The Slovenia Times Automn 2014

The Slovenia Times Slovenian Magazine in English Language Autumn Edition 2014, Volume 11, EUR 4.90

www.sloveniatimes.com

Interview: Professor Mojmir Mrak, Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana

Privatisation as an instrument for better owners and "damage control" for potential attacks on public finances FDI Summit Slovenia 2014 Special

Interview: Deutsche Telekom Innovation Laboratories (T-Labs), Klaus J. BuĂ&#x;, Vice President Finance, and Michal Dunaj, Head of Strategy Portfolio & European Operations

"Innovation Brain" of Deutsche Telekom

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Editorial Patient: Age: Case history: Symptoms:

Slovenia 23 Political Cancer Lack of Boldness, Lack of Vision, Negative Selection, Incompetence, Bureaucratic, Cowboy Business Practices, Calimero Complex, Irresponsibility, Occasional Suicidal Tendency Prescribed treatment: Common Sense Implantation Now we have it! A new government, a new prime minister with a new, fresh political party with high moral integrity, a ministerial dream team, a new parliament, MPs with a sincere wish and ability to work for the progress of Slovenia, a clear development vision, an economic strategy that will catapult Slovenia among the global gazelles, a foreign policy strategy adapted for the new global challenges. NOT! Citizens, businessmen, students with optimism have finished their summer vacations.

Finally, we can smell more optimism in the economy. Slovenia is growing again, unemployment figures are going down, Slovenia was seventh in the World Basketball Championship in Spain; Maribor are "kicking ass" in the Champions League and on top of that, we expected a new government team which can finally pull Slovenia out of the stagnation maze.

Because of therapeutic reasons we must still cherish realistic optimism. Prime Minister Cerar is definitely trying hard, he was at least wise in his choice of Finance Minister, but reasonable doubt has blanketed the land in respect of the new and in many cases, just recycled, political elite. At the beginning we were tolerant that the new coalition was a little surprising with the Pensioners Party being the second largest coalition partner, that the Coalition Agreement was a very general and unrealistic wish list, that the government has an unclear, basic economic programme. We acknowledged that it is a brand new political party, we understood that the "construction" of the government was slow, but better slow than incompetent we said.

We also understood that the main opposition party is somewhat unhappy because their president is in prison but we expected that they would slowly understand that the rule of law is the basis of our country and if Janez Janša was wrongly accused, he has the option to appeal also at the European Court of Justice.

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

To be fair, in assessing the new government, we will still wait a few months, but for now we can only determine that we still don't have a clear economic strategy, ministers are caught in their plot-gardening logic, the PM is again burdened by affairs of his party, some of his closest colleagues obviously didn't understand what moral integrity means, what honesty means and some ministers obviously don't know as much about their sector as they read on a one page reminder of their political godfathers. The parliament is endlessly debating the artificial dilemma of whether the imprisoned opposition leader can sit in the parliament - can you imagine Angela Merkel running the government from prison! The public sector trade unions are again preparing for the fight against more "savings" cuts in the public sector, ignoring the fact that the EUR 1.2bn hole in the budget is the biggest threat to the development of the country and is eating away the core of the welfare state.

It seems, for now, that we are still caught in an ambitionless "go with the flow" politics. The quality and mentality of our ruling bureaucracy was clearly unveiled by the former PM and EU Commissioner candidate, Alenka Bratušek, following her controversial self-nomination for the post (which is not such an acute problem) but which transparently showed the world that she is just not fit for the job. And our biggest development problem is the "armada of Alenkas" who corrode the development potential of the country. 

Autumn Edition 2014 www.sloveniatimes.com Published quarterly by Domus, založba in trgovina d.o.o.

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Contents Page 5

AUTUMN SEMAPHORE

POLITICS

4 The End of Political Dribble 46 Over the rainbow 5 Will Maribor's Championship League Fairy Tale Continue? 46 Teething Problems or Serious Mismatch inside the Coalition 5 Will the Finance Minister Endure in the Battle for the Stability of Public Finances 47 The end of a political charade: Will Imprisoned MP Janez Janša Lose his Parliamentary Mandate?

Page 50

ECONOMY 6 Finally Sustainable Growth?

7 Encouraging Message for Investors – Ljubljana Airport Sold to Fraport

8 Reducing the Budget Deficit – Crucial Task for the New Finance Minister

10 Interview: Dr Peter Strunk, Head of Corporate

48 Low Turnout, Familiar Faces, Familiar Approach

EUROPEAN UNION

50 From Hero to Zero: The End of the Tragicomedy of "Commissioner Alenka Bratušek"

51 Incompetence or Ignorance?

51 Slovenia Active in the Western Balkans

Communications, Wista-Management GmbH

12 Interview: Professor Branko Korže, Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana

14 Interview: Deutsche Telekom Innovation Laboratories (T-Labs), Klaus J. Buß, Vice President Finance, and Michal Dunaj, Head of Strategy Portfolio & European Operations Page 26

16 IEDC–Bled School of Management: Providing executive teams with custom-made programs

18 A month in the life of commercial property 20 SAP plays a major role in transforming the way that business is run

22 Hong Kong: One Country, Two Systems 24 Interview: Betty Ho, Director, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs (Central and Eastern Europe)

25 16+1 Platform Trying to Boost Chinese and CEEC Cooperation

Page 68

EXPERIENCE&LIFESTYLE SLOVENIA

52 Situla – a big city within a small capital 54 AirFrance: Thanks to BlueBiz, small and medium companies can fly for free

56 Erzetič winemaking 58 Great variety of local delights in Central Slovenia 60 Pomurje – Region of Culinary Delights 62 ŠUS Eurofitness – Best sporting offer in town

CULTURE&EVENTS 64 Sarajevo Film Festival: 20 Amazing Years 66 The beauty and power of the Škofja Loka Passion Play 68 Nobody rocks the new Ljubljana stadium 70 Event Guide

ECONOMY: FDI SUMMIT 2013 SPECIAL 26 Interview: Professor Mojmir Mrak, Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana 28 Slovenia’s prospects improve with a new government 30 TAM Commercial Vehicles 32 Interview: M.Sc., Tomaž Lanišek, General Manager OEM Europe & CIS, Knauf Insulation 34 GeoEnergetika: We illuminate the world with Slovenian innovation 36 Hygiene uncompromised Clean Results 38 The Pomurje region and the Municipality of Lendava have been recognised as European regions of the future 39 See Meet Pomurje 2014: Not to be missed event for ambitious businesses and entrepreneurs 40 Lafarge commits to future generations 41 Interview: Milenko Ziherl, Director, Eco Fund, Slovenian Environmental Public Fund 42 Interview: Alexis Lope-Bello, CEO, Comtrade 43 Amrop: Effective Motivation at No Cost Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Autumn Semaphore

PM Miro Cerar; Source: SMC, Photo: Aljoša Rebolj

Politics

The End of Political Dribble Prime Minister Miro Cerar has expressed his expectation that Slovenia's new candidate for EU Commissioner, Violeta Bulc, will be backed in Brussels and that "political dribble" will not affect the decision.

He said that Commission President-Elect Jean-Claude Juncker "is very well aware" of how important it is to form a new Commission as soon as possible. Cerar, who put forward the 50-year-old political novice as a candidate after his self-nominated predecessor, Alenka Bratušek, was overwhelmingly rejected in the European Parliament, said that all the conversations he has held with Junker had so far gone well and that Juncker did not oppose his arguments. The Prime Minister noted that it would not be right if "this European political dribble, predetermined opinions, prejudice and assumptions" would significantly affect decisions

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

in the European Parliament and other relevant bodies. Juncker "brought to my attention certain developments in the European political scene, but gave me an entirely free hand, since he understands that this is in the domain of the Slovenian government", as stipulated in the EU legislation.

With regard to outgoing Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, whom Cerar backed at the beginning of the nomination conundrum in July, Cerar said that he had also been considered as an option, but that a clear message came from Juncker and other relevant players that a female candidate was preferred. 

For how long will Maribor be undefeated?; Source: NK Maribor

Autumn Semaphore Sport

Will Maribor's Championship League Fairy Tale Continue?

Slovenian champions, Maribor, continued their good form in the Champions League by holding German powerhouse Schalke to a 1-1 (1-0) draw in Gelsenkeirchen on 2 October. After playing out a 1-1 draw with Sporting Lisbon at home two weeks ago, Maribor showed that they could also be competitive in away matches in Europe's top club competition, proving worthy opponents for the more fancied German club. Indeed, it was Maribor who opened the scoring when speedster Damjan Bohar latched on from a pinpoint pass from the wing after a Maribor counter attack in the 37th minute.

The goal came after Schalke failed to turn their opportunities up front into goalscoring chances, while Maribor preferred to look for their opportunities from counter attacks. Despite being down in possessions, Maribor made more of their chances in the first half, threatening the Schalke goal twice and coming close another time as midfielder Dare Vršič tried his luck from 52 metres out following a cleared Schalke corner.

Looking to protect the lead into the second half, Maribor worked on stymieing the Schalke attack, only to be outplayed by Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in the 56th minute, as he slotted home a low ball from the edge of the box.

While Schalke pushed forward looking for the match winner, Maribor's defence remained solid to bring the Slovenian champions their second point in group G to be tied with Schalke in second place. Maribor will travel to London on 21 October to take on Chelsea. 

Dušan Mramor – Main pillar of the new government; Photo: Aljaž Hafner

Economy

Will the Finance Minister Endure in the Battle for the Stability of Public Finances Mramor, 60, is a tenured professor at the Ljubljana Faculty of Economics where he was Dean between 2007 and 2013. He teaches corporate finance and financial management. Mramor served as finance minister in the Liberal Democrat led government of Anton Rop between 2002 and 2004, replacing Rop at the ministerial post when the latter became prime minister. Mramor is widely perceived as the strongest element of the new government, although his views are not completely synchronised with some elements of the coalition.

While setting lower inflation as one of the main goals when he took office in late 2002 when inflation was well above 6 percent, Mramor is best known for having pushed through a tax reform that increased income tax and capital gains tax with a view to reducing the taxation of labour. During his stint, the financial sector was being restructured through the launch of the final stage of privatisation of the insurers and the creation of a second financial group around the state-owned NKBM bank. The

country also entered the ERM II European exchange rate mechanism as part of its preparations for the euro. Mramor, who had also served as member of the governing council of the Central Bank between 1986 and 1991 and Chair of the experts council of the securities market regulator, announced during a hearing in parliament in September, a restrictive fiscal policy underscoring the need to boost competitiveness, continue with privatisation and encourage FDI.  Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Economy GDP Growth

below the target of 2%. Inflation is expected to accelerate in the next two years, but IMAD expects it to remain "well below 2%".

Finally Sustainable Growth?

Business Community: Don't Get Overexcited

By T. M., STA, IMAD

IMAD, the government's macroeconomic forecaster, significantly upgraded its growth forecast for 2014. Driven by exports, the economy is projected to expand by 2% this year, up from its spring forecast of 0.5%.

Boštjan Vasle, IMAD Director; Photo: STA

The forecast is underpinned by "improvements in the main trading partners and the continuation of fiscal consolidation, but they are associated with significant uncertainty," Vasle said.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce GZS explained its upgrade due to a slight growth in private consumption and higher investment, along with a revaluation of inventories. It also noted that the high growth in the first half of the year was based on one-off factors, including revaluation of stocks, high exports and the impact of the low base in the first half of 2013.

GZS warns that more substantial recovery will not be possible given a fall in investment in machinery and equipment, while it also cites concerns about risks related to exports to Russia. The Chamber also pointed to a slowdown in economic activity in Slovenia's major trading partners, with a drop in orders expected to hit the country at the beginning of next year.

Highlighting several other issues, the Chamber questions what will happen following the current boom in EU-funded infrastructure projects, an important factor of growth.

Growth Is Coming Following a Serious Contraction Aside from exports, IMAD expects domestic consumption to pick up this year on the back of a recovery in the labour market and increased household spending, though government expenditure will remain subdued. Growth is projected to continue in 2015 and 2016.

IMAD's forecasts are crucial in that they form the basis for the government's budgetary planning. One of the first tasks of the new government will be to determine whether a

supplementary budget is needed as the target deficit for the year has already been exceeded.

IMAD Director, Boštjan Vasle, said future growth would largely depend on which instruments the government will select from its economic policy toolbox. In any case, he does not expect growth to be driven by investment spending as in the first half of the year, when the economy expanded 2.5% year-on-year.

IMAD expects year end inflation at 0.3%, well

IMAD Autumn Forecast 2,5 2 1,5 1 0,5 0

2013

2014

2015

2016

-0,5 -1 -1,5 (Source: IMAD)

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

Vasle also urged caution with respect to the 2% GDP growth forecast for 2014. He noted that given that Slovenia suffered one of the worst contractions in the EU during the crisis, such growth figures do not mean it is catching up.

"When you start at a relatively low level, 2% growth is encouraging, we can even say above average, but it really means relatively modest growth that does not allow Slovenia to catch up" Vasle told the press.

While the latest ECB forecast for the eurozone for 2014 is 0.9% growth, one needs to consider that only two eurozone countries suffered heavier GDP contractions than Slovenia.

If Slovenia wants to get closer to the leading countries, a much faster expansion would be needed, Vasle indicated. He explained that Slovenia had been growing at around 4% before the crisis compared to a 2%-2.5% average for the eurozone and this difference allowed it to get very close to the average level of development within 10 to 15 years. IMAD's forecast came on the heels of significant upgrades by other institutions and better than expected secondquarter GDP figures, but it is far more bullish.

The Central Bank's current forecast is 1.6% and the outlook by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) 0.7%. 

Economy Privatisation

Encouraging Message for Investors – Ljubljana Airport Sold to Fraport German airport operator, Fraport, acquired a 75.5% stake in Aerodrom Ljubljana and promises long-term development of the Ljubljana airport. "We believe in Slovenia's future," Fraport CEO Stefan Schulte told the press, while executives of Slovenia Sovereign Holding (SSH) said they were happy with the price and transparency.

Signing the contract on the sale of the Ljubljana airport operator, Schulte said that Ljubljana airport does not open doors only to Slovenia, but to a considerably wider area, adding that the sale procedure was highly transparent. SSH

chairman Matej Pirc agreed with Shulte, saying that the procedure was conducted transparently and under equal conditions for all potential investors and in accordance with international practice in this field.

Signing of the contract: Zmago Skobir (Aerodrom Ljubljana), dr. Stefan Schulte (Fraport), Matej Pirc and Matej Runjak (SSH); Photo: Ljubljana Airport

The end of speculations PM Cerar will continue with privatisation of Telekom Slovenije The privatisation of Telekom Slovenije will continue and the government has abandoned the idea to split it into infrastructure and services, Prime Minister Miro Cerar told Reuters news agency. „The privatization of the 15 firms, includingTelekom, has to continue until it is finalised...as we cannot afford to lose credibility,“ Cerar said.

The statement ends weeks of uncertainty overTelekom, as Cerar has initially been reserved about the privatisation, which was set in motion by the previous government.

He later backtracked but suggested the firm could be split to services and infrastructure, the latter remaining in state hands.

The idea came under heavy criticism from business organisations, who claimed that it would erode Slovenia‘s credibility while chasing away investors. Cerar told Reuters today that privatisation proceeds would be used to „boost the economy and consolidate public finances...but we need to have clear criteria and know what we are selling, why and to whom.“ Moreover, he suggested his government would draw up a list of companies to sell beyond the 15 the previous government slated for privatization. The government expects to get about 700 million euros from the sale of its 72% stake in Telekom. Several suitors have come forward and it is believed Deutsche Telekom is the most likely buyer.

Frankfurt Airport – Serious Owner with serious intentions; Source: Fraport AG Fototeam (Stefan Rebscher)

Will Deutsche Telekom enter Slovenia?; Photo: Deutsche Telekom

High Price Suggest Serious Intentions of the New Owner Fraport values the 75.5% at EUR 177.1m or EUR 61.75 per share and have announced they will be seeking an outright stake, for which they will pay the remaining shareholders around EUR 61.70 per share. This puts the value of Aerodrom Ljubljana at EUR 234.4m.

"We have achieved the highest price possible and exceeded the original expectations. It is a Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Economy

Ljubljana airport Urgently Needs a New Passenger Terminal; Photo: Ljubljana Airport

case of good practice and time will show that the selected buyer is capable of ensuring optimal development of the airport," Pirc said.

First Investment: Modernisation of Passenger Terminal Schulte stressed that Fraport is a long-term investor who is not looking for short-term benefits. The role of Fraport in other airports in its ownership around the world is similar,

according to him. The new owner intends to develop both passenger and cargo transport at the airport. Schulte expects that Aerodrom Ljubljana, which he believes is in a good shape, will continue to record growth in both segments. The first task for Fraport will be to provide better service to passengers and invest in modernisation of the passenger terminal.

Shulte also expects growth both in terms of the number of employees and business results. The company has no plans to acquire other airports

in the region and will focus only on Ljubljana.

Projects for a new terminal and a new runway will meanwhile depend on the number of passengers.

Aerodrom Ljubljana Chairman Zmago Skobir said that the sale is a significant milestone in the development of the airport, adding that the new owner will bring faster development than planned by the previous owners. Skobir labelled Fraport as a serious investor which is expected to increase the number of lines and passengers at Ljubljana airport. In addition to the SSH, the sales contract was also signed by several minority shareholders: state-run Pension Fund Management (KAD), insurer Zavarovalnica Triglav and pension insurer Modra Zavarovalnica, as well the financial firms KD Skladi, Alpen Invest and Abanka Vipa. As part of the sale, the company which manages one of Europe‘s biggest hubs, Frankfurt Airport, will be granted a 40-year lease on most of the land on which the infrastructure of Ljubljana airport is located. Opened in late 1963, Ljubljana International Airport is currently serviced by eight carriers operating scheduled flights and several operators with charter flights. 

Public Finances

Reducing the Budget Deficit – Crucial Task for the New Finance Minister Slovenia‘s deficit in the first half of the year has been estimated at EUR 996m or 5.5% of GDP, which is considerably less than for the same period in 2013, mostly owing to the recapitalisation of banks.

Dušan Mramor, Finance Minister – 3% budget deficit for now is science fiction; Photo: Aljaž Hafner

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

The cost of the financial crisis excluded, the general government deficit in the first half of 2014 would have been practically flat year-on-year, Andrej Flajs of the Statistics Office told the press.

In the first half of 2013, the state spent EUR 443m or 2.5% of GDP on bank recapitalisation. This figure excluded, the general deficit in the period would have stood at EUR 5.7% of the country's GDP, only EUR 5m more than in the first half of this year.

The Statistics Office also updated the figures on the deficit in the 2010-2013 period, upgrading the 2013 deficit by 0.2 percentage points to 14.6% of GDP and downgrading the 2012 deficit by 0.2 points to 3.7% of GDP. The figure for 2013 includes the December bank bailout of EUR 3,633bn, as well as pay rises for public servants and compensation to the erased. These costs excluded, the deficit stood at EUR 1,402bn or 3.9% of GDP. He expects that the deficit will stand at EUR 1,649bn or 4.5% of GDP at the end of the year, with recapitalisation of banks contributing 0.9 percentage points. The consolidated general government debt stood at EUR 77.9% of GDP at the end of June and is expected to increase to 82.2% to EUR 30,339bn by the end of the year. Fajs said the biggest problem for public finances at this point was the surge in investment spending, a trend driven by EU funding. "This investment dynamics must be stopped," he said. He deems the current investment levels dangerous, in particular if the solid export growth stalls, as it would immediately put huge pressure on the public finances. EU funding is positive but investment spending above 5% of GDP would be "very dangerous". 

DAYS OF SLOVENIAN TOURISM October 2014

DAYS OF SLOVENIAN TOURISM 13 - 15 October 2014 Hotels Bernardin in Portorožu

www.dst.si

DAYS OF SLOVENIAN TOURISM (DST), the main Slovenian tourism professional event, will be held this year between October 13 and 15 in Hotels Bernardin in Portorož.

DST are focusing on the strategic orientation emphasising the importance of integration within the development and marketing of Slovenian tourism and are organised in cooperation with all the major partner institutions operating in the field of tourism in Slovenia, i.e. Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, SPIRIT Slovenia, Tourist Association of Slovenia, Tourism and Hospitality Chamber of Slovenia, Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia, Slovenian Chamber of Mountain Centres, Association of Tourist Agencies of Slovenia, Slovenian Spas Association, Slovenian Convention Bureau, Association of Travel Journalists and Writers of Slovenia – Fijet Slovenia, Hiking and Biking Economic Interest Group, and others.

The main events taking place within the DST are DST PLENARY SESSION with the presentation of the highest awards in tourism, the 61st Catering and Tourism Panel, the event My Country – Beautiful and Hospitable, and the 17th Slovenian Tourism Forum, that will focus on “Slovenian Digital Tourism – Between New Development Opportunities and Contemporary Challenges of Digital Communications”.

Join us at DST 2014 in Portorož. For more information please visit www.dst.si.

Economy

Dr Peter Strunk

Adlershof Campus; Photos: Adlershof

Interview: Dr Peter Strunk, Head of Corporate Communications, Wista-Management GmbH

Adlershof Berlin: Technology Park Role Model

By Tilen Majnardi, M. Sc.

from here, knew what was really going on here.

They realised that they had a huge capability of skills that could be used not only for research and integrated in the framework of the West German scientific community but could also be used for economic purposes. There are two major reasons that made it possible to build the science and technology centre here. The pioneers from East Germany that built the science base here more than 20 years ago told me that they had developed certain abilities to survive all the problems of the communist, centrally planned economy. For example, computers or scientific measurement instruments couldn't be imported because they were too expensive or they were sanctioned by embargo's from the West. Consequently, they build a huge centre for the development of scientific measurements instruments. They had a significant amount of skills that made it possible for those members to start an independent business immediately following reunification.

Q This is interesting also for other ex-communist countries. This technology centre is, in fact, the

Adlershof has a 250 year history and for more than 100 years has attracted result of the scientific foundation of East Gerscience and innovation. It bears the marks of its past, from the German many?

