastating knee injury which sidelined him for the remainder of the year. When he tried to make a comeback the following season, the injury bug bit again and – just like that – his career seemed over. He trained and worked hard in the hopes of playing again and, in

the end, his persistence paid off. Under Coach Zdovc, he got another chance to play again; everyone wanted to see how he would do, after missing three years in the top competition. If not in the previous games, he silenced all doubters with his performance in the finals. He was rejuvenated, playing like his old self, as if he was never injured. Even though he is 29 now and his game matured and changed a bit a bit, he still looks like a 22-year old kid when he’s running out on the court. He still has a long path ahead of him and he will take the next step during this summer, when he will decide whether to stay and carry the club in which he reached his highest and lowest points of playing career, or to opt for a fresh start somewhere else.

Streets are calling While all the European and domestic leagues have finished, this does not mean the end of

competitive basketball for the summer. Gyms and sports halls may have closed, but that does not mean that basketball enthusiasts stop playing for the summer. They just find a new place –a street court. Streetball, as basketball played outside is called, has skyrocketed in recent years, in both organisation and popularity. Instead of numerous single tournaments, organisers have decided to put them all together and form a national streetball championship, where the winner gets to travel to the European streetball championship. To make it even more interesting, the main games are accompanied by various minigames, like dunk contests, skills challenges and three-point shootouts. All winners, of course, receive trophies, medals and many other great prizes. The top-notch organisation of this tournament has also brought in some great professional players, eager to test their skills against the best street players, and all this mixed together provides for some great entertainment, many times better and more intense than the professional leagues.

What comes next Even after summer is over, basketball will continue in September, when Poland hosts the European basketball championship. This year will be the last chance for the golden Slovenian basketball generation to reach its full potential and finish the tournament on the podium. All major players have already confirmed their participation, even Saša Vujačič, who just won an NBA title this year with the Los Angeles Lakers, and has yet to wear the Slovenian national team jersey. All that will be left to do is to get these star players to cooperate with each other, which will be the task of Olimpija’s coach Jure Zdovc, who now has some experience under his belt and enjoys great respect from all these players. There is definitely a long and interesting year ahead for all basketball fans. July 2009

The Slovenia Times Marketing Manager Irena Kržan with recovering Palestinian kids. The most successful women managers in Slovenia meet in Bled, at IEDC Business School

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Celebration of Slovenia’s statehood, on 25th of June

Andrej Malgaj, the owner of Avtohiša Malgaj, Günther Schuster, BMW head of finance for Central and Eastern Europe and Damijan Perne, the mayor of Kranj opening the new BMW centre in Kranj Countdown to the bicycle marathon Franja at, BTC Ljubljana and a descent through Škofja Loka.

UCI World Cup in Maribor: Downhill mountainbiking experts show how it’s done

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