WEBVTT 00:00:00.033 --> 00:00:04.287 Hello. Today's visit of Maribor 00:00:04.913 --> 00:00:08.797 is a proof that we crossed from a phase of planning 00:00:08.987 --> 00:00:10.797 to a phase of implementation. 00:00:11.043 --> 00:00:14.517 Today, we haven't talked what we could do in the future, 00:00:14.637 --> 00:00:19.743 but what are the results of a very fruitful cooperation 00:00:19.917 --> 00:00:24.850 between the Slovenian government and key institutions in Maribor 00:00:24.990 --> 00:00:27.263 and municipality Maribor. 00:00:27.470 --> 00:00:33.357 I can say that Maribor proved itself as a city of knowledge and culture. 00:00:33.610 --> 00:00:38.330 In a uniform ecosystem it managed to combine 00:00:38.770 --> 00:00:42.590 what the most advanced European regions do. 00:00:42.743 --> 00:00:47.383 It places emphasis on knowledge and develops culture 00:00:47.563 --> 00:00:53.023 and other social systems, so living here is pleasant 00:00:53.143 --> 00:00:56.337 and people could develop their potentials here. 00:00:56.610 --> 00:00:59.263 Today, we have in the field of culture 00:00:59.557 --> 00:01:03.470 on government's meeting in Maribor ensured 00:01:03.750 --> 00:01:08.710 a financial construction for the most important cultural project in Maribor 00:01:08.817 --> 00:01:10.470 that is Rotovž. 00:01:10.677 --> 00:01:13.470 We believe that Rotovž will bring and strengthen 00:01:13.703 --> 00:01:16.430 a new identity of the city 00:01:16.530 --> 00:01:21.930 and here the new ideas could be exchanged, 00:01:22.136 --> 00:01:24.617 new views shall be created 00:01:24.757 --> 00:01:29.750 and the city will breathe in an additional spirit. 00:01:30.050 --> 00:01:32.457 As far as the development of science is concerned, 00:01:32.703 --> 00:01:34.634 we've laid two foundation stones, 00:01:34.783 --> 00:01:37.557 one for the Faculty of Health Sciences 00:01:37.800 --> 00:01:40.546 and for the Centre of Excellence for photonics, 00:01:40.666 --> 00:01:42.313 micro- and nanotechnologies 00:01:42.573 --> 00:01:47.670 with only one purpose, to bring the industry city from the past 00:01:47.857 --> 00:01:52.090 to the future, where we will build on knowledge, 00:01:52.330 --> 00:01:55.450 supercomputer, data centres, 00:01:55.583 --> 00:01:58.510 artificial intelligence, space technologies 00:01:58.890 --> 00:02:03.303 and develop quality workplaces around these disciplines, 00:02:03.670 --> 00:02:07.750 so young families can make a better living in Maribor. 00:02:07.970 --> 00:02:09.717 Thank you. 00:02:11.130 --> 00:02:14.663 Who would like to talk? Chancellor. -Thank you. 00:02:16.423 --> 00:02:20.100 Today, it's a defining moment, because we're starting 00:02:20.220 --> 00:02:22.790 implementing the project Innovum. 00:02:23.563 --> 00:02:28.437 Laying the foundation stone for Centre of Excellence is the first 00:02:28.633 --> 00:02:32.867 of the projects we've been developing in the last four years. 00:02:32.987 --> 00:02:36.697 We are very grateful to the Prime Minister, 00:02:36.857 --> 00:02:41.930 the Ministry and the whole government to recognize the importance 00:02:42.150 --> 00:02:44.890 of such efforts of the University of Maribor 00:02:45.070 --> 00:02:49.323 which ensure conditions for education of personnel, 00:02:49.477 --> 00:02:53.870 conditions for implementing excellent research work 00:02:54.027 --> 00:02:58.837 and it supports our efforts to give opportunities 00:02:58.983 --> 00:03:03.270 in the wider region of eastern Slovenia and whole Slovenia 00:03:03.477 --> 00:03:06.843 for industry to cooperate with the University 00:03:08.250 --> 00:03:16.090 and increase its competitiveness at home and in international space. 