A Yes, but the fact was that the industrial base Empire, the Weimar Republic and fascism, to the GDR and most recently, the vacation of the area in 1990 by GDR's state television, academy of science, of East Germany was not able to compete with West Germany, so then what happened was and state security. The modern history of the area started in 1991 when the that 60 percent of all jobs were lost in just a few decision was made to develop an integrated landscape combining commerce years. Up to 80 percent of the industrial base of East Berlin had to be dismantled because it and science.

Berlin Adlershof is today one of the most successful high-tech locations in Berlin's biggest media location. Over 4.2km2, 1,003 companies and research institutes (status as of March 2014) are situated, all embedded in an overall urban development concept. Altogether, Adlershof is the workplace of 15,553 people and almost 9,500 students.

At the core of the concept is a Science and Technology Park with 459 companies and 10 nonuniversity research institutes. They focus on: • Photonics and Optics • Renewable Energies and Photovoltaics • Microsystems and Materials • IT and Media • Biotechnology and Environment • Analytics

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

There are also six scientific institutes of the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin (Chemistry, Geography, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology). In close proximity to science and technology are shops, hotels, restaurants and a 66 hectare park.

Q Adlershof is, in some way, a high-tech "city within a city". Can you briefly describe the history of the area?

A Before 1990, it was a science and research centre for the Eastern European Community and East Germany. In 1990, when the "wall" came down and it became clear that the country would be reunited, it suddenly became obvious that nobody in West Germany or West Berlin, which is in fact just few hundred metres

could not compete with West Berlin industry.

The question was what to build instead? They realised in 1991 that we had a lot of capabilities for building up the scientific based new industries, for example, photonics, optics, materials, microsystems technology, IT, media…..

But this was a start completely from scratch and most of the members were of East German origin. A tough question was how to transform a "former member of the technological elite" of a country to a "class enemy" - the owner of production, the entrepreneur. This was one of the miracles that happened here. They realised that they knew something; that they had capabilities that are unique and so they could start their business at a very high level because they knew that they had played a major role in their specific niche. The next question was how

Economy it could all be organised. Wista Management, the company that I work for, was founded in September 1991, just a few month before a bunch of experts met here and decided to build this "integrated landscape of the economy and the sciences" but nobody knew at the time what that was. Our job was to simply try it.

Q How do you finance your operations, particularly the research areas not connected to well established companies? What is the role of public (state, local community) and private capital?

A It's a state governed project. This is just one paradox. What we do here is that we plan in order to survive a planned economy. You have to plan this process otherwise it won't work.

The city of Berlin became the owner of this piece of land and overnight they became the owner of the Academy of Sciences of Adlershof.

But they cleverly avoided establishing another public administration branch. Instead, they established a private company (us). This makes it possible for us to act independently, as a private company and not as part of a bureaucratic monster - the Berlin administration. Our job then was to find the source of the money for the investments. The first question was: do we have capital? Yes - we have capital, the piece of land that the state of Berlin gave us. We can sell it, rent it or we can get loans from it. But this represented only 20 percent of the required capital. We realised that we would probably have a good chance to collect the money if we would have a good project, for example, a photonic or optical centre and then go to Brussels and try to get European funds. So, all the technology centres here have been mainly financed by the state or from EU funds, this could also be done in Slovenia. And the next step was that we integrated all existing science and technology centres. Our job then was to build the infrastructure, buildings, where companies could settle and work on the specific fields similar to the scientific institutes inside our area. So, in fact, we are responsible for the whole of Adlershof, we "take care" for the integration of all activities.

What in fact do we offer today? We offer floor space - an incubator. After a certain period of time you move from an incubator into a technology centre, they are simply specific types of buildings where you can interact with companies that are developing similar types of businesses, technology…. Companies usually come here because they want to cooperate, exchange knowledge, information, know how….

If you want to settle here just because is cheap, I would recommend other places that are even cheaper.

Q How can you be a part of Adleshof if you are, for example, a student or researcher looking for new opportunities?

A If you are student, you can study physics at Humboldt University and you will end up studying here. The Humboldt University established a technology transfer company which works closely with us. They established a socalled "pre-incubator" where you can talk to the experts if your idea is good enough to try to start the business and then you can just go across the street and ask the incubator if they have some floor space to offer for your business idea.

Adlershof, Centre for Photonics and Optical Technologies

Q What is the structure between local companies and outside companies that are situated here?

A Since 1991, we have approximately 250 homegrown companies and the number of all companies is 1,010 at this point. This is quite a high percentage. Among them are at least 250 to 300 that can be considered high-tech companies. High technology means that a minimum of at least 8 percent of your annual turnover must be reinvested. Many of them came from abroad. At the beginning, the majority of those companies were spin-offs from the former Academy of Science professors. They were laid off and they became businessmen and when scientists become entrepreneurs they act differently from others. They are very rational, they plan on a long term basis, they know how to handle risks. As a result, the average growth rates are not so high but they are constant and robust.

Q Your success came after many years of hard work, you became a story after 2003. How did you influence the politicians not to stop funding the project? Politicians usually want quick results to use in their campaigns?

A We also had some questions about the velocity of our results etc.. We always said that it would take 20 to 30 years before this would be a successful campus. They said: aha, hmm… But this became also a political project. What you have to do to calm down political impatience is to seat them around a table and make an arrangement with them: that you will all work together no matter who governs the country, SPD, CDU…, don't make this a "four year election political project" because we need time for growth and development.

Q What kind of connections do you have with other similar science parks around the world, maybe with some in Slovenia?

A Yes, we are a part of a framework of other high-tech areas and science parks in Europe, in France, Sweden, Finland, USA… For now we are not working with Slovenia. But our next step is definitely that we will also share the knowledge of how to build up a science park, particularly in Eastern Europe. The Chinese are also asking us how to organise these kind of areas. 

Adlershof, Chemistry Institute

Adlershof in Figures Area: 1,038 acres Staff: cca. 15,553 Companies: 996 Scientific Institutes: 17 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PARK Companies: 459 Employees: 5,576 New additions 2013: 41 Turnover 2013: 717 million € (subsidies: 3.3 %) Non-university research institutions: 10 Employees: 1,683 Basic funding: 133.3 million € / Third-party-funding: 47.0 million € Institutes of Humboldt-University of Berlin: 6 (Institute for Computer Science, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Psychology) Employees: 1,064 Students: 9,451 Basic financing: 48 million € / Third-party-funding: 28 million € MEDIA CITY Companies: 140 Employees: 1,939 (including freelancers) Revenues: 213.8 million € TRADE AND SERVICE Companies: 380 Employees: 5,291 New additions 2013: 58 Revenues: 595.1 million € (absent Solon Energy GmbH)

Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

11

Economy

Professor Branko Kor탑e, Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana; Photo: FELU

Interview: Professor Branko Kor탑e, Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana

National economic policy is the prequisite for implementing the regulation on protecting free competition

By Tina Drolc, M.Sc.

Branko Kor탑e is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana (FELU).

Prior to employment at the University, he practiced different areas of business law and continues to do so.

Professor Kor탑e states that expert advice could prevent economic entities/firms sinking into economic dispute, compulsory composition or bankruptcy. To that end, the FELU and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS) developed a "Company Analysis" project, which is a new way of business consulting implemented by the Center of Business Excellence at FELU. 12

The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

Economy Q As lecturer of contract law in business, company law and marketing legal arrangement, how do you see the situation in Slovenian companies from that perspective? Do such situations affect a large number of proceedings in Slovenia?

A The Slovenian economy is characterised by a large number of economic entities, but only few of them could be classified as medium and even fewer as large companies according to the criteria of corporate law. Small economic entities hardly manage all the core business functions at a level to ensure competitiveness in the global market and long-term survival. This, in my opinion, is the reason for inadequate behavior in terms of corporate governance when entering into contractual relations and defence against disloyal behavior of other market participants.

Q How can firms effectively protect against legal abuse by those economic entities which use proceedings to avoid payments etc.?

For appropriate protection under contractual relationships in given business conditions, firms have to check the credit rating of the business partner. Additionally, good knowledge of commercial contract law, especially in terms of the obligations of the contracting parties (penalties, bank guarantees, transfer of ownership rights in insurance, etc.) is needed. Business is speculative by its nature and therefore knowledge of the legal rules which limit speculation is essential for protection of rights. Of course, prevention of rights abuses is one of the fundamental principles of the judicial system.

Q The FELU has, in cooperation with CCIS, developed a special program, "Company Analysis", with the concept of effective business diagnostics and planning changes in key business areas. For what kind of challenges in Slovenian companies does the program offer solutions?

A FELU cooperates with many internationally recognised universities. In addition to regular monitoring of developments in economics, business and research activities, FELU can give great support to economic entities/firms which would successfully compete in the global market if they follow contemporary trends.

The project which we offer to economic entities based in Slovenia, wants to enable firms to review the adequacy of their organisation of business functions, coordinate them in accordance with the latest scientific findings and therefore eliminate deficiencies that have a negative impact on their business success.

Lesser known to the public but widespread in the economy, I would mention in this context a problem of inadequate conclusion of loan contracts in Swiss francs. Due to the improper structure of loan contracts and hidden rights of option within, Slovenian companies lost more than EUR300m. Such examples could be found

in the production sector and in industries which buy raw materials and energy products and are not adequately protected against the adverse effects of changes in the prices of those products. With our support, economic entities would be able to realise the potential risks, evaluate them properly and avoid them as far as possible. The above mentioned brings to the firm lower volatility of financial loss, greater security in business and therefore better creditworthiness and a lower cost of financing debt and equity.

Q In which business areas, in your experience, do economic entities/firms have the major problems and therefore need the assistance of external experts?

A The business areas in which we perceive the greatest need for assistance depends on the activity undertaken by the individual economic entity. In this context, I would stress the areas of financing, production process organisation, purchasing and sales, R&D, general functions, etc‌ Among the top priorities of the University is integration of science and education in the economy and wider global social environment.

The "Company Analysis" project represents an important step toward the achievement of the defined mission of the University in the transfer of theoretical knowledge into practice.

Slovenian government has not yet established such an environment; the institutions of the national judicial system are not sufficiently qualified for the effective protection of the rights of economic entities and for the prosecution of economic crime, not even for ensuring effective control in the constitutionality of legislation and legality of the executive power. control in the constitutionality of legislation and legality of the executive power. In addition to appropriate legal arrangements, the effective enforcement of the rule of law is necessary to "rehabilitate" ethical and moral principles, because this is the only way that legal formalism can be replaced by the social values which will enable Slovenia's long-term economic and broader social development.

Q What are the main legal pitfalls of large business transactions, especially when they are in-

Q The progress of economic entities/firms large- ternational and where should economic entities/ ly depends also on the environment in which they operate. From an international perspective, most recently in the privatisation process, Slovenia has received reviews that both economic entities/ firms as well as institutions responsible for providing legal order lack credibility. Might this also cause problems on the way to a successful and healthy economy in the long run?

A The economic policy of the European Union is relevant to a single (internal) European market however, it is at the national level that management of economic and competition policy is a task of each Member State. National economic policy is the requisite for the implementation of the regulation on protecting free competition and only by using the instruments of economic policy can competitive legal norms be adequately "recharged". Appropriate economic policy and continued care for the balance of the relationship between economic and other social functions of competition is, in addition to a stable legal order, a prerequisite for the establishment of an attractive business environment. I believe that the Slovenian government has not yet established such an environment; the institutions of the national judicial system are not sufficiently qualified for the effective protection of the rights of economic entities and for the prosecution of economic crime, not even for ensuring effective

firms focus when concluding contracts?

A Economic legal transactions are concluded on the principle of free will of the parties.

However, due to the specific nature of these relationships, parties often agree only on the essential elements of the contractual relationship (essentialia negotii), while all other necessary elements of a contract need to be recharged by using dispositive norms. For the reason of rights and legal interests by complementing the missing contract, parties must be familiar with the rules of good business practices, usage, international governmental and non-governmental conventions and other instruments of international organisations.

Additionally, it is very important that parties agree on the modalities for resolving any disputes that may arise in connection within the contractual relationship. In this context, it is advisable to avoid state courts, which often lack the required professional competencies for the conceptual understanding of the dispute.

Therefore, it is better to solve the dispute with credible commercial arbitration. In negotiation and conclusion of commercial contracts, economically and legally qualified professionals need d to be engaged and therefore our already established practice whereby lawyers take the role of "lecturers" of already finalised contracts between the parties. ď ´ Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Economy Interview: Deutsche Telekom Innovation Laboratories (T-Labs), Klaus J. Buß, Vice President Finance, and Michal Dunaj, Head of Strategy Portfolio & European Operations

"Innovation Brain" of Deutsche Telekom

By Tilen Majnardi, M Sc.

Telekom Innovation Laboratories (T-Labs) are the central research and development unit of Deutsche Telekom.

Organisationally, T-Labs belongs to the area of responsibility of the Chief Product & Innovation Officer. Their mandate is to work closely with operative units at Deutsche Telekom, offering new ideas and support in the development and implementation of innovative products, services and infrastructures for Telekom's growth areas. With locations in Berlin, Darmstadt and Bonn (Germany), Beer Sheva and Tel Aviv (Israel) and Mountain View (U.S.), T-Labs concentrates on medium-term themes and on technologies for setting Telekom apart from its competition and founding new businesses. Some 400 experts and scientists from a wide variety of disciplines, as well as young entrepreneurs, from more than 25 nations all work together at T-Labs. results, revenue for example, in one year. We are a clear independent cost centre, everything is funded by Telekom, including the students who are working with us.

Q What kind of expectations has Deutsche Tel-

Klaus Jürgen Buß, Vice President Finance, Deutsche Telekom Innovation Laboratories (T-Labs)

Michal Dunaj, Head of Strategy Portfolio & European Operations, Deutsche Telekom Innovation Laboratories (T-Labs)

Q Firstly, what is the role of T-LAB inside the ekom. We have around 150 people, students Deutsche Telekom Group, are you an academic institute and/or organisational unit of Deutsche Telekom? What kind of connection do you have with the academic sphere, the Technical Institute from Berlin and what is the nature of this relationship?

A In fact we are both. We are an operational business unit of Deutsche Telekom and a development, research institute. We work closely with German Universities, we work hard to benefit from this cooperation, we hire and work with people from universities, we work on mutual projects, we then present and share our results to relevant sectors in Deutsche Tel-

and scientists, from the Technical University and we work mutually. You can see that when looking at our organisation you can't tell who is working for whom, the University or Telekom, even we can't work out who is from where, we are a very integrated team.

We don't want to work on projects that will not produce tangible, usable business results, revenue for example, in one year. We are a clear independent cost centre, everything is funded by Telekom, including the students who are working with us.

A The whole concept somehow developed and

Q How do you finance your activities?

A We are fully financed by Deutsche Telekom and we also participate in different public tenders, EU Horizon 2020 and different German co-funding schemes.

Q Who initiated this cooperation, Deutsche Telekom or the Institute?

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

grew through the years, we had some relations with the Technical Institute previously. We were working on some mutual projects, artificial intelligence… and then after a few years we decided to take our cooperation to a new level, platform. The important thing is that we don't perform basic research, we have a typical industrial attitude, we wanted to develop an independent operational institute inside Telekom. We don't want to work on projects that will not produce tangible, usable business

ekom with regard to the success ratio of your projects, ideas? How do they assess your work, the effectiveness to justify the funding? For example, in Slovenia we see a flood s of start-up ideas, new projects, technology parks, centres…..but in the end we are faced with non-operational projects that just consume public money?

A We have a clear approval processes. DT departments are involved in developing the projects from the beginning. Our future internal customer must approve our idea, agree to the project plan. Usually we do a certain prototype, a so-called pre-product which is then approved by the future project manager who approves the budget and timetable for launch. We are also steered by Members of the Board, they look at our activities and approve or reject our activity plan at a general level. And the third process of evaluating our work is so called "value-tracking". This is the evaluation of the total value of the project, the estimation of the cost savings, revenue contribution, EBITDA improvement…

The obvious goal is that our projects contribute to the operations of Deutsche Telekom and that investments in our activities have a proper return. We can say that up to 60 percent of our projects are, in the end, in some way used or installed in DT operations.

Q What happens to the projects that are not attractive for Deutsche Telekom, but still have some market potential? Some successful spin-offs are shown in the presentation on your website?

Economy

Photos: Deutsche Telekom

A Our main task is definitely to develop Valley and Israel. What are main reasons for internal projects for Deutsche Telekom. If something does not "fit" inside DT, we have certain options to "go out", to search for outside investors after agreement from the Deutsche Telekom steering committee. I would say that about 20 percent of our projects end up outside DT. Very important criteria for implementation inside Deutsche Telekom is, in fact, the predicted velocity of implementation of a certain project.

Q As you know Deutsche Telekom is a serious candidate for taking over Telekom Slovenije through the current privatisation process. From Slovenia's point of view, it is very important that even if Telekom Slovenije is sold to a foreign investor, R&D sectors… stay in Slovenia. How are you organised in Deutsche Telekom Group?

How is the innovation process organised in your branches abroad, do you employ regional staff, finance students, projects….?

A MD: The fact that I am from Slovakia is part of the answer. We have ways to interact with companies in different countries. We follow the processes steered by HQ, the goals are well defined and then we work on implementation with our colleagues from, for example, Slovakia, Croatia, Macedonia….. Because we don't know the local markets, it is logical that projects and operations are managed by our companies in those countries.

The fact is that the internal processes go both ways. In some cases, local companies are stronger in specific areas and in others we help them with our huge experience and strong data and knowledge base.

Q I've noticed that you are basically positioned in Germany (Berlin, Bonn) and also in Silicon

those particular locations?

A In fact there are very practical reasons behind our locations, they are connected with staffing, attracting prospective people to work with us. Our Telekom company is based with a big research & development centre in Bonn, in Darmstadt. But we, as T-LAB, can only get people in Berlin, nobody knows Bonn in the USA. If you ask a young, smart, prospective PhD student from the United States if he would go to Darmstadt, he won't.

Our Silicon Valley location is obviously easy to explain. We have an office of around 20 people there, they have a hand on the "pulse" and are aware of trends in the industry. We are also collaborating with Stanford, initiated by them.

Cooperation with Israel is mainly focused on data security. They have very good scientists for data analytics, they can effectively analyse misbehaviour of normal data stream etc….

Q Is there any strategic connection/alliance with the main global producers of different electronic devices to developing new products and services?

We, in fact, promote cooperation with smaller companies. We don't want to have rigid, strategic connections that would slow us down.

Small is beautiful in this case, we want to be very flexible to be able to adapt to swift changes in the market.

Q How do you look at the security issues connected to new technologies, centralised data bases, "big brother" risks… ?

A An important fact is that 80 percent of all socalled hacked data is connected to inadequate usage of data or devices, only 20 percent is really hacked, but even this is more or less without real criminal intent. The more information

we put into the central cloud, the more effective the protection of the data can be, the more effective and professional fences you can build. It is much easier than to put the obligation to protect the data to the user, consequently switching devices on and off, programmes etc…

The privacy issue is actually quite easy to solve. The main questions is how the users recognise that they are doing something, for example, that reveals their data and information. If you have very clear options that show you when and for what reason your data will be used, then this would solve the majority of the problems. And education of people, how and when to use some programs, the devices are of course step one in the process.

An important fact is that 80 percent of all so-called hacked data is connected to inadequate usage of data or devices, only 20 percent is really hacked, but even this is more or less without real criminal intent.

Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

15

Economy IEDC–Bled School of Management

Providing executive teams with

custom-made programs IEDC-Bled School of Management, a leading Central and Eastern European business school in offering Executive MBA programs, is also a recognised innovator in custom-made management and leadership development programs for companies, government and other organisations.

IEDC-Bled School of Management focuses on innovative management and leadership custom-made solutions resulting in long lasting impact and mindset shifts. Together with the client, this business school develops approaches to help the client’s teams find relevant new solutions to business challenges.

Programs vary in length, from a few days to several weeks, depending on the client’s needs, with areas such as corporate strategy, finance, leadership, customer loyalty and family business being at the top of the list.

Keeping in mind what corporate clients are most looking for and how their needs and focus has evolved over the years, Professor Nenad Filipović, Academic Director at IEDC-

Professor Nenad Filipović, Academic Director at IEDC-Bled School of Management, "IEDC sees itself as a partner committed to helping companies to resolve the major issues faced by management teams."

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

Bled School of Management, points out: “The main difference, compared to a few years back, is that now the focus is on placing management and leadership development in the concrete business context of the company. Companies expect more complex services, truly impacting the corporate performance even in the short run. This is why the best providers, including IEDC, do not see themselves as “educators”, but as partners committed to helping the company to resolve major issues faced by the management team. This requires less of standard classroom based courses and more of dealing with complex, multi-dimensional topics, discussions with various stakeholders, facilitation of management workshops, experiential learning, mentoring and coaching.”

Over the years, IEDC–Bled School of Management has organised and delivered tailormade programs for a number of national and international companies including Porsche, Erste Group and Vienna Insurance Group from Austria, Atlantic Grupa from Croatia, Henkel and OBI from Germany, AstraZeneca, Nizpharm and Stada from Russia, Hidria Holding, Gorenje, Mercator and Riko Group from Slovenia, Sandoz and Holcim from Switzerland, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Goodyear and Merck Sharp & Dohme from the USA, to name a few.

“Based on my experience, there are three key success factors for any custom made corporate program. The first is the profound understanding of the corporate culture, the business of the company and the spirit of the team. The second factor is the agility and flexibility in the program set up, its content to best meet the client`s needs and expectations. And the last but not the least, is the outstanding quality of the tutors team and their full engagement into the program at all stages. I am very happy that our corporate custom made program with IEDC was really exemplary in terms that and all three factors were there by 200%.”

Olga Molina, HR Director, AstraZeneca Russia, July 2014 In addition to dealing with an organisation’s specific issues or challenges, programs at IEDC-Bled School of Management offer a chance to kick-off new ideas and see the business landscape through new eyes. 

As a customised program provider, IEDC–Bled School of Management is recognised for: • Understanding the corporate context • Adjusting the program content to achieve the most demanding objectives • Setting the process around the program design and delivery to ensure a unique customer experience and satisfaction

Bled Annual Presidents’ Forum IEDC-Bled School of Management

How winning strategy works and what is it really?

