WEBVTT 00:00:07.633 --> 00:00:09.459 Hello. 00:00:09.586 --> 00:00:13.246 As you've been notified, the Prime Minister scheduled 00:00:13.367 --> 00:00:17.899 a consultation about the long-term use of nuclear power in Slovenia. 00:00:18.072 --> 00:00:21.419 In the wake of the meeting with political figures, 00:00:21.566 --> 00:00:25.426 I give the floor to Prime Minister Golob. 00:00:25.553 --> 00:00:30.459 Hello. Today, we met with practically all of Slovenia's 00:00:30.579 --> 00:00:34.732 political representatives to discuss our long-term 00:00:34.919 --> 00:00:41.406 energy policy and the role of nuclear energy within it. 00:00:41.626 --> 00:00:44.346 I'm happy to announce 00:00:44.466 --> 00:00:48.399 that we have a nearly 100% political consensus. 00:00:48.546 --> 00:00:51.412 Today, all the parties 00:00:51.546 --> 00:00:54.905 and other prominent representatives agreed 00:00:55.026 --> 00:00:58.619 that the path toward a carbon-free society 00:00:58.739 --> 00:01:02.799 is based on two energy sources: 00:01:02.939 --> 00:01:07.039 renewables on one hand... I'll backtrack. 00:01:07.173 --> 00:01:11.119 Our path is based on two sources: 00:01:11.240 --> 00:01:14.226 renewable sources of electricity on one hand, 00:01:14.347 --> 00:01:17.926 and nuclear energy as a part of our carbon-free future 00:01:18.059 --> 00:01:22.951 on the other. We also have unanimous support for further steps 00:01:23.072 --> 00:01:28.545 to build the second unit at the Krško Nuclear Power Plant. 00:01:28.666 --> 00:01:31.586 That's our first and most important message. 00:01:31.706 --> 00:01:35.459 The project is significant not just because of its costs, 00:01:35.573 --> 00:01:39.059 the size of the investment, but primarily 00:01:39.173 --> 00:01:42.285 because of Slovenia's future, so it's important 00:01:42.406 --> 00:01:46.406 that we find a consensus rather than compete with each other. 00:01:46.559 --> 00:01:48.972 We'll seek common solutions 00:01:49.133 --> 00:01:52.889 in terms of the necessary groundwork, 00:01:53.026 --> 00:01:56.099 including legislative changes if needed 00:01:56.239 --> 00:01:58.506 to expedite the project. 00:01:58.673 --> 00:02:02.359 I'm thinking mostly about spatial planning legislation, 00:02:02.519 --> 00:02:08.139 which has delayed similar projects. 00:02:08.279 --> 00:02:14.306 We also need to hear the people's opinion on this important issue. 00:02:15.206 --> 00:02:20.272 Later on, we had a consultation of all five parliamentary parties, 00:02:20.419 --> 00:02:26.384 and we came to the same conclusion: we want the referendum question 00:02:26.505 --> 00:02:30.899 to be defined jointly and therefore sufficiently clear, 00:02:31.039 --> 00:02:36.199 and we'd all like the referendum to take place this year. 00:02:36.339 --> 00:02:39.912 In the days and weeks ahead, the government 00:02:40.059 --> 00:02:43.299 will approve the Resolution on the Peaceful Use 00:02:43.420 --> 00:02:46.886 of Nuclear Energy in Slovenia. That resolution 00:02:47.007 --> 00:02:50.619 will then be sent to parliament and serve as the basis 00:02:50.766 --> 00:02:53.646 for the referendum question. Based on that, 00:02:53.826 --> 00:02:56.632 an advisory referendum will be scheduled, 00:02:56.786 --> 00:03:01.932 and I trust that all five parties will co-sign the question 00:03:02.106 --> 00:03:09.456 and then campaign in favor of nuclear energy. 00:03:09.913 --> 00:03:13.279 Thank you, Prime Minister. Do we have any questions 00:03:13.400 --> 00:03:15.080 about today's meeting? 00:03:15.206 --> 00:03:18.739 We'll have enough time for other questions. 00:03:18.860 --> 00:03:22.265 Go ahead. Introduce yourself and ask your question. 00:03:22.426 --> 00:03:26.932 Slobodan Jovič, Vaš Kanal. According to current information... 00:03:27.093 --> 00:03:28.693 Microphone. 00:03:28.826 --> 00:03:32.726 According to current information, three equipment suppliers 00:03:32.847 --> 00:03:37.459 are being considered: the French, the Americans and the South Koreans. 00:03:37.673 --> 00:03:40.986 Is there any truth to the notion that the French 00:03:41.126 --> 00:03:44.946 are conditioning this with the existence of Novo Mesto's 00:03:45.139 --> 00:03:49.932 Revoz factory, if Renault were to greenlight another production 00:03:50.066 --> 00:03:56.878 line for Revoz? Reportedly, you even talked about this 00:03:56.999 --> 00:04:00.192 with Macron when you were in France. 