REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA **MINISTRY OF DEFENCE** Vojkova cesta 55, 1000 Ljubljana Pursuant to Article 38 of the Regulation on the Ministry of Defence Planning (No. 024-34/2011-21 of 13 September 2012) I hereby issue the # ANNUAL REPORT OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE FOR 2014 Number: 0100-101/2014-35 Date: 22 June 2015 ----- ### TABLE OF CONTENTS #### MILITARY DEFENCE ..............................................................................................................4 1 SCOPE AND STRUCTURE OF THE SAF .................................................................................. 4 2 SAF MILITARY TRAINING AND EXERCISES ........................................................................... 5 3 DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING OF SAF CAPABILITIES ........................................................ 8 4 MAINTAINING THE LEVEL OF READINESS ........................................................................... 9 5 KEY PROJECTS OF THE SAF MODERNISATION ................................................................... 10 6 SAF OPERATION IN SUPPORT OF THE SYSTEM OF PROTECTION AGAINST NATURAL AND OTHER DISASTERS ................................................................................................................ 12 7 SAF CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL PEACE, SECURITY AND STABILITY.................... 15 PROTECTION AGAINST NATURAL AND OTHER DISASTERS ................................................... 19 1 PREVENTION ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................... 19 2 PREPAREDNESS OF THE SYSTEM OF PROTECTION AGAINST NATURAL AND OTHER DISASTERS AND PROTECTION, RESCUE AND RELIEF FORCES .............................................. 21 3 DISASTER RESPONSE AND DAMAGE ASSESSMENT ........................................................... 30 4 EDUCATION AND TRAINING ............................................................................................. 35 5 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION ....................................................................................... 43 6 INSPECTION ACTIVITY IN THE FIELD OF PROTECTION AGAINST NATURAL AND OTHER DISASTERS ............................................................................................................................ 48 DEFENCE SYSTEM AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT .................................................................... 49 1 DEFENCE POLICY ............................................................................................................... 49 2 SLOVENIA’S CRISIS PREPARATIONS AND RESPONSE MEASURES ...................................... 54 3 DEVELOPMENT OF CIVILIAN CAPABILITIES ....................................................................... 56 4 INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY OPERATIONS ..................................................................... 59 5 EQUIPPING, REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT, STANDARDIZATION AND CODIFICATION ..... 60 6 COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM (CIS) ..................................................... 62 7 INSPECTION AND INTERNAL AUDIT ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF DEFENCE ..................... 64 8 INVESTIGATIONS OF AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS AND MILITARY AIRCRAFT INCIDENTS .......... 66 2/102 ----- #### 9 STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION ......................................................................................... 68 10 NORMATIVE ACTS ........................................................................................................... 70 11 COOPERATION WITH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS ................................................... 74 IMPLEMENTATION OF RESOURCE PLANS ............................................................................ 75 1 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FINANCIAL PLAN ................................................................... 75 2 PERSONNEL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................. 81 3 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE STATE’S PHYSICAL ASSETS ................................................................................................................................. 87 4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE PLAN FOR THE SALE OF STATE- OWNED TANGIBLE PROPERTY ............................................................................................. 90 5 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EDUCATION, TRAINING AND ADVANCED TRAINING PLAN ... 92 6 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION PLAN ................................. 95 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE THE RISK REGISTER ................................................................. 100 3/102 ----- ## MILITARY DEFENCE ### 1 SCOPE AND STRUCTURE OF THE SAF On the basis of medium-term planning documents, the scope of the Slovenian Armed Forces (SAF) was set at 7600 members of the active component and 1500 members of the contract reserve component. The government measure aimed at reducing the number of employees in the state administration was also reflected in the SAF, since the number of its members reduced based on the government personnel plan. The continuation of the reduction trend will have a negative impact on the functioning of the SAF at home, as well as on its ability to meet the obligations of Slovenia towards the Alliance. _Organisational Structure of the SAF_ **GŠSV** STRATEŠKA RAVEN STRATEŠKA RAVEN MOM VDMMO FPVPR MSSVT VVIK VERC **ZOC** **1** **72** **ESD** **15** **VL** **430** **EPOD** **CVŠ** **EVOJ JPV Vipava** **EVOJ IC** VIU **POV** **POV** **POV** **POV** **EVOJ SLP Ankaran** **POV** **EZD GŠ** **EVOJ FRS** **10** **STRVAD II Celje** **20** **151** **HEESK** **CZU** **EVOJ BAČSTRVAD I Postojna** Sestava rodovskega bataljona Pečovnik **Postojna** **EVOJ RE** **132** Koč. Reka **152** **LEESK** **EKIS** **RB** **EVOJ BK** **74** Boh. Bela **153** **LETEHESK** **EEB** **EVOJO RB Pokljuka** **157** **T** **EVOJ STO Šentvid** **16** **CNKZP** **EPROT** **T** **EVOJ FU** **EVOJ SP** **EVOJO AJAjševica** Novo mesto Pivka **107** **LEBA** **SEVP** **EVOJ JM** **RB** **RB** C. ob Krki **ŠPE** **670** M. SobotaEVOJ MS **EVOJ VR** **LETŠ** VP OI **VCOGB** Sl. Bistrica **EVOJ GM Maribor** **EVOJ PP** Legenda: - Začasne formacije v strukturi SV. **EVOJ EPLjubljana** **STRVAD IIApače** Kranj - Administrativna kontrola.VDMMO FPVPR - Vojaška delovna mesta v Ministrstvu za obrambo- Formacija pripadnikov v postopku razporeditve **STRVAD IICrngrob** MSSVT MOM - Mirnodobna sestava SV v tujini- Pripadniki na mednarodnih operacijah in misijah VIU - Pripadniki na izobraževanju in usposabljanju 4/102 |Col1|ZOC| |---|---| ----- ### 2 SAF MILITARY TRAINING AND EXERCISES **2.1 Overview of Important Training Courses of SAF Members and Units** The SAF commands and units were trained in performing the tasks arising from the SAF mission. The main focus was on the training of SAF members for the provision of national defence tasks, participation in international operations and missions (IOM), operation in the system of protection against natural and other disasters, task-based training of units for their operation within the Alliance, and the achievement of planned operational capabilities. The SAF units and commands participated in 25 international exercises and collective training courses abroad (in Italy, Germany, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Montenegro, France, Turkey and Greece). In Slovenia, 16 major exercises and collective training courses for maintaining readiness and building capabilities were carried out, attended also by members of other armed forces of the Alliance. In total, more than 2,000 SAF members participated in exercises in Slovenia and abroad. Budget cuts had an impact on the implementation of already planned exercises. Only 70 percent of planned exercises were carried out. As can be seen from the table below, there has been a significant decrease in financial resources allocated to the military training and exercises since 2009. In nominal terms, they decreased from EUR 3.4 million in 2009 to EUR 1.66 million in 2014, representing a 51 percent reduction. _Financial Resources Allocated to Training_ 3.500.000 3.000.000 2.500.000 2.000.000 1.500.000 1.000.000 500.000 |0.000|Col2|Col3|Col4|Col5|Col6|Col7| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0||||||| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| ||2009|2010|2011|2012|2013|2014| |EUR|3400000|2400000|2750000|2100000|1900000|1660000| Despite the reduction in funding, the SAF participated in or organized several major exercises and collective training events, namely: - International military exercise and at the same time the central tactical exercise of the SAF commands and units Immediate Response 14. - International military exercise Adriatic Strike, in which the SAF, in cooperation with the allied countries, trained forward air controllers/joint terminal attack controllers. - International exercise of the Multinational Land Force (MLF) Clever Ferret 14. 5/102 ----- - International military exercise Saber Junction 15 and exercise for the examination of the training level of the military police company, allocated to the NATO Response Force in the multinational joint training centre in Hohenfels. - Exercise for the examination of the training level of the motorized battalion battle group according to NATO methodology Combat Readiness Evaluation (CREVAL). - Joint training events with the US Army 173[rd] Airborne Brigade. - International military exercise for enhancing the interoperability of the communication and information systems Combined Endeavour 2014. _»The Wounded« at the Exercise Immediate Response 14_ In 2014, 640 SAF members were referred to 60 different military occupational specialty (MOS) training courses. 443 members successfully completed the training, and 90 members will complete it in 2015. **2.2 Training of Aviation Units** Aviation units trained in the provision of air support to the SAF commands and units. They trained in close air support, airspace interception and the provision of air and medical transport. Pilots received training in the prescribed programmes for each individual type of aircraft to maintain the level of training and renew the licences for pilots and instructors. 12 pilots successfully completed the Aerobatics training programme. The training of pilots for certification on the PC-9M airplane continued. Two new instructors were trained on the helicopter B-206. 53 participants successfully completed parachute training at the first and the second level. In the area of individual training, members of the 15th Wing units were actively involved in providing support to additional functional training courses, for example JTACs/FACs, parachute and other functional training courses. Aviation units participated in important exercises and SAF collective training events in Slovenia and abroad. These include the exercises Adriatic Strike 2014, Tango Scramble, Skunk, Ramstein Guard, Jawtex, Clever Ferret and Immediate Response, joint training courses with the US Army 173[rd] Airborne Brigade, and training courses with the US Armed Forces school for JTACs/FACs. 6/102 ----- **2.3 Import ant Training Courses of the Naval Unit** The training of naval units was focused on achieving operational readiness of the multi-purpose boat Triglav 11, which ended in June with the examination of the training level. Additionally, the unit received training for the provision of capabilities of a team of mine divers, which was successfully completed in November. In the area of individual training, courses were carried out for the training of two members for the military occupational specialty diver. In addition, members of the 430th Naval Division also participated in the training for mine clearance divers, training of the SAF ship crews for operations in ports, training for the performance of the first stage of maintenance of the AK 306 weapons system, drill for the inspection of the seabed with a towed array sonar, and the training of ship crews in CBRN defence. Naval units participated in several important exercises and collective training events in Slovenia and abroad: exercises Niriis 2014, Adrian Pool 2014, Immediate Response 2014, Turtle 2014, Gulf 2014, Dolphin 2014, Adrion Livex 2014 and Combined Endeavor 2014, tactical training Wild Boar, computer-assisted exercise Adrion Cax and the training and exercise Ship's Figting Resistance. **2.4 Training of the Contract Reserve Component** In 2014, 68 call-ups for the members of the contract reserve component were planned, whereas 64 call-ups were actually carried out. Of the planned 153 call-up days, 97 call-up days were actually realised, which represents a 63% realisation of the plan. The training of the contact reserve component members was conducted in the Military Medical Unit. Due to the lack of funding, the training was not conducted in other SAF units. **2.5 Practice and Military Camps** Professional practice or compulsory training in the SAF was successfully completed by 8 MoD scholarship holders, in accordance with the scholarship contract. The military camp was attended by 102 university and secondary school students at the age of maturity. Professional practice at the camp was successfully completed by 42 students of the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security and 3 students of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The MoD and Youth camp was attended by 47 secondary school students. In the framework of the study programme, military practice was attended by 8 students of the Faculty of Social Sciences. _The MoD and Youth Camp_ 7/102 ----- ### 3 DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING OF SAF CAPABILITIES In accordance with the Resolution on General Long-Term Development and Equipping Programme of the Slovenian Armed Forces up to 2025 (ReGLTDEP 2025) from 2010, the Medium-Term Defence Programme of the RS for the period 2013–2018 (MTDP 2013–2018) was prepared as well as endorsed by the Government. Medium-Term Defence Programme is a planning document defining objectives and key guidelines for the development and operation of the defence system of the Republic of Slovenia in the medium-term period 2013–2018. The applicable Medium-Term Defence Programme for the period 2013–2018 defines the target SAF organisational structure in 2018, as well as the development of priority capabilities and their equipping with new weapons and military equipment. The projected defence spending was prepared, including the planned reduction in the expenditure on staff and gradual increase of the proportion of operational (operational functioning and maintenance) and investment costs (acquisition and construction), which are starting to increase significantly and progressively in 2015. The basic objective in the area of human resources is to maintain the SAF strength within the limits of 7600 members of the active component and 1500 members of the contract reserve component. The Medium-Term Defence Programme is in line with the Resolution on General Long-Term Development and Equipping Programme of the Slovenian Armed Forces up to 2025, as well as with the agreed NATO capability targets for Slovenia. With these goals, Slovenia assumed, on the basis of the principle of just burden-sharing based on the NATO Strategic Concept and NATO Political Guidelines, obligations in the development of certain capabilities and in the contribution of Slovenia to collective security. Slovenia aims at maintaining the achieved level and eliminating shortcomings in the quality of already developed capabilities (Light Battalion Battle Group, CBRN Defence Battalion) and forming a Medium Battalion Battle Group, which will, in the next medium-term planning period, through the purchase of additional equipment, develop into a Mechanized Battalion Battle Group, capable of operating in all potential Alliance operations. The trend of several years of cuts in the defence budget and thus the funds for the operation and development of the SAF already has a significant impact on the SAF capabilities. With the gradual reduction of the SAF financial resources from 2010 to 2014 and continuing of this trend in 2015, it is clear that it will be hard for Slovenia to achieve the development of SAF capabilities planned in the MediumTerm Defence Programme of the RS for the Period 2013–2018 and its commitments towards the Alliance, as well as the level of ambition referred to in the Resolution on General Long-Term Development and Equipping Programme of the SAF up to 2025. The reduction of the SAF resources brings about the increase of risk in the provision of the planned defence system capabilities and hinders interoperability due to technological lag and aging, which decreases the ability of operation of the RS in Slovenia and within the Alliance. Under the given circumstances, such risks cannot be completely avoided. The SAF successfully limited the perceived risks and negative impacts of the several years of reduction of resources. Nevertheless, the negative consequences of this reduction are becoming more and more visible and are beyond our influence. 8/102 ----- ### 4 MAINTAINING THE LEVEL OF READINESS Economy measures, which were implemented primarily in the areas of modernization, maintenance of infrastructure and vehicle fleet, and provision of working conditions, accommodation and personal equipment of the SAF members, had an important negative impact on ensuring the required level of readiness. The SAF could no longer mitigate the effects of further reductions in funding without detriment to its readiness. In the long term, the reductions in funding jeopardize the provision of the required and necessary readiness of the SAF for carrying out its statutory tasks and fulfilling the adopted international commitments of Slovenia. The SAF provided a part of the necessary capabilities for its operation in the framework of the Alliance and maintained its contribution in IOM and in reaction forces in accordance with its commitments. It supported the system of protection against natural and other disasters and was willing to provide assistance to other state bodies and organisations in ensuring the safety and welfare of the citizens of Slovenia. 9/102 ----- ### 5 KEY PROJECTS OF THE SAF MODERNISATION The equipping of the SAF was conducted in accordance with the equipping plans and the allocated financial resources. The following items were purchased: 1050 sets of protective tactical vests with matching bags, 2554 combat helmets, items of the new battle dress uniform, medical equipment, two fire rescue vehicles for the Cerklje ob Krki Airfield, engineering and logistics machinery and a trailer for the transport of heavy armoured technology. Ammunition, explosives and practice ordnance for training and preservation of stocks were also purchased. The upgrade of the third helicopter was carried out. _Protective Tactical Vest_ _Helicopter Unit Rescuing a Wounded Person (Upgrade of the third Cougar Helicopter)_ 10/102 ----- In the framework of the US military assistance programmes, spare parts for 4x4 HMMWV light wheeled armoured vehicles were supplied, as well as helicopter crew helmets, a military GPS receiver, binocular night vision goggles and additional equipment for manual radio stations. The SAF began to introduce into operational use the newly constructed buildings, the associated equipment and two fire rescue vehicles at the Cerklje ob Krki Airfield, indoor pistol shooting range in Kranj, semitrailers for the transport of heavy armoured technology and an engineering excavator. The revitalisation of the Cerklje ob Krki military airfield was also carried out as planned. On the multi-purpose boat Triglav 11, the SAF continued the process of replacement of communication systems. A new naval satellite terminal was installed, providing secure voice and data communication between the boat and Slovenia, regardless of the location where the task is performed. Due to the significant reduction in funding in recent years, military communication and information systems could not be modernised. _Fire Rescue Vehicles at the Cerklje ob Krki Airfield_ 11/102 ----- ### 6 SAF OPERATION IN SUPPORT OF THE SYSTEM OF PROTECTION AGAINST NATURAL AND OTHER DISASTERS The SAF actively supported the operation of the system of protection against natural and other disasters and participated in it with its capabilities, with an emphasis on the helicopter rescue, response to natural disasters (sleet and floods), and the setting up of launch bridges. The SAF employs capabilities (units) depending on the level of readiness and the scope of disasters, and provides the available forces upon the request of the Civil Protection Commander. Intervention forces, which are properly trained and in constant readiness for operation in Slovenia, were available for immediate assistance. In 2014, in accordance with the decision of the Slovenian Government, the SAF also assisted in the mitigation of consequences of natural disasters abroad. **6.1 Helicopter Rescue and Assistance** In the military part of the Jože Pučnik Ljubljana Airport, a SAF helicopter is in a 15-minute standby each day during the day for mountain rescue. In addition to the rescue in mountains and hard to access areas, the duty crew also performs emergency helicopter transports in the framework of helicopter emergency medical assistance. The table below shows detailed information about the helicopter rescue and assistance. _Overview of the Participation of the SAF Helicopters in Rescue and Assistance in 2013 and_ _2014_ **Number of Rescue Operations/Injured** **2013** **2014** **Change Index** **Persons and Total Flying Hours** Mountain Rescue 85 88 104 Helicopter Emergency Medical Assistance 56 76 136 Wildfires and Disasters (Sleet, Floods in 14 25 179 Bosnia and Herzegovina) **Total Number of Rescue Operations** **155** **189** **122** Total Number of Helicopter Flying Hours 257 270 105 Total Number of Injured Persons 145 176 121 The duty crew of the 151[st] Rotary Wing Squadron carried out 189 rescue operations, out of which 88 were mountain rescue operations, 76 were operations for the provision of emergency medical helicopter assistance, and 25 were operations in response to natural disasters (sleet and floods) and operations for the rescue of people and property after floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. The crew transported 176 injured or sick persons, 370 emergency responders and 35 tons of equipment, which totalled in 270 flying hours. 12/102 ----- _Participation of the SAF Helicopter in Mountain Rescue and in Rescuing a Baby from the_ _Flooded Area in Bosnia and Herzegovina_ **6.2 Forms of Assistance and Operation of the SAF in the System of Protection against** **Natural and Other Disasters** On a number of occasions, the SAF participated in the mitigation of consequences of natural disasters, mostly in Slovenia, but also abroad. It assisted in the protection, rescue and relief during sleet, floods, in the setting up of launch bridges, the organisation and transport of humanitarian assistance abroad, and in the mitigation of consequences of floods in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The participation of the SAF was most intense in the first half of February 2014 during the mitigation of consequences of sleet that hit certain areas of Slovenia. The SAF cleaned the terrain and watercourse beds, transported and provided care for people in areas where the access was significantly more difficult or where it was risky to access with civilian vehicles. 