Why strategic planning is not strategy?

Bled, November 28, 2014 IEDC-Bled School of Management, one of the most innovative European management schools, is every year organizing Presidents’ Forum, inviting some of the most prominent experts in the world. Among them were Peter Drucker, Edgar Schein, Nancy Adler, Manfred Kets de Vries, Hermann Simon, Henry Chesbrough, and this year Roger Martin.

ROGER MARTIN, 3 rd on Thinkers50 list Roger Martin ranks 3rd on the Thinkers50 list, a biannual ranking of the most influential global business thinkers.

He was placed behind famous Clay Christensen and Chan Kim. Roger Martin is Premier’s Chair in Productivity & Competitiveness and Academic Director of the Martin Prosperity Institute at the Rotman School of Management, Toronto, where he served as Dean till 2013. Previously, he spent 13 years as Director of Monitor Company, a global strategy consulting firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Roger Martin published eight books, the latest one Playing to Win, in 2013. Harvard Business Review published fifteen of his articles.

For more information visit www.iedc.si/pf or contact Ms. Barbara Vilfan at barbara.vilfan@iedc.si or +386 4 5792 552

Economy

A month in the life of commercial property

By Jacqueline Stuart, Director of Slovenia Invest

September is traditionally the busiest month for commercial real estate professionals, and this year did not disappoint. Summer was much busier than normal, we closed 6 office deals in July and 9 in August, and completed two complex valuations.

Monday 1st Sep: Expecting an onslaught of calls on the first day of September, but it turns out to be a manageable day, busy but not too much pressure.

Wednesday 3rd Sep: Meeting at the Chamber of Commerce with the new Consul for the Slovene Embassy in Croatia. We discuss our plans for expanding business in Slovenia's neighboring country. Hotel brokerage and valuation make up a large part of our business and we are about to close on the sale of a hotel in Croatia. This provides a great opportunity, there are many commercial real estate professionals in ex-Yugoslavia with expertise in office, retail and industrial – but none with our track record in hotels.

Thursday 4 th Sep: Meet a Client to talk about their lack of success in selling a historical property and office space. They have been trying to sell these themselves for several years. It is easy to spot the problem – the price is wrong.

Monday 8 th Sep: I travel to Zagreb to meet the buyers of a property we are selling. This transaction has taken a long time and it’s complicated. I want to sit with them to discuss all the sticking points ahead of a conference call with the Sellers later in the week.

Forewarned is forearmed! Meanwhile in Ljubljana, my colleague Maja is viewing a 700m2 office space for an embassy that needs to expand. This is very good news, for the past few years embassies have been closing down and downsizing. This occupier will only consider spaces with sprinkler systems and this narrows the choice somewhat.

Tuesday 9 th Sep: I have a conference call with an institutional investor from London. He wants to know my opinion of a beachfront site in Croatia that is zoned as forest. All the trees are protected and cannot be cut down. I imagine he was probably captivated by the unspoilt beauty of the Croatian coastline, there is no other explanation for his interest in the property because from an ROI perspective this is a no go.

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Wednesday 10 th Sep: I meet a Client to discuss progress with the sale of a portfolio of hotels on the Slovene coast. Everything is going well with the transaction, we are happy with the level of interest and offers received. Now we have to close the deal! th

Thursday 11 Sep: Long conference call with one of the Corporate occupier teams from Cushman and Wakefield in London, and our mutual Client – a multinational company with a production facility in Slovenia. They are expanding and out of space.

Should they try to extend their existing facility, and make do for a few more years, or buy land elsewhere and build a brand new property that will serve for the next 20 years? We decide to make a shortlist of sites for viewing.

Monday 15th Sep: Maja gets confirmation from a multinational office occupier for a 160m2 space in a Class A office building. This has taken a very long time. The team member responsible for getting goahead had to get the business case for moving signed off by 12 different people. th

Tuesday 16 Sep: I have a meeting with a retailer to discuss a sale and leaseback of their logistics facilities. We have an investor Client interested. This will not work unfortunately. The retailer needs to raise cash but their price expectations are not realistic.

Wednesday 17th Sep: Another trip to Croatia, this time for a meeting about a different hotel transaction – and on the coast. The meeting goes well and we have a beautiful lunch in a seafront 5-star restaurant, in the sun. On days like this I love my job!

Thursday 18 th Sep: Meet a large multinational occupier to talk about finding new office space for them. They need 700m2. They are obliged to serve one year's notice to their existing landlord so this is not easy, we need to secure new space for them before they terminate their existing lease. That means we have to persuade the new landlord to wait one year before the tenant moves in – tricky!

Friday 19th Sep: Meet a bank to talk about disposing of their portfolio of repossessed assets. It is a mixed bag. We discuss the benefits of disposing of it as a portfolio versus separately. There are many opportunistic investors looking for these kind of portfolio opportunities but they pay only cents in the euro so it is not always the best solution. Meanwhile Slorest moves into 600m2 of office space in Megacenter 2. They also took the 550m2 restaurant, which adds great value to the property. Maja is happy, our Client the landlord is happy and Slorest is happy!

Monday 22nd Sep: Our new English website goes live!

My colleague Matej has been working very hard on this and it has taken many months to iron out all the problems. Now we have to get the new Slovene website live.

Tuesday 23rd September: Maja gets go ahead from a Slovene marketing company to take a 140m2 office suite on the 14th floor of the Delo tower. We have a special interest in this, they will be our neighbours!

Wednesday 24 th Sep: Maja concludes a deal for a 500m2 warehouse in the centre of Ljubljana.

Thursday 25th Sep: I have a meeting with my colleagues and we all complain about being swamped with work. For every item that gets scored off the todo list, two more appear. We get instructed to carry out a valuation of an industrial property on behalf of a German manufacturer.

Friday 26th Sep: Slovenia's largest quality daily newspaper, Delo, publishes a story on the front cover about the sale of a portfolio of hotels on the coast we are handling. Problem is none of it is true. They have used outdated and incorrect information from an unnamed source. I write to the journalist and editor to complain.

Monday 29 th Sep: Matej finishes off a Broker’s opinion of value for a Client with an industrial land plot. The existing asking price is too high and our Client needs to persuade the lending bank to write down the value of the loan. I hope our report will help!

Tuesday 30 thSep: Good news, contract is signed for the sale of a portfolio of four hotels in Ljubljana. We will be working with our partners Cushman and Wakefield on this. Can’t wait to get started! These properties will have huge appeal across many different investor bases, we can do a great job on this.

So, the end of another month. 4 office deals done, two valuations completed and a mandate to sell 4 more hotels – plus a growing pipeline of really interesting assignments. The fourth quarter of this year will be busy and it looks like 2015 will be quite a year. 

Most acclaimed Slovenian house available House D, constructed in 2008, is recognized as THE Slovenian house of last decade.

Bevk – Perović architects are for the last 10 years internationally most renowned Slovenian architects. They have been awarded with Mies Van Der Rohe award 2007.

They have also finished the architecture for the first Mosque in Ljubljana, financed by Qatar.

House D is situated in the most beautiful part of Ljubljana, 50m from the Rožnik park and hill- located the prestigious neighbourhood of single family houses in the vicinity of the centre of Ljubljana.

Majority of Embassies are located close to the house and beautiful Ljubljana ZOO is 500m away. It is 15 minutes' walk or 2 minutes' drive to the historic centre of the city.

With 450m2 of living space over 3 levels on 670m2 of land, House D is the perfect home for a couple or a family where both parents and children can be easily accommodated in their private space.

Level 1 offers: • Entrance atrium • Large, light living room • Guest facilities • Open kitchen and dining room which flow through to a large terrace outdoor living area.

• 2 large terraces Lower level • Small apartment with ensuite bathroom • Large study or children's bedroom • Technical area (most sophisticated heating, cooling, air conditioning and intelligent house equipment) • Gymnasium overlooking a bamboo garden to an 11m indoor swimming pool • A garage for 2 large cars Upper Level • Master bedrooms with 2 bathrooms The house’s outside appearance is enigmatic, entirely different from the houses in the neighborhood. The closed cubic forms with a street facade made of polished concrete reveal nothing of the luxurious world inside.

If you would like to set viewing of the property, please email: marketing@sloveniatimes.com Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

19

Economy SAP

SAP plays a major role in

transforming the way that business is run “World-leading companies base their decision-making on data rather than “gut-feel”*

Milan Dragič, Managing Director of SAP Slovenia

Q What is the role of technology in business today?

A More than 60% of CEOs expect 15% - 50%

of their earnings growth in the next 5 years to come from technology-enabled business innovations (McKinsey study). Our surveys* also show that technology, especially new technology innovations such as cloud solutions and the SAP HANA platform, is one of the main competitive advantages for business around the world. In today’s information and digitalised world, gathering, analysing and using big data is the key to success. However, according to the Information Culture study, 62% of organisations use less than half of their available data for decision-making.

Q With your focus on helping companies to run better, why do you believe that Slovenian companies and the state do not invest in Information Technology?

A In this respect I can only say that Slovenian companies and also the public sector, is not only losing competitiveness compared to other similar companies, but also missing the opportunities that arise from using technology for real time business. I really hope that this trend stops and that we will embrace success and start investing in it.

Q What are these technology innovations that can differentiate businesses?

A One of these innovations, that is now be-

coming standard in the industry, is SAP HANA. This is THE real time business platform that enables business to take advantage of the billions of data that arises every day and turns it into useful information that can be used by decision makers in real time. In ad-

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

Milan Dragič, Managing Director of SAP Slovenia, shares his views on how technology is changing business and has become the enabler of new business opportunities and future business success. He is convinced that all businesses can run better if they are not afraid of success.

His focus while running the Slovenian subsidiary of SAP together with his team and partners, will be on creating a path of innovation that enables domestic businesses to extract more value from their work and achieve their potential; to make every Slovenian customer run simply and be the best-run business. This will include not only delivering solutions and services to help customers succeed in the current environment, but also providing innovations that anticipate the challenges, opportunities and changes to come. dition, we want to expand our reach through our dedicated industry cloud and LoB solutions, through the new, dedicated SME business unit and by leveraging our ecosystem. I am convinced that we are on the right track.

The latest results show that SAP is the fastest growing enterprise cloud company with 39% growth last quarter. We are seeing strong growth also in our EMEA cloud business. The second quarter cloud subscription and support revenue was up 51% in this region.

Q Cloud has been a buzz word for quite some time.

What are the real advantages for companies?

A It’s simple – Cloud is becoming the

new standard in the IT field (just as LTE is becoming the new standard with mobile technology). However, we must distinguish among many things with Cloud and also what a company really needs. Cloud is no longer defined as the public cloud only. With the combination of the core available in the managed cloud (HANA Enterprise Cloud) and the LoB Public Cloud, we have a full cloud offer covering both the public and managed (private) Cloud. Companies can therefore choose different solutions to match the goals they want to achieve: leveraging costs, outsourcing IT solutions, faster deployment etc.

Q Where is Cloud in the Slovenian market?

A We see great interest, especially in sales and HR solutions. Among HR solutions, compa-

nies are very interested in talent management where we offer the number one success factors solution. Nevertheless, there is still quite slow adoption of Cloud solutions in Slovenia, but that is seen also across all of Central Eastern Europe. It seems our region is among the late adopters since, in the US, there is very fast adoption of this new technology.

Q What are your predictions for 2015? How will you approach the business environment, filled with uncertainty?

A Our mission is straightforward - we are here to help our customers to run their business better and enable them to be successful.

Only if our customers are successful, are we also successful. The plan for the Slovenian subsidiary is to be even more active in the SEE region and help our customers gain advantages in these markets. We will invest heavily in our team of experts, we will continue to help young students gain the knowledge and we’ll keep supporting our local environment. In terms of our solutions, we will push for more advanced implementations with higher added value. Our focus in Slovenia will be on business intelligence, in-memory and cloud computing, analytics and mobility because we strongly believe that by taking advantage of technology, Slovenian companies can win the markets.  * Link: (http://www.sap.com/ms/2014-05-it-and-me/ insight.html)

We support international business Do you export? Import? Want to enter new markets? By choosing the right instrument or a combination of instruments, such as letter of credit, documentary collection, guarantee, bank payment obligation, and their numerous versions, you can reduce the risks, considerably facilitate and finance your business.

Each business case is unique. You are kindly invited to contact your relationship manager or call +386 1 425 21 05. Let us use our years-long experience to help you find the right solution and an extra impulse for your international business.

Fast forward!

www.nlb.si

Economy

Hong Kong – the Super-Connector between China and the Rest of the World

One Country, Two Systems Hong Kong's Skyline

Hong Kong also maintains its economic and social systems. Hong Kong has its own legal and tax systems, as well as separate customs, immigration, police and anti-corruption jurisdictions. Hong Kong continues to participate in international forums in its own right, for example in the World Trade Organisation (Hong Kong is a founding member). Its currency, the Hong Kong dollar, is freely convertible and stable against the US dollar. Local and international companies compete on a level playing field. Both, Chinese and English remain official languages.

Asia’s World City

Central Business District

Since the reunification with China and establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on 1 July 1997, the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, enshrined in its constitutional document, the Basic Law, has been successfully implemented. Hong Kong people run Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. Hong Kong remains a free and open society where the rule of law underpinned by an independent judiciary prevails.

The community cherishes its rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Basic Law, including freedom of expression, assembly and press.

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

Hong Kong is an international financial, trade, shipping, tourism and logistics centre in the Asia-Pacific region. Apart from having a well-established legal system, sound financial system and clean government, Hong Kong is renowned for its duty-free port with world-class infrastructure, free flow of capital, information and goods. Hong Kong has been rated the world’s freest economy by the US Heritage Foundation for the 20th consecutive year, and the second easiest place to do business according to the World Bank. Its tax rates, at 16.5 percent for corporate and 15 percent for personal income, are among the lowest in the world. Furthermore, Hong Kong was ranked third in terms of global Foreign Direct Investment inflows, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s World Investment Report 2013. Hong Kong also offers abundant dedicated and skilled labour, as well as a strong pool of professional expertise in

Economy various fields. The Hong Kong economy is forecast to grow by three to four percent in 2014.

Up-and-coming industries Being the world’s largest offshore RMB business hub, Hong Kong is considered Asia’s global financial centre. Financial services, trading and logistics, tourism and professional services have been Hong Kong’s four pillar industries.

Now a number of new industries are rapidly developing to further diversify the economy.

They are: Environmental Industries; Testing and Certification; Innovation and Technology; Cultural and Creative Industries; Intellectual Property Trading; Legal Services; and Wine Trading and Distribution. The government provides various forms of support to nurture these emerging industries. Various events are hosted in the city to promote the different industries, among them the Asian Financial Forum (19-20 January 2015), the Business of IP Asia Forum (4-5 December 2014), the Business of Design Week (1-6 December 2014), and the International Wine & Spirits Fair (6-8 November 2014).

try in Slovenia, Mr Samo Hribar Milič, visited Hong Kong. Ivan KB Lee, Director Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs (Central and Eastern Europe), delivered a presentation at the FDI Summit 2013 in Ljubljana introducing Hong Kong’s efficient public services to the audience.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Slovenia and seven other Central European countries. Set up under the Basic Law of the HKSAR and the working principle "One Country, Two Systems", its mission is to promote bilateral ties between Hong Kong and the eight

countries covered by the office, particularly with regard to economic, trade, investment and cultural matters.

The Investment Promotion Unit has the experience, the expertise and the connections to help you set up smoothly in Hong Kong and then to help you grow. From planning, to establishment, to expansion, they will be with you every step of the way. The services are free, confidential and tailored to your needs.  Detailed information: Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Jägerstr. 33 | 10117 Berlin | Germany +49 - 30 - 22 66 77 228 cee@hketoberlin.gov.hk www.hketoberlin.gov.hk

International Wine & Spirits Fair

Hong Kong Science and Technology Park

Hong Kong Stock Exchange

RMB Business Hub

Asian Financial Forum

Kowloon and Central

Kwai Chung Container Terminal

Hong Kong's Harbour at Night

The Gateway to China Being part of China, Hong Kong maintains a deep knowledge and connection with business activity and market players from the Mainland of China. On the other hand, Hong Kong possesses global trading and business links, a world-class business environment and a financial market that is distinct and separate from that of China. Hong Kong’s strategic location at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta makes it the natural gateway to China. Any company based in Hong Kong can fully leverage on the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), a special free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the Mainland of China. With a huge pool of entrepreneurs experienced in Mainland culture and international business protocol, the city is an ideal base for companies seeking access to China and the rest of Asia Pacific.

Hong Kong-Slovenian relations Hong Kong’s bilateral relationship with Slovenia continues to grow. Bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Slovenia grew at about 10.1 percent annually between 2009 and 2013 and amounted to about EUR 106.9m in 2013. EUR 46.7m worth of goods, or 4.1 percent of the total trade between Slovenia and the Mainland of China, was routed through Hong Kong. Highlevel governmental and trade visits in recent years underscore the deepening ties between the two places. In November 2013, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Indus-

Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Economy Interview: Betty Ho, Director, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs (Central and Eastern Europe)

Business opportunities for Slovene companies Business-friendly environment, independent judiciary and free flow of capital. Betty Ho, Director Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs (Central and Eastern Europe), about reasons why Slovene companies should tap China's emerging market via Hong Kong and why Hong Kong is the best place to expand business in Asia.

Q What are the main obstacles to broader cooperation - is it language, culture, business practices, bureaucracy?

A Hong Kong is an open city and we always welcome broader cooperation. We have been rated the world's freest economy by the Heritage Foundation since 1995 and the second easiest place to do business in the world according to the World Bank's Doing Business 2014 Report. It is very easy to set up a business in Hong Kong. With our long history and expertise in doing business with international players as well as Mainland China, Hong Kong is the ideal gateway to bridge any gaps in culture, language and business practices between foreign countries and Mainland China. Just to give you one example: English and Chinese are both official languages in Hong Kong.

Q Do you think that Hong Kong and China are Betty Ho, Director, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs

Q Where do you believe the biggest opportunities and areas for expanding cooperation are between Hong Kong, China and Slovenia in the near future?

A Hong Kong's traditional strengths are in its four so-called pillar industries: financial services, trading and logistics, tourism as well as professional services. These sectors naturally provide ample opportunities for Slovenian enterprises. For example, Slovenian companies may make use of Hong Kong's platform to raise capital, particularly Renminbi. In addition to them, we are rapidly developing new industries, such as environmental industries; testing and certification; innovation and technology; intellectual property trading, etc., which are all promising sectors for economic cooperation with Slovenia. Thanks to its universities and well educated graduates, Slovenia's innovative software and engineering companies certainly have the potential to successfully expand to China.

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

still "too far away" in the heads of Slovenian managers? Are we focusing too much on Europe?

A China's economic development in the past few decades was tremendous and its economy will continue to grow. I strongly encourage Slovenia's managers to seize the opportunity and tap this emerging market via Hong Kong.

Just recently, the National 12th Five-Year Plan emphasised the Central Government's support for Hong Kong to consolidate and enhance its position as a vital node in a network and continue to serve as an international financial centre and business hub for the nation. The city is, and will continue to be, the gateway to China and other countries in the Asia Pacific region.

Q In the last year, how many companies from Slovenia contacted your office in Berlin with regard to establishing business conections?

A We have been in contact with around ten companies in the past twelve months. The Investment Promotion Unit of my office in Berlin visited Ljubljana in September last year and met with five of them. One of the companies was a Private Equity Fund. Our bilateral rela-

tions continue to strengthen and I am sure there is more potential for exchange between the Hong Kong and Slovenian business communities.

Q How does the "One Country, Two Systems" work in practice in Hong Kong, are there any problems due to the different political culture and economic practices?

A Since the reunification with China in 1997, the "One Country, Two Systems" principle has been successfully implemented in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong people run Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. Hong Kong maintains its own common law legal system underpinned by an independent judiciary. We enjoy free flow of capital and information, press freedom and freedom of speech and maintain the Hong Kong Dollar as our own currency. All visitors, residents and businesses – if local or foreign – can enjoy the benefits of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle every day.

Q What is Hong Kong's unique role in the economic development of the Mainland, apart from being the international financial centre and business hub?

A As a Special Adminstrative Region of China, Hong Kong has a special relationship with the Mainland resulting in huge business opportunities not only for local companies but also for Slovene enterprises set up in Hong Kong. The Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) grants Hong Kong-based foreign companies greater access to the Mainland market through various liberalisation measures, in the form of relaxation in equity share restrictions, reduction in the entry thresholds such as registered capital and business turnover, as well as relaxation in restrictions over geographical location and business scope, etc. In addition, all Hong Kong products meeting CEPA rules of origin have enjoyed zero tariff on importation into the Mainland since 2006. ď ´

Economy China & Central and Eastern Europe

16+1 Platform Trying to Boost Chinese and CEEC Cooperation

By Silvija Fister, Sinologist

Photos: IEDC Bled

High level representatives participating in the think-tank included: H.E. Liu Guchang, former Vice Foreign Minister of China and Chairman of the China Foundation for International Studies; H.E. Tang Jiaxuan, former State Councillor; Wang Chao, Deputy Minister from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Secretary General of the Secretariat for Cooperation between China and CEEC; Igor Senčar, State Secretary, Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Dr Danilo Türk, former President of the Republic of Slovenia.

Diplomats, scholars and representatives of various economic institutions and companies from China and CEEC participated in panels where they exchanged their views on the past, current and future strategic orientation of the 16+1 economic cooperation. Initiatives of the 21st century maritime Silk Road and economic belt, cultural and people to people exchanges, the role of the media and factors that make the CEE countries more attractive for Chinese FDI, were among the topics.

Their proposals included a call to promote and facilitate trade investment among CEE and China to double the volume of trade in the future. There are already many good practices in place (fairs, exhibitions, investments in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, construction, the automobile industry etc.) but there are even more ignored, undiscovered and unleveraged opportunities. US$5bn has already been invested in CEE by Chinese companies but small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) from

Strategic and economic cooperation among Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) and China – the so-called 16+1 countries – was discussed in the scenic town of Bled from 2 - 3 September. The IEDC Bled School of Management hosted the second high level symposium between China and CEEC. Although somewhat overshadowed by the Bled Strategic Forum that closed on 2 September, the event attracted numerous distinguished guests from China and CEEC. CEE should increase their exports to China.