00:04:00.406 --> 00:04:03.672 That's not accurate at all. 00:04:03.826 --> 00:04:07.679 There's absolutely no connection between those two things, 00:04:07.826 --> 00:04:11.286 in terms of either the timeline or any discussions. 00:04:11.439 --> 00:04:15.966 But it's true that we have three potential suppliers, which is good. 00:04:16.087 --> 00:04:19.886 That's why the government has decided to expand the scope 00:04:20.007 --> 00:04:24.512 of the project, so we can now have multiple suppliers. 00:04:24.693 --> 00:04:29.779 We haven't received any offers yet, and the process of carrying this out 00:04:29.900 --> 00:04:32.960 will last quite some time. 00:04:33.126 --> 00:04:35.972 It will require a lot of effort and money, 00:04:36.133 --> 00:04:38.585 so it's too early to talk about that, 00:04:38.726 --> 00:04:42.579 but having multiple bidders is good news for the project. 00:04:42.713 --> 00:04:46.072 And, yes, EDF is one of the potential suppliers. 00:04:46.259 --> 00:04:50.199 The rest never happened; the French didn't even try 00:04:50.320 --> 00:04:52.453 to propose it. 00:04:52.599 --> 00:04:54.199 Next question. 00:04:54.359 --> 00:04:59.239 Rok Šuligoj, TV Slovenia. It seems that there were 00:04:59.373 --> 00:05:04.299 three different views regarding this question. 00:05:04.486 --> 00:05:11.439 I'm curious if you talked about what the referendum question 00:05:11.586 --> 00:05:17.213 might look like and what the power of the second unit will be? 00:05:17.373 --> 00:05:25.112 Also, have you agreed about a more precise date? 00:05:25.859 --> 00:05:33.546 We agreed to define the question together. 00:05:33.686 --> 00:05:36.032 To the question posed to SDS leader 00:05:36.153 --> 00:05:39.631 if they're prepared to withdraw from their initiative 00:05:39.752 --> 00:05:42.866 if we define that question, the answer was yes. 00:05:43.019 --> 00:05:47.126 I applaud this. I see a genuine readiness by all five parties 00:05:47.266 --> 00:05:49.292 to agree on a question. 00:05:49.453 --> 00:05:53.519 I consider this to be crucial. For now, we're leaning toward 00:05:53.659 --> 00:05:56.292 a date in the second half of the year. 00:05:56.406 --> 00:05:59.585 There's no final date; we'll talk about it. 00:05:59.713 --> 00:06:03.659 Based in part on the information we have from the investors, 00:06:03.780 --> 00:06:07.278 namely GEN Energija, the power will be up to 2400 MW. 00:06:07.399 --> 00:06:11.845 Up to that amount. That is the limit. 00:06:11.993 --> 00:06:14.846 Perhaps the unit will be much smaller, 00:06:15.006 --> 00:06:17.646 but it's too early to talk about that. 00:06:17.779 --> 00:06:21.219 Any other questions about the meeting? Go ahead. 00:06:21.346 --> 00:06:27.733 Your government had previously indicated that the referendum 00:06:27.926 --> 00:06:32.452 could take place somewhat later. Have you now decided to hurry up 00:06:32.573 --> 00:06:36.559 because of SDS's initiative? I noticed that you had planned 00:06:36.739 --> 00:06:42.856 the referendum for 2027, I believe, to get the unit on the grid by 2038. 00:06:43.019 --> 00:06:46.412 Since the referendum will now take place sooner, 00:06:46.533 --> 00:06:49.972 will the construction also be completed earlier? 00:06:50.139 --> 00:06:54.366 One of the reasons why it makes sense for the referendum 00:06:54.539 --> 00:06:58.406 to take place this year is to expedite various procedures, 00:06:58.526 --> 00:07:03.019 particularity the spatial planning process. The construction depends 00:07:03.140 --> 00:07:07.385 on the supplier and the contractor, so this only affects spatial 00:07:07.506 --> 00:07:12.299 planning and pre-construction work. The second reason for doing this now 00:07:12.433 --> 00:07:15.099 is to give a green light to the investor 00:07:15.219 --> 00:07:21.405 so that all pre-construction work before the 2027/2028 decision, 00:07:21.533 --> 00:07:25.806 and that will amount to more that €100 million is investments, 00:07:25.986 --> 00:07:29.299 is unambiguously greenlit. 00:07:29.453 --> 00:07:33.539 We'll also ask the people if we should invest so much money 00:07:33.699 --> 00:07:37.892 into the project today, so that no one will be able to say 00:07:38.039 --> 00:07:41.166 that we're too far down the line to decide. No. 00:07:41.333 --> 00:07:46.346 The final decision on the project will still be made in 2028, 00:07:46.486 --> 00:07:50.099 but we're now sending a strong signal to the investor 00:07:50.266 --> 00:07:53.006 to carry on with its work at full speed. 