13/102 ----- Furthermore, they worked together with fire-fighters and employees of the Elektro Slovenia company and forestry companies in the rehabilitation of the electricity grid and cleaning of road communications; they provided helicopter transport for the supply of broadcast transmitters and repeaters and provided transport of poles for power lines; they provided mobile laundries and field toilets and performed other physical labour. In two weeks, 6175 SAF members were engaged and 47,869 working hours were performed. In the four floods that hit Slovenia in 2014, 1,944 members were engaged, and more than 2,000 of them were on standby. SAF members were mainly involved in flood prevention; they built anti-flooding embankments; they transported people and provided care for them; they set up mobile laundries and field toilets; they provided transport in flood-prone areas; they record the consequences of floods with aircraft; they disinfected, common areas and together with other actors provided other physical labour. The SAF also set up six launch bridges in various parts of Slovenia. At the end of May and beginning of June 2014, in accordance with the decision of the Slovenian Government, the SAF took part in rescue and assistance operations abroad (Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia) organizing and carrying out the transport of humanitarian aid and helicopter emergency response operations in flooded areas. Six convoys for the transport of humanitarian and other assistance to the affected areas were organised, with 110 vehicles transporting 705 tons of cargo. A SAF company with 120 members, who participated in the EUFOR joint military exercise in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the operations for the mitigation of flood consequences, were actively involved in those operations in June. Company members removed debris, disinfected public areas and facilities (nurseries, primary and secondary schools, health centres, municipalities) and analysed water and soil. The SAF set out to upgrade the SAF protection, rescue and relief capabilities in order to operate more effectively within the system of protection against natural and other disasters. _Participation of the SAF in the Mitigation of Consequences of Natural Disasters_ 14/102 ----- ### 7 SAF CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL PEACE, SECURITY AND STABILITY Slovenia continued its participation in international operations and missions (IOM), taking into account the fundamental national interests, available resources and capabilities, adopted international commitments and partly unpredictable dynamics of the IOM. The SAF activities in IOM were conducted on the basis of decisions of the Slovenian Government, MoD guidelines, and plans for the SAF operations abroad. In terms of the participation of Slovenia in IOM, the priority area of operations remains the Western Balkans (KFOR, EUFOR Althea, NATO integration and counselling structures), and participation in the international security and stabilization efforts in Afghanistan (ISAF), Middle East (UNIFIL, UNTSO) and North Africa (EUTM Mali). When planning the participation of the SAF forces in IOM and preparing and deploying the SAF contingents to IOM, great emphasis remains on lessons learned, which contributed to the preparation and operation of the Slovenian contingents in IOM. _Overview of SAF Participation in International Operations and Missions in 2014_ **International** **Operation** **Force** **Operations** **Area of** **Number of** **Members in** **2014** **Operational** **Rotation** **Leadership** **UNTSO** UN Middle East UN 12 months 4/3[(1)] **UNIFIL** UN Lebanon UN 6 months 14/14 KFOR Kosovo NATO 6 months 310/306 **Joint** **Enterprise** HQ NATO NLO, MLO Sarajevo, Skopje, Belgrade 6 months/ NATO 6/5 12 months **ISAF** ISAF Afghanistan NATO 6 months 34/2[(2)] Bosnia and **ALTHEA** EUFOR EU 6 months 9/9 Herzegovina **EUTM** EUTM Mali EU 6 months 3/3 **Mare** Italy and 1.5 months **Nostrum –** Sicily Italy 39/0[(3)] Slovenia **Lampedusa** _(1) In July 2014, the number of UNTSO members reduced from 4 to 3._ _(2) The number of members was adapted to the gradual completion of the ISAF mandate – in_ _the penultimate rotation, until May 2014, there were approximately 34 members, 4 members_ _remained in the area until mid-June, whereas in the last contingent there were 2 members._ _(3) One-time deployment from 14 December 2013 to 30 January 2014._ 15/102 ----- _Average Annual Scope of Participation of SAF Members in IOM_ 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 |Col1|512|Col3|Col4|Col5|Col6|Col7| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||459 442 424 402|||||| ||350|||||| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Average Annual Scope of Participation **7.1 NATO Operations** _KFOR (Kosovo)_ In accordance with the fundamental strategic interests of the Republic of Slovenia pertaining to areas such as foreign affairs, security and others, the majority of the SAF members participating in IOM performed their duties in the Western Balkans. There, the emphasis was laid on the operation of the Allied KFOR Forces in Kosovo, in which an average of 308 SAF members and four civilian functional experts took part. Under the KFOR mandate, Slovenian members' activities were aimed at maintaining a secure and stable environment and freedom of movement, protecting KFOR facilities and facilities of special importance, reconnaissance and monitoring the security and general conditions in the area of operations, providing helicopter transport, rapid response forces and tactical reserve, and performing staff duties. Members of the Slovenian contingent also provided support to the development of Kosovo security forces and the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Forces. The contingent operated mostly in the area of central Kosovo, whereas a part of operational activities of the SAF units were also carried out in the North of the country. At the international level, the MoD continuously defended Slovenia's position that it is necessary to prudently and gradually address the issue of the further reduction of the scope and changes in the posture of the KFOR forces, taking into account the security situation on the ground and all the other relevant factors and conditions. _ISAF (Afghanistan)_ In accordance with its international commitments and the principle of Allied solidarity, Slovenia participated in international efforts to ensure security, stability and development of Afghanistan. The posture and development of ISAF operation reflected the fact that at the end of 2014, its mandate is coming to an end and that the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) took over the responsibility for providing security throughout the Afghan territory, with the support of ISAF until the end of 2014. ISAF underwent transformation and switched from operational to advisory tasks. Accordingly, the SAF continued with the training of ANSF and adequately adjusted the tasks and scope of the Slovenian contingent to the dynamics of the operation. At the beginning of the year, the Slovenian contingent had 34 members (including one civilian functional expert at the command in Kabul). A part of the contingent worked together with the Italians in the engineering Military Advisory Team (MAT) in the Regional Command West (RC-W) in Herat, whereas the members of the SAF Special Forces provided counselling to the ANSF Special Forces in the Regional Command East (RC-E). A small number of the SAF members also worked in command elements in RC-W in Herat and in the ISAF commands in Kabul. Taking into account the Allied plans and the dynamics and process of conclusion of the ISAF mandate, the Slovenian contingent deployed in the operation gradually reduced. 16/102 ----- After May 2014, when the major part of the Slovenian contingent completed the tasks of counselling and training the ANSF in the west and east of Afghanistan, Slovenia maintained its presence in Afghanistan with four SAF members performing staff duties in the ISAF commands in Kabul and Herat. In the final rotation, from July to December 2014, Slovenia maintained two staff duties in the Regional Command West in Herat, which simultaneously worked on for the effective preparation and implementation of transition or participation of Slovenia in the new NATO advisory mission Resolute Support in Afghanistan. The SAF successfully completed logistics activities associated with the movement of equipment from Afghanistan to Slovenia. The government adopted the decision to end the participation of Slovenia in the ISAF operation at the end of 2014 and to participate in the new mission Resolute Support in Afghanistan as from 1 January 2015 with the maximum of ten Slovenian members. Based on the strategic guidelines, the SAF successfully conducted the preparations and deployment of the first contingent members to the new mission at the end of 2014. In accordance with the Strategy of Operation of the RS in Afghanistan, the Cooperation Strategy of the RS in IOM and the current Alliance's planning dynamics for the setting up of a new mission in Afghanistan after 2014, interministerial coordination at various levels on possible forms of full participation of Slovenia at the new mission took place in 2014. Concurrently, transparent information communication, consultation and exchange of views were carried out with the RS National Assembly. _NATO Response Force (NRF)_ Participation of the SAF in the NRF in the next five years is defined in the resolution adopted by the Slovenian Government in May 2013. On this basis, the MoD or the SAF plans to participate, in the framework of NRF, with those units in the future which contribute the highest added value in the process of the SAF transformation, and in those »niche« areas that are of greatest importance for the preparedness and further development of the SAF. In addition, the SAF monitors and participates in the implementation of the Readiness Action Plan (RAP), adopted at the NATO Wales Summit in September 2014. In 2014, Slovenia participated in immediate readiness forces (IRF/NRF) with five members in the NATO Special Operations Headquarters (NSHQ) and with its military police company in the RFP/NRF. Slovenia also deployed one SAF officer to the NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). _NATO's Peacetime Operation Air Policing in the Slovenian Airspace_ In 2014, the amended bilateral agreement between the governments of Slovenia and Hungary on military cooperation in the fields of aviation and air defence from 1996, which enables the inclusion of Hungary (besides Italy) in the above-mentioned NATO operation, was signed and ratified. In addition to long-range radars for air policing, Slovenia also contributes two helicopters for search and rescue (S&R). _NATO HQ in Sarajevo and NATO Liaison Offices in Belgrade and Skopje_ The presence of six SAF members was maintained in the NATO HQ in Sarajevo and in the NATO liaison offices in Belgrade and Skopje. Those six members were involved in performing the tasks that are important in terms of carrying out defence and military reforms and partnership programmes in host countries, and in terms of their progress towards Euro-Atlantic structures. **7.2 UN Operations and Missions** _UNIFIL, UNTSO (Middle East)_ Middle East is one of the priority areas of cooperation of Slovenia in IOM. Therefore, the MoD endeavoured to maintain an appropriate level of contribution of the SAF to the UN UNIFIL (14 members) and UNTSO (4 or 3 members) missions, which support the maintenance of peace in the region. Due to the deterioration of security situation in the Golan Heights in Syria, the resolution of the Slovenian Government on the geographical restrictions for the operation of the SAF members in the UNTSO mission, which was adopted in June 2013, is still in place. 17/102 ----- **7.3 EU Operations** _EUTM Mali (Mali)_ In the framework of the EU activities in Africa, Slovenia participated with the presence of three SAF members at the training mission for Malian armed forces (EUTM Mali), and thus contributed to the training of Malian armed forces and thereby to the provision of defence capabilities in Mali. Thus, Slovenia indirectly contributed to the stabilisation of security situation in the country and also in the wider Sahel region, and at the same time demonstrated a responsible attitude and awareness of the importance of responding to security challenges on the African continent. _EUFOR ALTHEA (Bosnia and Herzegovina)_ The SAF continued its participation in the EUFOR operation ALTHEA with 9 members. Slovenia thus continued its military contribution to the strengthening of peace and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to the joint efforts for the establishment of properly trained, professional and efficient armed forces of that country. Activities of the Slovenian contingent were primarily focused on the performance of staff and logistics support tasks, and on gathering information for the operation on the situation on the ground. During the year, several training courses and mentoring activities were also conducted for members of the engineering battalion of the Bosnia and Herzegovina armed forces. From the beginning of July to the end of December 2014, a motorized SAF company with 120 members, which participated in the mitigation of consequences of major floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina in June, also became a part of the regional reserve force of the EUFOR operation ALTHEA. With the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the MoD participated in the preparation of a common non-paper of nine EU member states in support of the extension of the mandate of the operation. **7.4 Humanitarian Operations** _Mare Nostrum – Lampedusa (Mediterranean Area)_ The end of January 2014 saw the end of the one-and-a-half month participation of the SAF multi-purpose boat Triglav 11 and the crew of approximately 40 members in the humanitarian operation of the Italian Security and Defence Forces »Mare Nostrum«. In the spirit of solidarity, Slovenia thus quickly and proactively participated in the response to the pressing problems in relation to the immigration in the Mediterranean Sea. In this way, Slovenia was the first to provide bilateral assistance to Italy and received very positive responses of the Italian and the wider international public. 18/102 ----- ## PROTECTION AGAINST NATURAL AND OTHER DISASTERS ### 1 PREVENTION ACTIVITIES One of the fundamental approaches of prevention activities is the provision of protection against natural and other disasters, including fire protection and protection against drowning, at a system level, which regulates the implementation of individual activities in line with the normative acts for the broadest spectrum of professional and lay public. As far as the operation of the RS Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (ACPDR) is concerned, special attention was devoted to various forms of activities aimed at education and raising the awareness of various target groups, primarily children, teenagers, the broadest population target groups, with presentations of topics related to the protection against natural and other disasters as well as personal and mutual protection. Emphasis was also placed on the training of the expert public, namely the persons responsible for carrying out fire protection measures, technical examiners of the installed active fire protection systems, fire extinguisher repairers, lifeguards, persons qualified in water rescue, planners, fire-fighters and others. The ACPDR informs the wider and expert public about the implementation of measures in the fields of protection against natural and other disasters, fire protection and protection against drowning, and about the novelties in these fields for the implementation of personal and mutual protection measures. In the field of fire protection, the Decree on Wildfires redefined, at the regulatory level, the measures for the protection against wildfires during the declared wildfire hazard. The basic principles were determined for the introduction of on-call fire-fighting service during the declared very high fire wildfire hazard in certain areas, etc. In the field of fire protection, conditions are being defined, as well as the manner for carrying out individual fire protection measures and exercising the related powers for the inspection and testing of fire extinguishers, hydrant networks and the installed active fire protection systems, and for performing fire safety, and implementing fire protection measures. The prescribed tasks are being carried out in the field of monitoring and declaration of wildfire hazard. On the basis of fire protection public interest, 224 administrative cases were resolved, out of the total of 232 received cases. The ACPDR participated in 76 procedures for the issuing of operating permits for facilities for it which gave its consent to the building permit documents for up to 2013. In the field of protection against drowning, the ACPDR, in addition to introducing systemic regulation of the field, carries out tasks related to physical and mental fitness of lifeguards and persons qualified in water rescue, performs the testing of the training level, grants authorisations for the implementation of the programmes for the training if lifeguards, determines organisational measures for the protection against drowning in public bathing areas, etc. The ACPDR is one of the entities responsible for spatial management during the preparation of national, inter-municipal and municipal spatial planning documents, and participates by issuing guidelines and opinions in the field of protection against natural and other disasters and fire protection. Spatial, urban, construction and other technical measures are implemented in the course of spatial and urban planning and construction in order to prevent or mitigate harmful effects of natural and other disasters and to facilitate protection, rescue and relief. In order to provide fire protection measures during the preparation of spatial planning documents, provision should be made for the safe evacuation of people, animals and property, necessary separation between structures or the necessary fire protection separation, accesses, driveways and work areas for emergency vehicles, as well as the resources for adequate supply of water for firefighting. In 2014, the total of 374 applications for issuing guidelines and opinions were received, whereas 145 guidelines and 228 opinions on spatial planning documents in the field of protection against natural and other disasters and fire protection were issued. 19/102 ----- For sheltering the population from war and other threats, basic protection shelters are being built in certain buildings in the planning zones of cities and other settlements with more than 5,000 inhabitants, whereas floor plates above the lowest floor in all buildings should be constructed so as to prevent the collapse. Shelters within buildings are built as double-purpose facilities without jeopardising their protective function. In Slovenia, there are 2,244 basic and supplementary protection shelters with the total of 348,573 places for people. The majority of shelters are situated in urban centres. Personal and mutual protection includes measures of the population for self-help and for the provision of assistance to others. In the event of natural or other disasters, fire or risk of drowning, personal and mutual protection includes activities involving non-compulsory forms of training of the population, youth and children by providing current warnings and instructions for the population, cooperating with the media and preparing various activities and materials to the population. In October, which was the Fire Safety Month, activities for the planning of fire protection measures were carried out for the population, aimed at the deaf and hard-of-hearing, blind and partially sighted, deaf-blind and mobility impaired people. Several consultations were carried out for the expert public and the promotion of the system, etc. Leaflets and posters were issued and distributed, displaying information for the population on the implementation of personal and mutual protection. Through the websites, media, different approaches and publications, the MoD accessed a variety of target groups, young children, teenagers and graduates. The MoD participated in the event called Children's Bazaar, organising, as every year, puppet shows for children throughout Slovenia. Moreover, a web application was developed. Through an optional subject, the topics from the field of protection against natural and other disasters are included in the primary education, in the framework of which a literary and art contest for pupils was prepared and carried out, as every year. More than 4,000 children and over 700 mentors took part in the contest. The ACPDR also participates in other events for children, teenagers and other population with various activities in the field of protection against natural and other disasters. In addition to the training of the population for carrying out personal and mutual protection, a systematic training of the expert public is also taking place. In the field of fire protection, the ACPDR organised several consultations for the expert public on the topic of wildfires, three consultations titled »When the Fire Starts, Everybody Needs Help« with an emphasis on the planning of fire protection measures for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, blind and partially sighted, deaf-blind and mobility impaired people, consultation on the development of risk assessments for individual disasters for the ACPDR regional offices and ministries, as well as a consultation titled Rehabilitation Following a Nuclear Accident for first responders in the event of a nuclear or radiological accident. The ACPDR also participated in training courses on the subject of planning for regional Civil Protection headquarters, and in consultation organised by other entities. 