Modern technology reduces distance and cost and enables SMEs to be competitive. Services including e-commerce and e-payment should be developed further and a platform for SMEs from CEE and China should be established.

There is significant potential in sectors such as industrial robotics, civil aviation, the automobile industry etc. and the next industrial revolution should be followed by the replacement of mass consumption with individualised services.

To put it another way, the main issues in CEE-China relations include interconnection, reform and adjustment and peaceful development. The panellists stressed that successful 16+1 cooperation is in no way in contradiction to EU-China cooperation, but is beneficial and integrative. On the downside, numerous players and levels of communication, discrepancies in definitions (e. g. SMEs are defined differently with different scale), regional conflict escalations etc., all make these relations challenging.

All participants agreed that more concrete mechanisms should be developed and realised to move to the implementation of the common goal of respectful and mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation at the company level. Still, the first step in achieving this goal is more dialogue, methodology and technology transmittance, establishment of additional fields of cooperation according to strengths and weaknesses (complementarity).

The momentum of the symposium should be

preserved and strengthened by making the events annual. Additional players such as the Chambers of Commerce should participate and a document, clearly stating the issues, proposals, guidelines and an action plan should be negotiated and signed.

Institutional reform, coordinated action between think-tanks, governments, international organisations and other parties, and crushing the myths about the difficult state of trade between the EU, CEE countries and China, should contribute to taking the pressure off the cooperation and bring innovation to the forefront. Young cadres, coming from reformed and adapted educational systems and learning from successful companies, the so-called hidden champions, should lead the way and bring the often missing passion and will to bring concrete projects and seemingly self-contradictory ideas such as sustainable development to their realisation. 

Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Economy ď‚ FDI Summit 2014 Special What is a more specific feature of our public finance deficit is that it continues to be very large, without the major downward trend of most of other countries. This clearly indicates that public finance consolidation has not been taken seriously in recent years.

Professor Mojmir Mrak; Photos: FELU

Interview: Professor Mojmir Mrak, Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana

Privatisation as an instrument for better owners and "damage control" for potential attacks on public finances

By Tina Drolc, M.Sc.

Mojmir Mrak is a full professor at the Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana and a regular visiting professor at universities in Austria, Italy and Montenegro. He was a member of Slovenia's EU accession negotiation team and the team negotiating the EU financial perspectives 2007-13 and 2014-20. Amongst others, he has also been a consultant to the Slovenian government and governments of several other South Eastern European states as well as various UN and EU institutions, including the European Parliament and European Commission.

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

Q According to the Institute of Macroeconomic Analysis and Development (IMAD), Slovenia has been in deficit from 2009. We need a positive economic upturn, where structural reform, corporate restructuring and consequently the continuation of privatisation are the most crucial. Which reforms does Slovenia need in your opinion?

A It is true that through the recent years of the crisis Slovenia has had a public finance deficit. But this is not surprising and is similar to many other countries in the EU and elsewhere. What is a more specific feature of our public finance deficit is that it continues to be very large, without the major downward trend of most of other countries. This clearly indicates that public finance consolidation has not been taken seriously in recent years. As a consequence, the public debt of the Republic of Slovenia has also increased dramatically, from below 30 percent of GDP in 2008 to around 80 percent of GDP now. The new government has no other choice but to embark on a more systematic public finance consolidation path.

In the context of the 2015 budget preparation, it will have to introduce measures aimed at reducing the deficit to below 3 percent of GDP in 2015 as committed to the EU. True, the most recent growth figures will make this task a bit easier. In the medium term, the government will have to design and implement a more decisive set of structural reforms, particularly health sector reform and labour reform. It will also have to establish an institutional framework for effective absorption of EU funds and to create a more friendly business environment

FDI Summit 2014 Special ď‚ Economy for Foreign Direct Investments and investment in general. Last, but not least, the government will also have to strengthen the effort for improved management of state assets and continue with privatisation.

Q Privatisation is a ways to obtain the necessary capital for the economy, what are some others?

A Yes, indeed, privatisation is one of the instruments to get some highly needed fresh capital into the Slovenian economy. We should, however, be careful about the overall financial potential of this process and also about its potential to reduce the public debt very quickly.

Let me illustrate this. If, for instance, we get EUR 1bn through privatisation, this will reduce our public debt around three percent, let say from the current level of 80 percent to 77 percent of GDP. In this circumstance, where state ownership has unfortunately proved to be rather unsuccessful, I see the privatisation more as an instrument of getting better owners and at the same time "damage control" for potential future attacks on public finances. As far as other financial sources for funding development in the forthcoming years, I see EU funds as the most realistic. Taking into account that other sources of development finance, including foreign borrowing, will be much more limited than before the crisis, programming of EU funds for the period 2014-2020 as well as putting in place an appropriate implementation structure is much more important than it was in the previous medium-term financial perspective of the EU. Poor absorption of EU funds poses an additional risk to Slovenian public finances.

Q A country builds its international reputation When the crisis erupted our and credibility by managing its state property, which in Slovenia has so far proved to be poor.

Prime Minister Miro Cerar will continue the privatisation process, which "is controlled and keeps the crucial infrastructure state-owned." What do you think needs to remain state-owned and what is an appropriate state share in strategically important organisations?

A It is true that Slovenia has lost a lot of credibility in recent few years and the reason for this is much broader than the management of state assets. Before the crisis, our country had a reputation of a pragmatic and well managed state that knew precisely what to do. This image was a result of the fact that we had always done what was considered to be useful for us. This applies to the independence path, resolution of foreign debt issues, membership in NATO and the EU, etc. When the crisis erupted our economic policy response was extremely disappointing. We have not been able to introduce the policy measures that were obvious and that has brought us to the brink of bankruptcy.

Within this context, let me mention just three specific issues. One was the delay in public finance consolidation in 2011 and 2012, the second were the failed referendums on pension reform and labour sector reform and the third was the delay in tackling non-performing loans in the banking sector. These have been, in my view, the main causes for the downgrade of Slovenia by the rating agencies and for the slide from the Eurozone's core into its periphery. The new government has a difficult task to continue rebuilding credibility via the costly resolution of the banking crisis. Rebuilding credibility is a process that will take years of consistent policy design and implementation in numerous areas. Management of state assets and privatisation is no doubt an important area, but it will have to be well integrated into the overall development model of the new government.

economic policy response was extremely disappointing.

We have not been able to introduce the policy measures that were obvious and that has brought us to the brink of bankruptcy.

We are witnessing an artificially created optimism as a result of printing money and record low interest rates set by Central Banks.

Consequently some countries, including Slovenia, are able to borrow and thus add more debt. Slovenia spends most of this money on financing current operations (salaries, etc.).

The problem is we don’t invest this money in sectors which generate future revenue. Consequently, when the money printing stops, it will be even harder to gather money and that will significantly deepen our problems.

Under the current crisis, interest rates as traditional monetary policy instrument lost its effectiveness and consequently Central Banks started to use "non-traditional instruments".

Their basic logic is that central monetary institutions inject more liquidity into the system while the instruments actually applied differ from one Central Bank to another, depending on the specifics of the financial sector and of the economy at large. It is true that by resorting to these new instruments Central Banks have entered into unknown territory and that withdrawal of these excessive funds, once it comes, will be associated with significant challenges and risks. ď ´

Among European companies, telecommunicaIn the medium term, the government Q tion companies are quite desirable for investors. will have to design and implement a How do you see the privatisation of Telekom Slovenija? Do you think the country should keep a more decisive set of structural certain proportion or maybe outsource the management for a limited time and then take it back? reforms, particularly health sector A It is obvious that the list of 15 companies reform and labour reform. It will set for privatisation by the outgoing government and supported by the parliament was also have to establish an done without serious strategic considerations. institutional framework for It is very difficult, if not impossible, to identify the common denominator or guiding principle effective absorption of EU that was applied when the list was put together. funds and to create a more However, any change to this list would just add friendly business environment to the credibility problems we have. In my view, of the companies on the list, infor Foreign Direct Investments privatisation cluding Telecom Slovenija, should continue as scheduled. and investment in general.

Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Economy  FDI Summit 2014 Special

Source: Gorenje

Slovenia’s prospects

improve with a new government The attraction of Slovenia for foreign investors includes its position at the intersection of traditional trade routes, its well-developed physical and ICT infrastructure, its value chains, supplier networks and clusters… The global economic crisis did not spare Slovenia, but it is achieving economic growth due to the quality, efficiency and responsiveness of its people. Strong FDI flows are expected as the restructuring of Slovenia's economy gains pace and the standing of the country on international financial markets improves

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The good news for potential investors in Slovenia doesn't end once the bank stabilisation and company restructuring shows results and the first sales of state-owned enterprises are sealed. In July, Slovenia’s exports increased by 5.3% y-o-y, the first increase since the beginning of the crisis, indicating the first signs of economic recovery.

Further structural changes will help revive economic growth and Slovenia's new government promises to improve conditions for corporate financing by supporting privatisation and better corporate governance of the banking system and the real sector. Slovenia is fostering foreign direct investment. To achieve this, Slovenia must improve competitiveness, improve innovation capacity and develop the business environment. The Global Competi-

tiveness Report 2014-2015 published by The World Economic Forum puts Slovenia 70th out of 144 countries, however it is the sector ratings which confirm Slovenia’s attractiveness for foreign investors: technological readiness (33), infrastructure (35) and innovation (42).

Adding a highly educated workforce and a location close to European supply chains, Slovenia's innovation-driven economy is a great opportunity for smart investors.

Slovenia's position in the centre of a market of 500 million customers must be highlighted.

The investment promotional agency is offering investment opportunities to foreign businesses in all sectors of Slovenia's economy and is seeking investors for state-owned assets such as the cargo port, motorways, national airline, Ljubljana airport, telecoms, insurance

Source: Port of Koper

Source: www.slovenia.info; Photo: © Mirko Kunšič

The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

companies plus opportunities in the retail sector. In addition to privatisation opportunities for investors, pharmaceutical and white goods firms, manufacturing industries, strategic services, shared services centres, logistics and distribution centres, as well as R&D and the energy sector, particularly renewable energy, are opportunities not to be missed.

Another great opportunity for inward investment is in tourism. The country is beautiful and diverse - from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea there is much to see. The food and wine is exquisite, there are natural phenomena and historical places to visit which will satisfy even the most discerning visitors. In the wake of the Winter Olympics 2014, overall interest in sport has surged following Slovenia’s eight medals and so it should be no surprise that sporting events are a niche market for tourist resorts.

Top level Alpine skiing competitions, biathlon races and ski jumps attract crowds to Pohorje, Kranjska Gora, Pokljuka, Bled and Bohinj and attract recreational skiers, aspiring children and holidaymakers. The Slovenian spas, built in the vicinity of thermal and mineral water springs with their wellness and sports facilities, are the gems of the country’s hospitality industry, while many casinos, fun centres and arcades offer entertainment and gaming excitement.

Foreign visitors to Slovenia quickly notice that Slovenians have a passion for life and for entrepreneurship. It’s no wonder that successful entrepreneurs think ahead and want to build an ecosystem that will allow them to live and work in such a special place, centrally located to serve east and south-east Europe, as well as Asia. 

SPIRIT Slovenia, Public Agency InvestSlovenia Team Verovškova 60, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia T: +386 (0) 1 5891 870 F: +386 (0) 1 5891 877 invest@spiritslovenia.si www.investslovenia.org Source: DARS

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www.investslovenia.org

Slovenia’s time-tested qualities make it a prime location for greenfield production, regional HQ, distribution and logistics centre or R&D facility.

We provide support for foreign investors looking to take advantage of the country’s strengths.

We continue to work with businesses under our aftercare programme to ensure your investment is a success.

Contact InvestSlovenia Team: T: +386 1 5891 870 E: invest@spiritslovenia.si

Photos: 1 ©The Brdo Congress Centre, 2 ©Port of Koper, 3 Bled; ©Franci Ferjan; www.slovenia.info, 4 ©Krka - R & D center in pharmaceutical companies

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Financed by the Ministry of the Republic of Slovenia for Economic Development and Technology.

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Economy ď‚ FDI Summit 2014 Special

TAM

Commercial Vehicles

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

Built to last, here to stay and on the fast track to tomorrow's technologyAlthough changes appear to be slow, below the dazzling surface of the "Jean Claude Van Damme" reality of today's world of commercial vehicles, sooner or later fundamental changes will become inevitable as the electrification of vehicles will harvest the full potential of new technology.

"New drive technologies will determine the future of the automotive industry" was the header of the 8th International CTI Symposium in December 2009 in Berlin, indicating that the automotive industry is undergoing some fundamental changes.

Currently, most OEMs are focusing their efforts on implementing new driveline technologies (such as hybrid, electric or fuel cell drive) to their existing models in order to show progress and stay competitive in the changing market. Although the current changes are happening slowly, restructuring of the industry will inevitably create opportunities for new participants and undermine the position of even the strongest OEMs currently operating. The EU commercial vehicle market serves as a perfect example of the vast potential for electrification. In the EU, buses are the most commonly used mode of collective passenger transport. Highly cost efficient, passengers are driven over 530 billion kilometres per year.

The EU is a strong advocate of efficient, clean, quiet and practical commercial vehicles, laying down strict policies and legislation to achieve target goals. So far the EU has achieved one major target by reducing emissions 98 percent since 1990 with the introduction of emission standard EURO VI in January 2014. The use of alternative fuels for commercial vehicles in the EU is projected to expand at an above average rate as EU Member States are required to meet a target of 10 percent renewable energy use in the transportation sector by 2020 (under the framework of the 2009 Renewable Energy Directive).

However, the development of electric commercial vehicles is ongoing as progress of the

FDI Summit 2014 Special  Economy connected component technologies, such as improvement of the storage capacity in batteries, strongly influences the course of research and development. At TAM Commercial Vehicles, our expert R&D team is working with maximum effort to expand capacity through increased manpower and resources, strategic cooperation with R&D departments of established component manufacturers and by forming specialist international project groups. Following the company's commitment to product efficiency and environmental sustainability, TAM Commercial Vehicles is looking forward to expansion and break through in the emerging market of electrical commercial vehicles with the TAM VIVA-C series. Without revealing too much, our main guidelines for developing new lines of buses with electric drive train technology will be carefully balanced in order to provide a winning combination of the three most important driveline characteristics: environmental impact (noise, local emissions and wheel-to-wheel emission); TCO – Total Costs of Ownership (purchase, running and infrastructure costs); and performance including refilling time and flexibility of the driving range. In addition to the work to set a strong foundation for the TAM VIVA-C series, we are proud to present the first completed results of our R&D work in the autumn of 2014. Premiered during

the 65th IAA Commercial Vehicles 2014 fair taking place in Hannover, we have launched the redesign of our VivAir Airport bus and the new EURO 6 VIVE series. The new and modern look of both product lines is only one of the many improvements implemented for the enhancement of the user experience for both the passenger and the driver. In particular, our VIVE Tourist and Intercity series, the implementation of the EURO 6 engine comes complete with a re-design and several major technical improvements, providing substantial advances in the vehicle’s driving performance and increased passenger capacity.

A positive outlook for the future of TAM Commercial Vehicles is further strengthened by the recent support reflected by the substantive approval given by the government of the Republic of Slovenia to the BETIC (Bus Electric Transportation with Innovative Charging) project. The project, submitted under the scope of the foreign direct investment incentives scheme at the beginning of 2013 but due to several procedural complications, the FDI subsidy for TAM Commercial Vehicles remained unresolved. In adopting a resolution on 12 September 2014, the government of Slovenia declared its support for the project and instructed an immediate continuation of the ongoing procedure as soon as all formal conditions for grant-

ing the FDI subsidy are fulfilled. On the basis of the ongoing coordination between TAM Commercial Vehicles and the representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, final approval and payment of the FDI subsidy is expected before the end of the year, allowing TAM Commercial Vehicles to start the implementation of the BETIC project in Maribor. The project is focused on developing the necessary sub-systems and technical solutions (eg. inductive/conductive charging, power storage and power-regenerating systems) to be used in new product lines with electric drive train technology and in developing the supporting infrastructure.

The BETIC project will be realised with the help of local engineers, local research institutions and in close cooperation with other European companies and their engineering capacities, will secure new employment in the Maribor region both by TAM Commercial Vehicles and its local partners. Such projects are of vital importance, not only for the individual companies involved in their implementation but also for the wider region of Maribor which is currently facing an economic crisis. With the prospect of new investment in the region and the positive trends of the EU economy, TAM Commercial Vehicles remains confident of the recovery and development of entrepreneurship in Maribor and the region of Podravje. The management of the company, together with our owners, will continue as an active member of the local community and a strong supporter of the efforts for revitalising the regional economy. 

Without revealing too much, our main guidelines for developing new lines of buses with electric drive train technology will be carefully balanced in order to provide a winning combination of the three most important driveline characteristics: environmental impact (noise, local emissions and wheel-to-wheel emission); TCO – Total Costs of Ownership (purchase, running and infrastructure costs); and performance including refilling time and flexibility of the driving range.

Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Economy  FDI Summit 2014 Special

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Interview: M.Sc., Tomaž Lanišek, General Manager OEM Europe & CIS, Knauf Insulation

"The power of the corporation plays a significant role in generating high added value"

By Tina Drolc, M.Sc.

In more than 50 years of manufacturing insulating materials in Škofja Loka, a milestone is undoubtedly 2007 when German Corporation Knauf Insulation took over the small Slovenian company, Termo. Today, Knauf Insulation Slovenia has the important role of developer, specifically the development of the 'green roof system'.

Knauf operates in 35 countries and employs over 5,000 people, including more than 400 in Slovenia.

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FDI Summit 2014 Special  Economy The role of our foreign investor is very important in terms of financial and technical support for new solutions Q The value-added of Knauf Insulation Slovenia is above average per employee at EUR 70,000.

What is the main contribution of your foreign owner which enables company development and operations on a global scale?

A "Our above-average performance is based on the streamlined operations set up by the owners immediately upon entering ownership. We focused on programs with higher value added and changed the market approach. Through partnership development projects, particularly in sales to industrial customers, we raised the cooperation to the level of highly specialised products for each partner. For the construction industry, we redirected from product sales to a higher proportion of system solutions sales and thus upgraded the marketing approach and partnerships with stakeholders.

The generator of our development are innovation and the role of our foreign investor is very important in terms of financial and technical support for new solutions, as well as in terms of best practice exchange, the assessment of potential global markets and facilitating access to certain strategic partners. The power of the corporation certainly plays a significant role in generating high added value, but the fact remains that the realisation needs many local activities - in development, production and also in marketing and sales - in the end we still depend on our own performance."

Q Knauf Insulation Slovenia recently developed

a new insulation system, the 'green roof system' - Urbanscape. The result of Slovenian knowledge, today the corporation sells worldwide in countries with and without water. What are the numbers that have taken this innovation to its users (in terms of water retention, consumption,

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etc...) and also, for the corporation and its future development?

A These products are already available for professional users however, by September, they will be offered to a wider range of individual users. The market accepts such products slowly because people want to test it first and after they are convinced of its efficiency, they gradually begin to use it. It has been estimated that we could sell 5 million Urbanscape products in the next three years. Forecasts for the future are promising and if the products will be successful, we can expect new jobs in manufacturing, development and selling in the future.

Q With its 'green program', Knauf Insulation Corporation is primarily expanding to the Middle East. What kind of projects and investments are happening there as opposed to projects in Europe and America?

A In developed Western and Central European countries, the greatest chance for success is in the green roof systems. In the Mediterranean and Arab Peninsula the products for landscaping are popular, where we are active in greening areas.

Q Knauf Insulation products meet the highest 2

environmental standards, nevertheless, the production itself in Škofja Loka remains an environmental challenge in terms of emissions. In what way and when do you plan to solve this?

A Concern for the environment is among the primary goals of our company and our environment impact is in the accordance with the statutory limits. All our devices have high-tech water treatment plants that operate throughout the whole production running time. Recently,

It has been estimated that we could sell 5 million Urbanscape products in the next three years. we raised the factory chimney, which further contributes to reducing the local impact. In the development of new and cleaner technologies we have invested a lot of resources, time and knowledge in recent years and in this respect we are very close to a taking a big step, where coke as an energy source will be replaced with gas and thus we would achieve a multifaceted reduction in our impact on the environment.

There is a series of improvements, innovations and sustainable solutions to be implemented over the next three years.

Q Can you describe the corporate values that are, as a consequence, also yours and in what direction is your future development?

A We have already said a lot about our future plans, however the corporation can work only if the local teams are well synchronised. One of the tools for achieving this is certainly the common values, pursued by all of us connected in the Knauf Insulation system and these are: Enterprise, Commitment, Partnership and Humanity. We try to live them and from them, no matter where in the world we operate, get the best.  1 Knauf Insulation Škofja Loka 2 Urbanscape green cubes 3 M.Sc., Tomaž Lanišek, General Manager OEM Europe & CIS, Knauf Insulation

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Economy  FDI Summit 2014 Special

We illuminate the world with Slovenian innovation GeoEnergetika seeking local and international cooperation

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The quest for high quality lighting solutions, with cutting-edge design, means you can’t look past GeoEnergetika Ltd. From its own creativity and a connected team, the development and manufacturing company is responsive and can offer tailor-made solutions. They are driven abroad by their quality products, knowledge combined with experience, and satisfaction of their customers.

The basic features of GeoEnergetika lights, combined under the brand GeoLED, are their identifiable shape, simple and economic assembly, simple service and fundamentally innovative integration of vital components of world renowned manufacturers with components developed and manufactured in Slovenia into a standard design lighting concept. The finished product is given an important note with its perfect design where the lights complement the environment and space and are therefore often the first choice of architects.

It is the local manufacture in Slovenia which enables them to be the most flexible for domestic buyers, however buyers from outside Slovenia are not at a disadvantage because GeoEnergetika have a broad network with business partners all over Europe. The mission of GeoEnegeticka is We illuminate the world with Slovenian innovation. They are always open

to new opportunities for cooperation as they seek partners to further expansion globally.