00:03:17.863 --> 00:03:22.857 In the coming months and years, until the year 2028 00:03:23.163 --> 00:03:26.390 we are planning to implement eight projects 00:03:26.503 --> 00:03:31.190 to renovate the infrastructure 00:03:32.470 --> 00:03:35.190 of the University of Maribor. Even more important is 00:03:35.363 --> 00:03:41.957 that we will be within this able to gain research equipment 00:03:42.043 --> 00:03:47.330 together with all sources that we already see clearly now 00:03:47.477 --> 00:03:52.230 to the extent of €80 million, which is an outstanding achievement. 00:03:52.390 --> 00:03:56.123 That's why I would like to thank the Prime Minister, the Minister 00:03:56.277 --> 00:03:59.870 and the whole government for support that enables 00:03:59.997 --> 00:04:02.297 Maribor to continue its tradition 00:04:03.570 --> 00:04:07.490 of the industry centre, but this time in the form 00:04:08.030 --> 00:04:12.123 of the centre of knowledge and high technologies. Thank you. 00:04:14.903 --> 00:04:17.837 Dear all, today it's a happy day, 00:04:17.963 --> 00:04:22.230 not only for Maribor and Štajerska region, but for Slovenia as a whole, 00:04:22.517 --> 00:04:28.590 because with all the measures that the Prime Minister understands, 00:04:28.850 --> 00:04:32.483 strategically supports, and in this way runs the work of the government, 00:04:34.097 --> 00:04:39.503 we will start to close the gap on the western region 00:04:39.790 --> 00:04:44.283 and start the competition with more developed region in the north, 00:04:44.550 --> 00:04:50.570 which takes away our personnel that is the most important. 00:04:51.030 --> 00:04:55.563 In the last four years we've had so much support in all areas 00:04:55.717 --> 00:05:00.117 that the city changes, it changes its identity. 00:05:00.370 --> 00:05:02.520 At the 50th anniversary of the University 00:05:02.640 --> 00:05:04.623 I would like to thank the chancellor 00:05:04.897 --> 00:05:09.257 to set up their projects so boldly to look in the future 00:05:09.403 --> 00:05:12.923 and Maribor is becoming, not only the city of culture, 00:05:13.070 --> 00:05:15.310 but also a city of knowledge as the Prime Minister said. 00:05:15.483 --> 00:05:19.683 I would like to thank all Ministers, State Secretaries who managed 00:05:19.917 --> 00:05:23.083 to bring these projects to completion. An idea is one thing, 00:05:23.210 --> 00:05:26.270 but there are many obstacles, from legal to some others. 00:05:26.423 --> 00:05:29.187 These goals aren't easy to reach. 00:05:29.307 --> 00:05:32.583 We've started with the support of OFEM. 00:05:32.803 --> 00:05:35.350 It still has many effects. 00:05:35.463 --> 00:05:38.037 The administrative centre will be relocated. 00:05:38.223 --> 00:05:40.840 Work is on-going and it means 00:05:41.003 --> 00:05:45.930 that in the year 2027 we will have only two points of local 00:05:46.050 --> 00:05:49.177 and state service on the administrative side. 00:05:49.377 --> 00:05:54.137 The second administrative centre in the state is being developed. 00:05:54.410 --> 00:05:56.337 We've managed 00:05:57.370 --> 00:06:01.323 to diversify funds with public funding 00:06:02.607 --> 00:06:05.787 at electrical energy works or waste heat 00:06:05.980 --> 00:06:09.810 with a heat pump for biomass. 00:06:10.010 --> 00:06:14.177 Now we are working in the field of knowledge. 00:06:14.350 --> 00:06:16.246 The data centre is being build. 00:06:16.366 --> 00:06:19.523 The factory of artificial intelligence will follow, 00:06:19.797 --> 00:06:23.803 which would again use waste heat 00:06:23.997 --> 00:06:27.670 from the facility and with it the heating will be cheaper 00:06:27.897 --> 00:06:30.963 for our citizens. 00:06:31.463 --> 00:06:35.277 Without this factory the heating would be more expensive. 00:06:35.403 --> 00:06:37.743 Thank you for this, too, Prime Minister. 00:06:38.443 --> 00:06:42.110 In the field of culture, which is a part of our identity, 00:06:43.177 --> 00:06:49.483 the Slovenian National Theatre received huge investments as well. 00:06:49.670 --> 00:06:52.803 The city and the whole state can be proud of it. 00:06:53.703 --> 00:06:56.670 We are talking about approximately €15 million. 