20/102 ----- ### 2 PREPAREDNESS OF THE SYSTEM OF PROTECTION AGAINST NATURAL AND OTHER DISASTERS AND PROTECTION, RESCUE AND RELIEF FORCES **2.1 Disaster Response Planning** Disaster response plans provide for an organised and coordinated operation to prevent disasters or minimize their consequences. The ACPDR, which cooperates with the ministries in the preparation of the national disaster response plans, submits those plans to the Government for adoption and reports to the Government on the preparation of action plans which fall within the responsibility of individual ministries. The Slovenian Government adopted the National Disaster Response Plan in the Event of Earthquakes. Furthermore, the following plans were updated: the National Disaster Response Plan in the Event of Aircraft Accidents, National Disaster Response Plan in the Event of Floods, National Disaster Response Plan for Major Wildfires, and National Disaster Response Plan In the Event of Terrorist Attack with Means of Weapons of Mass Destruction, or with Conventional Means. The ACPDR, together with the regional offices, updated the general annexes to disaster response plans. The ACPDR participated in the international working group for the preparation of assumptions for the amendment of the risk assessment for nuclear accidents in the Krško Nuclear Power Plant. The RS Civil Protection Commander Defence Plan was brought in line with the new Decree on Defence Planning. Furthermore, national preparedness measures were prepared, NATO crisis response measures were supplemented, Plan for the Protection of the Security Area II was updated, annual review was prepared, and the adequacy of classified documents was updated. On the basis of the Decision on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism, in the field of development of risk assessment, the Decree on the Implementation of the Decision on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism was adopted, stipulating the types of risk assessments for disasters, authorities responsible for the development of risk assessments for disasters and their tasks, contents and development of risk assessments for individual disasters, contents of the National Risk Assessment for Disasters, manner of adoption and public nature of risk assessments for disasters, deadlines for the development of risk assessments, etc. As the national coordination body, the ACPDR prepared a number of supporting documents for the development of risk assessments, and carried out consultations, monthly joint thematic coordination meetings, coordination activities with individual departments, etc. In relation to ex-ante conditionality, the development of risk assessments is associated with the Partnership Agreement between Slovenia and the European Commission on the Absorption of the European Structural and Investment Funds in the Period 2014–2020. In connection with the implementation of the Decision on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism, activities also started in the field of developing risk management capability assessments and in the field of preparing and improving risk management planning, where practically all ministries are actively involved, as in the case of risk assessment. The ACPDR plays its role primarily in the field of system-related work, coordination and development of joint national documents and reporting to the European Commission. The permanent annual distribution of potassium iodide tablets was carried out for the citizens living within the diameter of ten kilometres around the Krško Nuclear Power Plant. **2.2 Operational Planning and Preparedness** Operational preparedness of the system of protection against natural and other disasters is provided through continuous operation of notification centres and public rescue services, and through the preparedness of other rescue services, commissions, units and civil protection (CP) headquarters. Trained, equipped and motivated members of rescue services, commissions, units and CP headquarters ensure an adequate and coordinated response to natural and other disasters. The previously achieved preparedness to respond to natural and other disasters was maintained. Of particular importance was the purchase of an additional decontamination trailer and equipment for radiological detection, electronic and personal dosimetry and decontamination for fire-fighting units of broader importance, which will undoubtedly positively 21/102 ----- affect the preparedness and responsiveness of the system during accidents with dangerous substances. The Programme for the Formation of National Material Reserves for Protection, Rescue and Relief during the Period 2009–2015, which provides for the materiel and equipment from the state reserves to help the population at risk and the affected people after natural and other disasters, as well as personal and collective equipment for the operation of the protection, rescue and relief (PRR) forces, was implemented to a smaller extent. The ACPDR provides a comprehensive and responsive logistics system of 13 regional logistics centres to support the protection, rescue and relief forces at the regional level, and of the National Logistics Centre to support the national civil protection units. **2.3. Monitoring, Notification and Warning** Operational and communications tasks regarding monitoring, notification and warning are carried out continuously 24 hours a day and 365 days a year by the National Notification Centre (NNC) and 13 regional notification centres (RNC) responding to the emergency call number 112. The operation of the RNC ensures the availability of emergency medical assistance, rapid activation of rescue workers, mostly fire-fighters, and appropriate response of different rescue services during natural and other disasters for all citizens. For 90 percent of all calls, the average response time of operators in regional notification centres was less than seven seconds. The majority of calls were received at the Ljubljana Regional Notification Centre, which are 390 calls per day on average. This was followed by the RNC in Maribor with 185 calls per day, RNC in Celje with 162 calls per day and RNC in Kranj with 160 calls per day. The majority of calls in a single day were received on 2 February, which is 9,538 calls, followed by 3 February with 6,371 calls and 13 September with 5,523 calls. 76 percent of calls by Slovenian and 3 percent of calls by foreign users were received through mobile operator networks, whereas 21 percent of calls were received from traditional (PSTN and ISDN) and IP phones. **2.4 Communications and Information Systems (CIS)** The development of equipment for the reception of automatic emergency calls from the e-Call vehicles was completed. The inspection of equipment was carried out throughout Slovenia. All the necessary equipment was installed in the notification centres. If the necessary financial resources are provided, the system will be in regular operation in 2015. The system of the back-up power supply of the ZARE communications system was renewed, 5 additional repeater stations were set up and 13 mobile repeater stations were purchased. The renewal of the system of the back-up power supply increased the autonomy of operation of the ZARE communications system in the event of power failure. Some protection, rescue and relief units will be equipped with mobile repeaters, thus providing additional communications during major natural and other disasters. Due to lack of funds, the computerisation of response procedures in the notification centres with the SIPod application was not carried out. The aim of these processes was to shorten the response times during emergency response activities and to enable automatic exchange of information obtained during the call with all rescue services. The renewal of the public warning system was also not carried out to the extent planned; of the planned 99 sirens, only 8 sirens were actually purchased. Slovenia participated in the European projects HeERO and ESA-IDRC. Within the HeERO project, Slovenia participated as an associated partner. It gained access to data and information related to the process of the introduction of automatic emergency calls from the e-Call vehicles in the EU. Based on these data, Slovenia developed equipment for the reception of calls and carried out practical testing throughout Slovenia. Within the ESA-IDRC project, Slovenia participated as a representative of end users in the testing and collection of data for the upgrade of the EMERGENCY.LU module. 22/102 ----- **2.5 Protection, Rescue and Relief Forces** In 2014, 14,549 different events happened in Slovenia (natural and other disasters, traffic accidents, fires and explosions, pollution, accidents with dangerous substances, nuclear and other events, findings of unexploded ordnance, supply disruptions, damage to facilities and technical and other assistance). In addition to other services, the protection, rescue and relief forces also responded to those events. _Events in 2014_ **Event** **Number of Events** Natural Disasters 1,957 Other Disasters 1,201 Traffic Accidents 2,270 Fires and Explosions 3,598 Pollution, Accidents Involving Dangerous Substances 655 Nuclear and Other Events 5 Findings of UXO, Supply Disruptions and Damage to Facilities 850 Technical and Other Assistance 4,013 **Total** **14,549** _Note: Data on events in 2014 are based on the reports completed by 29 January 2015._ A closer look at the events reveals that the accidents resulted in 22,037 emergency response operations, with the participation of 147,439 members of various protection, rescue and relief forces. The majority of emergency response operations took place in February (5,206), followed by September (2,201), March (1,660) and August (1,615). The majority of emergency response operations were carried out by the voluntary territorial fire-fighting societies, professional firefighting units, National Unit for Protection from unexploded ordnance (UXO) and Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia. With timely and effective response and help to those affected, protection, rescue and relief forces undoubtedly contributed to the mitigation of damage and other consequences caused by these disasters. _Natural Disasters and Emergency Response Operations in 2014_ **Number of the** **Injured People** **Events** **Number of** **Emergency** **Response** **Operations** **Number of** **Participants** High Sea Tide 14 17 0 Floods 2,321 17,216 3 Avalanches 241 1,673 0 Deep Snow 1,284 6,865 1 Hail 6 76 0 Strong Wind 451 2,883 0 Lightning Strike 26 217 1 Sleet 2,613 24,433 13 Disruptions of Traffic due to Natural Phenomena 16 95 0 **Total** **6,972** **53,475** **18** _Note: Data on emergency response operations in 2014 are based on the reports completed in the system_ _for reporting on emergency response operations and disasters (SPIN) by 29 January 2015._ 23/102 ----- The major part of problems and the highest number of emergency response operations was caused by sleet, deep snow and floods. These disasters affected the entire country. Heavy rainfall occurred in two periods in January and caused trouble and floods. The next event with heavy rainfall, which extended from the end of January to the first days of February, brought atmospheric inversion, as well as sleet. The latter affected a major part of Slovenian territory, with the record thickness of more than 5 cm in some areas. Thunderstorms with heavy rains started as early as in May, whereas in August, Slovenia was hit by as many as four events including heavy rainfall and strong wind. Thunderstorms with heavy rainfall ravaged from 9 to 14 September. At the end of October, warm sea also caused storms with heavy rainfall. At the beginning of November, the country was affected by another heavy rain which caused flooding. Based on the Decree on Civil Protection Service, the ACPDR, as the founder, organises Civil Protection units, services and bodies to perform protection, rescue and relief tasks at the national and regional levels, and prepares plans for the conclusion of contracts of service in the Civil Protection, in accordance with the decision stipulating priority manning with contract Civil Protection members. Budgetary constraints and the reduction of resources for the field of protection against natural and other disasters affected the manning of Civil Protection with contract members, and influenced the decision on the further reduction of the on-call allowance for 10 percent (from 14 July 2014). In 2014, conditions were thus created for further manning of Civil Protection units, services and bodies. As a priority, contracts of service in the Civil Protection were concluded for the manning of Civil Protection units, services and bodies: unit for search and rescue in urban areas, logistics and psychological assistance unit. Three new contracts were concluded, along with 19 annexes for the extension of contracts and three annexes which did not extend contracts. Together with three new contracts, the ACPDR has concluded 116 contracts of service in the Civil Protection for the most critical duties, which is far from covering all the needs and thus from reaching the planned capabilities. _Voluntary Civil Protection Members_ **Number of** **Unit** **Contracts** National Rapid Response Unit – Technical Diving Unit 10 National Rapid Response Unit – IT Support Group 3 National Rapid Response Unit – Transport Unit 4 National Rapid Response Unit – Command 3 National Rapid Response Unit – NBC Decontamination 2 National Rapid Response Unit – Unit for Search and Rescue in Urban 15 Areas National Rapid Response Unit – Medical Care Team 5 Support Service – Psychological Assistance Team 4 Mobile Dispensary 5 Support Service – Catering Department 1 Notification Centre – Notification Centre Manning Team 28 Technical Rescue Team with Special Machinery and Equipment 10 Service for the Support and Conduct of Special Tasks Concerning Protection, Rescue and Relief during Environmental and other Disasters at Sea 14 Logistics Centre 12 _Note: Number of contract members in individual Civil Protection units, services and bodies on 31_ _December 2014_ 24/102 ----- At the end of the year, the Civil Protection records listed more than 40,000 members of protection, rescue and relief forces, of which approximately 22,000 were members of duty units and 18,000 were volunteers. The protection, rescue and relief forces at the national level included 840 professional members, 1,200 voluntary members and 1,505 members of duty units. **2.6 Protection From Unexploded Ordnance** Protection from UXO is organized as a single measure throughout Slovenia and comprises detection, identification, disposal, transportation, storage and destruction of UXO, and the training of members of the National Unit for Protection from UXO. In 2014, the National Unit for Protection from UXO carried out 485 emergency destructions (on average 1.3 a day), in which 8,690 pieces of various UXO were disposed (on average 23.8 pieces a day), or 14,543.76 kg (on average 39.81 kg a day). In addition to regular destructions of UXO at the Poligon 208 Protection and Rescue Training Range (from 22 to 24 May 2014), where 7149 pieces of UXO with the total weight of 4,230 kg were destroyed, it is important to point out the emergency destruction of an air bomb in Maribor in August 2014, relocation of five LMB sea mines to a specific point of disposal, and the removal of two sea mines (UMB and BOLLO) from the Slovenian sea in June 2014, nine land inspections ordered by investors or operators, and 28 on-site destructions, when 129 pieces of UXO with the total weight of 990.36 kg were destroyed. The measure of protection from UXO was carried out by 32 voluntary Civil Protection members. _Inspection and Transport of Sea Mines_ **2.7 Provision of Conditions for the Operation of Protection, Rescue and Relief Forces** The operational part of the system of protection against natural and other disasters is primarily based on voluntary rescue services and other structures organised by associations and NGOs. The subsidy provided by the ACPDR represents over 75 percent of the total funds required for the operation of individual units. Such operation includes continuous training and practice of unit members, members’ medical examinations and insurance policies, payment of salaries and reimbursements for the loss of income to employers during the call-up of members, purchase and maintenance of their collective and personal protection and rescue equipment, and material costs of emergency response operations. 25/102 ----- _Co-Funding Rescue Services, Associations and Other Organisations_ Co-funding of the activities of services, associations, units, companies, institutes and other organisations active in the field of protection, rescue and relief was carried out on the basis of the established criteria, provided funds, through contracts or annexes to contracts for cofinancing the protection, rescue and relief activities amounting to EUR 7,725,892. These funds ensured the operational preparedness of professional rescue services, fire-fighting units of general importance, associations and other organisations, and rescue services and structures which operate on the voluntary basis. Part of these funds (EUR 1,697,180) was dedicated to ensuring a coordinated development of fire-fighting units within the voluntary fire-fighting associations, namely the modernization of protection and rescue equipment. Annexes to contracts amounting to EUR 1,795,689 were concluded with the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia, Cave Rescue Service of the Speleological Association of Slovenia, Slovenian Kennel Club, Slovenian Diving Federation, Slovenian Red Cross, Slovenian Catholic Girl Guides and Boy Scouts Association, Scout Association of Slovenia, National Institute of Biology, Institute of Occupational Safety, Faculty of Medicine – Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine – Forensic Identification Unit, Veterinary Faculty – Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Velenje Coal Mine, TKI Hrastnik (chemical products factory), National Laboratory of Health, Environment and Food, Institute of Occupational Safety Ljubljana, Slovenian Professional Fire-Fighter Association, Association of Societies and Clubs of Rescue Dog Handlers of Slovenia, Association of Radio Amateurs of Slovenia, CB Radio Club Soča and the following flying clubs: Josip Križaj Ajdovščina, Postojna, Tolmin, Zagorje ob Savi, Coastal Flying Centre Portorož, Slovenj Gradec Airport, and Kras Flying Centre Divača. _Co-Funding of the Fire-Fighting Association of Slovenia_ Based on the annual programme of activities and tasks of the Fire-Fighting Association of Slovenia, such as organisational activities, prevention activities, fire-fighter training, and publication of professional literature in accordance with the Fire Service Act and the Fire Protection Act, an annex to the contract was concluded with the Fire-Fighting Association of Slovenia in the amount of EUR 450,000. In addition, the ACPDR allocated EUR 69,500 for anniversaries of voluntary fire-fighting societies, and EUR 57,500 to assist fire-fighting units in the purchase of protection and rescue equipment. _Programme of Co-Funding Fire-Fighting Units of General Importance_ Protection, rescue and relief tasks of wider importance, which include rescue after traffic, industrial and other accidents involving dangerous substances, rescue after accidents in longer motorway and other road and railway tunnels, technical rescue tasks after traffic accidents and accidents in standing and flowing waters, and other protection, rescue and relief tasks of general importance, are carried out by 45 fire-fighting units of general importance (FUGI). For the smooth conduct of activities of general importance, data on influence factors in operational areas (new roads and tunnels) as well as dual activation areas of FUGI were updated and complemented, taking into account double-overlap areas. Moreover, plans for 2014 and reports on the utilisation of funds for 2013 were evaluated, and 46 annexes to contracts were prepared. The programme of co-funding of FUGI was fully implemented and amounted to EUR 2,876,000. Of that amount, EUR 170,034 was allocated to the amortisation of eight special fire-fighting vehicles for tunnel rescue, and EUR 90,000 to the co-funding of the fast technical rescue vehicle for the Voluntary Fire-Fighting Society Murska Sobota. The rest of the funds were divided among units, in line with the criteria for the allocation of funds. An in-depth analysis was made of the temporal coverage of the activities of general importance on the basis of data from the information system for reporting on disasters and emergency response operations (SPIN) for the period between 2010 and 2014, as well as graphical simulations of driving times from the FUGI headquarters to the nearest FUGI (taking into account the actual driving conditions, such as speed limits, etc.). 26/102 ----- _Emergency Rescue in Long Road and Motorway Tunnels_ On the basis of contracts for the performance of operational tasks in the event of road tunnel accidents, concluded between the Motorway Company of the Republic of Slovenia (MCRS), the MoD and individual fire-fighting units (Jesenice Fire and Rescue Service (GARS Jesenice), Domžale Fire Safety Centre (CPV Domžale) and Celje Professional Fire-Fighting Unit (PGE Celje)), a total of EUR 65,499 was paid for the co-financing of the maintenance and restoration of personal protective equipment, insurances and transport costs for tunnel fire-fighters. In cooperation with the Fire-Fighting Association of Slovenia, a purchase was made of the collective equipment of portal fire-fighters in the amount of EUR 250,000. _Co-Funding of Fire-Fighting Protection and Rescue Equipment_ In 2014, the CPDR continued with the modernisation of protection and rescue equipment of firefighting units in voluntary fire-fighting societies, and thus with the provision of harmonious development of these units. A total of 521 applicants responded to this tender notice. A total of 481 co-funding contracts in the amount of EUR 1,697,180 were concluded. _Protection and Rescue Operations at Sea_ The procedure was carried out for the conclusion of a contract on co-funding protection and rescue operations at sea with the company Adria TOW d.o.o. (towing services and assistance to ships and vessels) in the amount of EUR 28,725. **2.8 National Material Reserves for the Event of Natural and other Disasters** In previous years, Slovenia started to establish national material reserves (NMR), primarily for large-scale disasters, wildfires, floods, major hailstorms, communicable diseases, etc. The implementation of the Programme of Establishing NMR for Protection, Rescue and Relief in the period 2009–2015 ensures materiel and equipment from national reserves to help the affected population and the population at risk after natural and other disasters, as well as personal and collective equipment for the activities of the protection, rescue and relief forces. Technical documents for the establishment of NMR and the equipping of protection, rescue and relief forces were prepared, in accordance with the plan and on the basis of the provided funds. The realization of the planned public procurements was smaller than initially planned due to the supplementary budgets, unsuccessful harmonisation of technical documents and the fact that some contracts were not awarded. Of the 30 proposals, 28 were realised, which in financial terms means a 93.34 percent realisation. The reduction of funds under the budget heading also means the worsening of conditions for the maintenance of preparedness and adequate equipping of protection, rescue and relief units and services, and for appropriate response after disasters. Resources and equipment of PRR units and other forces were supplemented in order to provide and maintain the adequate level of equipping and operational preparedness of units for their response to natural and other disasters in Slovenia and abroad. Despite the reduction in funding for national reserves resulting from the supplementary budget, Slovenia purchased portable beds with folding mattresses, bedding and pillows, residential containers, equipment for assistance at sea, equipment for the detection and removal of UXO and equipment for the Medium Search and Rescue Unit and the technical rescue unit. In addition, the maintenance of the equipment in the national reserves and units was provided. **2.9 Commodity Reserves** Each year, the ACPDR cooperates with the Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Commodity Reserves in the development of the annual programme for the purchasing of protection and rescue equipment in the framework of commodity reserves. The proposal of the Programme for the Establishment of National Commodity Reserves with Means of Personal and Collective Protection was prepared pursuant to the Decree on Means and Equipment for Personal and Collective Protection. Personal and collective protection equipment, included in the Commodity Reserve Programme, was selected and planned to be used in the shortest time possible, and suitable for mass use. 27/102 ----- At the end of 2013, the Government adopted a new five-year programme for the establishment of national commodity reserves for the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018, with a special emphasis primarily on maintaining and supplementing the national commodity reserves (hence also personal and collective protection equipment). During the planning of the programme, financial capacity of the national budget and the Agency was taken into account, as well as possibilities for the resupply of commodities. Due to the lack of funding, the Board of Directors of the Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Commodity Reserves did not adopt the work programme and