The lights are currently sold in Slovenia but GeoLed, as a global product, illuminates Austria, Croatia, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and with their partners plan to illuminate Belarus and Senegal. Current activities are focussed toward Italy, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. They are negotiating cooperation with a renowned Slovenian company for joint marketing in Poland and Ukraine (where stabilisation of current affairs is expected in the foreseeable future). Under the wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, talks regarding a joint entry of Slovenian companies into the Russian market are underway.

The lights are popular because of the perfect design. “We are a development and manufacturing company and due to our size, we are able 1

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Advantages of GeoLed lights: • Cost effective • energy efficient, • low light pollution and low CO2 emissions, • low maintenance costs, • intelligent combination of innovation, materials and components • superior lighting distribution • high intelligence • appropriate colour temperature of light, • regulated dimming • long life expectancy – minimum of 60,000 working hours – regardless of weather conditions • minimalistic cutting-edge design • simple and economical assembly • 5 year guarantee More: www.geoenergetika.si to respond quickly and be flexible. More and more we are involved with tailor-made solutions. Today, price and quality represent the essential key to success and our goal is to follow favourable economic and long-term successful solutions and projects, with good and innovative ideas,” states Managing Director, Gašper Puhan.

The success of every company is measured by the satisfaction of its users. Consumers are well informed and want to get as much as possible for their money. GeoEnergetika has adapted to these trends. “First and foremost is the satisfaction of the buyer, otherwise we would quickly disappear from the market, “ claims Puhan, adding: “ all our knowledge is directed toward perfect high quality products.

We are very strict critics in our team and each of us improves and supplements one’s work innumerably before presenting it to co-workers who add their share to its completion. As a company, we perform holistically from planning to execution. Testing follows and only then do we allow ourselves to offer a product to the market. ” The greatest success of this young company is the launch of our own light production and consequently the enforcement of our trademark and public awareness on the importance of efficient energy consumption. Development is secondary to the ecological attitude and ultimate savings. Also important is the flexibility

FDI Summit 2014 Special  Economy of lights per se, as well as their purpose for reaching the broader market. “From this year on we offer the possibility of processing of existing lights in the company with our technology because we are aware of the high costs of lighting renovation in big companies and the results are outstanding. The distinctive feature is also our flexibility with the ways of lightning, such as in stores, where it is very important how individual products are illuminated if the merchant wants them to be attractive for the buyer “ explains Puhan.

From the GeoLED family: • GeoLED Modulux is an indoor light, tailormade for a wide range of users - it can be a ceiling, wall, floor or a hanging light and thereby offers lighting solutions for every room. It is an excellent solution for offices as well as other business facilities and domestic use. Like all GeoLED lights it is recognised for its flexibility of colour temperature of light with the possibility of choosing direct or indirect light. The power supply is installed in the housing in all versions, except the hanging, which further simplifies the fitting; • Street lamps GeoLED Cayman, GeoLED Street and GeoLED Retro, provide an efficient replacement for the energy wasteful

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‘’pumpkin’’ with its innovative design, high savings, a five year guarantee and a competitive price representing the right solution for buyers in Slovenia and abroad; • The minimalist design of the latest GeoLED Park Line light series distinctly moves closer to the taste of the most demanding customer. Lights of various heights are available – from 90cm (ambient lightning for driveways, in front of private properties or urban equipment in city centres or parks and in front of shopping malls), to 8m (road and street lighting, city centres, squares and parks).

4 1 2 3 4

Ambient lightning for driveways GeoLED Plain GeoLED Park Line GeoLED Modulux

Lights in the Park Line line provide tools for efficient minimalistic design of the holistic environment image for planners, architects and project leaders. 

derdeutscheball@ahkslo.si +386 1 252 88 70

Economy  FDI Summit 2014 Special Hygienic clean Bosch and Siemens dishwashers are rigorously tested to ensure that dishes are absolutely clean after a wash cycle. All the Bosch and Siemens low-consumption dishwashers are certified according to commercial hygiene standards.

With less than five bacteria per 10cm2, we satisfy all requirements. Human skin has up to 10 million bacteria on the same area. Many appliances also provide a HygienePlus feature for antibacterial cleaning. Temperatures averaging 70°C during the final rinse deliver optimum hygiene performance with regular use – very important for hygiene-conscious households.

The right combination

Hygiene uncompromised

Clean Results

At home, cleanliness and hygiene are particularly important.

The developers at Bosch and Siemens are constantly working on new solutions so that germs and bacteria have no chance.

Unpleasant odours are the most common reason for cleaning home appliances. Many customers attack them with aggressive cleaners, but good old household remedies are also still used. For example, Turkish customers use yogurt, coffee beans or lemons to neutralise unpleasant odours in their refrigerators.

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Clever ideas To stop odours occurring in the first place, many Bosch and Siemens refrigerators have an AirFresh filter with an activated carbon surface to clean the air circulating inside. Bosch and Siemens refrigerators also have different freshness zones for different foodstuffs. Temperature and humidity can be adjusted depending on the product and quantity so that food stays fresh longer. For example, the ChillerBox is the ideal place to store fish because the direct supply of particularly cold air makes the box colder than the rest of the cooling compartment, so the fish stays fresh and odours are suppressed. Other clever systems for keeping food fresh are the Hydrofresh and VitaFresh drawers, the CrisperBox and the CoolBox. The vacuum drawer ensures maximum storage life by reducing the oxygen supply to slow down microbial spoilage and chemical decomposition processes.

Rising energy awareness among consumers poses new challenges for Bosch and Siemens developers in the Laundry Care Product Division. If you lower the temperature to save energy, other factors have to compensate.

Some possibilities include longer wash cycles and improved detergent chemistry. Bosch and Siemens washing machines have a variety of washing programs and options to satisfy typical cleanliness and hygiene demands. For increased hygiene needs, we recommend the hygiene or AllergiePlus programs in which the washing temperature is kept constant longer.

In cases of special hygiene needs such as diseases, a washing temperature of 60°C and a detergent containing bleach should be chosen which will kill off nearly all germs.  www.bosch-home.si www.siemens-home.si

Precision you can taste.

Taste you can see.

Coffee machines EQ.8 from Siemens. www.siemens-home.si

Siemens. The future moving in.

Economy ď‚ FDI Summit 2014 Special

The Pomurje region and the Municipality of Lendava have been recognised as European regions of the future The international contest "European Cities and Regions of the future 2014/2015", ranks the Pomurje region and the Municipality of Lendava on top in terms of their attractiveness to foreign investors. Industrialbusiness areas of the region are dedicated to industry, production, business, transport, trade and service. In the context of favourable climate, fertile soil, geothermal energy and renewable energies, the prospective development opportunities of the region are food and drink production, agriculture, oil and the chemical industry, the metal processing industry and the construction industry.

In the category of Top Ten Southern European Regions, the Pomurje region (Pomurje) occupies third place, based on their strategy for attracting foreign investment and seventh place in terms of the competitiveness of the region. In the category of Top Ten European Cities, based on the micro strategy for attracting foreign investment, the Municipality of Lendava occupies sixth place and tenth place among all the cities in Southern Europe.

The "European Cities and Regions of the future" contest has been running since 2004 and is organised by FDI Magazine and FDI Intelligence, a part of the Financial Times Group. Mediums are specialised in the area of foreign direct investment and the provision of information about the competitiveness of individual countries or regions on a global scale.

FDI Magazine is a global magazine, its readers include the management of multinational companies and location advisers.

The prestigious awards raise the awareness of business opportunities in Pomurje and the Municipality of Lendava in the broader European area. In addition, this recognition confirms the qualities of the region and the work to promote the region and their approach to attracting foreign investors. The overall visibility of Pomurje also importantly contributes to the visibility of all business entities in Pomurje. The Regional Development Agency

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(RDA Mura) links the activities to attract foreign investments to support the companies of Pomurje in their internationalisation which can be seen at www.investpomurje.eu.

RDA Mura is successful in attracting foreign investors, FDI has increased since 2007.

According to the latest data (December 2012), 258 companies operate in Pomurje with foreign or mixed ownership, which employ 5,640 people and generate revenue of EUR 686m.

From 2006 – 2013, RDA Mura participated and supported 15 foreign initial investments. Their value has reached EUR 33.7m, investors committed to 1,005 new jobs. Four foreign investors, who invested in Pomurje, have received awards for "Best Foreign Investor of the Year" in Slovenia. ď ´

Lendavska 5a, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia T: + 386 (02) 536 14 61 F: + 386 (02) 536 14 65 E: info@rra-mura.si www.rra-mura.si; www.investpomurje.eu www.see-meet.eu

FDI Summit 2014 Special  Economy

Not to be missed event for ambitious businesses and entrepreneurs The business conference SEE MEET Pomurje 2014, organised by Futurallia the international organiser of such events, will for the first time be hosted by the Regional Development Agency Mura in November this year. Over two days more than 150 Slovenian and foreign businesses and entrepreneurs will meet to discuss future collaboration. The event, designed on the basis of similar events from abroad, will bring numerous business acquaintances and opportunities to Slovenia, while concentrated events and business meetings that are planned in advance will save participants time and money.

SEE MEET Pomurje 2014 The two-day event, SEE MEET Pomurje 2014, will be held on 11 - 12 November 2014 in Radenci, in the north east of Slovenia. It is possible to register for the event at www.see-meet.eu until 15 October. Regional Development Agency Mura expects the participation of over 150 businesses from Slovenia and abroad.

Participants already registered, who wish to expand their operation to foreign markets, come from six countries.

How will the conference take place?

After registration, toward the end of October, registered participants will be able to browse through the electronic catalogue of participating businesses and choose those they wish to meet in Radenci. Following the decision by interested businesses, the organisers will arrange individual meetings according to participants’

wishes. Participants will receive a timetable for individual meetings on the day of the conference. Over two days participants will be able to hold up to 15, 25 minute business meetings with potential partners therefore saving the time and cost involved in independently planning and coordinating with each of them individually. In addition, a lecture for all event participants will be held where efficient time use for such business meetings will be discussed as well as how to properly introduce and present yourself to your co-speakers. The purpose of this is to form as many promising and firm partnerships in two days as is possible.

Certainly, networking and socialising will not be concluded after the official meetings. Over the two days there will be more than enough opportunities for additional informal discussions and meetings.

During the event, delegation leaders from different countries will be available to entrepreneurs. They will present themselves at special stands and the participants will be able to

discuss with them topics related to the event and receive additional information about their fields of interest. If by now you still haven’t thought about collaboration with a Slovenian business, now might be the time to start.

RRA Mura are certain SEE MEET Pomurje 2014 will be a big success and, in particular, they believe it will be fruitful for new opportunities for cooperation between businesses.

The region, which lies at the crossroads of 4 European countries and is less than 300 kilometres from the neighbouring capitals, is surely interesting for many European and world businesses. The opportunity to meet numerous foreign businesses in one place should not be diminished as this networking and cooperation can lead to growth and development in Europe and beyond.

In recent years, Regional Development Agency Mura can pride itself on many successful projects with the intention of encouraging foreign investments in the region as well as starting investments of Slovenian businesses.

This success has been recognised on numerous occasions with the region most recently qualifying amongst the 10 best regions in 2014 and 2015 with regard to the strategy for attracting foreign direct investments in Southern Europe. With their help and effort in attracting foreign investors and actual support for expansion plans, many large foreign businesses have come to the region since 2007, creating more than a 1,000 new job opportunities. Among them, are well recognised names such as Escada, Carthago, XAL, Wolford, Farmtech and Saubermacher, as well as Slovenia’s Seaway.

More information about SEE MEET Pomurje 2014 can be found at www.see-meet.eu, or for regular updates look on Facebook (See Meet Pomurje) and Twitter (@seemeetpomurje).

For any additional information, feel free to contact the coordinator of SEE MEET Pomurje 2014, Mr Franc Gönc on +386 (0)2 536 14 61 or at info@see-meet.eu.

ORGANIZERS

PARTNERS

Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Economy  FDI Summit 2014 Special local sustainability imperatives, combining growth in their business with ambitious targets for sustainability. Lafarge is accountable to its employees and clients, but also to the communities living in the countries where they operate. And the target is clear: Lafarge must embed the imperatives of sustainable development throughout its business to make a net positive contribution to society and nature. And Trbovlje is no exception: from the care of employees and customers, health and safety, support of local communities and its projects, to reducing the environmental impact through plant modernisation and the rehabilitation of its quarry.

Volunteering program

Lafarge commits to future generations For Lafarge, the ambition of contributing to building better cities entails not only improving the quality of life for city-dwellers but also creating value for all stakeholders: employees, shareholders, customers, governments and communities situated in the vicinity of the sites.

Sustainable Ambitions 2020 Sustainability Ambitions 2020 is a comprehensive and far-reaching program, covering all dimensions of sustainable development - social, economic and environmental - and considering them as a whole. Lafarge is convinced that considering the vast challenges that the world faces on education, urbanisation and poverty, they need to go further.

This is why Lafarge Sustainability Ambitions 2020 are the first steps toward a vision of the future where we strive to protect the environment and, more importantly, to make a net positive contribution to society as a whole.

Ambitions are organised around three pillars that will establish Lafarge as a leading sustainability company: • Society / Building Communities, • Economy / Building Sustainably, • Environment / Building the Circular Economy.

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Lafarge’s Ambitions 2020 will drive changes to every part of the Group’s operations over the next eight years, in order to change the way of operating and striving toward the company’s vision. The aim of Ambitions 2020 is to minimise Lafarge’s environmental footprint while maximising the value created for all stakeholders.

Local Community Development is closely linked to communities around the sites: for Lafarge to thrive over the long term so must the communities where they are present. They have set ambitious targets to promote local socio-economic development, including volunteering and job creation.

The sustainability strategies of Lafarge directly contribute to the company’s industrial and commercial development in each country.

It therefore also enables the Slovenian team to draw up action plans that take into account

Through volunteering, Lafarge provides employees with an opportunity to make a positive contribution in the communities around the sites. They can contribute to locally selected projects in the realm of biodiversity, water conservation, skills training, affordable housing, health and job creation. In 2014, Lafarge Cement Trbovlje promised to donate at least a half day of each employee for volunteer work in the local community.

Building better cities Lafarge is constantly improving competitiveness by taking action to increase the value of products and services, reduce costs, optimise the supply chain and boost the productivity of their plants. Over recent years, Lafarge Cement Trbovlje has made over EUR 33m of investments, mostly in environmental improvements that have significantly reduced the plant’s environmental footprint.

The main goal is to implement housing programs that are accessible to everyone and infrastructure that stands up to the passage of time and protects the environment, along with bridges, roads and airports that connect cities and their inhabitants. Lafarge’s materials, services and innovative building systems contribute to building cities that offer more housing and are more compact, more durable, more beautiful and better connected. In a word, better cities.  Lafarge world presence: A top-ranking player in the cement, aggregates and concrete industries, we contribute to the construction of cities around the world.

Our innovative solutions provide cities with more housing and make them more compact, more durable, more beautiful and better connected. With annual sales of EUR 15.2bn, operating in 62 countries and employing 64,000 people, Lafarge is a world leader in building materials.

FDI Summit 2014 Special ď‚ Economy Interview: Milenko Ziherl, Director, Eco Fund, Slovenian Environmental Public Fund

Grants from the Eco Fund lead to a competitive advantage

By Tina Drolc, M.Sc.

The Eco Fund, Slovenian Environmental Public Fund, has EUR 51.5m available for environmental investment in 2014, EUR 30m in the form of soft loans for environmental investments by citizens and legal entities and EUR 21.5m as grants. As Director Milenko Ziherl states, the Eco Fund stimulates sustainable investing by encouraging the choice of greener products and therefore companies in Slovenia are motivated to find solutions by developing sustainable products that also deliver a competitive advantage.

In 2014, the Eco Fund also funded EUR 500,000 of grants for environmentally friendly vehicles. Under public call 26SUB-EVOB14, which is still open, EUR 200,000 is available to individuals for purchasing new or remanufactured electric vehicles for road transport.

Additionally, under public call 27SUB-EVPO14 EUR 300,000 was available to legal entities for the purchase of new or remanufactured vehicles but unfortunately, this public call has also been completed.

Q As mentioned previously, in mid-summer two Q This year the Eco Fund is, for the first time, issuing grants (non-repayable subsidies) and loans up to the total cost of the investment. Where can these grants be obtained and under what conditions?

A In 2014, the Eco Fund provided EUR 13.5m in grants for investments by citizens for efficient energy use (EE) and use of renewable energy sources (RES) in residential buildings.

Additionally, it was planned that EUR 7.5m be available from the Climate Change Fund for the renovation of old residential buildings in the so-called degraded areas which, due to excessive air pollution from dust particles, the PM10 classified in the maximum strand class.

Under public call 24SUB-OB14, grants were available for investments in the use of RES and to increase the energy efficiency in residential buildings (one or two-dwelling buildings and individual homes). Under public call 25SUBOB14, grants were available for measures in the fields of EE and RES for the reconstruction of three or more dwellings. Both public calls were prematurely terminated on 4 July 2014 because the requests for funds exceeded the amount available for grants.

public calls were prematurely closed. How will you secure public calls that, on an annual basis, will continue in the future?

A The reason for the early closure of the abovementioned public calls was a lack of funds. New regulation on providing energy savings among final customers is currently in preparation and will provide more grants on an annual basis for activities in energy efficiency and renewable energy. This should ensure that funds will be available for more than half a year.

them the current public calls for allocation of grants for new investments in buildings of individuals and we will also present some major issues of public calls, changes made from the previous year and the most common mistakes when applying for grants.

Q What is happening with regard to providing funds for the energy rehabilitation of public buildings, schools and kindergartens and what are the dependencies?

A In 2011 and 2012, the Eco Fund allocated EUR 5.5m for energy rehabilitation and new construction of low-energy and passive buildings owned by municipalities, used for educational activity. As mentioned, the funds for grants were lacking and so in 2013 and 2014 the Eco Fund did not allocate funds for such investments however, they were available from EU cohesion funds. ď ´ Milenko Ziherl, Eko Fund Director; Photo: EKO Sklad

Q People from business and the general public want the terms for future public calls to be announced sooner. The reason is proper adaptation of products for business and for consumers, proper preparation for energy efficient renovating decisions, which are usually planned for several years and take a large amount of money.

A In participation with the competent ministry, we are just finalising the criteria for grants under public calls for 2015. We intend to come up with these criteria as soon as possible to enable proper preparation for future public calls for both citizens and legal entities. As in 2014, we plan in 2015 to organise a seminar for interested investors immediately after the announcement of the public call. We will present Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Economy ď‚ FDI Summit 2014 Special Disrupting technologies will one day affect Slovenia too - you can be part of it or be hit by it, it’s just a matter of choice and time. issues, in order to increase its attractiveness as an IT technology hub, government incentives are an absolute must to promote Slovenia as a business friendly country with a desire to drive innovation and its presence as an IT hub.

Q Could information technology represent one

Alexis Lope-Bello, CEO, Comtrade

Interview: Alexis Lope-Bello, CEO, Comtrade

Slovenia is in many ways

a privileged country

By M. T.

Born and raised in Venezuela, Comtrade's CEO has been a part of the IT industry since 1980 when, as a teenager, he started his first venture.

He played a part in taking it public and saw it grow into a Fortune 500 company.

Q The lastest statistical data indicates the end things, are crucial to convert this optimism into of the recession in Slovenia. Do you see any optimism in your sector?

A It does appear that the IT sector in Slovenia is recovering although as Comtrade has only a small portion of local business these days, our focus remains on positioning the company for growth internationally. Experience has shown that we need to be aware of individual regional market developments and it has been through the widening of our geographic reach that we, as a local company, have managed to nurture a strong pool of IT talent capable of delivering services internationally. We sincerely hope that the company can continue to foster strong IT growth locally. However, we firmly believe that greater incentives, flexible labour laws and lower total cost of employment, amongst other

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real and sustainable productivity and growth.

Q Slovenia talks a lot about new investments, FDI, foreign investors. Do you see Slovenia as a friendly business environment?

A When taking into account its location, infrastructure, education system and natural beauty, Slovenia is in many ways a privileged country. Sadly however, these aspects are often not enough to attract foreign investors who are far more concerned about issues which have a direct impact on their business. In the IT sector, Slovenia is still not at a level to be able to compete effectively due to a number of serious factors such as high labour taxation and inflexible labour laws which are still considerably behind other countries. Aside from the labour

of the new development pillars of the Slovenian economy? Politicians mention infrastructure and industrial projects - do they understand that investing in high-tech industries has enormous potential?

A The fact that politicians are not talking about the IT industry in the same way they talk about other industries is worrisome and short sighted. Sorry to be so blunt, but with such high youth unemployment, the IT industry which dominates the lives of the current generations should be a top priority. Disrupting technologies will one day affect Slovenia too - you can be part of it or be hit by it, it’s just a matter of choice and time.

A big problem for the country and the IT sector is that some of the best people will leave, looking for better compensation and experience elsewhere. Slovenia needs to position itself as an attractive place to live with world leading innovation and technology platforms, where local people feel proud to stay in the country and world-class experts can be encouraged to move to the country. The IT sector needs young entrepreneurial people who can see beyond the local boundaries and bring new energy and ideas to the industry.

Since its beginnings, Comtrade has exported over US$600 million in services. Our recent success throughout Western Europe and the US will drive this figure dramatically higher in the future and consequently we firmly believe that Slovenia has every justification to place more focus on our industry as a true pillar of the Slovenian economy.

Q What do you expect from the new government regarding economic policy?

A Recognising the IT industry as a strategic area would be a good starting point. Implementing reforms presented to the government by associations like The Managers Association of Slovenia, the Slovenian Economic Chamber and AmCham is also a necessity to make the industry competitive and attractive to investors and young entrepreneurs.

We see it as the responsibility of the government to help create the necessary conditions

FDI Summit 2014 Special  Economy for the IT industry to thrive. Without their help, we are left trying to compete with other countries on a non-level playing field - we are simply overloaded with labour costs in a labour intensive industry. In countries that have recognised how critical this industry is, the government incentives and support act as a springboard to further growth and innovation.