00:06:57.463 --> 00:07:01.037 Chapel of Loreto and other facilities. 00:07:01.163 --> 00:07:05.103 €20.7 million that Maribor will receive 00:07:05.323 --> 00:07:10.917 with the support of this government from the European and state budget, 00:07:11.070 --> 00:07:16.157 won't only unburden the budget, it will also give us a new drive 00:07:16.310 --> 00:07:19.777 in the most important areas that we are talking about today. 00:07:19.950 --> 00:07:23.257 Knowledge, additional value and our commitment 00:07:23.350 --> 00:07:25.897 to build a supportive environment as a municipality 00:07:26.049 --> 00:07:29.803 and to set a housing fund with this money 00:07:29.950 --> 00:07:33.017 and build housing for people that need it the most. 00:07:33.177 --> 00:07:39.937 First home, young families, mainly to keep the knowledge in Slovenia. 00:07:40.203 --> 00:07:41.970 Thank you. 00:07:45.157 --> 00:07:49.270 Can we ask something Mr. Golob? 00:07:50.423 --> 00:07:52.567 Go ahead, if it is related to this. 00:07:53.860 --> 00:07:59.712 The Chamber of Commerce of Slovenia expects a remedy of this situation, 00:07:59.823 --> 00:08:02.901 namely subsidies for reduced working hours 00:08:02.984 --> 00:08:06.316 and somehow relieving the burden on the economy. 00:08:06.399 --> 00:08:09.810 A few days ago, when we spoke with business leaders in Maribor, 00:08:09.893 --> 00:08:15.560 they pointed out the increasingly difficult conditions in our region. 00:08:16.831 --> 00:08:22.303 We are in constant discussion and open dialogue with them. 00:08:23.023 --> 00:08:27.285 I would like to say two things. The state has come to the rescue 00:08:27.368 --> 00:08:29.198 several times during this term. 00:08:29.281 --> 00:08:31.397 First, when it came to the energy crisis, 00:08:31.480 --> 00:08:34.197 with large funds during the floods, 00:08:34.280 --> 00:08:39.269 and now, during the trade war, with measures that should work. 00:08:39.352 --> 00:08:41.992 Last but not least, a scheme is also in the works 00:08:42.075 --> 00:08:45.075 for large energy-intensive companies. 00:08:47.038 --> 00:08:48.639 There is nothing wrong 00:08:48.722 --> 00:08:52.094 with representatives of the business community having new ideas, 00:08:52.177 --> 00:08:53.949 I'm open to dialogue, and I believe 00:08:54.032 --> 00:08:56.590 we'll continue to address these issues successfully. 00:08:56.673 --> 00:08:59.541 However, I would like to emphasize that sometimes 00:08:59.624 --> 00:09:02.291 it is also necessary to consider the employees. 00:09:02.374 --> 00:09:05.232 And I regret that, in the case of the Christmas bonus, 00:09:05.315 --> 00:09:09.682 which is primarily intended for employees and not owners, 00:09:09.765 --> 00:09:13.111 we cannot find consensus. So I would also like to see 00:09:13.194 --> 00:09:16.305 perhaps not so much a willingness to listen to politics, 00:09:16.388 --> 00:09:18.394 but a willingness to listen to employees. 00:09:18.477 --> 00:09:21.837 There would also be dialogue within the Economic and Social Council, 00:09:21.920 --> 00:09:24.536 where all three of us are sitting at the same table. 00:09:24.619 --> 00:09:27.379 These aren't partial agreements. There must always be 00:09:27.462 --> 00:09:31.375 a triangular agreement between employees, employers, 00:09:31.458 --> 00:09:33.119 and the Government. 00:09:33.202 --> 00:09:36.013 If there was a willingness to listen, it would be easier. 00:09:36.096 --> 00:09:39.626 But I am an optimist and I believe that we will maintain this dialogue 00:09:39.709 --> 00:09:42.709 until the end of the term and beyond. 00:09:43.519 --> 00:09:48.303 On the revival of Maribor Airport. -No, there was no discussion today. 00:09:48.386 --> 00:09:54.701 Infrastructure projects are the subject of a long-term dialogue, 00:09:54.785 --> 00:09:57.905 which the Ministry of Infrastructure is conducting 00:09:57.988 --> 00:10:00.313 with representatives of the municipality. 