00:07:53.133 --> 00:07:56.459 And Gašper Lubej. -Gašper Lubej, Al Jazeera. 00:07:56.586 --> 00:08:00.185 There have been quite some doubts in the civil society 00:08:00.339 --> 00:08:06.199 about the rush. We're talking mostly about the price. 00:08:06.326 --> 00:08:10.052 What price can we expect, and will the citizens know, 00:08:10.186 --> 00:08:14.556 when they head to the polls, what price we're taking about? 00:08:14.706 --> 00:08:19.145 Perhaps €10 billion, €15 billion, €20 billion? That's important 00:08:19.266 --> 00:08:21.052 to the taxpayers. 00:08:21.213 --> 00:08:25.452 And what can you tell us about the civil society's role? 00:08:26.655 --> 00:08:31.179 As I've mentioned, the final amount and the final decision 00:08:31.346 --> 00:08:34.586 will be known in 2028. 00:08:34.879 --> 00:08:38.159 Only then will we know what you're asking me. 00:08:38.632 --> 00:08:42.841 During its next term, the government will make its decision, 00:08:42.962 --> 00:08:47.393 based on the investor's plan, and I trust the National Assembly 00:08:47.553 --> 00:08:50.872 will approve that decision. It's entirely possible 00:08:50.993 --> 00:08:55.406 that we'll have a second referendum on the same subject then. 00:08:56.879 --> 00:09:01.692 As mentioned, holding a referendum this year makes sense 00:09:01.879 --> 00:09:05.959 for two reasons: because we're sending a clear signal 00:09:06.086 --> 00:09:10.466 that we're continuing our work and checking the will of the people 00:09:10.619 --> 00:09:14.919 before we invest €100 million or more into this project, 00:09:15.059 --> 00:09:17.905 and because the investor will know 00:09:18.093 --> 00:09:20.691 that it has the support of politicians 00:09:20.812 --> 00:09:24.392 as well as the public to carry on its work. 00:09:24.659 --> 00:09:26.478 And the civil society? 00:09:26.813 --> 00:09:31.519 The civil society will take part in the referendum 00:09:31.640 --> 00:09:34.039 according to its wishes and needs. 00:09:34.193 --> 00:09:37.552 If you're asking about the civil society's role 00:09:37.673 --> 00:09:41.572 in the project itself, it's too early to talk about that 00:09:41.693 --> 00:09:44.753 because we're not preparing... I'll backtrack. 00:09:44.874 --> 00:09:48.300 The Resolution on the Peaceful use of Nuclear Energy 00:09:48.421 --> 00:09:51.634 was subject to a wide-ranging public discussion. 00:09:51.755 --> 00:09:55.707 That's the basis for our referendum question. 00:09:55.828 --> 00:09:59.795 The resolution will be taken up by the government next week, 00:09:59.916 --> 00:10:04.162 and then head to Parliament. The resolution, 00:10:04.283 --> 00:10:08.517 in which the civil society was involved with proposals, comments. 00:10:08.638 --> 00:10:12.201 This resolution will also be the basis for this referendum. 00:10:12.322 --> 00:10:17.064 Last question. -Since we're speaking about energy self-sufficiency, 00:10:17.185 --> 00:10:18.941 I'm interested in the Energy Act. 00:10:19.062 --> 00:10:22.079 There have been a lot of issues regarding biomass, 00:10:22.200 --> 00:10:26.466 you said you wouldn't abolish new furnaces in new buildings. 00:10:26.587 --> 00:10:28.703 Why did you decide that? 00:10:28.824 --> 00:10:33.165 Biomass is obviously an important energy source in Slovenia. 00:10:33.286 --> 00:10:35.507 I will repeat what I said yesterday. 00:10:35.628 --> 00:10:39.607 I think there has been a big miscommunication 00:10:40.141 --> 00:10:43.773 and a misinterpretation of what these articles even mean, 00:10:43.894 --> 00:10:45.630 let me only talk about the numbers. 00:10:45.751 --> 00:10:47.503 I made additional inquiries, 00:10:47.624 --> 00:10:52.381 last year the number of biomass furnaces in new buildings 00:10:52.502 --> 00:10:54.201 was lower than 150. 00:10:55.396 --> 00:10:57.313 150 is almost nothing. 00:10:58.116 --> 00:11:02.746 The whole act significantly accelerates the green transition, 00:11:02.867 --> 00:11:06.226 but the debate was reduced to 150 new buildings. 