In essence, Slovenia needs to recognise that a focus on locally driven demand and industries means that the country will wither into insignificance. All countries are competing on a global scale, where the asset base needs to be repositioned to reflect the skills you possess and the globally driven demand for products and services. Technology is fundamentally changing the way things are done and eliminating the old school business models. As a comparatively small country, Slovenia could grab the opportunity to act like a more nimble enterprise that can swiftly make an impact on its chosen field of economic development. But this

In the IT sector, Slovenia is still not at a level to be able to compete effectively due to a number of serious factors such as high labour taxation and inflexible labour laws which are still considerably behind other countries. can only happen if the nimbleness is applied across the political and social infrastructure to permit an environment where flexibility of employment, advantageous tax structures and support for investment can combine with the high quality IT workforce in Slovenia today to create a country that can be a major contributor to the global IT industry. If our goal is to make Slovenia an alternative to Silicon Valley, a start up mentality will be needed - unfortunately this is a business model that is, through no fault of their own, little understood by politicians.

Q Do you have any plans to expand your business in Slovenia, employ more people?

A Our company is growing and we will develop in a way that will work best for Comtrade and all its employees. We work in a very competitive environment where our high labour costs disadvantage us and therefore we constantly need to evaluate our costs to remain competitive. With the right tax and other incentives, we believe that Comtrade is a prime candidate in the right sector to help alleviate the high youth unemployment in the country. 

Leadership Insight

Effective Motivation at No Cost Financial reward is usually the basis of motivation. However, some other ways to motivate are even more effective, last longer and have a stronger impact on employee behaviour.

Research strongly suggests that people can not only be highly receptive to non-financial motivators but that such forms of motivation, if stimulated in the right way, are more vitalising, sustainable, and - quite simply - joyful. How can we use these findings to create the conditions to hire and secure a new leader? What role elements could nurture and sustain the motivation of a demanding candidate?

The Lepper & Henderlong study of 25 years of research into intrinsic motivation in an educational environment gives clues to some over-arching guidelines. As a hiring organisation, we strongly propose that you do all you can to inspire the confidence of the candidate that these points are high on your organisation’s agenda – and to deliver upon the promise once he or she is on board.

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Promote autonomy: Create an environment that promotes a sense of personal autonomy and self-determination for the new executive – resist, as far as is practical, the urge for non-essential early-stage control mechanisms. Innovation is vital for competitive edge and the new executive will be under the spotlight to generate new approaches to problems. Work in the knowledge that the new hire, if over-control is avoided, will be more inclined towards adaptive rather than reckless, risk-taking.

Keep it individual: Stay alert to the new executive’s individual perceptions of the new environment, rather than assuming that ‘what worked last time, will work this time.’

Create strategic space: In strategy discussions create space to explore alternative scenarios – even if at first glance some may seem too lateral to the established super-highway.

Use imagination: Internal coaches or mentors are vital for on-boarding. They can draw on personalised, imaginative exercises to accompany the new executive’s journey into new ways of thinking.

Exercise tolerance: Failure tolerance is not only vital for intrinsically motivated learning; it is also a key for innovation. Allow space for experimentation through, for example, piloting, especially at this crucial stage.

Give hope: When coaching and mentoring is practiced to optimise integration and performance, it helps if the coach is convinced that evolution in his or her Emotional Intelligence is possible – even at this stage in an established career.

In the war for talent, motivation strategies can be low cost, yet the stakes are high. Identifying and encouraging the motivation of senior executives – beyond compensation packages – demands serious reflection, presentation, and delivery in practice.

Every person has a unique, innate personality and managing such diverse capital means that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution for individual motivation. Furthermore, whilst simple measures of management and reward theory are, in themselves, insufficient, later research offers fascinating insights often backed by empirical evidence, regarding win-win strategies to attract and retain Leaders For What’s Next.

Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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The

Art

of progress

Porsche Slovenija d.o.o., Bravničarjeva 5, Ljubljana

The new Audi A8.

*optional feature

Fuel consumption, combined: 9,1 - 5,9 l/100 km.

C02 emissions, combined: 213 - 155 g/km.

EU6 emission standard. NOx emissions: 0,0534 – 0,0177 g/km. Solid particle mass: 0,00051 – 0,0002 g/km. Solid particle number: 0,11 x 1011- 0,01 x 1011.

Emissions of ambient air pollutants from traffic significantly contribute to the deterioration of ambient air quality. They mainly contribute to the excessively elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone, particles PM10 and PM2,5 and nitrogen oxides.

The detailed environmental information on the new passenger cars can be found in the handbook of economical fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and emissions of ambient air pollutants. It is free of charge and available at the nearest point of sale and on the car manufacturer’s website.

The art of using smart headlights to assist the driver and make driving safer. Experience technology that intelligently illuminates what you need to see. While avoiding the glare of oncoming traffic and vehicles travelling ahead. The Audi Matrix LED headlights*, now in the new Audi A8.

Politics

Over the rainbow

By Tomi Gračanin

After the landslide victory of the Party of Miro Cerar (SMC) in the July general election, party leader Cerar promised, amongst other things, a 'rainbow coalition'.

Maybe some expect that a left-centre-right government could make Slovenia a 'place where there isn't any trouble', as the place over the rainbow is described in The Wizard of Oz. Very quickly New Slovenia (Nsi), a conservative party with a surprisingly liberal economic program, withdrew from coalition talks. So then there was only SMC's blue and the red of the Social Democrats (SD) and Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) in the coalition rainbow.

During the coalition talks it wasn't however the economy or other essential program issues that were spoken of. These issues were overshadowed by two rather bizarre political incidents. First, the controversial nomination of the outgoing prime minister, Alenka Bratušek, as Slovenia's member of the European Commission. She was one of three candidates proposed for the job by her outgoing government.

The self-nomination has come under scrutiny by the country's anti-graft watchdog, and the public was outraged, mainly due to the high salary she would get as a member of the European Commission. Bratušek's former coalition partners, Karl Erjavec, President of the Pensioners' Party (who was also on the nomination list!) and Dejan Židan, President of the SocDems, protested loudly. Miro Cerar even telephoned the next European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, to express his disagreement with the Bratušek nomination. But she was subsequently selected by Juncker as one of seven Commission Vice Presidents in charge of the energy union, Cerar put the self-nomination issue to rest.

There was also the controversy about the MP status of the imprisoned President of the Democratic Party (SDS), Janez Janša. The opposition leader is serving a two year prison sentence over the Patria bribery case, which he is challenging in the Supreme Court. Two months after the election, Janša was still attending parliamentary sessions from prison while the parliamentary majority wait for an opinion from a panel of legal experts.

However, two months after the election, the new government was finally sworn in. At first glance it is not even a tiny rainbow, it is more 16 shades of grey with maybe two individuals who have a good public image, some evergreen ministers from SD and DeSUS, and mostly publicly unknown newcomers. As PM Cerar is himself a political newcomer, some think that Karl Erjavec of the Pensioners' Party and Dejan Židan of the SocDems will be the real decision makers although others believe that Cerar has sufficient support from the centre-left to lead the country for the next four years. Few, if any, essential changes seem to be on the horizon and there is definitely no pot of gold at the end of Cerar's rainbow. 

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First weeks of Cerar´s Government

Teething Problems or Serious Mismatch inside the Coalition

By Tilen Majnardi, M. Sc.

The new PM immediately faced numerous problems, open issues and also clumsiness connected to his moral and personal integrity oriented government.

Unusual presentations, statements from new ministers, "misunderstandings" with the Master's degrees of some visible party members, overnight resignations, speculation about government privatisation plans and on top of the pie - the Alenka Bratušek "issue".

What is government economic policy?

It seems that the problems of the new government are mainly connected to the youth and inexperience of the new ruling SMC party which didn´t present any clear economic programme prior to winning the general election. The result is confused and in some cases, perhaps "inadequate" ministerial candidates. The priority of the government is definitely the economy but the economic team is, at first glance, far from a dream team, with the exception of political heavyweight, Finance Minister Dušan Mramor.

From statements and previous actions of the Finance Minister, we can conclude that he is not fully aligned with the coalition partners, in particular with the Pensioners party and in part with the Social Democrats. Further stabilisation of public finances, privatisation, a friendlier business environment, promotion of investment, FDI …… are all areas Branimir Štrukelj – "No Pasaran" for wage cuts in the public sector; Photo:STA

Politics Strange Parliamentary Practice

The end of a political charade:

Will Imprisoned MP Janez Janša Lose his Parliamentary Mandate?

Boris Koprivnikar – "There are no simple solutions"; Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA

where it appears that, in some cases, Dušan Mramor would more easily work with the opposition New Slovenia or even with the Democrats.

Urgent steps and the first real test for Cerar: Rebalancing or not rebalancing the state budget, cut in public sector payments The trade unions are shaping up for tough talks with the government over public sector pay. The government needs to shave about EUR 80m off the wages bill for 2015 compared to this year, but the unions have made it clear that they are unwilling to even talk about anything but the extension of existing measures. The unions are only willing to talk about the last proposal put forward by the previous government. If fresh cuts are proposed, the unions will not even show up for the talks, said Branimir Štrukelj, the head of a body coordinating the public sector unions.

Furthermore, the unions want to preserve existing safeguards. This means they will only accept a one-year extension, whereupon wages must return to their July 2013 levels. "This is a safeguard making sure that the government will strive to stop the austerity," he said. The statement comes after the government failed to produce final negotiating positions for the talks with the unions at the beginning of October. While the outline of its proposal are still unclear, Public Administration Minister Boris Koprivnikar suggested that wage cuts alone would be insufficient.

He favours systemic long-term measures but acknowledged that the government was in a hurry and there are "no simple solutions". Commentators have suggested that the government can afford to offer the unions milder measures given economic growth and hence rising tax receipts, but the unions also indicated they would leverage the trend in their favour.

The unions were close to reaching a deal with the government prior to the early election in July, but they immediately backtracked when Prime Minister Miro Cerar, then as frontrunner in the election, suggested the talks should be left to the new government. The move was cheekily described by pundits as Cerar refusing a EUR 350m gift from the previous government. 

An opinion penned by five jurists at the behest of the parliament suggests that the National Assembly may revoke the MP status of imprisoned Democrat (SDS) leader, Janez Janša, but they proposed several possible ways to do it, including not touching his status at all.

The key finding of the 19-page opinion submitted to parliament is that Janša is subject to a provision of the law on MPs that says the status of deputies sentenced to six months or more in prison terminates. Janša and his party have challenged this view on a narrow interpretation of the provision, claiming that it applies only to those who receive such a sentence when they are already MPs, while he was sentenced prior to the election and was elected despite that.

The jurists gave parliament several options: either they get briefed and Janša‘s status lapses (no formal decision or voting required), or they decide that he can remain a MP, which requires a special vote. If the parliament opts for the second possibility, the MPs may decide that he proceeds to work normally or that he cannot perform his job due to the prison sentence, in which case he would probably be succeeded by a stand-in MP for the duration of his prison sentence.

The opinion was solicited by the parliamentary Credentials and Privileges Commission due to different interpretations of the existing law and its applicability to Janša‘s case. Interestingly, it runs contrary to the opinion of the National Assembly‘s legal department, which said Janša‘s status should remain untouched.

The latest opinion was penned by three professors from the Ljubljana Faculty of Law, among them two former Constitutional Court judges, plus attorney Dino Bauk and Aleš Zalar, a former justice minister. Parties were asked to nominate members of the panel, but the SDS refused to do so. The party has already described the group of jurists as clearly politically biased.

Regardless of the opinion, the final decision will be political given the broad discretion that the jurists have granted the MPs. It is widely believed that Janša will seek recourse in court, as his party has said on several occasions that the Constitutional Court will have the final say on the matter if his status is revoked. 

Janez Janša – The end of the journey from prison to Parliamentary sessions?; Photo: STA

Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Politics Local Elections

Low Turnout, Familiar Faces, Familiar Approach

By STA, T. M.

Incumbent mayors were the overwhelming winners of the first round of October's local elections in major cities, with five re-elected and five progressing, as frontrunners, to the run-off scheduled to be held in mid-October. Among the big winners were Ljubljana's Zoran Janković and Koper's Boris Popovič, both of whom managed to overcome several criminal investigations into their dealings to take convincing victories in the first round.

Zoran Janković: from "humiliation" in the parliamentary elections to a landslide win in Ljubljana Janković secured nearly 60% of the vote in the capital, according to incomplete unofficial results, to defeat centre-right challenger, Damijan Damjanovič, an independent backed

by virtually all the major right-leaning parties, who won around 22%. This is Janković's third consecutive term and comes after his Positive Slovenia (PS) party was ousted from parliament in the 13 July general election and reports of ongoing police investigations into alleged improprieties, which he vehemently denies.

While a majority for his list in the city council is not guaranteed, Janković will probably be able to lead comfortably as the secondplaced Democratic Party (SDS), which backed Damijanovič, won around 13%.

Koper: Another candidate threatened with imprisonment wins his home playground but his "blitzkrieg" on neighbouring cities failed

Photo: www.zoranjankovic.si

A similar picture emerged from the coastal city of Koper where Popovič, who was recently convicted for abuse of office by a first instance court, rode the image of a businessman who is able to get things done, to a fourth consecutive mayoral term in the coastal city.

Popovič won 55% of the vote to defeat Aleš Bržan of the Party of Miro Cerar (SMC), which took 25%, as the ruling party at the national level struggled to gain traction in the mayoral races. SMC fielded 40 candidates for mayor across the country, but not one was able to win

Zoran Janković – Not suitable for state politics but perfect for Ljubljana?

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Boris Popović; Photo: STA

or force a run-off. PM Miro Cerar, however, was happy with the first effort of his party at the local level given the short time to prepare following its emergence ahead of the July general election.

SMC emerged as the second party in a number of the local councils, including Maribor and Koper, which Cerar said shows it has a footprint at the local level. However, the opposition Democratic Party (SDS) rejects this, assessing that the current government forces were given a vote of no-confidence in the poll which does not generally reflect the balance of power at the national level.

SDS emerged as the most successful major party in the local councils, winning 14.75%, ahead of SMC with 10.53%, according to incomplete unofficial results from the National Electoral Commission. Confirming the trend of recent years, independent mayoral candidates and lists were the preferred choice in many municipalities, winning 82 of the 155 decided mayoral posts and nearly 30% of all local council votes.

The People's Party (SLS), a traditional power in local elections, foremost in the smaller rural municipalities, rebounded after being booted from parliament by picking up 24 mayoral seats in the first round, the most of any party.

SDS was second with 17, followed by the Social Democrats (SD) with 12 and New Slovenia (NSi) with seven. The Pensioners' Party (DeSUS) won one mayoral seat. 

European Union Juncker´s Commission

From Hero to Zero:

The End of the Tragicomedy of "Commissioner Alenka Bratušek"

By Reuters, STA, T. M.

The European Parliament's industry and environment committees (ITRE and ENVI) overwhelmingly rejected former Slovenian PM Alenka Bratušek's candidacy for vice-president of the European Commission for the energy union following her disappointing performance at the hearing.

Only 13 members voted in favour, while 122 were against and two abstained in a vote that the Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, Giovanni La Via, said could have not gone any other way.

Bratušek was assessed as unfit for the post, with her answers at the hearing too vague.

La Via, a member of the EPP, added that the President-Elect of the new European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, needs to respect to decision of the committees.

The Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, Jerzy Buzek, said that a new proposal is now expected from the Slovenian government and Prime Minister Miro Cerar has already announced that a new candidate will be put forward within a few days.

Although Cerar had not been happy about his predecessor's self-nomination for commissioner, he expressed regret to the Slovenian press that Bratušek was rejected, pointing out that Slovenia would have gotten the high-level post of Vice President of the European Commission for the Energy Union had she succeeded.

The probable end of Alenka Bratušek’s political career; Photo: EPA

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Buzek, also an EPP member, added it would be good if the Slovenian government got in touch with Juncker and agreed on the department to be given to Slovenia. We do not wish to have to do too much reshuffling, he said, indicating it would be best if Slovenia could find a candidate who could fill the same post, meaning Vice-President for the Energy Union.

Buzek also described the no vote as responsible and justified, speaking of the serious reasons for it and noting it was highly unlikely that the heads of political groups in the European Parliament, who have the final say on the candidates, will ignore the position of more than 100 MEPs. The same goes for Juncker.

Slovenian parties, in general, argued that Bratušek's rejection had been expected given her lacklustre hearing performance, an exception being Roman Jakić from the ranks of the Bratušek's ZaAB party who said the developments had been orchestrated by lobbyists in Brussels as well as in Slovenia. 

What were Juncker´s Criteria in picking Alenka Bratušek?; Photo: EC

Violeta Bulc; Photo: STA

Violeta Bulc –

Substitute for Alenka Bratušek Violeta Bulc, Minister Without Portfolio for Development, Strategic Projects and Cohesion, was nominated as Slovenia's member for the next European Commission, by the government, following the withdrawal of former PM Alenka Bratušek as the designated Commission Vice-President for the Energy Union. Prime Minister Miro Cerar has already notified Commission PresidentElect Jean-Claude Juncker of the decision and his spokesperson, Margaritis Schinas, announced that Juncker will conduct an interview with Bulc. The decision was taken at a correspondence session of the cabinet, with Cerar saying that nine ministers had voted in favour. Cerar said that Juncker would consider his next steps in the coming days and that it was too early to say which portfolio Bulc would get. The Head of the Party of Miro Cerar (SMC) described Bulc, a 50-year-old entrepreneur and innovator who only recently entered politics, as fit for Commissioner. She has proven herself as a member or "even one of the leaders" of the SMC programme committee who has contributed significantly to the party's programme and at the same time demonstrated important decision-making and leadership capabilities, Cerar told the press in Ljubljana.

European Union Foreign Policy

Slovenia Active in the Western Balkans EU flags; Photo: EC

Problems with EU rules

Incompetence or Ignorance?

The European Commission called upon Slovenia in the first days of October to enact EU rules on electrical and electronic equipment waste as well as to comply with EU rules on minimum oil stocks. If the authorities fail to comply with the demands, the Commission can take Slovenia to court.

Slovenia was urged to send details about how EU legislation on electrical and electronic equipment waste is being enacted in its national law, an obligation that was due to be fulfilled by mid February 2014.

The new directive seeks to prevent or reduce adverse impacts of the generation and management of this equipment on human health and the environment as well as to improve efficiency and overall impact of resource use. Slovenia received a reasoned opinion for not complying with the directive and if the country fails to act within two months, the case may be referred to the EU Court of Justice.

To explain, the Environment Ministry said that the transposition could not be executed simply by adopting some changes to the existing regulations; the directive must be rewritten in its entirety. Slovenia has already informed the EU about the progress of the new legislation, which is scheduled to be adopted by the end of October at the latest, the ministry advised STA. However, the electrical and electronic equipment waste directive was not the only issue. The country was also reproached for not complying with EU rules on minimum oil stocks. The rules require Member States to maintain stocks of oil equivalent to at least 90 days of average daily net imports or 61 days of average daily inland consumption, whichever is greater. "Given the importance of oil in the EU's energy mix and the union's strong external dependence for supply of crude oil and petroleum products as well as the geopolitical uncertainty in many producer regions, it is vital that all EU countries comply with these rules", the Commission explained. A vast majority of EU members usually comply with the Commission‘s demands after infringements are identified, the Commissioner stated adding that it has issued a total 147 infringement decisions, out of which only four were taken to court. 

Coming out of a meeting with President Borut Pahor in New York in late September, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon praised Slovenia's constructive role in the Western Balkans, especially as part of the Brdo Process.

The UN Secretary General, who met Pahor on the sidelines of a climate summit and the 69th session of the UN General Assembly, was interested in the Brdo Process and so President Pahor presented to him the conclusions of the latest meeting of the initiative.

The President pointed out that Slovenia sees the initiative as a way for peaceful resolution of open issues, which can help bring the Western Balkan countries closer to the EU. The Secretary General's office said that the Secretary General acknowledged Slovenia's role in promoting prevention of atrocities, mediation and the fight against non-punishment of perpetrators of the worst crimes. Pahor and Ban also exchanged views on global challenges such as climate change, growing extremism and terrorism and the Ebola outbreak. Ban urged Pahor to support international efforts in the fight against the deadly virus. Pahor also met UN General Assembly President Sam Kutesa to discuss climate, development and other items from the UN agenda.

Talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan focussed on the Middle East and Turkey's role in the fight against the Islamic State.

Erdogan said that Turkey was carrying a heavy burden, accepting and protecting refugees from Syria, and was actively engaged in efforts to prevent foreign militants from entering Syria and Iraq through Turkey.

The pair also touched on bilateral cooperation between their countries, which is based on a strategic partnership and agreed that the Turkish President will visit Slovenia shortly.

Before attending a reception hosted by US President Barack Obama and his wife, Pahor met his Croatian counterpart Ivo Josipović. Pahor also attended a reception hosted by South African President Jacob Zuma to discuss the possibilities to improve business cooperation between Slovenia and South Africa, in particular through the signing of economic agreements and visa liberalisation.

On the sidelines of the reception, Pahor discussed the situation in Ukraine with the country's Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin, who headed the Ukrainian delegation in New York after President Petro Poroshenko unexpectedly cancelled his attendance. Topical issues in Africa topped the agenda of talks with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, while Pahor also met his counterpart from Costa Rica Luis Guillermo Solis. 

Borut Pahor&Ban Ki-Moon; Photo: Robi Poredoš/STA

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Experience&Lifestyle Slovenia

Situla –

a big city within a small capital

Plečnik award for architecture 2013

Situla is an above standard residential - business complex, placed into the narrowest city centre of Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia.

Residing in the residential - business complex Situla enables an upgrade to urban life in the centre of the capital city with simple and quick access to business, consumer and social world.

"This contemporary development in the heart of Ljubljana will exceed your highest expectations."

However, life in the centre of Ljubljana does not only mean the hustle and bustle of the city and a quick, comfortable access to various traffic connections. Through innovative architecture, we have successfully ensured, that residing at Situla is well suited also for those who wish for a peaceful life, with a view of the Alps or Ljubljana castle, a walk through the city park, located opposite to the complex and, last but not least, services such as a 24 - hour reception and security, which provides an especially good feeling in an already exceptionally safe city. A direct contact with main passenger terminals of railway and bus traffic, the city inroad Šmartinska road and internal city traffic ring ensure maximal mobility to the users. The nearby city park and the orderly pedestrian and cycling paths, meanwhile, provide space for daily relaxation and recreation.