the financial plan for the purchase of personal and collective protection equipment for 2014. By the end of 2014, only public procurements that were not carried out in 2013 (purchase of chemical detectors as well as resources for the replenishment of personal decontamination kits) could be realised. In addition, pursuant to Ordinance of the RS Civil Protection Commander during natural disaster including sleet in February 2014, the funds allocated for the purchase of personal and collective protection equipment were also used for the purchase of power generators and a cargo trailer in order to mitigate the disaster consequences. **2.10 Delivery of Fire Fund Assets and Vehicles to Voluntary Fire-Fighting Societies** In the area of logistics, pursuant to the Physical Assets of the State and Local Government Act and with the purpose of fulfilment of public interest in the area of protection against natural and other disasters, the following was transferred free of charge to voluntary fire-fighting societies: 10 vehicles, five generators, three radio stations, two iron cabinets for storing equipment, 193 pneumatic tyres of various dimensions, eight life jackets, six manual radio stations, an electric submersible pump and 10 fire brooms. In accordance with a contract, 426 radio stations were transferred free of charge to the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia. In 2014, in line with the decision of the Committee for the Management of the Fire Fund Assets, a total of 2,253 pieces of various fire-fighting equipment and communication resources, purchased through the Fire Fund in the past years, were transferred to the Fire-Fighting Association of Slovenia. **2.11 Fire Tax** Eligible use of fire tax funds is laid down in Article 59 of the Fire Protection Act. The use of funds for general social importance is in the hands of the Committee for the Fire Fund Management (the Committee), in accordance with the annual plan for the use of the fire tax inflow, which in 2013 amounted to EUR 7,700,536. The Fire Fund assets ensure a better fire safety in local communities. The share of fire tax funds for local communities in the amount of 70 percent was determined by a Government decision and totalled in EUR 5,393,467. In accordance with the plan for spending the fire tax funds inflow adopted by the Committee and based on the decision of the RS Government, 30 percent of fire tax revenue was allocated to the tasks of general importance: co-financing of equipment, co-financing of operation and equipping of fire-fighting units, co-financing of research in the field of fire protection, and education and training for fire protection. The purchase and distribution of means and equipment upgrades and improves the equipping of fire-fighting forces. Part of the means was also dedicated to the protection, rescue and relief activity in the field of fire protection, carried out by the Fire-Fighting Association of Slovenia, which is the provision of and care for further development and education and training of voluntary fire-fighting forces in Slovenia. The distribution of means equalled 70 percent of monthly inflow of fire tax funds. In 2014, 93 percent of the Fire Fund Annual Plan was realised. As administrative support to the Committee, the ACPDR placed particular emphasis on the realization and preparation of technical characteristics and specifications of equipment intended for purchase through the public procurement system. The unrealized projects include research and development projects, command vehicle equipment and co-financing the purchase of fire engines for high altitude rescue. 28/102 ----- In 2014, several high-value and several low-value public procurement procedures were carried out for: - Purchase of communication resources in the amount of EUR 88,678. - Purchase of thermal video cameras in the amount of EUR 259,786. - Purchase of barriers for the prevention of marine pollution on the reels and oil containment boom in the total amount of EUR 101,202. - Purchase of the Pekre SCBA training area in the amount of EUR 50,101. - Purchase of equipment for the elimination of consequences of major floods in the amount of EUR 104,267. - Purchase of fire-fighting equipment for wildfires (the Karst warehouse) in the amount of EUR 77,294. - Costs of fire-fighting school and the purchase and maintenance of equipment in the amount of EUR 192,495. A public call for the co-funding of fire-fighting vehicles for the Karst was made, totalling in EUR 190,000. Six contracts were signed, namely with the following municipalities: Kobarid, HrpeljeKozina, Postojna and Tolmin. The co-financing was carried out for the training of operational voluntary fire-fighters in the amount of EUR 538,661, and for medical examinations of fire-fighters before the training in the use of self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), totalling in EUR 1,150,000. **2.12 Research and Development in the Field of Protection against Natural and other** **Disasters** In the field of fire protection, no research and development project was selected, and the procedures for the projects already selected in the previous two or three years have not started yet. The reason is related to the process of carrying out the public invitation to tender or to the content-related and technical issues (called technical specification), as well as to the evaluation of proposals for research and development projects in the process of carrying out public procurement. On the basis of the problems identified in the field of research and development projects, the material on the topic of carrying out public invitation to tender and the use of the related legislation was prepared. The material does not require the preparation of technical specifications in the manner requested so far by the Logistics Directorate, which means that the biggest problem related to the deadlock in the implementation of invitations to tender for research and development projects has been eliminated. 29/102 ----- ### 3 DISASTER RESPONSE AND DAMAGE ASSESSMENT **3.1 Disaster Response** In 2014, protection, rescue and relief forces responded to 14,549 events. 27,184 protection, rescue and relief structures were activated. Thus, the total of 194,902 members of various units, services and other structures participated in the activities. The table below provides numbers on the participation in those activities. _Overview of the Number of Emergency Response Operations of PRR Forces in 2014_ **Number of Activated** **Type of Unit** **PRR Structures** **Number of** **Participating** **Members** Rescue dog units 85 451 Mountain Rescue Service 518 4,988 Cave Rescue Service 13 52 Voluntary Territorial Fire-Fighting 18,974 156,580 Societies Professional Fire-Fighting Units 7491 32,357 Voluntary Industrial Fire-Fighting 74 368 Societies Underwater Rescue Service 29 106 **Total** **27,184** **194,902** _Note: Data on the PRR forces participating in emergency response are based on the reports completed in_ _the system for reporting on emergency response operations and disasters by 29 January 2015._ Floods, deep snow and sleet between 30 January and 27 February 2014 Between 30 January and 27 February, floods, deep snow and sleet affected the municipalities in Severnoprimorska, Gorenjska, Koroška, Notranjska, Ljubljanska, Zahodnoštajerska, Vzhodnoštajerska, Podravska, Pomurska, Dolenjska, Posavska and Zasavska regions. The Slovenian Environment Agency issued a timely forecast of the risk of floods, deep snow and sleet, which enabled certain preparations before the onset of the disaster; however, the disaster could not be prevented. The consequences of the chain disaster which affected almost the entire country, were snow and sleet damage, extensive blackout (153,400 households), impassability of roads, traffic disruptions (particularly of the railway traffic), isolation of individual areas, destruction of forests (40 percent), disruption of drinking water supply, and economic and other damage. Depending on the needs and the size of the areas affected by the disaster, Civil Protection commanders and headquarters in the majority of the affected municipalities and regions were activated, along with the national Civil Protection commander and headquarters, voluntary firefighters, members of other PRR forces, the Police and the SAF. The National disaster response plan for floods was activated on 1 February 2014. Over 60,000 members of the PRR forces, soldiers, policemen and employees of public services and corporations participated in the mitigation of disaster consequences. Public procurement procedures were carried out for the maintenance of generators, and for the purchase of generators (together with the RS Agency for Commodity Reserves), mobile repeaters and flood bags. 30/102 ----- _The 2014 Sleet_ Due to extensive damage to overhead power lines and disrupted electricity supply for about 15 percent of the RS population, the RS Government requested European Union assistance in the form of high-power generators on 2 February 2014. The response via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was quick and effective, since the first foreign units arrived in Slovenia as early as on 3 February 2014. Between 3 and 14 February, an average of approximately 160 foreign rescuers a day provided assistance to their Slovenian counterparts in the mitigation of disaster consequences, while the total number of rescuers from abroad participating in the emergency response included approximately 650 people. Slovenia received a total of 172 generators (83 high-power and 89 low-power generators), of which 72 were provided through the EU CP mechanism and 100 at the bilateral level from 11 countries (Austria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Serbia and the United States). The costs of emergency response and emergency measures intended to prevent the increase of adverse effects of the disaster totalled in EUR 40,055,984. In accordance with the final analysis of the response to the disaster, which was prepared based on partial analyses of the ministries, proposals for improving the responsiveness to disasters were developed, including systemic, organisational, logistical, IT and operational measures at all levels (national, regional and local). Judging by the scope of that meteorological disaster, in which by far greatest inconvenience was caused by freezing rain or sleet, the disaster ranks among the greatest natural disasters in the long term, however, up until now, this is probably the worst and biggest sleet disaster. This disaster was also exceptional in terms of the intensity of the consequences and the large scale of injury and damage. 31/102 ----- _Mitigation of the Consequences of Sleet_ Heavy rains, floods and landslides between 12 and 17 September 2014 Between 12 and 17 September, heavy rains, floods and landslides affected the municipalities in Koroška, Ljubljanska, Zahodnoštajerska, Vzhodnoštajerska, Podravska, Pomurska, Dolenjska, Posavska and Zasavska regions. During floods, regional notification centres (RNCs) throughout Slovenia received 13,524 calls to the emergency call number 112. The majority of calls to the 112 number were received by the RNC Murska Sobota, Novo mesto and Brežice. On average, they received 73, 91, and 68 emergency calls a day respectively. On the busiest day, 13 September 2014, 850 calls were received by the Murska Sobota RNC, 767 by the Novo mesto RNC and 763 by the Brežice RNC. The floods affected 1041 residential buildings, six schools or kindergartens, 368 commercial and other facilities, 287 kilometres of roads and extensive farmlands. The soggy ground and several days of rain caused 839 landslides, lumps and rockfalls, which in some cases damaged or directly threatened housing and infrastructure (roads, electricity network) facilities. 36 persons were evacuated, and two people lost their lives due to the rapid flowing water. Composed attitude and rapid action of the population during nocturnal torrential floods in the Dolenjska and Posavje regions also prevented further victims of this disaster. 11,926 fire-fighters, 1,080 members of the civil protection, 601 SAF members and 200 members of other units and volunteers participated in the mitigation of the consequences of heavy rain, flooding and landslides. The costs of emergency response and emergency measures intended to prevent the increase of adverse effects of the disaster totalled in EUR 3,040,682. 32/102 ----- For the purpose of emergency response and mitigation of consequences, 90,933 flood bags, 25 devices for filling flood bags, 158 pumps, 30 sludge pumps, 195 generators and 116 pairs of fisherman's boots were selected from the National Material Reserves and municipal warehouses. Heavy rain, floods and landslides between 6 and 18 November 2014 Heavy rain, floods and landslides between 6 and 18 November 2014 affected the municipalities in Gorenjska, Koroška, Ljubljanska, Notranjska, Podravska, Posavska, Severnoprimorska, Vzhodnoštajerska, Zahodnoštajerska and Zasavska regions. During floods, regional notification centres (RNCs) throughout Slovenia received 21,743 calls to the emergency call number 112. The majority of calls to the 112 number were received by the RNC Ljubljana, Maribor and Postojna. On average, they received 391, 186 and 95 emergency calls a day respectively. On the busiest day, 7 November 2014, 1,172 calls were received by the Ljubljana RNC, 605 by the Postojna RNC and 284 by the Maribor RNC. _November Floods in the Village Retje – Loški Potok_ The floods affected 1,114 residential buildings, 26 blocks of flats, six schools or kindergartens, 194 commercial and other buildings, 29 industrial facilities, 140 other buildings (garages, woodsheds), 112.57 kilometres of roads, five bridges and large-scale agricultural and other surfaces. The soggy ground and several days of rain caused 49 landslides, lumps and rockfalls, which in some cases damaged or directly threatened housing and infrastructure (roads, electricity network) facilities. 36 persons were evacuated. 4,840 fire-fighters, 923 civil protection members, 360 SAF members and 232 members of other units and volunteers participated in the emergency response and mitigation of the consequences of heavy rain, flooding and landslides. The costs of emergency response and emergency measures intended to prevent the increase of adverse effects of the disaster totalled in EUR 2,601,631. For the purpose of emergency response and mitigation of consequences, 79,740 flood bags, 45 submersible pumps, 19 power generators, 1,400 kg of PVC foil, 11 radio stations, one communication box, 10 heaters, 150 100 m2 absorbents, 15 3m absorbent socks, one tent, 10 field beds with bedding, 7.5 kg of disinfectant and one motor boat were selected from the National Material Reserves. 33/102 ----- **3.2 Damage Assessment** Damage assessment after natural and other disasters was carried out by qualified appraisers according to the prescribed methodology and in parallel with the regular maintenance of the AJDA application. To this end, there were several consultations on damage assessment after drought and flood in 2013 as well as sleet in 2014 in all 13 regions (ACPDR regional offices), which were attended by 353 members of regional and municipal commissions for damage assessment. The damage assessment application AJDA was upgraded with a new price list for roads and electrical infrastructure, with the purpose of quality collection and processing of data for reporting. In 2014, in accordance with the prescribed methodology, Rules of Procedure for the Assessment of Damage and the Rules of Procedure on the Work of Regional Damage Assessment Commissions after Natural and other Disasters, and based on the Decisions on the Assessment of Damage to Property, damage assessment commissions at the local, regional and national levels assessed consequences of sleet and floods in 2014. In the same year, sleet affected the areas of the Gorenjska, Koroška, Notranjska, Ljubljanska, Podravska, Posavska, Severnoprimorska, Vzhodnoštajerska, Zahodnoštajerska and Zasavska regions. The estimated damage amounted to EUR 429,415,980. The total amount of the final assessment of direct damage included: - Damage to property and cultural heritage buildings in the amount of EUR 12,752,088. - Damage to the economic sector in the amount of EUR 42,713,030. - Damage to national roads in the amount of EUR 8,784,080. - Damage to electric power infrastructure in the amount of EUR 80,512,371. - Damage to parks, gardens and tree-lined roads considered a cultural heritage in the amount of EUR 2,665,866. - Damage to railway infrastructure in the amount of EUR 40,873,990. - Damage to forests and forest roads in the amount of EUR 214,326,536, and damage to watercourses in the amount of EUR 26,788,015. Due to the high level of estimated damage after sleet, the European Solidarity Fund allocated assistance to Slovenia in the amount of EUR 18.3 million. Between 12 and 16 September 2014, the floods affected the municipalities in the Dolenjska, Gorenjska, Koroška, Ljubljanjska, Podravska, Pomurska, Posavska, Vzhodnoštajerska, Zahodnoštajerska and Zasavska regions. The total amount of the direct damage included damage to property (EUR 21,117,865), damage to the economic sector (EUR 2,742,955), damage to national roads (EUR 5,021,485), damage to forest roads (EUR 1,070,523), damage to cultural heritage (EUR 983,690) and damage to watercourses (EUR 123,943,094). The assessed direct damage to property resulting from the consequences of the floods between 21 and 24 October 2014 in the area of Gorenjska, Ljubljanjska, Severnoprimorska, Vzhodnoštajerska, Zahodnoštajerska and Zasavska regions in 24 municipalities totalled in EUR 50,342,873. The total amount of the indirect damage included damage to property (EUR 8,406,395), damage to the economic sector (EUR 3,039,085), damage to national roads (EUR 932,914), damage to forest roads (EUR 1,540,731), damage to cultural heritage (EUR 138,320) and damage to watercourses (EUR 36,423,746). The assessed indirect damage to property resulting from the consequences of the floods between 6 and 14 November 2014 in the area of Gorenjska, Ljubljanska, Koroška, Notranjska, Podravska, Vzhodnoštajerska, Zahodnoštajerska and Zasavska regions in 29 municipalities totalled in EUR 22,252,930. The total amount of the indirect damage included damage to property (EUR 3,069,765), damage to the economic sector (EUR 847,908), damage to national roads (EUR 300,000), damage to forest roads (EUR 2,327,238), and damage to watercourses (EUR 15,728,017). 34/102 ----- ### 4 EDUCATION AND TRAINING In line with the annual education and training plan, education and training took place at the Training Centre for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief in Ig and at the Centre's training units in Pekre, Sežana and Logatec. Training was provided to members of various PRR forces and public employees from the field of civil protection and disaster relief. A total of 33,079 participants attended the various forms of education, training and other activities (19,315 persons at the Training Centre for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief in Ig, 10,152 persons at the Centre’s training unit in Pekre, 2,173 at the Logatec training unit and 1,439 at the Sežana training unit). _Training in 2014 according to Target Groups_ **_Number of_** **_Target Groups_** **_Participants_** **_Training Centre for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief in Ig_** Training Programmes for CP Members 251 Fire Service and Qualification Programmes 496 Programmes for Public Employees in the Field of Protection Against Natural 296 and Other Disasters Programmes for Lecturers 12 Programmes for Foreign Participants 87 Programmes of Societies – Fire-Fighters 5,922 Joint Programmes for Several Target Groups (rescue with aircraft, leadership 1007 – group dynamics, public relations in the event of disasters etc.) E-Education 44 Programmes of Societies – Dog Handlers 4,068 Programmes of Societies – Divers, Cave Rescuers, Mountain Rescue Service, 920 Underwater Rescue Service Programmes of Societies – Others (Red Cross, Slovenian Fire Protection 160 Association, Scout Association of Slovenia) Other ACPDR Training and Activities 2,653 Other MoD, SAF and IRSPANOD Training and Activities 551 Training of External Users 2,848 **TOTAL** 19,315 **_Pekre Training Unit_** Programmes of Societies – Fire-Fighters 6,120 Programmes from the Field of Protection against Natural and Other Disasters 1,432 35/102 ----- Other Training and Activities of the MoD and External Users 2,600 **TOTAL** 10,152 **_Logatec Training Unit_** Programmes of Societies – Fire-Fighters 195 Programmes from the Field of Protection against Natural and Other Disasters 432 Other Training and Activities of the MoD and External Users 1,546 **TOTAL** 2,173 **_Sežana Training Unit_** Fire Service and Qualification Programmes 413 Programmes from the Field of Protection against Natural and Other Disasters 397 Other Training and Activities of the MoD and External Users 629 **TOTAL** 1,439 **_TOTAL_** **33,079** **4.1 Development of Education and Training Programmes** In 2014, the following programmes were updated at the Training Centre for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief: - Programme of training for public employees in the field of protection against natural and other disasters. - Programme of supplementary training for SAF members on protection, rescue and relief. - Programme of supplementary training for the performance of protection, rescue and relief tasks using aircraft – modules A, A1, B, C and C1. - Programme of training for members of commissions for damage assessment after natural and other disasters. - Programme of training for lifeguards in swimming pools (programme A/modules A1 and A2). - Programme of training for lifeguards in natural swimming areas (programme B). - Programme of training for lifeguards in white waters (programme B). - Programme of supplementary training for members of civil protection units on protection against unexploded ordnance. The following new programmes were developed: - Programme of supplementary training of SAF members on extinguishing fire on vessels. - Programme of basic training for instructors in the field of protection against natural and other disasters. - Programme of supplementary training for instructors in the field of protection against natural and other disasters. 36/102 ----- Amendments to the Programme of basic training for performing protection, rescue and relief tasks using aircraft were also prepared. In the reporting period, 15 programmes were updated and three new programmes were developed, whereas one programme was amended. In the field of proficiency examinations of fire-fighters, detailed reviews of the contents and literature of the proficiency examination for the commander or operational head of a fire-fighting unit and the head of a fire-fighting unit were finalised and coordinated with the Slovenian Professional Fire-Fighter Association and the Association of Fire-Fighting and Rescue Institutes. Draft programmes of further training of candidates for the proficiency examination for the commander or operational head of a fire-fighting unit and the head of a fire-fighting unit were also prepared. Rules amending the Rules on the Special Exams of the Professional Firemen were developed; they were signed by the Minister of Defence. **4.2 Conduct of Education and Training Courses** The training of the 21th generation of candidates for the profession of fire-fighters was conducted according to the appropriate training programme (no. 604-35/2012-9, dated 7 January 2013), which also includes Criteria for Testing the Physical and Mental Fitness of Candidates during the Training for Professional Fire-Fighters. The training took place between 6 January 2014 and 19 June 2014. It involved 33 candidates coming from public fire-fighting institutes (40%), companies (24%), fire-fighting units of general importance or voluntary fire-fighting societies (18%), state bodies (6%) and private attendants (12%). 