00:11:06.347 --> 00:11:10.291 For the simple reason that we want the act to receive adequate attention 00:11:10.412 --> 00:11:14.026 for points that are important, we simply withdrew this. 00:11:14.147 --> 00:11:18.583 These 150 new buildings, regulated by state-of-the-art furnaces, 00:11:18.704 --> 00:11:23.499 will not affect the green transition or the clean air in any way. 00:11:23.620 --> 00:11:27.399 In a way, they are a distraction from the real problems, 00:11:27.520 --> 00:11:30.345 and we want to really focus on the real problems. 00:11:30.466 --> 00:11:37.584 We have problems with PM10 particles in many settlements, 00:11:37.705 --> 00:11:42.265 which means very bad air, especially in winter. 00:11:42.510 --> 00:11:46.303 Most of this pollution comes from burning solid fuels, 00:11:46.424 --> 00:11:49.004 not from new furnaces, but from outdated ones, 00:11:49.125 --> 00:11:53.398 and the Government will focus and allocate huge resources 00:11:53.519 --> 00:11:59.670 in order to replace these old biomass furnaces with new biomass furnaces. 00:11:59.791 --> 00:12:01.743 This process is already underway, 00:12:01.864 --> 00:12:04.275 we have quadrupled the funds for this purpose 00:12:04.396 --> 00:12:07.813 in the last and in the next three years, 00:12:07.934 --> 00:12:12.482 compared to the previous mandates. Wood biomass not only remains, 00:12:12.603 --> 00:12:18.186 but it is one of the main sources on which our energy future is based. 00:12:18.307 --> 00:12:21.099 We're investing huge resources in it. 00:12:21.220 --> 00:12:25.423 This really was a miscommunication, 00:12:25.544 --> 00:12:28.695 the Government doesn't want to prevent biomass, on the contrary. 00:12:28.816 --> 00:12:31.774 It will remain, but, of course, we want to improve devices, 00:12:31.895 --> 00:12:35.472 so there is less pollution from this same biomass. 00:12:35.593 --> 00:12:38.898 One last question please. 00:12:39.019 --> 00:12:40.798 Andreja Lončar, Forbes. 00:12:40.919 --> 00:12:43.884 You said the current analyses indicate the possibility 00:12:44.005 --> 00:12:46.606 of connecting the 2400 MW unit. 00:12:46.727 --> 00:12:48.516 As I understand, 00:12:48.637 --> 00:12:52.749 we will determine the number of units based on this, 00:12:52.870 --> 00:12:56.432 and whether we will invite other countries to participate. 00:12:56.553 --> 00:13:01.806 The number of units determines the need for reserves. 00:13:01.927 --> 00:13:06.801 There are a lot of assumptions. We won't know all of that this year? 00:13:06.922 --> 00:13:09.092 No, you're right. 00:13:09.305 --> 00:13:13.594 We're talking about a consultative referendum. 00:13:13.715 --> 00:13:16.916 Do we want nuclear energy to remain a part 00:13:17.037 --> 00:13:19.206 of the future of the Republic of Slovenia 00:13:19.327 --> 00:13:22.448 and will the construction of the second block receive 00:13:22.569 --> 00:13:26.649 the support of the people as part of the future. 00:13:27.127 --> 00:13:31.863 The final decision on the project will be made in 2028. 00:13:31.984 --> 00:13:35.950 Then we will not only have all the answers, 00:13:36.071 --> 00:13:38.783 we will also have a binding offer 00:13:40.006 --> 00:13:42.855 from the investor and the supplier. 00:13:42.976 --> 00:13:47.213 We'll know how much it will cost us, how quickly it will be built, 00:13:47.334 --> 00:13:50.576 and what will be the price of the electricity from this project. 00:13:50.697 --> 00:13:54.331 Only then can we make the final decision. 00:13:54.776 --> 00:13:57.045 However, we have to get there, 00:13:57.166 --> 00:14:01.396 and we have to invest at least a 100 million euros to get there. 00:14:01.517 --> 00:14:03.604 Today we were illustratively given 00:14:03.725 --> 00:14:09.403 the example of the Czech Republic, which is a few steps ahead of us. 00:14:09.524 --> 00:14:14.700 To be able to get a binding offer from one of the equipment suppliers, 00:14:15.126 --> 00:14:22.204 the supplier had to work with 200 experts for a whole year. 00:14:22.721 --> 00:14:26.482 The offer is 30,000 pages long. 00:14:27.299 --> 00:14:31.499 This is the scope of tasks that our investors also have to perform. 00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:35.892 The offers that they will have to evaluate will be 30,000 pages long, 00:14:36.013 --> 00:14:38.013 which is why this process is so long. 00:14:38.134 --> 00:14:42.893 It is only right it is, we'll decide where to invest tens of billions, 00:14:43.014 --> 00:14:46.269 not necessarily of taxpayers' money, 00:14:46.506 --> 00:14:51.557 on the contrary, most of the project will not be financed from the budget, 00:14:51.678 --> 00:14:54.757 this is not foreseen, the money should come from investors. 