The area of the complex is 80.000 m² gross above ground surface, offering 226

apartments, a shopping - service centre and more than 6.000 m² intended for modern business premises. The underground floors provide 856 public and private parking lots, which ensure carefree parking.

226 Stunning apartments Situla contains a superb selection of different apartments, ranging from exclusive, luxury duplexes to spacious, multi-room apartments and above-standard studios. This kind of living for all seasons enables residents to live directly over the centre of Ljubljana, complete with wonderful views, floor to ceiling windows, private terraces, green roofs, Japanese gardens, abundant daylight, high ceilings and a special concierge service in the building. The size of the apartments, the proportions of their interior and exterior areas, and the views are adjusted to individual tastes and desires.

All apartments have low temperature floor heating, while the daily rooms and some of the larger rooms also include ventilator convectors for additional heating and cooling. Blinds for apartments are in the full height of the floor and made of sliding, perforated panels.

Bathroom sizes are above standard too.

These are designed in a very comfortable and modern way. Most bathrooms have built in showers with fixed glass walls, adhering to the walk - in shower system.

The designers did not hold back when choosing other bathroom equipment either. They used faucets and showers of the Dornbracht or Grohe brand, while the sanitary elements are by Villeroy & Boch. All apartments, even the smallest

"A first class residential experience with essentials on your doorstep."

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Experience&Lifestyle Slovenia ones, only 45 m² in size, have a special utility room or storage area.

Every apartment has an individual counter and built in video interphone. The entire building is already equipped with attachments for an optical network. The apartments have built in touch screens, through which pretty much all of the settings for the apartment may be controlled - lighting, temperature, ventilation, etc.

Find your perfect home at this vibrant new building.

Various service establishments and unique business premises Retail service establishments will be available within the building to provide for the daily need for goods and wellbeing for the residential and business units in the building and its immediate vicinity. Since we are aware that you are not prepared to settle for anything less than the best, you will be spoilt within the

complex by a gym and wellness centre, a topclass restaurant, a supermarket and a range of different retail outlets. The shopping - service centre has 5000 m² of surfaces on two levels low and high ground floor.

Situla also contains numerous and varied business premises arranged to order, all entirely suited to the needs and ideas of interested businesses, including special private parking spaces. Office units have different sizes and occupy almost the entire first floor (except the part with the fitness - wellness centre) and the eastern part of the second floor.

An extensive underground car park, including a unit for car cleaning and care will provide sufficient parking spaces for owners and visitors.

Who is the residential business complex intended for?

"Residents at Situla can enjoy a variety of convenient facilities, ideal for busy professionals."

At Situla, every user may find that, which will satisfy their needs. More detailed information about Situla can be found at www.situla. eu. The website will provide you with a more detailed overview of the offer of apartments, business premises, service areas and funding packages. You are also invited to visit the sales office of Situla. The sales office is newly located in the building itself, in the ground floor level from the side of Vilharjeva street, and is open for customers from Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00. With a notification in advance, we can arrange a visit at any time even outside the working hours. ď ´

It is for everyone who loves life in the city and wishes to experience the luxury of the prestige of the 72 meter high residential tower with a fantastic view every day; business people who have all possibilities for comfortable travel; everyone, who requires quick connections to the fastest communication network; everyone who likes to walk the historical city centre; everyone, who invests financial assets into real estate; everyone, who appreciates comfort and in no way wants to give up on it but only upgrade it.

We are looking forward to your visit

Situla Tridana, d.o.o.

Vilharjeva cesta 44, 1000 Ljubljana +386 8 20 56 224 info@situla.eu www.situla.eu

Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

53

Experience&Lifestyle Slovenia Access your

Thanks to

small and medium companies can fly for free

,

BlueBiz is the joint program of Air France, KLM and Delta Air Lines, which is tailor-made for small and medium companies flying on the 3 airlines and their partners’ network. The 3 airlines and their partners are members of the SkyTeam alliance which has 20 member airlines offering customers access to a global network of over 15,500 daily flights to 1,064 destinations in 178 countries.

of the 3 airlines ensuring a smooth, hassle-free journey – even in the event of delays or cancellations.

The Blue Credits the company earns for each flight depends on the destination and class of travel. One Blue Credit is worth one unit of your local currency. Thus, the more the employees of the companies fly, the more free flights the company will earn.

Converting Blue Credits into flight tickets Blue Credits remain valid throughout the year in which they are acquired, and the following two years. For example, Blue Credits earned in February 2014 remain valid until 31 December 2016.

At any time, the company can convert their Blue Credits into award tickets or upgrades.

These awards are non-denominative: the company is free to use them for any employee.

Keeping track of Blue Credits is easy. BlueBiz members can go online to review their company’s balance and check how close they are to a free ticket.

Examples: • 5 round-trips Slovenia - New York in Premium Economy = 400 Blue Credits • 10 round-trip Slovenia - Paris in Business = 600 Blue Credits earned.

1000 Blue Credits would thus be credited to your company´s BlueBiz account. Your company would then have access to one or several award tickets for a total of EUR 1,000.

If you choose a round trip Slovenia-New York in Economy at a fare of €780 (tax included), you will use 780 Blue Credits. The 220 unused Blue Credits will remain in your account to be used for your next award ticket.  BlueBiz enrolment is free and easy. In addition, Flying Blue members continue to earn Flying Blue Miles at the same time.

How does BlueBiz work?

Every time a company traveller books a business trip with Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines or their partner airlines, the company earns Blue Credits. Thanks to the combined global network of the 3 airlines and convenient flight schedules, there are plenty of earning opportunities for companies. Blue Credits are like cash - 1 Blue Credit = 1 Euro. The company can use them to purchase any type of ticket, including upgrades, with Air France, KLM and Delta Air Lines, no matter the fare or destination.

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Earning Blue Credits Travellers of the company can continue to book flights however they please – via their travel agent or directly online at www.airfrance. si. They just have to remember to quote their BlueBiz number for each reservation. As soon as their company has accumulated enough Blue Credits for a free ticket, they can use the easyto-use online booking tool to make a reservation 24 hours a day.

The program adds efficiency to business travel in other ways also. For example, business travellers can benefit from the innovative Corporate Recognition system of Air France, KLM and Delta Air Lines, whereby the traveller is recognised through all the contact points

More information is available on the Air France website: www.airfrance.si

Finding a four-leaf clover won’t get your company free tickets

BlueBiz will

The easiest way to reward your company.

BlueBiz is offered to you by Air France and KLM and is the joint programme for companies that regularly book flights with Air France and KLM and our other partner airlines. Sign up for for free and start earning Blue Credits on every flight. You can use Blue credits to buy free flights for anyone in your company. What’s more, Flying Blue members earn Miles on top of Blue credits. BlueBiz also comes with timesaving online tools and a Corporate Recognition system that ensures hassle-free journeys for business travellers – even in the event of delays or cancellations. To sign up now for free, visit www.bluebiz.com or on www.airfrance.si.

BlueBiz is founded by:

Experience&Lifestyle Slovenia

1

Erzetič winemaking a story about people and a story about wine

At the edge of Goriška Brda lies the village Višnjevik, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and orchards. From the top of the village the view looks out over the Erzetič homestead which has been closely connected to winemaking and viticulture for a long time.

The story of the Erzetič family began back in 1725 when the homestead was built by the first landowner, Martin and ever since the Erzetič homestead has also been called "at Martin's".

Years after that, Anton Erzetič handed the farm to his son, Aleksij, who willingly cultivates it today, together with his family.

Strong will and diligence have carried the Erzetič family to this day – to high quality wine with which they proudly represent themselves both at home and abroad.

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2

The Erzetičs combine traditional grape production and wine making with modern knowledge and technology, producing excellent varietal wine. Today their wine palette is composed of young wines and wines maturing in amphora and barrique barrels.

At the onset of the new millennium they started bottling wines, aged in barrique barrels, into special amphora shaped bottles which were specially designed for them by the renowned designer, Tanja Pak. It was this very bottle that inspired a new line of wines – the amphora wines. In moving to a new cellar in 2007, this inspiration was transformed into reality. The new, bigger winery amphorae, delivered from Georgia, were buried into the ground by a special technique. These are of various sizes, from 300 to 2,500 litres. An amphora, one of the oldest containers, is made from baked clay and has been used in Georgia for over 5,000 years. By maturing wine in amphora, the Erzetičs seek the source, the essence, which stands for the top quality and technique used many years ago. The amphora wines can only be made from good vintages and from carefully selected grapes. Only after longer maturing they enter the market and are

Experience&Lifestyle Slovenia suitable for ageing. These wines are intended for gastronomic delights and moments when one takes time for wine. They are completed by outstanding minerality and a taste of fullness.

The new cellar has enabled the winegrower from Višjenik to be able to offer many varieties and types of wine to wine enthusiasts. It comprises several cellar spaces. The amphorae are housed in the "barrique cellar" and the "inox cellar". In barrique barrels both white and red wines mature. The barrels are of various sizes and are also distinguished by manufacturers – originating from Slovenia, Croatia and France. Wines are nurtured in amphorae and later mature in the barrique barrels for up to 24 months. The more complex wines include: 3

Cabernet Sauvignon Amphora, Pinot gris Amphora, Red Amphora and White Amphora. The inox cellar prides itself on modern technology and an improved cooling and ventilation system. Young and vigourous wines, defined by playful green labels, mature in inox containers.

The palette of wines include: Pinot gris, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rebula and Don, a type of red wine. The offer of such wines is further complemented by a pink coated bottle of rosé Damski rosé (Ladies' rosé).

Goriška Brda is the home of Rebula and Višnjevik, from where the Erzetič family originates, is known as the birth place of this vintage wine. Rebula is the oldest homegrown type, mentioned in historical sources as early as the 13th Century. This great wine is formed by freshness and minerality, as well as the aura and harmony of gentle scents.

The oldest member of this noble family is Rebula Nero, also known as "Pokalica". It has long been extinct in Goriška Brda, but the Erzetičs decided to bring it back to life and reintroduce it to the market. With experience and

good judgement, the Erzetičs will enrich their wine palette with a new type, the only ones in Goriška Brda who can pride themselves upon it. The dimension given by this wine cannot be expressed through exact words. However, this wine will most definitively awaken interesting feelings and pamper your senses in a unique way.

Rebula Nero was planted in the new vineyard, "Veliki vrh" (The Great Peak), in 2012.

With this new vineyard, the farm was expanded by 16,000 vines of various sorts, most of which are, of course, Rebula and Rebula Nero.

This vineyard has also been the reason for yet another crucial decision. Wanting something different and friendlier, ecologically more attentive, the decision was made for ecological production. With this decision, the Erzetičs slogan "A story about people and a story about wine" can also be supplemented with a story about nature because year after year, nature offers its charm and variety to grapes from which high quality wines are made by the Erzetičs from Višjenik. 

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The barrique wines cellar The Erzetič family Cellar with inox barrels The smallest amphora shaped wine container The amphora wines cellar Village Višnjevik – home of the Erzetič family Erzetič wines

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Experience&Lifestyle Slovenia

Great variety of local delights in Central Slovenia

Trnič cheese from Velika planina

Mushroom soup with žganci, Dobrepolje

Ljubljana cottage cheese pancakes

Štruklji rolls

Fried chicken drumstics and wings, Ljubljana

Čot žlinkrof dumplings, Škofljica

there is the Ljubljana Culinary Festival. On Ljubljana's Festive Fair from 3 December to 1 January 2015 you will be able to explore and taste the flavours of the Central Slovenia.

In Central Slovenia you can have your own culinary festival in gostilnas and tourist farms every day. Dol pri Ljubljani the Pr' Krač tourist farm, for example, serve a juicy roast knuckle of veal and the popular destination of Velika Planina has its salty Trnič cheese balls made from local sheeps milk.

When in Ljubljana try the Ljubljana cottage cheese pancakes with a cottage-cheese and tarragon filling or the Ljubljana egg dish, frog legs from the Ljubljana Moors, Ljubljana strudel, fried chicken drumsticks and of course the Ljubljana cake.

In Dobrepolje, mushroom soup is the speciality and Borovnica is known for American blueberries. In Vrhnika, štruklji rolls with prune filling are the local delight while in Logatec, one village further west, the specialty is the wine štruklji roll.

In the Horjul Valley, Šara stew is popular.

It consists of pork, potatoes, turnip, rutabaga, carrots and parsley. Other local delights include smoked sausage (Trzin), stuffed pig (Domžale), vampi goulash (Komenda), Vodice pretzel (Vodice), poprtnik Christmas Bread (Velike Lašče), Čot žlinkrofi dumplings (Škofljica), apple sticks (Log-Dragomer), veal stew (Brezovica), honey (Dobrova-Polhov Gra-

dec), Carnolian sausage (Medvode), doughnuts (Trojane) and stuffed pig stomach (Moravče).

The local cuisine gives the region a taste but also teaches us a little bit of history. Why are liver sausages much more popular in and around Litija than they are in the rest of the country? Litija lies along the railway from Ljubljana to the east and the Czechs, who built this railway, brought their recipe for liver sausages.

Close to Litija you can find Bogenšperk Castle which was the home of Janez Valvasor.

Valvasor was a 17th century historian and his work has taught us a lot about the history of Slovenia and its surroundings, including the dietary habits of those days. In Gostilna Pri Mačku, in Šmartno pri Litiji, you can eat a Valvasor platter. The village of Ig commemorates the pile dwellers that once lived there with a Pile dweller’s platter which includes cereal, vegetables and carrots.

Due to the ever increasing globalisation, burgers and Asian food can be found almost anywhere in the world including Central Slovenia, although it is with the traditional kitchen that the region distinguishes itself. Dishes developed centuries ago and perfected over time make a visit to a restaurant or gostilna in Central Slovenia a worthwhile adventure. 

By Mark Koghee • Photos by: Tomo Jeseničnik

Ljubljana Cake

In Slovenian culture, food occupies a prominent place. Living close to nature, the Slovenians have a long tradition of a great variety of homemade food. In Central Slovenia, the 200 different dishes of the country's 24 gastronomic regions come together.

A little anecdote! When entering a gostilna (inn) just outside Ljubljana last summer, my guest suddenly stood still and was sniffing around. We went for just a drink but it would be more. "It smells so good here I have to taste something, let’s try the beef soup." The big bowl of genuine Slovenian beef soup with chunks of beef and noodles, a regional specialty, was gone in the blink of an eye.

Beef soup is one of the most popular culinary delights in Central Slovenia where a variety of dishes is served. The region is at the crossroad of different culinary cultures. The cuisine in the centre of Slovenia is influenced by the Mediterranean, Alpine, Pannonian and Balkan kitchens.

The Central Market in Ljubljana is the centrepiece of the culinary scene. Every Friday, from mid-March till October, there is a large food market with an Open kitchen. In market stalls, chefs from top restaurants, farms and local food and beverage vendors offer their culinary delights. You can also taste a mix of cuisines from all around the world as the food market is not limited to Slovenian products alone.

In autumn, there will be several events pleasing to the taste-buds. On 24 October there is Čokoljana – a chocolate fair at the Central Market, followed the next day by the Ljubljana Wine Route. On 20 November, the Slovenian Wine Festival in Ljubljana and at the same day

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www.visitljubljana.com

* Cycling along the Mura River. Rejdno dobro. Sparkling Wine.

Rejdno dobro. “Prleška Tünka.” Rejdno dobro. Pumpkin Oil. Rejdno dobro. “Špricer” from Goričko. Rejdno dobro.

Castel Grad. Rejdno dobro. Vulcania. Rejdno dobro. Homemade Bread. Rejdno dobro. “Pereci.” Rejdno dobro. Prekmurje Ham. Rejdno dobro. Orchid from Dobrovnik. Rejdno dobro.

Thermal Water. Rejdno dobro. “Radenska Slatina”. Rejdno dobro.

Spoiling Yourself. Rejdno dobro. Pomurje. Rejdno dobro! *Really good. Come and experience by yourself!

www.rejdnodobro.si

Experience&Lifestyle Slovenia

Pomurje

Region of Culinary Delights 1

Visiting Pomurje is not only about cycling and diving in to the geothermal springs, but it is also an opportunity to spoil the taste buds by sampling the traditional cuisine accompanied by local wines in one of many inns and wineries of the region.

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Lendava – Capital of Bograč

Smells of Prekmurje

The region along the Mura River, a lowland in the embrace of surrounding hills resembling those in Tuscany and Alsace, is situated in Central Europe where many different cultures, languages and cuisines intertwine. A charming example of it is Lendava, the global capital of Bograč (a stew, made from three different meats: pork, beef, and venison) where, at the end of summer each year, the culinary festival of Bograč has taken place for many decades. A walk through the streets of Lendava, between the historical background of bourgeois houses and at the foot of the picturesque Lendava vineyards where the famous Bograč dish is prepared in some hundreds of cauldrons, is a remarkable experience. A particularly significant mark on the town was left by the historic intertwinement of two different nations, which is reflected also in the cuisine, where Hungarian and Slovenian tastes intermingle in many dishes, such as Kvašene ugorke (Leavened pickles) with red peppers, Dödoli, Bograč, Sataraš, and Paprikaš. When lingering in the area, similarities in the language become quickly apparent and easily recognisable as many terms and expressions are used on the Slovenian as well as the Hungarian side.

Heading a little to the south, we encounter another interesting culinary event, Diši po Prekmurju (Smells like Transmuraland), a festival of wine and food, where visitors can taste the local and traditional dishes. Prekmurska gibanica (Transmuraland layered pastry) and Prekmurska šunka (Transmuraland ham) are two traditional dishes, bringing much pride to the people of Pomurje, and are thus protected.

Prekmurska gibanica holds a special place among pastries and desserts and is a Slovenian specialty. This festive and ceremonial dish is named after the wrinkles created by the layers of filo pastry and sweet stuffing, and was once regarded as a real treat for the families from rural areas who could afford it only on particularly special occasions.

Jeruzalem Wines The best known winery trail is through Jeruzalem. The picturesque landscape covered by vineyards, wine cellars and wineries, where one is greeted and invited to sample their exquisite wine. The excellent placement, tradition, experience and professionalism of the winemakers and cellarmasters give the lo-

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cally produced wine an impeccable taste and a distinctive note. Visitors can enjoy many different, predominately white wines, such as Laški and Renski rizling (Welsch and Rhine Riesling), Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Kerner, and Sivi pinot (Grey Pinot). In June of each year, the winemakers of Jeruzalem host the Salon Jeruzalem (Jerusalem Salon), where their wine and cuisine is presented.

Traminer wines from Slovenia and neighbouring countries and top chefs are responsible for the memorable event that sticks in one’s mind for a long, long time. There are dry as well as medium dry Traminer wines at hand, Traminer sparkling wines, sweet or mellow, strawberry and archival wines.

Sparkling At the border with Austria, in Gornja Radgona, they hold an Open Cellars Day every year on the last Sunday in June for the cellars of Radgonske gorice, a traditional winemaker of sparkling wines since 1852, when the very first Slovenian sparkling wine was produced.

The lifting of ripened sparkling wine from the Mura River, a tour of the cellars under a rock, a waterfall, a Roman wheel and a treasure trove of archival champagnes are just a small part of the day, where some also cycle between the vineyards.

Glamourus Experience The Negova castle is the scene for the Salon Traminec event. More than a hundred vintage

Cuisine of Pomurje The authentic cuisine of Prekmurje and Prlekija can be tasted in numerous inns throughout the region, where the salad is always served with pumpkin oil and the so called Pereci, the domestic rye bread from the furnace. Chefs prepare the dishes from homegrown, local products, and therefore ensure its quality, excellence and uniqueness of taste. Socialising with the locals is an excellent and unique experience, as they are known for their hospitality and proneness to spending time and having some fun with tourists and visitors; a table under the shadow of the vine trellis is quickly filled with local culinary delights from homeproduced wines, elderflower juice to freshly baked rye bread, Tunka meat (meat, preserved in lard), Zaseka (minced bacon with lard and onion) and last but not least, spirits that will light a fire in the taste buds.

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The region is well aware of their culinary importance, which is also a promising opportunity for tourism development and is therefore united under the trade mark Re(j) dno dobro (Always Good). This explains why he local brands in the region are forming and connecting with each other.

Come, see and taste for yourselves! 

1 House of Sparkling Wine Frangež 2 Bograč 3 Paprikaš, Gostilna Rajh 4 Rye Bread, Tourist Farm Kozelinovi 5 Pereci 6 Mlin on the Mura 7 Prekmurska Gibanica, Tourist Farm Kozelinovi 8 Culinary Delights, Gostilna Rajh 9 Posolanka 10 Ham of Prekmurje, Passero

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Experience&Lifestyle Slovenia

ŠUS Eurofitness –

Best sporting offer in town Do you have little spare time and yet would like to do various sporting activities? Then Sports Centre ŠUS Eurofitness in Ljubljana is the right place for you. It offers fitness, group exercise, a spa centre with a pool, Turkish sauna, jacuzzi and more. ŠUS Eurofitness is the first Heart Friendly Sports Centre in Slovenia.

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Experience&Lifestyle Slovenia The centre is a partnership between the Catalan UBAE organisation from Barcelona and Športna Unija Slovenije.

The membership based system is an all inclusive offer - every member can use all the services for the same price.

Members can attend more than 300 hours of group exercise a month; group workouts range from 6am to 10pm daily. Various activities are in English, which attracts and inspires international members.

Comments Gregor Pečovnik, ŠUS Eurofitness Director: "Don’t let work stress influence your body. Lead a healthy lifestyle and try to relax. ŠUS Eurofitness offers everything in one place. The Centre is the only one in Slovenia awarded a Heart Friendly Sports Centre certificate."

Neisha – Neža Buh (Slovenian pianist and pop singer): "I've loved and enjoyed going to the sports centre ŠUS Eurofitness for a year and a half now.

Regular trainings have become a constant feature in my life. The concept of the sports centre is right up my valley because it offers fitness training, explosive group exercises, swimming in the pool and sauna, where I can relax at the end of my training in one place. I spend so much time there that it has become my home away from home. Kindly recommended!"