58 contracts for a copyrighted work and 7 work contracts were concluded for the purpose of conducting the training courses, and the employees of the training centre (four from the Fire-Fighting School and the head of the Department of Education and Training) were also involved as lecturers or as instructors. The training lasted 24 weeks or 911 teaching hours, of which 401 hours were dedicated to theoretical and 510 hours to practical training. _In 2014, the Employees of the Fire-Fighting School also Conducted Training Courses according_ _to the following Programmes:_ **_Number of_** **_Type of Training_** **_Courses_** **_Number of_** **_Participants_** The Programme of Training to Perform the Tasks of Protection, Rescue and Relief Using Aircraft, Modules A, A/1, B, C, and C/1 (Cave Rescue Service, Mountain Rescue Service, Kennel Club, Helicopter Emergency Medical Aid Unit, Fire-Fighting Association of Slovenia) 21 313 Basic and Supplementary Training Programme for Fire- 58 8 Fighters for the Use of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Training Programme for Fire-Fighting and Rescue in Single7 201 Tube and Double-Tube Tunnels Training Programme for Extinguishing Fires in Closed 2 45 Spaces, Modules A and B Training Programme for High and Low Altitude Rescue in 3 31 Urban Environments **Total** **41** **648** 37/102 ----- In January 2014, in cooperation with the Slovenian Professional Fire-Fighter Association, a consultation and workshop were carried out for fire-fighting units on emergency response in road tunnels (presentation of the European Directive on Safety in Road Tunnels, the Karavanke tunnel accident, the concept of tunnel and portal fire-fighters in double-tube tunnels and emergency response plan for tunnels). The workshop titled the Use of Improvised Incendiary Devices was carried out for SAF members (27 participants). The training for extinguishing fires in closed spaces was carried out for fire-fighters from Bosnia and Herzegovina (18 participants). According to the Plan of Education and Training for 2014, 63 different programmes were published. All the planned training courses which had a sufficient number of enrolled candidates were also conducted. The ACPDR continued with the training of confidants in the framework of psychological support to emergency responders in fire-fighting units and notification centres, regularly performed supervisions for psychological support confidants, and started with the training in the area of psychological support for the target group of operators in notification centres. A working group developed guidelines for psychosocial support in emergencies, which are the ACPDR's starting points for further discussion with the other participants (ministries and services in the fields of psychology, social work, health, community, and others). For primary school teachers who teach the elective subject on protection against natural and other disasters, training on earthquakes was carried out in the e-classroom. 9 teachers successfully completed the training. Throughout the year, teachers also exchanged information and read about the new developments in the e-classroom for teachers. Teachers were also offered professional support in the conduct of the subject. In the school year 2013/14, the subject on protection against natural and other disasters was conducted in 20 primary schools, with 244 pupils involved. In the area training for protection against unexploded ordnance, the programme of supplementary training of members of units for protection against unexploded ordnance was updated. Supplementary training was conducted in the e-classroom (35 participants), and information was regularly exchanged with the Bomb Disposal Section of the Police. Cooperation continued with the 430[th] SAF Naval Division in the field of the exchange of information on unexploded ordnance at sea. 16 presentations of the system of protection against unexploded ordnance were carried out in primary schools and at other events in Slovenia, while the Training Centre hosted 12 presentations of protection against unexploded ordnance, showing a collection of unexploded ordnance. For the first time, the ACPDR successfully organized and conducted two training courses according to the new programme of supplementary training for rescuers form behind the sumps of underground caves, so that participants could improve their knowledge of cave rescue and technical diving with specialised knowledge they need during the rescue form behind the sumps of underground caves. This is the only training programme of this type in Europe which, at the national level, provides training to members of two different rescue services for rescuers behind the sumps of underground caves, namely the members of the Technical Diving Unit and members of the Cave Rescue Service. This is a very demanding training in terms of security and organisation, requiring the participation of both the Technical Diving Unit and the Cave Rescue Service. The training was conducted by instructors with a high level of knowledge and experience in the cave rescue and technical diving, who are also members of the rescue services. 38/102 ----- _Overview or the Training Courses Organised and Carried out in 2014_ **Number of** **Type of Training** **Events** **Participants** **Number of** Leadership and Group Dynamics 3 55 Public Relations, Part 1 4 34 Public Relations, Part 2 7 47 Introductory and Basic Training for the Civil Protection 3 62 Commissioners Introductory and Basic Training of Civil Protection 1 17 Headquarters in Companies Introductory and Basic Training of Regional Civil Protection 1 18 Headquarters Introductory and Basic Training of Municipal Civil Protection 2 45 Headquarters Training of Contract SAF Members 1 15 Training for Drivers with Dangerous Goods (ADR) 1 10 Supplementary Training of Members of Units for Protection 1 35 against Unexploded Ordnance – E-Learning Supplementary Training of Members of the Unit for Protection 1 15 against Unexploded Ordnance in Water Supplementary Training of Members of Units for Protection 3 35 against Unexploded Ordnance – Training Level Testing Introductory and Basic Training of Members of the Service for 1 17 the Maintenance and Use of Shelters Training for SAF Members, Military Occupational Specialty 2 45 Pyrotechnics Expert, Warehouse Employee Supplementary Training of Rescue Divers who are Involved in 1 12 the PRR System (E Programme) Basic Training of Members of Services and Units Performing Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Tasks during Floods and other Water Disasters (E Programme) Practical Examination of the Training Level for Rescue and Administration of First Aid during Water Rescue According to the Programme of Basic Training of Members of Services and Units Performing Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Tasks during Floods and other Water Disasters (E Programme) 3 49 3 14 Supplementary Training of Rescuers from behind the Sumps 2 11 of Underground Caves Training of Radio Stations Users and Custodians of Communications Systems ZA-RE and ZA-RE +, Dog Handlers and Slovenian Red Cross 5 128 Introductory Training for the Public Employees of Notification 1 4 Centres Basic Training for the Public Employees of Notification Centres 1 5 Supplementary Training for the Preparation and Use of the 2 13 39/102 ----- **Number of** **Type of Training** **Events** **Participants** **Number of** PV2 Command Vehicle Training on English Terminology for the ACPDR Employees 1 10 English Language Refresher Beginner Course (Notification 2 24 Centre Public Employees) Training Programme for providers of the Elective Subject on Protection against Natural and other Disasters – Earthquake in an E-Classroom Supplementary Training Programme on Psychosocial Support, Module 3 – Supervision 1 9 2 21 Supplementary Training Programme on Psychosocial Support, 29 1 Module 1 – Advanced Training Basic Training Programme for Coping with Stress 4 83 Programme of Introductory Training on Psychosocial Support 2 57 Programme of Basic Training for Lecturers in the Field of 1 11 Protection against Natural and other Disasters Programme of Basic Training for Coping with Stress/Death 2 37 Supplementary Training of the SAF Members for PRR 1 23 **Total** **67** **990** In cooperation with the Health and Safety at Work Service, the ACPDR organised training for the employees and for the CP members working with machinery. For the ACPDR employees, a consultation titled Exercises in the System of Protection against Natural and other Disasters was organised. The system of protection against natural and other disasters and the role of the Training Centre for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief were presented to students of the Faculty of Social Work (95 students), Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security (75 students), Faculty of Social Sciences (35 students) and Faculty of Medicine (100 students), pupils of the Slovenj Gradec Schools Centre (80 pupils) and primary school pupils (239 pupils). **4.3 Assessment of the Training Level and Exercises** Exercises were planned and conducted in accordance with the Plan of Exercises in the Defence System and the System of Protection against Natural and other Disasters in the years 2013 and 2014, which was adopted by the Slovenian Government. For each exercise, documents which are specified in the Rules on the Exercises in the Field of Protection against Natural and other Disasters were prepared, namely a decision on the preparation of the exercise, exercise conduct plan, analysis and exercise report. Exercises of National Importance: Two exercises of national importance were planned and carried out: - A two-day combined (theoretical and practical) exercise for comprehensive assessment of the preparedness for the event of a nuclear accident, the Krško NPP 2014 exercise, was conducted under the scenario that a fault in the operation of the Krško NPP caused an incident which required the activation of the disaster response plans and the response according to plans. The focus of the exercise was on the staff work, management and decision-making. All the exercise participants operated at their locations. The exercise took place between 26 and 27 November 2014. 40/102 ----- - A one-day theoretical exercise for comprehensive assessment of the preparedness for the event of floods, the exercise Mura 2014 was conducted due to the floods which affected the municipalities involved in the exercise in autumn. It was conducted in the form of an analysis of the autumn floods with proposals for improving the response to floods in the Pomurje area. The analysis was conducted on 3 December 2014 in Murska Sobota. The following exercises were planned and carried out at the regional level: - A one-day theoretical exercise for comprehensive assessment of the preparedness for the event of the collapse of water dam, Exercise Golica 2014, was conducted on 15 May as a staff exercise, with the participation of CP headquarters of the municipalities which could be affected by the collapse of the water dam, and of the regional CP headquarters for the Koroška region. - A one-day theoretical exercise for comprehensive assessment of the preparedness for the event of a large-scale accident on the motorway, the Štajerska Motorway 2014 exercise, was carried out on 12 November. The exercise involved all the services responsible for carrying out the protection, rescue and relief tasks according to plans. - A one-day combined (theoretical and practical) exercise for comprehensive assessment of the preparedness for response to an aircraft accident, the exercise Aircraft Accident 2014, was conducted on 11 October. The exercise involved PRR units provided for response to an aircraft accident in the Gorenjska region. - A planned one-day practical exercise for comprehensive assessment of the preparedness for the event of the spillage of hazardous material, exercise Vogršček 2014, was conducted on 14 June on the Soča river as the exercise Soča 2014, with the same task of the assessment of preparedness for response to the spillage of hazardous material into the watercourse. The exercise involved PRR forces specified in the plans. - A one-day combined exercise for comprehensive assessment of the preparedness for the event of large-scale accident on the motorway, the Trebnje–Novo mesto Motorway 2014 exercise, was carried out on 12 April as a practical and theoretical exercise. The consequences of the large-scale traffic accident were mitigated by the PRR units of the Dolenjska region. Due to the uncompleted construction of the Markovec tunnel, a one-day combined exercise for comprehensive assessment of the preparedness for the event of large-scale accident in the Markovec tunnel, Exercise Markovec 2014, was postponed to 2015. Regional Exercises and the 20[th] National Examination of the Training Level of the Civil Protection and Red Cross First Aid Teams Eleven regional examinations of the training level of the CP and RK first aid teams were carried out. The examinations were attended by 125 first aid teams, organized in accordance with the Regulation on the Organisation, Equipment and Training of Protection, Rescue and Aid Forces. The national examination was attended by teams which were ranked among the best in the previous regional training level examinations for first aid teams, as well as the best runner-up team of regional examinations in 2014. 14 first aid teams qualified for the national examination, namely seven RK teams, four CP teams and three teams of fire-fighting organisations. The 20[th] national examination of the training level of the CP and RK first aid teams was prepared based on the threat assessment of the Obalna Regija region and the actual involvement and administration of first aid in the event of natural and other disasters. The examination took place in Koper. Special emphasis was on the administration of first aid to people injured in natural disasters (earthquake, flood, and sleet), the provision of first aid during public events and large-scale accidents, and on the administration of first aid in the event of drowning. Among the participating teams, the highest level of knowledge and training was demonstrated by the Slovenian Red Cross – Grosuplje Regional Association Team, which will represent Slovenia at the First Aid Convention in Europe - FACE in 2015. 41/102 ----- **4.4. Research and Development in the Area of Protection against Natural and other** **Disasters** In 2014, no research and development project was carried out in the area of protection against natural and other disasters. The results were integrated into the work processes and information was provided for the local communities and the public. The bases for the tender in 2015 were prepared. Proposals were prepared for the implementation of the following projects: the Upgrade of Protection against Disasters on the Dams with Approximate Determination of the Consequences of their Collapse - VODPREG 2; the Upgrade the System for Determining the Seismic Threat and Responsiveness for the Needs of Civil Protection and Disaster Relief in the RS – POTROG 2; the Upgrade of the System for Notification and Warning in the Event of Landslides – MASPREM 2; and the Assessment of the Consequences and the Necessary PRR Forces and Resources in the Event of Floods with a 10-, 50-, 100- and 500-year return period POPSILE. Applications from the results achieved in the projects were published on the ACPDR web portal. Project results were used in international projects and presented at international conferences. Results of the POTROG project were presented in 13 municipalities and at the ministry responsible for energy. 42/102 ----- ### 5 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION In 2014, international activities in the field of protection against natural and other disasters were primarily focused on the strengthening of bilateral cooperation and regional integration, the provision of development assistance to the Western Balkan countries, and the ensuring of an active role of Slovenia in international organisations. The most important were the activities for strengthening the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Slovenia provided extensive international assistance during major natural and other disasters abroad (floods in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia). During heavy sleet, Slovenia also received international assistance form several countries. The ACPDR successfully participated in 11 European projects in the field of protection against disasters. **5.1 Bilateral Cooperation** In 2014, Slovenia continued its strengthened cooperation with the neighbouring countries Austria, Croatia, Italy and Hungary, particularly in the border area and in the framework of European projects. In cooperation with Austria, in the framework of the GOAL project, cross-border cooperation between emergency response forces and bodies responsible for response during natural and other disasters in the Austrian Carinthia and Austrian Styria and the Gorenjska and Koroška regions was upgraded, and a major exercise Floods Carinthia 2014 was conducted; joint training courses for rescue units were carried out. The operation of two contact committees was re-established: Slovenia–Carinthia and Slovenia–Styria, in the framework of which the two countries committed themselves to cooperate even more closely also in the field of protection against natural and other disasters. The Permanent Mixed Commission for Protection against Disasters (together with Croatia), and its four sub-commissions (for education and training, fire protection, coordination of disaster response plans and cooperation in the field of emergency call number 112) successfully carried out their work. With Croatia, Slovenia also signed the Standard Operating Procedure on Assistance with Aircraft in the Event of Open-Space Fire. Activities with Hungary took place mainly through the sub-commission on border cooperation, where special attention was paid to notification and response to floods, both within the project Let's Rescue Together 2015 and within the Mura 2015 project, which also included the participation of Croatia and Austria. Slovenia also carried out sound border cooperation with Italy, including within the GEP project, and at the national level in the context of other European projects. Special attention was devoted to the transfer of knowledge and experience to the Western Balkan countries in the form of development aid, especially through the IPA CP II project in the field of civil protection. The Letter of Intent on Cooperation in the Field of Protection against Natural and other Disasters was signed with Serbia. In the context of successfully implemented programmes of bilateral cooperation with France, Sweden and the USA, the Slovenian representatives gained a lot of expertise. Slovenia also successfully cooperated with Germany in the framework of several European projects. **5.2 Regional Cooperation** The ACPDR contributes to the strengthening of regional cooperation in the field of protection against disasters, primarily through the IPA CP II project, which is aimed at further development of the systems within the region and the support of the Western Balkan countries and Turkey in their integration into the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The ACPDR continued its intensive work in the context of the key regional Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South Eastern Europe (DPPI SEE). In December 2014, the RS Government adopted a decree on the ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Institutional Framework of the DPPI SEE, which constitutes the legal basis for further operation of the initiative. In addition to its annual financial contribution, the ACPDR, in cooperation with Croatia and Serbia, organised two training courses: a course on the reduction of risks of disasters and a course on cave rescue, while cooperating with professional support in several training courses. In the context of 43/102 ----- the Alpine Convention, the ACPDR participated in activities in the field of protection against disasters, and in the framework of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative mainly in the field of protection against forest fires. **5.3 Cooperation in the Framework of the EU** Within the Civil Protection Committee, the ACPDR participated in negotiations for the preparation of the implementing act - Decision on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (for modules, European Emergency Response Capacity, Emergency Response Coordination Centre, Common Emergency Communication and Information System (CECIS), training and exercises), which was adopted in September. Within the Council Working Group on Civil Protection, the ACPDR participated in the development of decisions of the Council on multinational modules, decisions on cooperation between civil protection and humanitarian aid, decisions on a common approach to negotiations on Post-Hyogo Framework for Action in the framework of the United Nations, and decisions on the assessment of capability for risk management. The ACPDR kept an active role in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which is the main instrument for the coordination of member states' assistance in the event of major disasters. The RS Notification Centre is involved in the Common Emergency Communication and Information System (CECIS). Slovenian representatives attended trainings in accordance with national quotas. Slovenia also participated in the working groups for modules, risk assessment and training policy. An intensive process for the development of risk assessments for disasters took place at the national level in accordance with the new European legislation. The ACPDR also participated in in the field of major accidents involving dangerous substances (Seveso II and III Directives), intentional sea pollutions, Single European Emergency Call Number and elsewhere. An ACPDR delegation attended the meetings of the EU Civil Protection Directors General in Athens in June and in Rome in September. **5.4 European Projects** The ACPDR work in the field of European projects was aimed at the implementation of on-going projects, development and registration of new projects and the exchange of information about opportunities for participation in projects of the participating stakeholders (rescue services, local communities, etc.). One of the most intensive tasks in 2014 was the cooperation in the process of preparing programme documents for funds from the European Structural and Cohesion Funds and the European Territorial Cooperation programmes with Austria, Croatia, Italy and Hungary, which continues in 2015. The ACPDR participated in 11 projects, (co)financed from the European funds. The biggest project which the ACPDR implemented as the leading partner was the EU Programme for Strengthening the Cooperation with Candidate Countries and Potential Candidate Countries in the Area of Civil Protection within the context of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance – the IPA CP 2 Programme (duration between 2013–2015). In the framework of the project, a comprehensive regional practical exercise QUAKE MNE IPA 2014 was conducted in October in Montenegro, with the scenario of an earthquake, which brought together rescue units from nine countries, including Slovenia. Several courses, staff exercises and exchanges of experts were conducted. The project continues in 2015. 