00:14:54.878 --> 00:14:57.764 There will be a lot of opportunities to talk about that. 00:14:57.885 --> 00:15:01.799 The project is so big and so important that it deserves all the attention 00:15:01.920 --> 00:15:05.580 and all the time that it needs. 00:15:05.790 --> 00:15:10.068 But there will be a question about it? -Yes, there has to be, 00:15:10.189 --> 00:15:15.242 otherwise not even an investor has the legitimacy to invest 00:15:15.363 --> 00:15:18.133 substantial resources in the preparation of documentation 00:15:18.253 --> 00:15:20.673 to obtain relevant data. 00:15:20.943 --> 00:15:24.208 The Court of Audit has dealt with several dilemmas 00:15:24.329 --> 00:15:26.329 whether the management of the investor 00:15:26.450 --> 00:15:29.860 was justified in investing in feasibility studies and the like. 00:15:29.981 --> 00:15:32.194 Now there won't only be feasibility studies, 00:15:32.315 --> 00:15:35.730 they will have to carry out the whole process of selecting a supplier 00:15:35.851 --> 00:15:39.554 and placing it in the space. This is an extremely complex process 00:15:39.675 --> 00:15:42.195 and also financially demanding. 00:15:42.407 --> 00:15:44.007 Sara Dvorjak, TV Slovenia. 00:15:44.128 --> 00:15:46.667 What are your views on the doctors' strike? 00:15:46.788 --> 00:15:49.701 No, only questions about this meeting. 00:15:49.822 --> 00:15:53.400 Any other questions about energy? -Thank you. 00:15:53.521 --> 00:15:59.593 Other countries. -This is the last question, we have another speaker. 00:16:01.981 --> 00:16:05.099 The involvement of other countries. 00:16:05.220 --> 00:16:08.456 Croatia, Italy, there are quite a lot of options here. 00:16:08.577 --> 00:16:12.528 How will you deal with this, and at what stage? 00:16:12.831 --> 00:16:16.499 In terms of taxpayers' money, I didn't understand. 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:20.760 This will certainly also require some budget funds. 00:16:20.881 --> 00:16:27.865 Not before 2028. -And after? 00:16:27.986 --> 00:16:29.586 When the decision is made, 00:16:29.707 --> 00:16:35.410 it will also include the business model and who the investors are, 00:16:35.531 --> 00:16:39.532 and then we will decide on everything you asked me about. 00:16:39.653 --> 00:16:41.935 First, how many investors, who they are, 00:16:42.056 --> 00:16:44.287 and how the Slovenian side participates. 00:16:44.408 --> 00:16:50.212 The Slovenian side can be GEN Energy or businessmen 00:16:50.333 --> 00:16:53.019 who have already expressed their intention, 00:16:53.140 --> 00:16:55.024 maybe we will issue bonds 00:16:55.145 --> 00:16:59.756 or even a public call for population participation. 00:16:59.974 --> 00:17:02.535 All these questions are open, 00:17:02.656 --> 00:17:05.180 but will be known before the final decision. 00:17:05.301 --> 00:17:09.811 Thank you, Prime Minister, I think that is all. -Thank you. 00:17:09.932 --> 00:17:13.400 I give the floor to the president of the Slovenian Democratic Party, 00:17:13.521 --> 00:17:15.521 Mr Janez Janša. 00:17:25.558 --> 00:17:29.612 Please. -Thank you. Greetings to everyone. 00:17:29.733 --> 00:17:33.880 Currently, there are over 400 nuclear reactors operating in the world, 00:17:34.001 --> 00:17:40.215 nuclear energy is the largest single source of energy balances in Europe. 00:17:40.665 --> 00:17:48.087 In average, almost 60 new reactors are being built in EU member states. 00:17:48.561 --> 00:17:53.828 Not a week goes by without some other country, 00:17:54.388 --> 00:17:57.467 even those that were sceptical of nuclear energy, 00:17:57.588 --> 00:18:01.376 announcing their transition to nuclear energy. 00:18:02.238 --> 00:18:04.600 As far as the Northern Hemisphere is concerned, 00:18:04.721 --> 00:18:08.372 there is no other permanent and cheap source 00:18:09.026 --> 00:18:11.192 available in the foreseeable future, 00:18:11.313 --> 00:18:14.647 therefore the inclusion 00:18:15.127 --> 00:18:18.592 of new capacities for the production of nuclear energy, 00:18:18.713 --> 00:18:20.779 the acquisition of nuclear energy 00:18:20.900 --> 00:18:26.239 is essentially a strategic question of the quality of life, safety, 00:18:26.360 --> 00:18:29.826 and, perhaps, the existence of civilisation. 