00:10:00.396 --> 00:10:03.694 Today, the focus was primarily on concrete results 00:10:03.777 --> 00:10:05.693 that have already been achieved 00:10:05.776 --> 00:10:09.276 and on measures that will have an immediate effect. 00:10:09.359 --> 00:10:13.944 We don't want to promise something that will be realized in 10 years, 00:10:14.027 --> 00:10:17.695 today we reviewed what is already underway 00:10:17.779 --> 00:10:20.376 or will yield results over the next year. 00:10:20.459 --> 00:10:26.127 How would you comment on Brussels' warnings that there is a risk 00:10:26.211 --> 00:10:33.197 that the 2026 budget could violate public finance rules? 00:10:33.281 --> 00:10:37.561 It probably can't be that bad if you read it that way. 00:10:37.644 --> 00:10:41.837 Look, it's just a warning that the risk could arise. 00:10:41.920 --> 00:10:45.098 We estimate that this risk is minimal. 00:10:45.343 --> 00:10:47.843 All our results point to this. 00:10:48.057 --> 00:10:54.962 Slovenia has been within all fiscal rules during this term. 00:10:55.088 --> 00:11:00.608 Unlike our more developed neighbours, who have violated them. 00:11:00.692 --> 00:11:03.379 Slovenia's public debt is decreasing. 00:11:03.462 --> 00:11:08.088 I am confident that this will also be the case in 2026. 00:11:08.172 --> 00:11:11.915 We understand the warning. You always need to be careful and attentive, 00:11:11.998 --> 00:11:16.396 we have been attentive for four years and will continue to be so next year. 00:11:16.479 --> 00:11:19.698 Another question. The Šutar Act came into force today. 00:11:19.781 --> 00:11:23.067 What will be the first visible effects in practice? 00:11:23.150 --> 00:11:25.275 Who will supervise the implementation, 00:11:25.358 --> 00:11:29.964 how do you view warnings that it is unconstitutional? 00:11:30.697 --> 00:11:33.010 I will repeat. Warnings are always appropriate. 00:11:33.093 --> 00:11:36.296 We are carefully considering them. We are confident that it is not, 00:11:36.379 --> 00:11:39.386 but ultimately it is up to the Constitutional Court to decide. 00:11:39.469 --> 00:11:43.008 I am not a lawyer myself. We followed the advice of lawyers. 00:11:43.091 --> 00:11:46.217 More important than that is the purpose. 00:11:46.300 --> 00:11:48.552 The Šutar Act has only one purpose, 00:11:48.635 --> 00:11:54.552 and that is to increase the safety of all residents throughout Slovenia, 00:11:55.048 --> 00:11:57.826 including in Maribor. How will this be reflected? 00:11:57.909 --> 00:12:02.031 I believe that by changing the penal policy, for example, 00:12:02.114 --> 00:12:05.554 this will influence the behaviour of violent individuals. 00:12:05.637 --> 00:12:10.036 You should know ... I will take the time to explain this example. 00:12:10.119 --> 00:12:12.133 On the same evening, in the same bar 00:12:12.216 --> 00:12:14.123 where Aleš Šutar was killed, 00:12:14.206 --> 00:12:17.059 there had been a police intervention two hours earlier. 00:12:17.142 --> 00:12:18.909 Because there had been a fight 00:12:18.992 --> 00:12:22.588 and a violent person had beaten someone and kicked him in the head. 00:12:22.671 --> 00:12:25.034 There are recordings. He kicked him in the head 00:12:25.117 --> 00:12:26.984 when he was already unconscious. 00:12:27.067 --> 00:12:28.668 Without the Šutar Act, 00:12:28.751 --> 00:12:32.480 the responsibility for denouncing the perpetrator 00:12:32.563 --> 00:12:36.639 lay with the man who was lying on the ground, being kicked in the head. 00:12:36.722 --> 00:12:41.086 How is it normal that someone who is lying unconscious 00:12:41.169 --> 00:12:42.990 has to report the violent man? 00:12:43.073 --> 00:12:45.328 Because he did not report him, the police left 00:12:45.411 --> 00:12:47.432 and did not take the violent man away. 00:12:47.515 --> 00:12:49.717 This will no longer be the case. 00:12:49.800 --> 00:12:53.206 From now on, it is the duty of the police and the prosecution 00:12:53.289 --> 00:12:55.501 to prosecute violent offenders. 