44/102 ----- _Activities within the Project EU IPA CP II (2013–2015 – EU Programme for Strengthening the_ _Cooperation with Candidate Countries and Potential Candidate Countries in the Area of Civil_ _Protection, led by the ACPDR._ 45/102 ----- Together with its partners, the ACPDR successfully implemented three projects from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, courses for modules and technical experts (MBC – Modules Basic Course and TEC – Technical Experts Course), exercises for civil protection modules and the Projekt Mura 2015 project. The ACPDR also participated in the research project HeERO – the introduction of the 112 emergency call service for vehicles. It was involved in three projects within the European Territorial Cooperation: in the GOAL project – strengthening of crossborder cooperation of PRR bodies and forces with Austria; in the GEP project – joint geographic information system (GIS) for the protection of drinking water during disasters in the border area with Italy; and the project Let's Rescue Together – strengthening of cross-border cooperation of PRR bodies and forces with Hungary. Within the Questcity education project, the ACPDR participated in the upgrade of the computer application for young people for learning about proper actions during disasters. As the end user, the ACPDR was involved in the project ESAIDRC: improving the ability to respond to disasters with satellite communications; as an associate partner, it was also involved in the project SEERISK – cooperation in the field of risk assessments in the Danube region. In addition, the ACPDR supported several projects in the field of protection against disasters registered by other institutions. In cooperation with its partners, the ACPDR successfully acquired four new European projects (January 2015): the EU programme for prevention, preparedness and response to floods in the Western Balkans and Turkey – IPA FLOODS; the Matilda Project – the establishment of international modules for assessing post-earthquake threat and short-term implementation of measures to support buildings. Within the framework of the Internal Security Fund, national objective 6: Protection of Critical Infrastructure, the ACPDR will carry out two small projects in 2015. Within the official development assistance in the framework of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in cooperation with its partners, the ACPDR will also carry out a bilateral project of technical assistance in 2015 – Project for the Support of the Development of Voluntary Rescue Services in Serbia. **5.5 UN** The ACPDR participated in UN activities for the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) for the period 2005–2015. Within that framework, it prepared the national report on the implementation of HFA for the period 2011–2013 and information on the establishment of the national platform for protection against disasters in Slovenia. The ACPDR also participated in the annual meeting of the European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction. It was involved in the activities for the preparation of the Post-Hyogo Framework for Action for disaster risk reduction, which will be adopted at the world conference in Japan in 2015. In December 2014, Kamnik was, as the first Slovenian city, awarded the UN certificate Disaster-Resistant City and Municipality. In accordance with its powers, the ACPDR fulfilled the obligations of the Convention on the Trans boundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, and in this context, attended the annual meeting and participated in the implementation of The Hague Convention and the Barcelona Convention. **5.6 NATO** In the context of NATO, the ACPDR participated in the competent working bodies in the field of civil protection and civil emergency planning, which adopted guidelines for strengthening the resistance of countries to crises as well as natural and other disasters in 2014. Slovenia actively supported greater involvement of partners in the activities in the field of civil protection, and the establishment of links between NATO and other international associations and organisations. **5.7 Assistance in the Event of Disasters Abroad** Through the Emergency Response Coordination Centre of the European Commission in Brussels, the ACPDR monitored all major natural and other disasters and crisis situations around the world. Upon the request of the affected countries and following the decision of the Government, Slovenia often rendered international assistance. During the floods in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, it offered the most extensive rescue and humanitarian assistance abroad so far. 46/102 ----- _A RS Civil Protection Unit Provides Assistance in Pumping the Water during Floods in Serbia in_ _May 2014._ From 17 to 31 May 2014, a total of more than 150 members of the PRR forces (fire-fighters and members of the CP, SAF and the Police), operated in the flooded areas in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Members of the PRR forces were deployed to the affected areas through the ACPDR under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and were joined by 111 rescuers fire-fighters, who were sent to the affected areas by the Slovenian municipalities in the framework of bilateral assistance. Between 28 May and 14 June 2014, a Slovenian expert in the field of water regulation was also involved in the international group for the assessment of the consequences of catastrophic floods and development of the programme of rehabilitation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Slovenian psychologists participated in the training for first psychological assistance to the population affected by the floods. After severe sleet in February 2014, the RS requested international assistance in the form of power generators via the Civil Protection Mechanism. Eleven countries responded to the request, and a number of border municipalities and other organisations from the neighbouring countries demonstrated solidarity. To assist its population, Slovenia received a total of 172 power generators. In cooperation with municipalities, the ACPDR provided host nation support (accommodation, meals, transportation, etc.) to more than 640 foreign rescuers who selflessly helped the Slovenian rescuers also with other urgent tasks during the sleet disaster. _International Assistance of Slovenia during Floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 2014_ 47/102 ----- ### 6 INSPECTION ACTIVITY IN THE FIELD OF PROTECTION AGAINST NATURAL AND OTHER DISASTERS The Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia for Protection against Natural and other Disasters (IRSPANOD) performs inspections of the implementation of regulations concerning the area of fire protection, fire-fighting, protection against natural and other disasters and protection against drowning. In compliance with the Minor Offences Act, the IRSPANOD also performs the function of a minor offence authority in the above-mentioned fields. The IRSPANOD inspectors participate in emergency response operations during natural and other disasters, as well as in the investigation of the causes of fires. As evaluators, they participate in national and regional emergency response exercises as well as in NATO and EU crisis management exercises. They actively participate in the Inspection Board and in regional coordination. In 2014, inspectors in the field of protection against natural and other disasters carried out 4,453 inspections. Fire protection inspections were carried out in buildings with a large number of people and in facilities in which activities that may endanger workers and nearby residents take place. Inspectors also supervised the construction of buildings and exercised control on the basis of reports. The inspectors participated in a number of joint actions of different inspection bodies on the level of regional coordination and of the Inspection Board. Moreover, inspectors participated in fire-fighting emergency response operations and in determining the causes of fires. Fire-fighting units were supervised with regard to meeting the prescribed medical fitness standards for operational fire-fighters and for personal protective equipment. In the area of protection against drowning, inspections of swimming pools, equipment lenders and water activity organisers were carried out. Special attention was paid to organisers of rafting and canyoning. In the field of protection and rescue, inspections of companies representing a major source of environmental risk were carried out, as well as inspections of UXO storage sites. Moreover, inspections were carried out in municipalities and primary schools. Based on the Minor Offences Act, the IRSPANOD carried out 2,124 inspections and issued 72 payment orders. Moreover, it introduced 42 procedures for the issuing of offence decisions, and issued 2,008 offence warnings. The IRSPANOD carried out the task of evaluating exercises of national importance in the field of civil protection and disaster relief. Inspectors from the management of the IRSPANOD and its branch offices, together with the other competent inspectors and experts from the field of health care, fire-fighting and the Police, evaluated exercises of national and regional importance: Trebnje–Novo mesto Motorway 2014, Soča 2014, Aircraft Accident Gorenjska 2014 and Krško NPP 2014. Due to the lack of inspectors in individual areas of the country and in order to ensure a uniform scope of inspections in Slovenia (which, within the competence of the Inspectorate, provides a uniform standard of safety for the citizens of Slovenia in the area of protection against natural and other disasters), the year 2014 saw the continued implementation of the concept for the provision of uniform criteria to perform inspections in Slovenia. The work of the Inspectorate continued to be adapted in the field of administrative operations, where the ACPDR and the Defence Affairs Directorate signed the Agreement on Cooperation in the Performance of Tasks in the Field of Administrative Operations and Maintenance of Materiel in 2013. According to this Agreement, the employees of the organisational units of the signatories perform tasks related to the common administrative operations. The employees of the inspectorate attended individual forms of consultations, seminars, workshops etc. They mostly attended forms of training courses which were provided free of charge by the Academy of Administration. The participants of the training transfer the acquired knowledge to their co-workers. 48/102 ----- ## DEFENCE SYSTEM AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT ### 1 DEFENCE POLICY **1.1 NATO** In February and in June 2014, Ministers met in in Brussels in order to prepare decisions for the NATO Summit. In March, Slovenia hosted the meeting of the Defence Policy Directors of the NATO member countries in Ljubljana. Discussions before the Wales Summit were mostly marked by the Ukrainian crisis and its impact on the security of the Alliance. By contributing to the assurance measures, Slovenia demonstrated the solidarity and unity of NATO to the Eastern Allies and at the same time made every effort to ensure that the Readiness Action Plan (RAP) represented a broader response to security challenges of the Alliance, both those from the East and those from the South and Southeast. Slovenia advocated a gradual rise in defence spending in the event of economic growth. It also actively promoted the continuation of NATO enlargement to the Western Balkans, especially to Montenegro, as the most prepared candidate, in which the Slovenian Embassy also performed the duties of the NATO Contact Point Embassy in 2014. In Wales, the Readiness Action Plan was adopted, extending the implementation of the security assurance measures for the Eastern Allies and strengthening NATO's readiness by enhancing the intensity of military exercises and creating rapid deployable high-readiness forces which will be able of rapid deployment to the East. The Allies adopted a commitment to stop the negative trend of the declining defence spending and try to gradually rise this spending within the next ten years in line with the economic growth. Key to this is that these new financial resources are primarily focused on providing those capabilities that are lacking within the Alliance. Slovenia expressed its willingness to cooperate within the Framework Nation Concept in one of the Italian-led groupings. Slovenia also contributed to the intense and focused talks with Montenegro. **1.2 Common Security and Defence Policy of the EU (CSDP)** The MoD actively contributed to the development and implementation of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and, by providing specific initiatives, represented Slovenia's interests in the EU institutions and working bodies. The EU was affected by the changed security situation in the immediate neighbourhood of the EU (the Russian-Ukrainian dispute, ISIL, foreign fighters) and further financial cuts. The decisions taken at the December European Council on security and defence were revised, and the funding of military operations was revised. A new military operation was launched in the Central African Republic, and the executive mandate of the EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina was extended. Of particular importance was the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa, which was discussed at the meetings of the EU Defence Policy Directors and Ministers of Defence. In order to help during the Ebola virus epidemics, Slovenia expressed its willingness to donate seven flying hours in the context of the strategic airlift for the transport of medical personnel and equipment from Europe to West Africa. In 2014, a reorganisation of the European Defence Agency (EDA) took place. During the meeting on 18 November, the Ministers approved the EDA budget for 2015, the level mount of which was equal to that of the 2014 budget. Slovenia was active in the field of exchange of spare aircraft systems, where the project agreement is expected to be signed, and in the field of remote controlled aircraft systems, where Slovenia is in the final stage of signing a joint investment program. 49/102 ----- **1.3 Analysis of Implementation of the Medium-Term Defence Programme of the RS for** **the Period 2013–2018** In the area of defence planning, an analysis of the implementation of the medium-term objectives set out in the Medium-Term Defence Programme of the RS for the Period 2013–2018 was carried out. The MoD also prepared an analysis of financial and human resources, construction of military and civilian capabilities as well as construction, use and property ownership of the infrastructure. The analysis of the Medium-Term Defence Programme of the RS for the Period 2013–2018 revealed that by participating in the NATO defence planning, Slovenia achieved the harmonization of the national and Allied planning cycle, which also means rationalization of resources necessary for the implementation of the planning activities. The harmonisation of the Allied and national planning cycles can also be seen in the concordance of national strategic development and guidance as well as planning documents (Strategic Defence Review, Resolution on National Security Strategy, RS Defence Strategy, Resolution on General LongTerm Development and Equipping Programme of the SAF up to 2025 and Medium-Term Defence Programme of the RS for the Period 2013–2018) and the goals and ambitions of the Alliance. Nevertheless, there is scope to further improve harmonization, particularly in terms of increasing the level of realization of medium-term defence objectives. The realization of medium-term defence objectives and the planned development of defence capabilities (Medium-Term Defence Programme of the RS for the Period 2013–2018) are strongly influenced by measures taken against financial and economic crisis in Slovenia. Due to frequent revised budgets and the consequent reduction of defence spending in recent years, development and modernization of the SAF have almost completely stopped. The reduction of defence spending in Slovenia for more than a third when compared to 2010 very much affected the planned development of important priorities of defence capabilities. Worrying is the very small proportion of funds allocated to defence investments and modernization, which for now represents only two percent of defence spending (instead of 20 percent in accordance with the NATO criteria). The findings of the analysis and of the NATO review are an important basis for the implementation of defence reform corrections in achieving more rational and efficient solutions, which will be reflected in the development of the new Medium-Term Defence Programme of the RS for the Period 2015-2020. **1.4 NATO Defence Planning Capability Review for Slovenia** Review of results is the fifth step of the NATO Defence Planning Process (NDPP), which is intended to review the implementation of the assigned capability targets in member states. Within the fifth step, the Allies (through the Defence Planning Capability Survey – DPCS) report on national targets, priorities and ambitions in the medium-term (2013–2023), inventory of military and non-military capabilities potentially useful for the Alliance, presence in operations, financial plans in the area of defence and the achieved results. NATO Defence Planning Capability Review for Slovenia started in 2013 and continued in 2014 with a multilateral meeting of the Defence Policy and Planning Committee (DPPC), aimed at the review of the planning of the Slovenian defence capabilities, which took place at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 24 February 2014. At the meeting, which was held according to the rule »consensus minus one«, the member states learned about the assessment of the review of the Slovenian defence capability planning. Slovenia informed the participants of the difficult challenges facing the Slovenian defence system, and of the need to stabilize the defence sources. Although NATO recognized and positively assessed the important contribution of Slovenia in international operations and missions, it clearly pointed out at the meeting in its assessment of the capability review the current inability of Slovenia to meet political commitments associated with the realization of the package of capability targets in June 2013. NATO representatives characterised the reduction in defence spending for one third when compared to 2010 as »dramatic«, since no defence system can sustain such reduction without serious consequences. 50/102 ----- Joint Defence Planning Capability Report, which includes a risk assessment and political positions, was confirmed by the Defence Ministers at the meeting in June 2014. **1.5 Unified Objectives of the Medium-Term Defence Programme and the MoD Business** **Plan** Entities responsible for the MoD defence and operational planning, in cooperation with all the entities responsible for the planning areas, determined unified medium-term (specific) objectives of the Medium-Term Defence Programme and the Business Plan. The unified objectives of the Medium-Term Defence Programme and the Business Plan, aimed at achieving common objectives of the MoD, resulted in the conceptual consolidation of the defence planning areas, which is also reflected in in the reduction of the number of medium-term objectives. In addition, in accordance with the principles of the defence planning, as defined in the Rules on the Planning in the MoD, the cascading of objectives was insured, from the long-term objectives (Resolution on General Long-Term Development and Equipping Programme of the Slovenian Armed Forces up to 2025) and through the medium-term objectives (Medium-Term Defence Programme) to the short-term objectives (Business Plan). The defined objectives also enable a direct connection between the financial budget sources (called budget projects and measures) and the medium-term objectives, and improve the measurement of effectiveness and efficiency in their implementation. Unified objectives of the Medium-Term Defence Programme and the MoD Business l Plan will be put into effect in the defence planning process with the development of the new Medium-Term Defence Programme of the RS for the Period 2015– 2020 and the MoD Business Plans for 2016 and 2017. **1.6 International operations and missions (IOM)** MoD was actively involved in the national decision-making processes and also took part in the decision-making processes at the international level regarding the participation in IOM. In its activities, it took into account the principles of the Cooperation Strategy of the RS in IOM and promoted enhanced inter-ministerial cooperation, more intense public diplomacy and appropriate adaptation of the working and coordination processes in the field of IOM. At the highest decision-making level of the MoD, the Coordination Group for IOM continued with the practice of regular consultations and coordination activities regarding the participation in IOM. In line with the Strategy, the MoD participated in the preparation of the regular annual report of the RS Government to the National Assembly on the participation of Slovenia in IOM. **1.7 Bilateral Cooperation** On the basis of annual programmes, approximately 300 activities of bilateral defence and military cooperation were carried out. For the purpose of rational use of human and financial resources, these activities were planned as projects and were focused mainly on areas of mutual interest and expected mutual benefits. The most intense cooperation was established with the neighbouring countries, strategic partners within the Alliance and IOM, and with the countries of the Western Balkans. Upon the completion of the ratification process and the exchange of diplomatic notes, the Agreement between the RS MoD and the Ministry of National Defence of Poland on Defence Cooperation entered into force. The renewed agreement, which replaced the 1998 legal act, takes particular account of the changed circumstances resulting from the fact that the two parties have become members of international organisations, such as NATO and the European Union. With the same purpose, the renewed agreement between the Slovenian MoD and the Ministry of National Defence of Lithuania on cooperation in the defence field was signed. Due to the early parliamentary elections and the appointment of a new defence minister, the plan of minister's international activities in the field of bilateral cooperation was realised to a lesser extent, and the majority of the activities was postponed. Only the official visit to Croatia was carried out, and the ministers held a considerable number of shorter working discussions in the margins of regional and multilateral events and conferences (particularly the 51/102 ----- Comprehensive Regional Ministerial (CRM), which took place in Montenegro in October. Immediately after taking office, Minister Veber held a considerable number of courtesy and introductory discussions with ambassadors and military diplomatic representatives accredited in Slovenia, and addressed the entire military diplomatic corps as part of the regular annual meeting. In the context of the above-mentioned discussions, particular emphasis was on the possibilities of strengthening cooperation with individual countries in the field of defence industry. **1.8 Multilateral Cooperation** In the field of military policy of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Ukrainian crisis was at the forefront in 2014 and affected the work of all committees and working groups. As a response to the crisis, some unused provisions of the Vienna Document and the Treaty on Open Skies were widely used. Thus, the Ukraine hosted a considerable number of visits of inspectors from the participating countries, who observed unusual military activities. According to the Treaty on Open Skies, a number of observation flights in the border area between Ukraine and the Russian Federation were carried out. Through its participation in the observation mission, its inspectors and performance of a joint observation flight over the territory of the Russian Federation, Slovenia also made an important and successful contribution to the efforts for the stabilisation of the situation. Desiring to further rationalise regional activities and projects, the Slovenian MoD, which was responsible for the conceptual design of the last year's Comprehensive Regional Ministerial (CRM), offered active assistance, support and advice in the organisation of the 2014 CRM. The second CRM, which took place in Montenegro, was attended by Minister Veber. Joint meetings in the combined format of the Western Balkans and the enlarged South-eastern Europe may become traditional, since Croatia has already announced that it will host the 2015 CRM. In the margins of the November meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, the defence ministers of Slovenia, Italy and Hungary signed a renewed Agreement on the Multinational Land Force (MLF), which will enhance their interoperability across the entire spectrum of operations, simplify procedures for the accession of potential new partners, and enable project planning. At the same time, intense joint training courses and exercises took place throughout the year, mainly in order to accelerate the process of affiliation of the MLF to the NATO corps structure, and to effectively prepare for the establishment of the EU battle group based on the MLF or DECI (Defence Cooperation Initiative) in the first half of 2017. The MoD maintained an active role in the establishment of the Balkan Medical Task Force (BMTF), with Serbia as the framework nation and Skopje as the headquarters. Final harmonisation of the text of the Agreement on BMTF was made, specifying the structure of the unit and the contributions of individual countries. With a SAF officer, Slovenia will be present in the BMTF headquarters, which is expected to be established in the second half of 2015. The MoD maintains a recognizable presence in the Centre for Security Cooperation (RACVIAC). A MoD civilian employee (secondant) performed the tasks of the head of the pillar for the reform of the security sector. Being recommended and supported by the MoD, a graduate of the Military Science study programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences began a one-year practical training in RACVIAC in October, in the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme. **1.9 Disarmament and Arms Control** Consistently and in accordance with the set deadlines, the MoD reported on the fulfilment of obligations arising from international agreements on disarmament and arms control. Individual contributions were prepared and included in the national reports as well as sent to the competent international organisations (UN, OSCE and EU). 