00:18:29.947 --> 00:18:37.095 I am saying this because it is clear 00:18:37.216 --> 00:18:40.919 that Slovenia doesn't produce nuclear reactors, 00:18:41.043 --> 00:18:45.407 we are dependent on those who do, who deliver them. 00:18:46.171 --> 00:18:51.624 All that I listed before means that the queues are getting longer. 00:18:51.745 --> 00:18:55.990 If the queues are getting longer, the delivery time is longer, 00:18:56.111 --> 00:18:58.111 and the prices are going up. 00:18:58.232 --> 00:19:02.474 Because of that, in my opinion, today's meeting was useful, 00:19:02.595 --> 00:19:07.146 not only from the point of view of reaching a political consensus, 00:19:07.267 --> 00:19:11.706 but it was useful above all because, 00:19:11.827 --> 00:19:13.976 if this agreement is implemented, 00:19:14.097 --> 00:19:16.312 it will speed up the process of building 00:19:16.433 --> 00:19:20.183 the second block of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant, 00:19:20.304 --> 00:19:24.599 and also the process of a principled decision 00:19:24.720 --> 00:19:27.742 with the highest degree of legitimacy 00:19:27.863 --> 00:19:30.399 on the peaceful use of nuclear energy 00:19:30.520 --> 00:19:33.219 even when it comes to small modular reactors 00:19:33.340 --> 00:19:36.700 when they become commercially available. 00:19:37.942 --> 00:19:40.404 As the Prime Minister said, 00:19:40.525 --> 00:19:44.015 a political consensus of the parliamentary parties was reached 00:19:44.136 --> 00:19:48.493 to hold a consultative referendum this year. 00:19:49.393 --> 00:19:52.765 Probably in the second half of this year. 00:19:53.262 --> 00:19:57.800 The Slovenian Democratic Party filed a formal request 00:19:57.921 --> 00:20:02.408 for the National Assembly's decision to hold a consultative referendum, 00:20:02.529 --> 00:20:05.283 some deadlines are already in progress, 00:20:05.404 --> 00:20:08.296 but we're willing to include 00:20:08.417 --> 00:20:12.627 the government resolution on peaceful use of nuclear energy 00:20:12.748 --> 00:20:16.528 which was in the public debate last year, 00:20:16.745 --> 00:20:21.604 which means that part of the public debate about the referendum 00:20:21.725 --> 00:20:23.725 has already been done anyway, 00:20:23.846 --> 00:20:26.814 because this resolution deals with the same thing. 00:20:26.935 --> 00:20:29.868 From that point of view, 00:20:29.989 --> 00:20:33.110 we will also participate 00:20:34.316 --> 00:20:36.799 by withdrawing our special request 00:20:36.920 --> 00:20:40.664 and submitting, together with the other parliamentary parties, 00:20:40.785 --> 00:20:44.945 both the agreed question and the agreed interpretation of the content 00:20:45.066 --> 00:20:47.710 of this government resolution. 00:20:47.834 --> 00:20:50.427 The Government has promised, 00:20:50.954 --> 00:20:54.108 despite the fact that the public debate has already been completed 00:20:54.229 --> 00:20:56.779 in this phase from the adoption by the Government 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:58.676 to the parliamentary procedure, 00:20:58.797 --> 00:21:01.700 to include the proposals of the parties 00:21:01.821 --> 00:21:05.256 that do not form the government coalition. 00:21:05.996 --> 00:21:10.504 We were also glad of the information 00:21:11.220 --> 00:21:15.319 or the assurances of some of the ministers present 00:21:15.440 --> 00:21:18.675 that the proceedings can be sped up. 00:21:18.796 --> 00:21:24.096 As I said, every month that Slovenia can gain 00:21:24.217 --> 00:21:30.011 to queue up for a nuclear reactor as soon as possible 00:21:30.369 --> 00:21:33.926 is measured in tens of millions of euros 00:21:34.047 --> 00:21:39.894 that Slovenian taxpayers will pay in one way or another. 00:21:40.015 --> 00:21:43.545 Either through electricity prices, 00:21:43.666 --> 00:21:46.903 if the main investor is GEN, 00:21:47.024 --> 00:21:51.295 the Slovenian company 00:21:51.936 --> 00:21:57.413 that is intended to invest in the second block, 00:21:58.094 --> 00:22:01.539 or directly through the budget. 00:22:01.844 --> 00:22:07.433 In any case, time is a financial component here. 00:22:08.513 --> 00:22:14.746 Sooner we reach this decision, sooner it will be available. 