00:12:55.584 --> 00:13:00.086 Wherever it happens, because this violent offender was not a Roma. 00:13:00.169 --> 00:13:02.099 Wherever this happens, 00:13:02.183 --> 00:13:05.371 it's now the duty of the police and the prosecution to intervene 00:13:05.454 --> 00:13:08.014 and initiate prosecution. I just find it strange 00:13:08.097 --> 00:13:11.601 how we could have ended up in a situation where this is happening. 00:13:11.684 --> 00:13:14.000 And that is the point of the Šutar Act, 00:13:14.083 --> 00:13:18.282 not what some individual critics kept saying 00:13:18.580 --> 00:13:21.320 even before the Act came into effect. 00:13:21.403 --> 00:13:24.460 Thank you. 00:13:24.584 --> 00:13:27.720 Do you have any specific questions, except for comments? 00:13:27.803 --> 00:13:32.553 For the mayor. -Go ahead. -I was just waiting to save you. 00:13:32.649 --> 00:13:37.781 Mr. Mayor, the city budget has now been relieved by 21 million. 00:13:37.864 --> 00:13:42.483 You mentioned it earlier, how are you going to spend these 21 million? 00:13:42.566 --> 00:13:46.909 It probably won't be a problem. -We will invest them. 00:13:47.010 --> 00:13:53.316 Not just the 20.7, but the 6.4 from before, 00:13:53.875 --> 00:13:56.765 when we had already rebalanced the budget, 00:13:56.848 --> 00:13:59.153 amount to around 30 million, 00:13:59.236 --> 00:14:03.110 which means that the debt per capita 00:14:03.194 --> 00:14:07.195 will temporarily fall from almost €1,200 to under €1,000, 00:14:07.278 --> 00:14:10.502 which is a good feeling, but above all, it is a good feeling that, 00:14:10.585 --> 00:14:13.813 according to the legislation on how much the municipality can borrow 00:14:13.896 --> 00:14:16.230 based on the previous budget implementation, 00:14:16.313 --> 00:14:19.653 we will be able to think more boldly again 00:14:19.736 --> 00:14:23.722 about what the city still needs, apart from the House of Culture. 00:14:23.805 --> 00:14:26.732 This includes a new school, new kindergartens, 00:14:26.815 --> 00:14:31.119 and better transport infrastructure, and I don't just mean asphalt, 00:14:31.202 --> 00:14:33.802 but above all a supportive environment for knowledge, 00:14:33.885 --> 00:14:36.126 which we've seen is sufficient in the city. 00:14:36.209 --> 00:14:38.798 It pains me that it then serves other economies, 00:14:38.881 --> 00:14:43.075 even worse other countries. I want to establish a supportive environment 00:14:43.158 --> 00:14:46.617 so that young people will want to live here even more, 00:14:46.700 --> 00:14:48.307 create jobs here, 00:14:48.390 --> 00:14:55.186 and the city will not only establish the housing fund, 00:14:55.329 --> 00:14:58.859 which, alongside all private investments, 00:14:59.539 --> 00:15:03.174 will ensure that there are as many apartments as possible, 00:15:03.257 --> 00:15:06.773 that they are suitable for the needs of people, young and old, 00:15:06.856 --> 00:15:09.799 and everyone who comes to the city. The city is growing, 00:15:09.882 --> 00:15:13.101 and so are our economic entities. The trends are positive, 00:15:13.184 --> 00:15:15.737 and when they are positive, they must be exploited. 00:15:15.820 --> 00:15:17.876 We can only do this with new investments. 00:15:17.959 --> 00:15:20.747 Today, I forgot to mention that after 30 years, 00:15:20.830 --> 00:15:24.060 after seven years of my efforts with this government 00:15:24.143 --> 00:15:26.063 and Prime Minister Robert Golob, 00:15:26.146 --> 00:15:29.624 we have succeeded in reaching an agreement. 00:15:29.707 --> 00:15:33.074 A document confirming that we will exchange 00:15:33.157 --> 00:15:38.475 our land or ownership of the Tezno care home 00:15:38.671 --> 00:15:43.737 for land that used to be dead capital, Račji dvor. 00:15:43.821 --> 00:15:48.106 To start up our green hinterland 00:15:48.462 --> 00:15:50.319 and wine production in the vineyards, 00:15:50.402 --> 00:15:55.290 which are already being renovated and we have boldly taken on lease. 