52/102 ----- Since Slovenia was one of the first signatories to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in June 2013, the MoD was particularly pleased to welcome the fact that this international legal act entered into force in December 2014. In the framework of the MoD, a Commission for the Control of Military Weapons and Equipment Trade and of the Transfer of Defence Products is active, coordinating and monitoring the trade of defence products in Slovenia. **1.10 Defence Diplomacy** In the context of the regular personnel replacements of the defence diplomatic representatives, the defence attaché to Russia was replaced, and the mandate of the defence representative to the UN came to an end. A vacant post of the visiting defence attaché, working as a non-resident attaché in Croatia and Hungary, was also manned. Due to the compliance with the conditions for the entitlement to old-age pension, the defence attachés in Italy and Serbia and the military representative to the OSCE were replaced, and the mandate of the defence adviser in Montenegro came to an end. By the end of 2014, 36 military diplomatic representatives (attachés and their deputies) were accredited in Slovenia. Montenegro closed its defence attaché office in Ljubljana. The remaining resident attachés in Slovenia are the defence attachés of the US, Russia and China. **1.11 Provision and Implementation of the Unified Operation of the NATO Registry System** **in the Republic of Slovenia** In 2014, the Central NATO Registry/EU Sub-Registry successfully coordinated the work and ensured the operation of the NATO Registry System in Slovenia and the operation of the NATO sub-registries and the EU sub-registry at the MoD. All conditions for the receipt, traceability, sending and destruction of classified and official NATO and EU data were fulfilled in due course and in full. The transport and transfer of NATO and EU classified and official data in Slovenia and abroad for the needs of the MoD and also other ministries and public authorities in Slovenia were successfully realised. The Central Registry, in cooperation with the national security authority, fulfilled and upgraded the conditions for the compliance with the security principles and security standards which Slovenia, as a NATO member state, has to satisfy in order to ensure a unified level of protection for the data exchanged between the member states. 53/102 ----- ### 2 SLOVENIA’S CRISIS PREPARATIONS AND RESPONSE MEASURES Since the entry into force of the Regulation on Defence Planning, the MoD carried out a number of activities related to the supplementation or development of new legal bases in the field of defence planning. It prepared guidelines for the entities responsible for defence planning in Slovenia (general guidelines regarding the adaptation of defence plans, and specific guidelines for individual topic areas), carried out information and coordination activities with the planning bodies and provided them with technical assistance in the development of their defence plans and the adaptation of the plan contents due to its harmonisation with the Regulation on Defence Planning. The harmonization of the contents of the MoD Defence Plan with the Regulation on Defence Planning was also ensured, along with the update of the records under the responsibility of the Ministry. With regard to the Doctrine of the Military Strategic Reserve of the RS, approved by the Government at the end of 2012, and in accordance with the adopted schedule of the MoD, the implementation of tasks in this field continued. The result of the doctrine are the solutions and operational documents for the creation of the military strategic reserve, the purpose of which is the provision and maintenance of SAF's sustainability in the military defence of Slovenia and the fulfilment of international commitments under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. The solutions represent a part of the contents of the MoD Defence Plan. As the manager of the national defence plan, the MoD prepared information on the harmonisation of defence plans with the Regulation on Defence Planning. The RS Government was informed about this topic. The National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC), as one of the important crisis management mechanisms, provides spatial, organisational, technical and other conditions for the quick and efficient operation of the Government and the inter-sectoral analytical group, coordinates the work of different authorities and organisations involved in the crisis management, and ensures fast, reliable and secure flow of information and management support at the strategic level. Already a couple of years ago, an independent communication and information network was established within the NCMC for the purpose of the implementation of all the required communication and information links. The network connects the most important state authorities, government offices and companies of special importance for defence as well as defence administrations. The application for communication in crisis situations was upgraded in accordance with changes of regulations in the field of crisis management and defence planning. The updating and upgrading of the network continued. The network enables a more reliable and faster transfer of data and information between the above-mentioned entities (the transition from the ISDN to IP technology). The network's server infrastructure was also updated. The MoD continued to carry out tasks in the field of protection of critical infrastructure in Slovenia. On the proposal of the Inter-ministerial Group for the Coordination of Preparations for the Protection of Critical Infrastructure, the management of which is the responsibility of the MoD, the Government adopted a resolution which specifies the critical infrastructure of national significance and the responsible entities. These entities became responsible for the development of measures for the protection of Slovenia's critical infrastructure, whereas the Inter-ministerial Coordination Group became responsible for preparing normative legal act which will regulate the protection of that infrastructure. The MoD prepared the methodology for the development of measures for the protection of critical infrastructure of national importance. Due to changes in personnel in some ministries and in the Bank of Slovenia, the Government also adopted a resolution on changes in the composition of the Inter-ministerial Group for the Coordination of Preparations for the Protection of Critical Infrastructure in the RS. In the field of protection of the European critical infrastructure, the participation in meetings, workshops and presentations organized by the European Commission and the response to its suggestions and proposals were insured. An agreement was reached with the neighbouring EU members to resume the activities in the process of identifying potential European critical infrastructure. For Croatia, a new identification procedure will be carried out. 54/102 ----- The MoD prepared and harmonised the proposal for a part of the national programme for the absorption of the European funds of the Internal Security Fund (ISF) for the areas of crisis management and critical infrastructure protection in the EU Financial Perspective 2014–2020. In the field of construction adaptations for the needs of defence, a regular examination and coordination of the received applications within the MoD's organisational units and constituent bodies were ensured. The Ministry regularly responded to documents received from the state authorities responsible for geospatial planning in Slovenia by preparing viewpoints, proposals and opinions. In the field of issuing authorisations of the RS Government for carrying out air imaging for the production of cartographic publications, the Ministry regularly prepared resolution proposals for government consideration. In the field of issuing consents for the conduct of research relevant to defence, regular examination and coordination of the received applications within the MOD's organisational units and constituent bodies were ensured. In accordance with the Plan of Exercises in the Defence System and the System of Protection against Natural and other Disasters in the years 2013 and 2014, and in accordance with the Rules of Exercises in the Defence System, the NATO cyber defence exercise CC14 (Cyber Coalition 2014), NATO exercise Able Staff 14 and the EU crisis management exercise ML14 (Multi-Layer 2014) were organized and conducted. Slovenia also coordinated preparations and participated in the conduct of international military exercises, such as Immediate Response 2014 (IR14) and the MLF exercise Clever Ferret 2014. In accordance with the applicable NATO policy, the North Atlantic Council (NAC) prepares and conducts regular annual Crisis Management Exercises (CMX). In addition to the key NATO bodies, member states are also involved in the exercises, and, depending on the content of the exercise, also the invited partner countries. In the framework of the preparations for an individual exercise, NATO organises planning conferences, which are carried out in the Allied countries. Experts from the member states who have professional knowledge of the areas related to the overall contents of the exercise are also present at the conferences. Preparatory activities for the NATO Crisis Management Exercise 14 (CMX14) took place. However, the exercise was postponed to 2015 as the new NATO Crisis Management Exercise (CMX15). 55/102 ----- ### 3 DEVELOPMENT OF CIVILIAN CAPABILITIES **3.1 Civilian Functional Specialists** In line with the tasks arising from the NATO capability targets in the field of stabilisation and reconstruction (S&R) and in accordance with the Resolution of the Government of the RS, the Inter-ministerial Working Group was established at the beginning of 2014. The tasks arising from the NATO capability targets provide for the participation of the ministries in the provision of a sufficient pool of civilian experts, which would enable member states and the Alliance to successfully counter the modern defence and security threats or to support the Alliance's comprehensive response to the world crises. The MoD achieved the targets set in the field of providing civilian capabilities for participation in IOM. One of the priorities was the strengthening of the necessary international links for a successful continuation of operation of civilian functional specialists (CFS) performing duties abroad and the maintenance of a qualified group of civilian functional specialists. Invitations to tender or official calls for the identification of civilian functional specialists for replacements in the NATO Advisory Team (NAT) in Priština, Kosovo, were concluded, namely for the positions of a financial and budgetary advisor as well as contracts and public procurement advisor. At the same time, an invitation to tender was published for the identification of civilian functional specialists for a possible manning of an additional civilian position in the NATO Advisory Team representing a key role in the establishment and provision of an effective operation of the system of security forces within the Ministry for the Kosovo Security Forces, namely the position of the NATO Team coordinator. The most appropriate enrolled candidates were invited to attend the training, whereas the procedure of selecting the candidates for the manning of positions was concluded after the completion of the training for civilian functional specialists. The selected candidates were deployed in August and September 2014. With its civilian functional specialists, Slovenia, for the first time, manned the position (SPECAD) POLAD in the KFOR Headquarters in Kosovo and the position of a person responsible for liaison in the international CIMIC group (NMCG) in Italy. The deployment to KFOR was carried out in January, and the deployment to MNCG in December. A civilian functional specialist working in Afghanistan completed his mission in the ISAF Headquarters in Kabul in April 2014. The Minister of Defence also adopted guidelines which stipulate that, in accordance with possibilities and needs, a possible participation of civilian functional specialists in the new operation Resolute Support in Afghanistan should be planned, together with the SAF or the lead nation. In the field of training civilian functional specialists, two courses were carried out, namely the course on personal safety and conduct in crisis areas (in March Poljče) and the NATO CIMIC Staff & Field Worker Course (NCSFWC – in April in Maribor). Trained civilian functional specialists are an important technical support of every IOM. Their successful integration in the military environment enhances the capabilities of the military component and decreases possibilities for conflicts with civilian participants involved in a crisis. 56/102 ----- _Training of Candidates for CFS at the International Course NCSFWC at the Kadetnica in_ _Maribor_ In May 2014, the city of Portorož hosted a NATO CIMIC Education and Training Conference (NCETC - NATO CIMIC Education and Training Conference) within the framework of the NATO Civil-Military Centre of Excellence (CCOE). In accordance with the realisation of capability targets in the field of stabilization and reconstruction, MoD representatives participated at the NATO seminar Framework Nations Concept. Two representatives of the MoD organisational unit responsible for civil functional specialists participated as instructors at international courses for functional specialists in MNCG. **3.2 Cartographic and Geospatial Support to the Defence System** In the area of mapping and geospatial affairs, for the purpose of providing mapping and geospatial support to the SAF and the PRR activities, the MoD continued with the development and maintenance of the mapping system coordinated with the Slovenian military and NATO standards and the NATO geospatial policy. In cooperation with the Surveying and Mapping Authority of the RS and the Geodetic Institute of Slovenia, the contents of five systemic sheets of the national and military topographic map of Slovenia with a scale of 1: 50,000 were renewed: NL 33-07-12 Sežana, NL 33-07-17 Izola, NL 33-07-18 Koper, NL 33-08-13 Ilirska Bistrica and NL 33-08-17 Karlovec. In cooperation with the Slovenia Control, Slovenian Air Navigation Services, Ltd., and having regard to the NATO and ICAO standards, a uniform visual flight rules (VFR) civil-military aircraft navigation map of Slovenia with a scale of 1: 250,000 was produced. A military topographic hiking map Julian Alps–East with a scale of 1: 25,000 was also produced. The map is very detailed and equipped with an additional topic for the needs of the SAF in the performance of training tasks in the mountains as well as participation in the performance of PRR tasks. In addition, a new Catalogue of the MoD Cartographic Material 2014 was produced (in Slovenian and English) and distributed to all the countries with which Slovenia has concluded an agreement on cooperation in the geospatial field. A new Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Cooperation of the RS MoD and the UK MoD in the Field of Geospatial Information was signed. The Memorandum provides for a free acquisition and exchange of geospatial data and maps needed by the MoD and the SAF for work and training, and especially for the deployment of 57/102 ----- members to IOM and other tasks abroad. From 2014, it is also possible to acquire or exchange naval charts and other materials related to maritime navigation. The conclusion of the Memorandum enabled the participation in the technical and development cooperation in the preparation of charts and in possible joint projects. For the purposes of the preparation of SAF members for exercises and IOM, the prescribed cartographic material was acquired free of charge based on the agreements concluded in the geospatial field. NATO documents, directives, policies and standards were studied, which is very important in terms of interoperability of geospatial data and products between the Alliance nations. Slovenia also participated at the meeting of the NATO Geospatial Board (NGB), which is a meeting of the leading experts from the geospatial field in the NATO/PfP MoDs. At the meeting, key decisions and development policies in the geospatial field are adopted. In addition, the MoD continued with the procedures for adopting NATO Standards (STANAGs) in the geospatial field for inclusion in the Slovenian Military Standards, in accordance with NATO's guidance and recommendations. 58/102 ----- ### 4 INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY OPERATIONS The MoD intelligence and security operations were carried out in line with the Defence Act and with the adopted annual work programme, objectives and tasks. The key tasks and objectives were linked to the provision of adequate intelligence and security support to the SAF forces in Slovenia and abroad (in IOM) as well as to other bodies of the national security system. The priority task in the intelligence area in the period concerned was to assess military as well as political and security conditions in the area of the Western Balkans, especially in Kosovo and its neighbourhood, Bosnia and Herzegovina and in the area of Syria and Lebanon. Intelligence and security operations were also focused on other crisis areas in Afghanistan and Africa (Mali, Libya, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and the Central African Republic), on the situation in the sea area of southern and eastern Sicily (wider area of the humanitarian operation Mare nostrum - Lampedusa), where SAF members were also involved, and on the developments related to the increasing crisis in Ukraine. The MoD monitored above all the indicators that might threaten the Slovenian defence interests or increase the degree of a military threat to Slovenia. One of the key priorities of the MoD intelligence and security operations was to provide efficient intelligence, counter-intelligence and security support to the SAF members participating in IOM. The Intelligence and Security Service cooperated with all the competent defence system entities within the Slovenian national security system, as well as with partner intelligence and security services and with NATO and the EU. In the international field, cooperation continued within NATO, EU and with partner countries. The Intelligence and Security Service continued the operation in the framework of both National Intelligence Cells in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo as well as of intelligence and security services of international operations headquarters. It also participated in various international events related to intelligence and security. In the period concerned, the implementation of processes of establishing an integrated intelligence and security system continued, in accordance with the adopted strategic documents and on the basis of the adopted internal MoD rules. The focus of security-related tasks in the Intelligence and Security Service was on detecting, investigating and preventing the security threats to persons, work posts, facilities and areas of special importance for the defence in Slovenia and abroad. The Intelligence and Security Service also performed the tasks of detecting and preventing the activities of intelligence services of military organisations and other bodies and organisations which pose a threat to the defence interests of Slovenia, the SAF or the MoD. 59/102 ----- ### 5 EQUIPPING, REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT, STANDARDIZATION AND CODIFICATION **5.1 Equipping** In 2014, the implementation of the equipping projects was focused on providing the most urgent equipment to perform regular activities and to ensure permanent readiness of the SAF in carrying out their statutory tasks and for the operation and fulfilment of the objectives of the Alliance. The projects Upgrading of the Cougar Transport Helicopters, the Cerklje ob Krki Airfield, Forward Air Control, Unmanned Aircraft, EOD Capabilities, Command and Control 2 CIS Capabilities, Noise Reduction Headsets, MoD Car Park and NATO Air Command and Control System (ACCS) are being actively implemented in the sense of the preparation of investment documentation and management of procurement procedures, whereas some projects are gradually entering the phase of contract execution. In line with the prescribed dynamics, the investment documentation was prepared for those projects for which funds are provided. For other projects, the investment documentation is prepared for the purpose of detailed planning of resources and capabilities in the medium-term planning documents. Due to the reduction in funding, no project was implemented within the framework of the Act on the Implementation of Basic Development Programmes of the SAF in the period between 2008 and 2015, which formed the basis for the systematic and continuous provision of key capabilities in the long-term development of the SAF. In 2014, inter alia, tactical vests and the related equipment, as well as items belonging to the combat and service uniform were purchased, and several contracts were concluded for the supply of ammunition. In order to attain the capabilities at the Cerklje ob Krki Airfield, a contract was concluded for the purchase of two used fire rescue vehicles. For the Protection, Rescue and Relief (PRR) system, inter alia, thermal cameras, accommodation containers and modular unit in Sežana were purchased. **5.2 Real Estate Management** _Construction_ Works for the completion of reconstruction and extension of the runway and bypass road Drnovo–Črešnjice at the Cerklje ob Krki Airfield were completed, except in the part (five percent of contractual obligation) where the RS ownership of the land parcel has not yet been ensured. The construction of the dangerous cargo platform, warehouses and storage platform, EXO warehouses, transport aircraft platforms and connecting road is completed. In the Škrilj Military Post and in the Stari vrh facility, the connection to the public water supply system was carried out. A security fence was set up around the area of the Kadetnica in the Genelal Maister Military Post in Maribor and for the area of the technical warehouse Borovnica. The roofs of the following facilities were renovated: accommodation facility at the Franc Rozman Stane Military Post in Celje, kitchen, snack bar and storage room at the Vipava Military Post, and boiler room in Poljče. Two vertical toilet structures of the accommodation facility at the Vincent Repnik Military Post in Slovenska Bistrica and the Edvard Peperko Military Post in Ljubljana were also renovated. Medium voltage blocks of the transformer stations at the Ivan Cankar Military Post in Vrhnika, Ljubljanski vrh and Škrilj were replaced, and the Šentviška gora power line, which was damaged by ice, was repaired. Multi-annual contracts for the purposes of maintenance as well as major maintenance works on facilities and installed infrastructure of the administrative part of the MoD and SAF were concluded. _Projects_ Expert ground works were prepared for the call for tender for the reconstruction of the training facility roof at the Škrilj firing range and training area. The project documentation was prepared for the following works: the demolition of five buildings at the Andrej Čehovin Military Post in Postojna; removal of telecommunications facilities and the construction of platforms in Zavinek and Žikarice; provision of power generator supply at Pečna reber; electrification of the camp premises in the BAČ Military Post in Postojna; measurement of temperature and humidity in the Mačkovec warehouse; rehabilitation of the boiler room of the Military Medical Unit at Štula in Ljubljana. The following projects were prepared: renovation of the kitchen in the General 60/102 ----- Maister Military Post in Maribor; renovation of the facade and roof of the Smelt 2 building; development of the detailed design documentation for the registration facility in Roje; and obtaining a building permit to carry out the construction, finishing and installation works on the building no. 29 for the storage of weapons at the Ivan Cankar Military Post in Vrhnika. _Apartments_ The renovation of apartments due to wear-out requires considerable financial resources; funds acquired through rents alone are not sufficient for the renewal. Regular maintenance works are carried out in the apartments. 