00:22:14.926 --> 00:22:17.566 This is a difficult project for Slovenia, 00:22:18.879 --> 00:22:22.399 from a human resources point of view as well. 00:22:22.659 --> 00:22:25.179 The expert say that it is necessary 00:22:25.366 --> 00:22:33.293 for this project additionally educate, enable around 600 experts, 00:22:33.459 --> 00:22:40.313 who will have to function at the end of 2030s 00:22:40.706 --> 00:22:46.086 when the 2nd block should be running or come into commercial use. 00:22:47.399 --> 00:22:49.876 This is all from our side. As I've said, 00:22:50.029 --> 00:22:54.123 I believe the meeting was useful and we are happy that our initiative 00:22:54.336 --> 00:22:56.666 has accelerated this process. 00:22:58.486 --> 00:23:01.466 There is no doubt, when we should have a referendum, 00:23:01.593 --> 00:23:05.153 this year, next year or in three years' time. 00:23:05.346 --> 00:23:07.819 We agreed that it will be this year. 00:23:08.013 --> 00:23:10.453 Are there any questions for Mr. Janša? 00:23:10.719 --> 00:23:15.959 Andreja Lončar, Forbes. You've said that you have... 00:23:16.999 --> 00:23:21.106 You agree to change a referendum question or to form it together. 00:23:21.273 --> 00:23:25.173 You used a term "affordable electricity from JEK 2". 00:23:25.406 --> 00:23:29.353 Will you insist on this definition? 00:23:29.639 --> 00:23:34.366 Or how do you deduce the price of electricity from JEK 2? 00:23:35.953 --> 00:23:37.553 Well... 00:23:38.626 --> 00:23:43.686 Not just today, but in a foreseeable future, it is clear 00:23:44.053 --> 00:23:47.746 what is the anticipated price 00:23:48.039 --> 00:23:52.333 of kilowatt-hour from different resources, 00:23:52.559 --> 00:23:56.846 different energy sources. Nuclear energy is a cheap source. 00:23:57.119 --> 00:24:03.346 A decision to build a second block of the nuclear power plant means 00:24:03.493 --> 00:24:08.526 that consumers of electrical energy in Slovenia 00:24:08.773 --> 00:24:13.733 in the next decades will have a cheap source available. 00:24:14.919 --> 00:24:19.299 If you search the internet, 00:24:19.553 --> 00:24:24.193 where different suppliers are offering a comparison 00:24:24.386 --> 00:24:30.553 between electrical energy prices from nuclear plants, solar panels, 00:24:30.713 --> 00:24:35.473 wind, coal and so on, it is absolutely clear. 00:24:36.126 --> 00:24:39.039 And here... 00:24:39.999 --> 00:24:43.373 Slovenia isn't doing anything special. 00:24:44.426 --> 00:24:47.339 This switch, this shift in mindset 00:24:48.173 --> 00:24:54.326 that nuclear energy is necessary for a green transition as well, 00:24:54.453 --> 00:24:57.846 for a realistic green transition, 00:24:58.259 --> 00:25:03.106 is a realization of the majority in the EU for at least two years now. 00:25:03.506 --> 00:25:06.073 Thank you. Any more questions? 00:25:06.486 --> 00:25:09.419 If not, I will thank Mr. Janša. Thank you. 00:25:09.546 --> 00:25:13.846 I invite here the president of Nova Slovenija, Mr. Matej Tonin. 00:25:21.459 --> 00:25:23.059 Go ahead. 00:25:24.293 --> 00:25:30.553 Hello. In this moment there are 100 nuclear power plants in EU 00:25:30.719 --> 00:25:33.239 and 412 around the world. 00:25:33.639 --> 00:25:37.659 It is clear that now we can't imagine 00:25:37.813 --> 00:25:40.859 decarbonisation without the nuclear energy. 00:25:41.126 --> 00:25:45.779 I think it's important that we reach a clear decision in Slovenia, 00:25:45.906 --> 00:25:47.606 how to continue in this area. 00:25:47.753 --> 00:25:51.913 I can tell you that Nova Slovenia supports nuclear power 00:25:52.146 --> 00:25:57.873 and wishes to reach a decision for a 2nd block as soon as possible. 00:25:58.106 --> 00:26:00.206 In some way we are late already. 00:26:00.346 --> 00:26:02.873 If we look at the current situation in Europe, 00:26:03.066 --> 00:26:07.426 you can see that Germany is taking a different direction. 00:26:07.679 --> 00:26:11.993 They are thinking of opening the already closed power plants. 00:26:12.172 --> 00:26:16.373 And current opposition in Germany has announced 00:26:16.493 --> 00:26:20.006 that they want to build new nuclear power plants. 00:26:20.233 --> 00:26:26.819 We know that France has a lot of nuclear power plants too. 