00:15:55.373 --> 00:15:57.307 The other will be the Textile Institute, 00:15:57.390 --> 00:16:00.706 we'll consolidate the entrance to Melje, which we've also bought, 00:16:00.789 --> 00:16:02.473 where new Maribor should be built, 00:16:02.556 --> 00:16:06.630 but it is right that various alternative cultures also come there. 00:16:06.713 --> 00:16:10.312 Young people with knowledge will also come there. 00:16:10.395 --> 00:16:15.182 We have also enabled the expansion of the much-needed construction 00:16:15.265 --> 00:16:17.785 of a gymnasium for the III. gimnazija, 00:16:17.868 --> 00:16:21.385 in exchange we gave land that was also dead capital. 00:16:21.468 --> 00:16:24.062 We are looking not only for financial solutions, 00:16:24.145 --> 00:16:26.112 but with land exchanges 00:16:26.196 --> 00:16:29.091 also opportunities for the redevelopment of the city. 00:16:29.174 --> 00:16:32.506 It has often been emphasized that Maribor is underfunded. 00:16:32.589 --> 00:16:36.580 It now appears that something may change in this area 00:16:36.663 --> 00:16:39.627 as a result of these financial injections. 00:16:39.710 --> 00:16:43.031 The talks are moving in that direction. I hope that the Government 00:16:43.114 --> 00:16:46.454 and all ministers will continue their work. 00:16:46.537 --> 00:16:51.990 Changing the formula according to which municipalities are financed. 00:16:52.073 --> 00:16:56.609 The statistics are clear and well known. That is one part. 00:16:56.692 --> 00:16:59.299 The formula is 20 years old, 00:16:59.383 --> 00:17:04.439 and we all know that it is outdated and doesn't meet actual needs. 00:17:04.522 --> 00:17:06.719 This will be one of the key projects, 00:17:06.802 --> 00:17:09.664 which may also be linked to the provinces. 00:17:09.747 --> 00:17:13.448 Other solutions may be found in a partial act, 00:17:13.531 --> 00:17:18.610 which I am also theoretically in favour of. 00:17:19.418 --> 00:17:23.559 The financing of municipalities will have to be regulated 00:17:23.642 --> 00:17:28.024 more equally, not just Maribor, but the other 60 or so as well. 00:17:28.107 --> 00:17:30.297 They perform mandatory tasks 00:17:30.380 --> 00:17:34.214 and receive less money than they need for them. 00:17:34.322 --> 00:17:38.195 But the Government is aware of this and many measures 00:17:38.278 --> 00:17:39.894 are already underway. 00:17:39.977 --> 00:17:43.764 In this formula, we have found solutions 00:17:43.848 --> 00:17:46.348 that give us additional funds. 00:17:46.432 --> 00:17:52.964 Perhaps with regard to the underpass or work in the city centre. 00:17:53.209 --> 00:17:56.902 The western bypass is being implemented after 20 years. 00:17:56.985 --> 00:18:01.279 With the help of this government, we adopted the municipal spatial plan, 00:18:01.362 --> 00:18:07.329 we needed to obtain at least twenty consents from all possible ministries. 00:18:07.412 --> 00:18:09.937 So, the will is there. 00:18:10.588 --> 00:18:13.014 As for the infrastructure, 00:18:13.098 --> 00:18:16.187 the one we urgently need on the east-west route, 00:18:16.270 --> 00:18:18.437 Ledina and Pariške komune, 00:18:18.555 --> 00:18:23.369 and a two-kilometre tunnel underground. 00:18:23.729 --> 00:18:28.512 Two-kilometre-long tunnel underground, 00:18:28.616 --> 00:18:33.348 there is a little less good news this time. 00:18:33.432 --> 00:18:35.790 But Santa Claus comes every year, 00:18:35.873 --> 00:18:38.556 and I hope that next year there will be a solution 00:18:38.639 --> 00:18:43.806 for the Ledina underpass, which is going into design this year. 00:18:50.265 --> 00:18:53.105 The Centre of Excellence. What are the plans, 00:18:53.188 --> 00:18:55.117 what is the estimated value? 