Marilena Boianugiu (Spouse of the Romunian Ambassador to Slovenia): "I enjoy training at SUS Eurofitness. The staff is friendly, the trainers are great (trilingual and professional), the premises are nice, modern and well equipped. On top for me, swimming is very important: the pool is a must. I have it all in one place. Priceless!"

Contact: ŠUS Eurofitness Vodnikova cesta 155 1000 Ljubljana E-mail: sus@eurofitness.com Telephone: +386 1 518 1662 Web: www.sportnahisailirija.si Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 6 am – 10 pm Saturday-Sunday: 9 am – 9 pm Holidays: closed

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20th Sarajevo Film Festival in numbers 246 FILMS FROM 60 COUNTRIES • 9 VENUES • 600 EMPLOYEES • 400 VOLUNTEERS • OVER 3.000 ACCREDITED GUESTS FROM 61 COUNTRIES • OVER 850 ACCREDITED MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES FROM 35 COUNTRIES • OVER 100.000 VISITORS AT ALL THE PROGRAMMES

Sarajevo Film Festival

20 Amazing Years

By Almir Flisar

The Sarajevo Film Festival, an international film festival with a special focus on the region of South East Europe, successfully concluded with the award ceremony. The focus on regional cinematography through the competition selections for feature, short and documentary film, as well as a focus on the film industry (CineLink), an educational platform for young filmmakers (Talents Sarajevo) and the presence of the international film industry, filmmakers and media representatives, together with over 100,000 visitors, confirms SFF’s status as the leading film festival in the region, recognised by film professionals and the broader public alike.

In an emerging territory of over 140 million inhabitants, the Sarajevo Film Festival serves as a common platform for the film industry in the entire region, setting standards for the organisation of film festivals, as well as for the promotion and presentation of film in South East Europe. Furthermore, the Sarajevo Film Festival shines an international spotlight on film, talent and future film projects from South East Europe.

The Festival began with screenings of BRIDGES OF SARAJEVO (Aida Begić, Leonardo di Costanzo, Jean-Luc Godard, Kamen Kalev, Isild Le Besco, Sergei Loznitsa, Vincenzo Marra, Ursula Meier, Vladimir Perišić, Cristi Puiu, Marc Recha, Angela Schanelec, Teresa Villaverde) at the National Theatre; LOVE'S A BITCH (Alejandro González Iñárritu) at the HT Eronet Open Air Cinema and OF HORSES AND MEN (Benedikt Erlingsson) at the Meeting Point Cinema. The Festival closed with the screening of MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT (Woody Allen).

The presence of popular actors including Gael Garcia Bernal, Bérénice Bejo, Ariane Labed, Halit Ergenç, Simon McBurney and Academy Award Winner Melissa Leo, acclaimed directors like Michael Leigh, Michael Winterbottom, Yi’nan Diao, Bela Tarr, Pawel Pawlikowski, Jasmila Žbanić, Christi Puiu, and Academy Award Winners Michel Hazanavicius and Danis Tanović as well as many other prominent filmmakers added glamour to the Festival as they walked the Red Carpet.

Numerous Slovenian filmmakers and their creations took part in the festival. The documentary movie PROJECT: CANCER directed

by Damjan Kozole was shown in the program SFF Guest Present. GOING OUR WAY 2 directed by Miha Hočevar was presented to the audience of SFF Teen Arena. ČEFURJI RAUS, a co-production directed by Goran Vojnović was hosted in the section of BH Film. Among the participants this year at Talents Sarajevo were Miha Šubic, Doroteja Nadrah in Blaž Setnikar.

The 21st Sarajevo Film Festival will take place from 14 - 22 August 2015.

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Culture&Events 20th Sarajevo Film Festival awards Official awards HONORARY HEART OF SARAJEVO Agne`s B., Designer and filmmaker (France) Gael García Bernal, Actor (Mexico) Danis Tanović, Director (B&H)

COMPETITION PROGRAMME - FEATURE FILM HEART OF SARAJEVO FOR BEST FILM SONG OF MY MOTHER / KLAMA DAYIKA MIN Director: Erol Mintaş SPECIAL JURY PRIZE BRIDES/ PATARDZLEBI Director: Tinatin Kajrishvili (Georgia, France)

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HEART OF SARAJEVO FOR BEST ACTRESS Mari Kitia (BRIDES/Georgia, France) HEART OF SARAJEVO FOR BEST ACTOR Feyyaz Duman (SONG OF MY MOTHER/ Turkey, France, Germany)

COMPETITION PROGRAMME - SHORT FILM HEART OF SARAJEVO FOR BEST FILM THE CHICKEN / KOKOŠKA Director: Una Gunjak (Germany, Croatia) Financial award in the amount of 2,500 € SPECIAL JURY MENTION SHELTERS / ZAKLONI Director: Ivan Salatić (Montenegro) SPECIAL JURY MENTION THE EXECUTION / A KIVÉGZÉS Director: Petra Szőcs (Hungary, Romania)

COMPETITION PROGRAMME - DOCUMENTARY FILM HEART OF SARAJEVO FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM NAKED ISLAND / GOLI Director: Tiha K. Gudac (Croatia) SPECIAL JURY PRIZE JUDGEMENT IN HUNGARY / PRESUDA U MAĐARSKOJ Director: Eszter Hajdu (Mađarska, Njemačka, Portugal) SPECIAL JURY MENTION HAPPILY EVER AFTER / LJUBAVNA ODISEJA Director: Tatjana Božić (Netherlands, Croatia) HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD JUDGEMENT IN HUNGARY Director: Eszter Hajdu (Hungary, Germany, Portugal) Award for the best film of the Competition Programme - Documentary Film dealing with the subject of human rights. Award in the amount of 3,000 € is granted by The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

1 Gael García Bernal, Honorary Heart of Sarajevo, 20 th Sarajevo Film Festival, 2014 2 Cast and crew of the film BRIDGES OF SARAJEVO 3 Lun Mei Gwei, Actress from the film BLACK COAL, THIN ICE with Yi'nan Diao - Director of the film BLAC 4 Danis Tanović - Recipient of Honorary Heart of Sarajevo 5 Actress Marion Bailey and Director of the film MR. TURNER Mike Leigh in Sarajevo 6 Mirsad Purivatra and Agne`s B, Opening Ceremony, Honorary Heart of Sarajevo 7 Annie Leibovitz at the Red Carpet 8 Christoph Terhechte, Chris Dercon, Daniela Michel, Melissa Leo, Orsi Tóth, Béla Tarr and Rasha Salti 9 Vesna Milek with Michel Hazanavicius - Director and Bérénice Bejo - Actress of the film THE SEARCH 10 Recipients of Festival Awards, Festival Awards Ceremony

KATRIN CARTLIDGE AWARD WINNERS 2014 Abdel Salam Shehadeh, Ashraf Mashharawi and Media Town Pro

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Culture&Events

The beauty and power of the

Škofja Loka Passion Play

The play is based on the oldest preserved dramatic text in Slovenian language, originating in 1721 when it was written by Capuchin Lovrenc Marušič, known also as Romuald from Štandrež. Štandrež is a village near Gorica where Romuald was born, however he went to Škofja Loka to serve his duty as a Capuchin.

Today the manuscript of the play is kept in the Capuchin monastery in Škofja Loka. A copy can be viewed in the monastery’s library.

The origin and tradition of Škofja Loka is a medieval town with the Škofja Loka Passion Play

many treasures. Among them is the Škofja Loka Passion Play, the biggest open air drama performance in Slovenia. After six years, the performance will again set out on its way along the streets and squares of the medieval town in March and April 2015. We went back in history to discover the roots, motive and message of the play.

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Looking back in history, we can see that the play was written during a time when Slovenia was affected by a disastrous plague which killed many people. Those who survived were scared and tried everything to stop the terrifying disease. They organised processions during Easter when they performed the suffering of Jesus Christ. These processions were proposed

by Bishop Tomaž Hren from Ljubljana who asked the Jesuits to organise them. The processions took place in the streets of Ljubljana however, many times, the chief officer of the district of Škofja Loka, Mr Anton the Noble Ecker, suggested a procession also be organised in Škofja Loka. In 1720, the Capuchin Lovrenc Marušič was elected to prepare everything for

the procession. He found volunteers from the town and from the Selška and Poljanska valleys to perform the play - the same approach is used today. The play was first performed in 1721 and then also in 1727 and 1728. After that it took hundreds of years to renew it in its original form, in fact until 1999 and then in 2000 and2009 and it will be again be performed in 2015.

The powerful message of the Škofja Loka Passion Play Today the Škofja Loka Passion Play is performed to preserve this unique piece of Slovenian cultural heritage and make it available for people to see and experience. It is believed that it’s not a coincidence that the rivers Selška and Poljanska Sora join in Škofja Loka. Through the Škofja Loka Passion Play, over 1,000 volunteers from both valleys join together to prepare this beautiful open air play. The Škofja Loka Passion Play reminds us of vulnerability and the short time that we have available on earth. It encourages us to play our role as best as we can, despite the suffering that escorts us on the journey. Due to the beauty and the strong message that it carries, it is no wonder that about 25,000 people from all parts of Slovenia, Europe and the globe come to see it. 

Culture&Events

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Show business

Nobody rocks 2

the new Ljubljana stadium

By Tomi Gračanin

In four years there has been only one rock concert in the 'new' Stožice stadium in Ljubljana. Unlike bigger cities nearby, there have been no major international acts performing in Ljubljana to attract thousands of visitors. Is the stadium too small, too expensive or is Slovenia just not interesting to the major tour promoters?

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Metallica, Bob Dylan, Depeche Mode, Joe Cocker and Lenny Kravitz are among the world famous artists who have performed in the old stadium in Ljubljana. The Bežigrad stadium, built in 1928 and designed by architect Jože Plečnik, has also hosted two sold out poprock concerts: In 1998 Irish-American family group, The Kelly Family, sold 30.000 tickets.

Five years later the stadium was full when Siddharta, the most popular Slovenian rock group, opened their Rh- tour accompanied by the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra.

Ten years ago, on 18 August 2004, the national football team played the last match on the stadium. In 2010, a new central stadium was built in Ljubljana but in the four years since, only one concert has taken place in the newly built venue. It was Siddharta again, who in June 2011 recorded their live album and DVD there.

A small but expensive stadium Metallica sold 20,000 tickets for their concert at the Bežigrad stadium which was enough in 1999, explained the legendary concert promoter, Igor Vidmar. But last year, the average attendance at Mettalica concerts was 46,000 and the average gross income from ticket sales was EUR 2.8m. Have concerts become too big for Ljubljana?

Not necessarily, claims Mitja Prezelj, another experienced concert promoter. He says that all performers who have appeared in the nearby towns in the last two or three years, in Trieste, Udine, Zagreb and Belgrade - Metallica, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay, Pearl Jam, Robbie William's, Roger Waters, etc.

- could have appeared in Ljubljana.

"Ljubljana is, due to its geographical location, very interesting for performers touring in this part

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of Europe as the major cities such as Munich, Vienna, Milan, Budapest, Belgrade are less than eight hours drive away. Therefore, Ljubljana is logistically ideal for performances between these cities," explained Prezelj. But due to high local costs and the lack of additional revenue, the offer from Slovenia is not competitive.

The cost of renting Stožice stadium for a concert is more than EUR 100,000. The price list says that rental for one day is EUR 48,000 but the promoter must also cover the lawn (EUR 22,000) and the construction of the infrastructure and preparing the venue takes an extra two days and the day after the event must be reserved for cleaning (EUR 16,000 per day).

The terms are better in some other towns, says Prezelj. For example, in Trieste and Zagreb there is no cost to rent the stadium and the local communities participate in the cost of promotion, protection... So the cost of a concert for approximately 20,000 visitors in those towns is around EUR 200,000 less than Ljubljana, which allows organisers to offer higher performance fees to the artists.

Vidmar doubts, that the Stožice stadium could host 20,000 visitors for a concert. He unofficially heard the number is around 16,000.

The Zagreb city stadium can take around 40,000 and Trieste around 30,000 people. Furthermore, the stadium in Ljubljana wasn’t built to be functional for concerts.

The town hall doesn’t mind rock’n’roll "When they first started to plan the Stožice arena hall, some fifteen years ago, they consulted me as the most important concert promoter in Ljubljana at that time," says Vidmar. "There was no doubt then that it should be a multi-purpose venue.

When the new sports park was finally opened, I was invited to a TV news show together with the architect, Boštjan Vuga. I mentioned that I had

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heard that the acoustics in the hall were not good and he replied that it was a sports hall. It seems they had forgotten the promise for a multi-purpose hall. I don’t know why. Maybe there were time constraints when building it, maybe the mayor and his team were far more interested in sport than in other programs. The same goes for the nearby stadium, apparently it was built for sport and now not much is going on there. Okay, it was full for the Olimpija – Chelsea match, there are maybe two football matches that fill the stadium each year and that’s it. For concert use, the stadium should be different but it has to be architecturally beautiful, 'the most beautiful stadium in the world', so now it’s functional for football only. They built it without thinking about the content. The mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković, promised a new stadium, so there had to be one" concluded Vidmar.

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The Bežigrad stadium is in ruins "Logistically, the old stadium was very difficult, but the times were different," Vidmar explained the frequent concert events at the Bežigrad stadium. "In the nineties, the audience was very receptive, in fact 'hungry' for concert programs which previously did not exist. Also, because of the war in Croatia, larger bands were not able to play there due to insurance problems, so many visitors came to Ljubljana from Croatia."

The company, Bežigrajski Športni Park, in which the majority of the shares are owned by a private investor, Joc Pečečnik, tried to stop the decline of Plečnik's stadium. A few years ago he presented the plans but the project stands still, it still hasn't got the permits for construction. 

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1-3 The only concert so far in the ‘new’ Ljubljana central stadium: Siddharta in June 2011.; Photo: PHOTOECLIPTIC (Aleksander Remec in Bruno Sedevčič) 4 Igor Vidmar: You could improvise, but why should you improvise on the ‘most beautiful stadium in Europe’, if they could plan things properly?; Photo: Tomi Gračanin 5 -8 The Bežigrad stadium is locked and deteriorating.; Photo: Luka Krajnik

Autumn Edition 2014 | The Slovenian Times

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Photo: Aleš Fevžer/Turizem Ljubljana

Photo: Timing Ljubljana/Turizem Ljubljana

Photo: Jean-Claude Carbonne/CD

Event Guide

Les Nuits (Ballet Preljocaj)

Ljubljana Marathon 2014

Ljubljana Wine Route

Cankarjev dom, Ljubljana, 7 October , Tickets EUR 16 - EUR 28.50 One of France's leading choreographers, Angelin Preljocaj's resoundingly successful productions, created primarily for his ballet ensemble based in Aix-en-Provence, have over the past few years grown to transcend the genre of dance. For his new, internationally acclaimed show, Preljocaj, he drew inspiration from the treasury of One Thousand and One Nights. Instead of acting out oriental clichés, the scenes portray a modern interpretation of Scheherazade. Another mesmerising dimension of the show is the music by Natacha Atlas, whereas the eroticism of the dance is enhanced by the costumes of Tunisian-born couturier Azzedine Alaïa.

Ljubljana, 26 October The Ljubljana Marathon is a mammoth celebration of running with nearly 18,000 runners from 40 countries. The marathon is becoming more popular every year and the number of participants is on the increase. This year competitors can choose between a classic marathon (42 km), a half marathon (21 km) or various shorter recreational races. All the races will be held within the wider city centre area.

Ljubljana, 8 November The Ljubljana Wine Route (Ljubljanska vinska pot) marks St. Martin's Day when, according to Slovenian tradition, grapes must officially turn to wine. The event includes the tasting of young wine and culinary delights served from stalls set up in front of the old city centre's bars and restaurants. Slovenia is a country of good wines distinguished by their remarkably natural tastes. Ljubljana is not part of a wine-growing region, but due to its tradition as a commercial centre for the country's wine-growing districts it holds the international title of a "City of Vine and Wine". The Ljubljana Wine Route, held annually in Ljubljana's city centre on the banks of the Ljubljanica river, brings together winemakers from all the wine-growing regions of Slovenia. Apart from wines, it also features traditional Slovenian dishes. Wine and food are available to visitors for both tasting and purchase at favourable prices. The event also offers the opportunity to enjoy brass band concerts and folklore shows and thus experience a bit of Slovenia's rich cultural heritage.

Photo: Eventim

Culinary experience

Photo: Cankarjev dom

Sport

Photo: Warwick Saint

Ballet

Concert

Michael Buble

Concert

Joan Baez Cankarjev dom, Ljubljana, 13 October, Tickets EUR 32 – EUR 49 Joan Baez has been as busy as ever in the five years since she celebrated the landmark years of 2008-2009, the 50th anniversaries of her legendary residency in 1958 at the famed Club 47 in Cambridge, and her subsequent debut at the 1959 Newport Folk Festival. In addition to multiple tours of the US, Joan’s 1960 debut Vanguard LP has been recently installed into the Grammy Hall Of Fame. She remains a musical force of nature whose influence is incalculable.

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The Slovenian Times | Autumn Edition 2014

Dvorana Stožice, Ljubljana, 6 November, Tickets EUR 49.50 – EUR 190 Our capital will host another vocal superstar.

Canadian singer and actor, Michael Buble, has received many musical awards and this year he received his fourth Grammy award for the album To Be Loved. He released his first album in 2001, but he achieved real success two years later, with his third album that reached the top billboard charts in Canada and Great Britain.

He attained fame in 2005, when he released his album, It's Time - it was the time when the charming Canadian started to gain success after success! In 2007 he released the album, Call Me Irresponsible and again reached the top of the charts in the USA, Australia and many European countries. The current album, To Be Loved, proves that Michael Buble's success is no coincidence- with his current album he has already received recognition – the Grammy.

Ballet

Anna Karenina (Ballet of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb) Cankarjev dom, Ljubljana, 10 November, Tickets EUR 13 – EUR 23 Anna Karenina, one of the world's most famous novels by the illustrious Russian author Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy, has been thrilling readers worldwide since it was created. The tragic, passionate story of Anna Karenina, ready to die for

Event Guide her great love, has remained an inexhaustible inspiration for many theatre and film authors.

The novel became a ballet in 1972 when the renowned Maya Pliseckaya danced the heroine on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre. Since then, several choreographers have adapted this great literary model for the stage. The staging of Leo Mijić is based on a firm dramaturgy, set to the music by Tchaikovsky, and boasts a charged dramatic arc that transcends the limits of the neoclassical contemporary ballet and establishes itself as a highly aesthetic dance theatre.

Concert

Metal All Stars

25th Liffe – Ljubljana international film festival

Ljubljana and Maribor, various venues, 12-23 November The 25th Liffe will again feature a representative selection of the latest cinematic production, while also looking back at its 25-year history and brightening the November melancholy mood. It is strongly recommended that you build up your cinematic fitness by 12 November, when over 100 films will be shown in five cinemas in Ljubljana (and one in Maribor).

Photo: Tomislav Vidović

Photo: Eventim

Movies

Photo: Eventim

Hala Tivoli, Ljubljana, 4 December, Tickets EUR 29 – EUR 34 The caravan Metal All Stars is, after a successful Eastern European tour, coming to Slovenia. On the tour, the authenticity of club performance and the splendour of the festival is combined.

Metal All Stars is a unique opportunity to see the stars performing their own songs accompanied by great musicians and experience the unique processing of other stars of heavy metal music world. The list of artists promises a great evening for every metal fan: Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society), James LaBrie (Dream Theater), Geoff Tate (ex Queensryche), Joey Belladonna (Anthrax), Dave Ellefson (Megadeth) and many others.

Concert

One Republic Dvorana Stožice, Ljubljana, 16 November, Tickets EUR 35 – EUR 49 Seven years ago, One Republic achieved fame with their hit Apologize and became one of the most popular artists in the world. With their recent album that contains the hit If I Lose Myself and mega hit, Counting Stars, their fame reached sky high. At the beginning of the 2104 the band was thrilled to see all the Slovenians who visited heir show in Graz. Their singer, Ryan, said hello to them and mentioned, that they really have to visit Slovenia. The American rockers from Colorado started their career in 2003, when they achieved their first commercial success on myspace. In 2007 they released their first album, Dreaming Out Loud, where their hit Apologize (a remix was made by Timberland) can be found which achieved enormous success in sixteen countries and gained a Grammy nomination. After their second hit, Stop and Stare, their first album reached platinum. In 2009 they released their second album Waking Up with hits including All the Right Moves, Secrets, Marchin On in Good Life they again reached first charts.

Exhibition

BIO 24 – 24th Ljubljana Biennial of Design

Ljubljana, various venues, until 7 December The Ljubljana Biennial of Design is a prestigious international exhibition of industrial design products, visual communication pieces, corporate identity solutions, and design concepts. The goal of the exhibition, organised by the Ljubljana Museum of Architecture and Design, is to present the latest trends in contemporary design with a particular emphasis on innovative products providing solutions to the problems of life today, promoting sustained development and social responsibility, and meeting consumer specific needs. This year's BIO exhibition will bring together innovative, comprehensive, functional and sustainable design solutions from 27 countries, selected by an international panel of judges. The best of them, as decided by the judges, will be awarded the BIO Design Awards.

Concert

Bryan Adams Dvorana Stožice, Ljubljana, 14 December, Tickets EUR 45 – EUR 89 Bryan Adams, will be hitting the road this November to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of his multi-million selling album, Reckless. Since its release in 1984, Reckless has gone three times Platinum in the UK alone. It spawned huge hits such as Run to You, Kids Wanna Rock, Somebody, Summer of '69, One Night Love Affair and It's Only Love a duet with the incomparable Tina Turner. Reckless also gave Bryan his first U.S. #1 on Billboard with Heaven as well as a Diamond Award for over a million sold in his home country of Canada. The album was the turning point in Adams' career, as his music opened up new countries for him, resulting in his hugely successful World Wide in '85 Tour.

As Canada's best known ambassador, Bryan Adams has spent the last three decades making music history. He has sold upward of 65 million records, toured six continents and achieved #1 status in over 40 countries around the world.

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