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:31.126 The procedures for building are long 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:35.299 and it's important that these things are decided as soon as possible 00:26:35.479 --> 00:26:38.719 and that we get in line for this technology, 00:26:38.839 --> 00:26:40.953 which is needed for a nuclear power plant. 00:26:41.126 --> 00:26:43.466 Today's meeting was useful. 00:26:43.699 --> 00:26:47.993 I am glad that political parties are capable of a dialog and agreement, 00:26:48.159 --> 00:26:51.046 when there is a future of Slovenia on the table. 00:26:51.273 --> 00:26:54.846 Maybe this is a big project, 00:26:55.059 --> 00:26:57.399 mainly future oriented, 00:26:57.579 --> 00:27:00.386 because future generations will benefit from it the most. 00:27:00.553 --> 00:27:05.959 It will be operating only in 20 years. 00:27:06.213 --> 00:27:10.246 It is of key importance that politics is united in such a project. 00:27:10.406 --> 00:27:14.173 When we formed our own state, 00:27:14.373 --> 00:27:19.179 politics uniformly decided to make a plebiscite, which was a success. 00:27:19.453 --> 00:27:24.226 I wish the case of this nuclear power plant will be similar 00:27:24.339 --> 00:27:27.859 and we will find a question together 00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:30.499 and realize the referendum 00:27:30.679 --> 00:27:35.013 with a clear instruction of our citizens to direct the politics, 00:27:35.113 --> 00:27:38.786 to implement a project, needed for our self-sufficiency 00:27:39.033 --> 00:27:41.053 and decarbonisation. 00:27:41.313 --> 00:27:43.579 As far as the question is concerned, 00:27:43.773 --> 00:27:47.986 I was on the side, which proposed it to be 00:27:48.206 --> 00:27:49.879 short, clear and understandable. 00:27:50.099 --> 00:27:54.506 It means that we have to ask people directly, 00:27:54.693 --> 00:27:58.986 if they agree with building a 2nd block of the nuclear power. 00:27:59.179 --> 00:28:02.373 I find it important 00:28:02.659 --> 00:28:08.993 to realize it this year. We shouldn't waste any more time. 00:28:09.906 --> 00:28:12.239 Thank you. Are there any questions? 00:28:12.479 --> 00:28:15.259 No? Yes, Mr. Gašper Lubej. 00:28:18.713 --> 00:28:22.833 Gašper Lubej, Al Jazeera. You say, it should be clear, 00:28:23.026 --> 00:28:27.666 if people agree with building, but without knowing the costs. 00:28:27.979 --> 00:28:33.679 You don't see it as a problem? Civil society is warning about this. 00:28:33.926 --> 00:28:39.166 Thank you. -Prime Minister promises us clarification before the decision. 00:28:39.346 --> 00:28:44.046 This is such an important and big project, 00:28:44.259 --> 00:28:47.686 which will cost a few billion Euros 00:28:47.899 --> 00:28:50.466 and many different governments shall deal with it. 00:28:50.693 --> 00:28:53.673 We need a clear commitment of the politics first 00:28:53.819 --> 00:28:56.786 and a decision of the citizens that they support it. 00:28:57.053 --> 00:29:01.413 This is a first step. When this will be done, 00:29:01.566 --> 00:29:04.019 the serious procedures will start. 00:29:04.153 --> 00:29:06.753 First we'll have to choose a technology, 00:29:06.866 --> 00:29:11.093 today we saw three different providers, three versions. 00:29:11.246 --> 00:29:15.439 We'll choose the most optimal and the most rational for Slovenia. 00:29:15.579 --> 00:29:20.079 When all this shall be known and we'll have a provider 00:29:20.173 --> 00:29:26.439 with a binding offer, when the cost and other things are clear, 00:29:26.639 --> 00:29:30.706 the final decision will be made. 00:29:31.039 --> 00:29:35.353 But there are a few millions Euros in play, 00:29:35.533 --> 00:29:40.266 which will be used from then on, 00:29:40.446 --> 00:29:43.859 when the politics and citizens shall decide, 00:29:43.993 --> 00:29:46.199 whether we want the nuclear energy. 00:29:46.413 --> 00:29:51.939 I think it's important that we decide this on referendum. 00:29:52.273 --> 00:29:54.173 Thank you. 00:29:54.339 --> 00:29:57.579 If there are no more questions, thank you Mr. Tonin 00:29:57.793 --> 00:30:00.753 and all media representatives. Have a nice day. 00:30:00.933 --> 00:30:02.926 What about Levica? -No. 00:30:04.179 --> 00:30:08.073 Prime Minister said it all and they said no. 00:30:08.206 --> 00:30:10.033 Thank you very much.