00:18:55.200 --> 00:18:58.403 The Prime Minister probably didn't bring a bag of money with him, 00:18:58.486 --> 00:19:01.359 so you still have a battle ahead of you for these funds? 00:19:01.442 --> 00:19:03.468 The funds are secured. 00:19:03.552 --> 00:19:07.180 These are funds from the European cohesion policy, 00:19:07.263 --> 00:19:12.704 so the total value of these investments 00:19:12.788 --> 00:19:14.830 is around 125 million euros. 00:19:14.913 --> 00:19:19.061 This is an investment of just under two million euros. 00:19:19.144 --> 00:19:23.924 As I said, this is the first of currently eight projects 00:19:24.008 --> 00:19:28.181 that will be implemented from these secured funds. 00:19:28.265 --> 00:19:31.020 Both the Faculty of Logistics in Celje 00:19:31.103 --> 00:19:34.412 and the Faculty of Energy in Krško, 00:19:34.496 --> 00:19:39.568 as well as the four technical faculties, 00:19:39.652 --> 00:19:46.591 will benefit from new space capacities 00:19:46.675 --> 00:19:48.276 or even entire buildings, 00:19:48.359 --> 00:19:51.670 such as the Faculties of Mechanical Engineering and of Chemistry. 00:19:51.753 --> 00:19:54.809 An important part of these investments 00:19:54.892 --> 00:19:58.469 is also research equipment, the so-called RIUM 2, 00:19:58.552 --> 00:20:02.735 which will then round off this investment of 125 million euros. 00:20:02.818 --> 00:20:08.419 We are now trying to spend the money on time 00:20:08.503 --> 00:20:11.329 rather than fighting for this money. 00:20:11.412 --> 00:20:14.219 We have been fighting for the past three years, 00:20:14.302 --> 00:20:17.887 now we are about to implement all these projects. 00:20:17.970 --> 00:20:20.722 What is the timeline for this location? 00:20:20.805 --> 00:20:26.276 This location will be completed in the beginning of 2027. 00:20:26.360 --> 00:20:30.317 Will it be demolished and rebuilt? 00:20:30.403 --> 00:20:34.415 This will actually involve the renovation of existing space. 00:20:34.498 --> 00:20:39.665 No special additional construction or new premises are planned. 00:20:39.906 --> 00:20:44.072 All projects are actually scheduled for completion in 2028, 00:20:44.155 --> 00:20:47.696 except for the Faculties of Mechanical Engineering and of Chemistry, 00:20:47.779 --> 00:20:52.326 which are completely new buildings on the north side of Smetanova. 00:20:52.409 --> 00:20:57.645 We plan to complete this in the first half of 2029. 00:20:57.729 --> 00:21:02.796 Everything is still within the current perspective of cohesion policy. 00:21:02.879 --> 00:21:07.100 Complications are to be expected. After all, there are numerous permits. 00:21:07.183 --> 00:21:09.817 We don't expect any particular complications. 00:21:09.900 --> 00:21:13.390 However, we know that with all these investments, 00:21:13.473 --> 00:21:15.940 there are always daily challenges, 00:21:16.023 --> 00:21:19.523 but we believe that we are well organized. 00:21:19.607 --> 00:21:23.312 Over the past four years, through good cooperation, 00:21:23.395 --> 00:21:26.304 including with the Municipality of Maribor and the Mayor 00:21:26.387 --> 00:21:28.536 and his great support, 00:21:28.620 --> 00:21:32.996 we have managed to establish good relations 00:21:33.080 --> 00:21:36.211 with the administrative units. And we expect that, 00:21:36.294 --> 00:21:40.493 as with the projects for which we already have building permits 00:21:40.576 --> 00:21:43.206 and all the documentation in order, 00:21:43.289 --> 00:21:46.207 all other investments will proceed in a similar manner. 00:21:46.290 --> 00:21:49.621 I must say that this is also the case in Krško and Celje. 00:21:49.704 --> 00:21:52.626 There is a great deal of understanding of the importance 00:21:52.709 --> 00:21:56.110 of these projects, and everyone is working very proactively. 00:21:56.193 --> 00:21:57.955 There will always be challenges. 00:21:58.038 --> 00:22:00.226 We believe we'll be successful in this. 00:22:00.309 --> 00:22:02.308 Thank you. -Thank you.