WEBVTT

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Today we met
with the Slovenian economy summit

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with the aim
of addressing the issue

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of energy costliness
in the economy as well.

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It is very clear that Europe's
energy markets have failed.

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Next year prices
have reached levels

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which are completely
unsustainable and pointless.

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After a short discussion,
we briefed the economists

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on the measures already taken.

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And especially
on the plans for the future.

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At the same time, we agreed on joint
activities for the coming month.

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I will describe
the measures very briefly.

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In the past months,
the Government

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first prepared measures
for the household energy costs.

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These measures have already
exceeded 1.1 billion,

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they will be approaching 1.2 billion
euros in the coming period.

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Just today, the Government
passed the law on guarantees

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to ensure liquidity funds
for the energy economy,

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also in the amount of 1.2 billion.

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The measures we will have to take
for the needs of the economy

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are currently estimated
at more than 1.5 billion.

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How much will actually be needed
depends on how successful we will be

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in advocating the necessity of
reforming energy markets in Europe.

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In the coming days,

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Minister Kumer will attend
a summit on this very topic.

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We will also address this topic at
the European Union leaders' summit.

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We will advocate a radical reform
of the European energy market,

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because it is currently
not performing its function.

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Before the start,
the economists mentioned

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that they too would like
a price cap on their bills.

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As well as benefits
for temporary waiting

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or for reduced working hours.

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Can you be specific
about these measures?

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We exchanged views today.

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We agreed the crisis headquarters
will start operating next week,

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joint headquarters of the Government
and representatives of the economy.

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With the intention of concretising
the measures proposed today.

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In principle, we agree that

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waiting for work
is one of the possible measures.

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In principle, we agree
that an adapted

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price cap with specific adjustments
can be one of the solutions.

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However,
price caps and the like

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need to be agreed upon
at the European level as well.

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Until then,
we cannot unilaterally accept

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all of the measures
that the economists would like.

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Some need to be adjusted. Why?

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To use the funds
to restructure the economy

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and promote its green transition.

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We're talking about
5 to 10 billion EUR.

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If we go through with such
enormous investments,

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they have to be developmental.
They need to bring added value,

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they need to be wholly adapted
to create green jobs.

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The government has already
spoken about the package of measures

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that will help tackle
the rising energy prices.

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You said this was the first step.

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Can households expect new measures?

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No, we don't want to change
anything regarding households.

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In September, they'll reap
the benefits of the measures.

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We'll evaluate the results in October
and decide if we need to adjust them.

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Alongside these measures,
we'll be appealing publicly

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for all those who are facing
energy poverty,

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but we don't know about.

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We'll take time and find

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all those who need help
by November.

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Some people warn against
a catastrophe in the Winter,

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because Russia stopped its
natural gas supply on Saturday.

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What do you make of the Winter,
our industry and heating?

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Let me repeat. This will be
the hardest Winter in Europe

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in terms of price fluctuation.
The good news is

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that the reliability of supply,

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except in really harsh conditions
and very cold Winter in Europe,

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is guaranteed.

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This will happen because
the price levels

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that dominate the market

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won't be paid by the companies.

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That's why the consumption
of natural gas will shrink.

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The fear of a scarce supply
is lower by the week,

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Europe is convinced
the supply won't be limited.

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The prices, however,
will be curbed by our measures

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and the restructuring
of the European market

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so we'll be able to financially
endure this Winter.

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Thank you.