16 apartments underwent comprehensive renewal. A total of 492 contracts were concluded for the supply of energy products. Due to failure to pay the rent, 49 applications for enforcement were submitted, with the total value of EUR 54,483. 15 procedures for the termination of tenancy agreements and forced eviction were completed. _Purchase of Land_ The project of the purchase of the first phase of land for the Cerklje ob Krki Airfield will be completed with the acquisition of the last parcel owned by four co-owners, namely when the inheritance procedure is completed. _Sleet_ For the performance of the logging works for the purposes of rehabilitation after the sleet damage, EUR 168,000 were invested and 8,938 m[3] of wood was felled. Wood in the total value of EUR 331,180 was sold. _Registration in the Land Register_ Of the 1,111 apartments managed and used by the MoD, 216 apartments have not yet been registered in the Land Register, which means that 80.5 percent of apartments have already been registered in the Land Register. Of the total of 297 apartments which are still in the process of being transferred to the RS Housing Fund or to municipalities, 85 apartments have not yet been registered in the Land Register. In 2014, 114 apartments managed by the MoD were registered. Of the total of 5952 land parcels, 131 parcels have not yet been registered in the Land Register, and 13 proposals for the registration in the Land Register have been submitted. 2.25 percent of parcels have not yet been registered. _Telecommunication Facilities_ For the telecommunication facilities, eight tenancy agreements were concluded, as well as three annexes to the agreement and seven agreements on the settlement of arrears. **5.3 Standardisation and Codification** In 2014, the MoD standardisation plan, which includes the adoption and implementation of Slovenian Military Standards, as well as the certification of NATO standards, was not implemented in accordance with expectations. A total of 29 Slovenian Military Standards were adopted, resulting in 45-percent realisation of the MoD standardisation plan. 33 decisions and orders were issued for the implementation of Slovenian Military Standards. In the process of national certification of NATO STANAGs and STANRECs, 49 national responses were signed. In the framework of its national competence, the National Codification Bureau of Slovenia allocated 97 new NATO codification numbers (NSNs) to Slovenian products and registered 15 Slovenian companies, which makes 199 altogether. On the basis of the acquisition of new supply resources, Slovenia was registered as the user of 85 NSNs. 1,504 identifications of material resources were carried out in the SKEV environment. Data for identification was fully prepared in the SAP and e-ZAHMAT software environment, which ensures quality data for the use in logistics processes. In the field of Government quality assurance, all claims by the NATO members (Turkey, Germany, and Spain) which purchased products from Slovenian producers (AREX, COMTRADE) were considered. The certification of the AREX Company according to the Slovenian Military Standard AQAP 2110 was also carried out. 61/102 ----- ### 6 COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM (CIS) **6.1 Information Security** Key operational activities were focused on the maintenance of systems and devices for the provision of information security in the MoD communication and information system (CIS) and in the communication and information subsystem which provides interoperability within the Alliance. The MoD was responsible for the NATO Cyber Coalition 2014 exercise in Slovenia, which was very well evaluated. The purpose of the exercise was the training of technical and operational procedures for cyber defence, cooperation between the training audience and making decisions to minimize the consequences of cyber-attack in Slovenia and in the framework of the Alliance. **6.2 Information Infrastructure** Due to the lack of funding, the infrastructure for the System Centre Service Manager (SCSM), and the System Centre Configuration Manager (SCCM) was not built in its entirety. Nevertheless, the basic functionality of the system is insured and the system is operational. The purpose of key operational activities was to provide the same level of availability of MoD CIS. Due to the lack of funds and the reduction of staff, it is difficult to provide such level of availability. In addition to ensuring the smooth operation of the MoD CIS, the upgrade of the NATO network was also carried out. **6.3 Communication Infrastructure** In order to maintain the current level of availability of the MoD CIS and to reduce the operating costs, telecommunication connections at 16 locations were replaced and upgraded with IP VPN connections, and the IP telephony was introduced at two locations in Brussels and at four locations in Slovenia. Due to the spread of the availability of MoD/SAF CIS, the optical backbone network was established at four locations of the MoD and the SAF, and radio relay communications system was upgraded with four connections. In order to provide communication support to the international military exercises Adriatic Strike 2014, Clever Ferret 2014 and Immediate Response 2014, temporary computer networks and IP telephony were set up. **6.4 IT Solutions** Priority was given to the provision of high availability of information solutions which had already been introduced into operational use (information system for paperless operations – IRDG, register of material – SKEV, information system for defence and protection duties – ISOZD, unified accounting, finance, personnel and labour costs – MFERAC, the public procurement information system and a large number of specific applications – ISOJAN). Numerous upgrades were successfully performed for the information system for paperless operations (IRDG; for example, the sending of financial documents to the Intelligence and Security Service and ACPDR for endorsement and signature, module for destroying documents with a two-year retention period, renewed module for classified data, added module for reports to the organisational units and many minor corrections). In the register of material (SKEV), incomplete sets of equipment were joint into complete sets, IT solution for ammunition and mine explosive ordnance was upgraded, and the connection of the modules »Technical Cardboard« and »Certificates« was established. 62/102 ----- For the information system for defence and protection duties (ISOZD), structural changes were made in the central population register and the register of persons subject to payment of contributions, systemic analysis of changes in the motor vehicles register was performed, integration with the software product Birpis in the Military Medical Service was carried out, additional protection of access to personal data was introduced, and the creation of audit trail during the visit of the Information Commissioner was ensured. For the IS MFERAC, many upgrades were performed as a result of the amended legal bases or extension of functionality. Major upgrades were performed in the field of e-commerce and increased integration, both in the area of human resources and in the area of financial accounting. For the public procurement information system (ISOJAN), functionalities of the umbrella (framework) agreements were introduced, technical and substantial renewal of the module for order proposals were carried out, and the SPON module (web portal of defence procurement) was developed. In order to improve the efficiency of work, the connection was established via the web service between the applications GSM (distribution of mobile phones) and IRDG. New SCSM functionalities and tools for the management of requirements and IT incidents were introduced. The appropriate IT infrastructure was therefore introduced, along with the end user software and the training. **6.5 Development of C4I Systems** Activities in the field of development of C4I systems were focused on the preparation of investment documentation for the project »Command and Control 2 CIS« to support the command and control and later on to develop documentation for the award of the contract. In the field of realization of the capability targets, the MoD participated in the preparation of development concepts for deployable and static networks. The MoD also participated at the international exercise CE14. It was closely involved with the units of the 1[st] and the 72[nd] Brigade, and offered professional assistance in developing the requirements and procedures for testing interoperability of the C4I systems (UMO (BATOP), Comms Fix2 (Thales-Tadiran), BFT, BMS, HQ SW, BRN testing and programming (PRC 150/400W). The training of the C4I system users on TC (BMS, BFT, IS PINK) from other units (Military Schools Centre, 20[th] Infantry Regiment, 74[th] Infantry Regiment, 670[th] Infantry Regiment) was successfully completed. Due to the lack of staff, the field of C4I systems development is questionable. 63/102 ----- ### 7 INSPECTION AND INTERNAL AUDIT ACTIVITIES IN THE FIELD OF DEFENCE **7.1 Inspections in the Area of Defence** In line with regulations, the Defence Inspectorate of the Republic of Slovenia (DIRS), as an MoD body, performs inspections of the implementation of laws and other regulations as well as of command and control acts in the area of defence. It reviews, identifies and evaluates above all the preparedness and performance of military commands, units and institutes, status of defence preparations, military education and training, and resolution of administrative and technical issues in the area of defence. In line with the statutory provisions, the DIRS also performs inspections of the implementation of the regulations on the handling of classified information at the MoD and the entire area of defence. It also inspects the MoD organisational units in the implementation of their administrative and technical tasks, with the exception of the tasks and activities of the ACPDR and the IRSPANOD. Inspectors conduct procedures and decide on the violations in accordance with the Minor Offences Act. Key objectives of the DIRS for 2014 were specified in the DIRS annual work plan: - Provision of effective and impartial inspection of the enforcement of regulations in the area of defence through thematic and comprehensive inspections and through monitoring of the realisation of the measures ordered in inspection reports. - Provision of objective information to the MoD leadership about the observed state of the implementation of regulations in the area of defence. - Preparation of action proposals for MoD leadership for the elimination of system deficiencies. - Constant modernisation of inspections in the area of defence and the promotion of good practice. - Performance of tasks of a minor offence authority. - Achievement of a higher quality of inspections through the training of inspectors, and systematic care for the integrity of the DIRS and inspectors. To achieve the above objectives, the chief inspector directed special attention to the planning and coordination of the work of the Inspectorate. Based on the DIRS Work Plan for 2014, the coordination of work was conducted through monthly and weekly DIRS Work Plans. In 2014, the DIRS carried out a total of 56 inspections, of which 48 were regular, seven were special announced inspections, and one was a repeated inspection. Inspectors conducted these inspections over a period of 337 inspection days. Based on the findings, a total of 140 inspection measures were issued, of which 136 were related to the elimination of the established deficiencies or non-compliance with regulations, two were on the termination of activities which could pose a threat to people and property, and two were on determining the responsibility of individuals for non-compliance with regulations. One warning in accordance with the Inspection Act was also issued. Of all the 140 inspection measures imposed, 137 have the force of res judicata. A complaint was lodged against eight measures imposed. Three inspection measures were cancelled based on a decision adopted at the second instance. The decision on a complaint at the second instance is not within the competence of the DIRS. However, it has an impact on the execution of inspection measures. In accordance with the imposed inspection measures, inspectors regularly monitored their implementation based on the analysis of the notifications on the implementation received by the inspected entities and, if necessary, performed repeated inspections or introduced minor offence proceedings. 64/102 ----- The DIRS provided the Minister and the Secretary of State with up-to-date information on the findings of inspections. **7.2 Internal Auditing** The internal audit service attained a 45% realisation of the annual audit and counselling plan. It carried out two regular audits encompassing the survey of the operation of internal controls and the correctness of procedures for the allocation and use of commercial payment cards and public procurements of lower value. Another audit is still under way and will be completed at the beginning of 2015 Counselling was also performed in the field of inventory, and the implementation of recommendations to the auditees for the improvement of operation was regularly monitored. The internal audit service issued eight recommendations for the improvement of operation in the audited areas. Higher level of successful control over the MoD development and operation resulted in the improved management of risks and in the functioning of internal control systems, greater accuracy and/or clearer purpose of the MoD operation. 65/102 ----- ### 8 INVESTIGATIONS OF AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS AND MILITARY AIRCRAFT INCIDENTS Based on the findings of investigations of aircraft accidents and incidents, the issuing of safety recommendations to reduce or prevent new threats and risks to military air traffic represents the implementation of new measures. The investigation of accidents and incidents does not include the determination of responsibility of those involved in an accident or incident. Timely implementation of security measures affects the elimination or reduction of the possibility of the loss of human lives and material damage to military equipment and facilities on the ground. A serious aircraft incident is treated as if the accident has actually happened and is being investigated in the scope of the investigation of an aviation accident. In 2014, a total of 39 aircraft incidents were reported, 12 investigations were performed, and a total of 34 safety recommendations were issued, which contributed to the increase of flight safety and to the fact that in 2014, there were no accidents with military aircraft. On the basis of the MoD order, the Service for the Investigation of Aircraft Accidents and Military Aircraft Incidents (SIAAMAI) participated in the investigation of the hot air balloon accident, which resulted in six death casualties and 19 serious injuries and is the largest aircraft accident in Slovenia by this time. Up until now, the SIAAMAI issued a total of 117 safety recommendations, which are in various stages of implementation. 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 |Col1|39| |---|---| ||| ||33| ||| ||19| ||15| ||12| ||8 6 6| ||2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1| Accidents Incidents Individual findings of investigations and the issued safety recommendations were presented to the inspection bodies, the military aviation body at the SAF General Staff responsible for the control of flight safety of military aircraft, civilian aviation investigation body, and the RS Agency for Civil Aviation, as well as members of the NATO organisation AFFSC. This enables the above-mentioned institutions to be informed about the findings of investigations. In their professional controls, they can determine the compliance with safety recommendations. With the timely implementation of measures, they can improve flight safety and legality of flight operations in Slovenia and IOM. 66/102 ----- The equipping of investigators with personal protective equipment was carried out to a limited extent, whereas the equipping of the remaining members of the investigating authority was not carried out due to the lack of funding. The SIAAMAI is involved in the projects of installation of CVFDRs (black boxes) in the SAF aircraft and test the proper functioning of such devices on aircraft that have them already installed. The accreditation of the investigation laboratory according to ISO 9001/MAA EASA part 145 standards takes place in cooperation with the Standardisation Department, the Military Aviation Body/General Staff of the SAF and the 153[rd] Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. 67/102 ----- ### 9 STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION The MoD strived to maintain an open dialogue with various publics, and successfully used all modern communication channels which determine the modern trends in communication. In communication activities, a lot of attention was paid to the promotion of regular MoD tasks, in order to achieve greater public understanding of the importance of their smooth performance to ensure the security of citizens. Special attention was paid to the informing of the public about the activities in the field of protection, rescue and relief in the event of natural and other disasters that affected Slovenia, and about the importance of effective coordination of work between competent ministries in the mitigation and prevention of their consequences. Emphasis was given to the importance of bilateral and regional contacts between countries, which was confirmed by the international assistance during the sleet disaster that affected the entire Slovenia. The appeal to the public for collecting humanitarian assistance during disastrous floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia in May 2014 was very successful and well-recognised. The assistance was transported to the affected areas by SAF members with several tens of vehicles. The impact of the successful work of the Slovenian Civil Protection teams and the SAF helicopter unit during the rescue of the affected people was long felt among the public also outside Slovenia. The participation of the SAF with the multipurpose military boat in the military humanitarian operation Mare nostrum – Lampedusa also received a lot of attention in the media and was positively accepted by the public. Several media events, round tables and consultations were organised on the tenth anniversary of joining NATO. Their aim was the discussion on the experiences and challenges of the membership in the Alliance, and they were attended by representatives of the MoD. Among the important anniversaries that were commemorated in 2014 were the 20[th] anniversary of operation of the system of protection against natural and other disasters, and the100[th] anniversary of the beginning of World War I. The main topics of journalistic questions were the spending of financial resources, introduction of the Falcon aircraft in operational use, purchase of military equipment (helmets) and implementation of the National Spatial Plan of the Central Firing Range and Training Area (OSVAD) Poček. Media attention was also paid to the management of the MoD housing fund, and the MoD proactively communicated the decisions adopted by the RS Government on the free transfer of the real estate which was unusable for the MoD and SAF to the local community. There was a lot of expected public interest for the rehabilitation of explosive and dangerous substances from the area of the chemical industry company KIK Kamnik, which was successfully performed by the SAF experts, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior. The Strategic Communication Service, in cooperation with other technical services, organisational units and constituent bodies of the MoD prepared a total of 164 responses to journalists' questions. Participation of the SAF and civilian functional specialists in international operations and missions remains a very interesting topic for various publics abroad. Various publics were mainly interested in the end of the SAF participation in the ISAF operation in Afghanistan, and the decision of the RS Government to continue participation in the NATO advisory mission Resolute Support. In communicating with the publics, the MoD also emphasized the importance of civil-military cooperation and the multifunctional use of capabilities. A lot of media attention was paid to the handing over of the mobile military hospital ROLE 2 LM for the needs of the Jesenice General Hospital during the construction of the Emergency Unit, and to the temporary handing over of a part of equipment to the Celje General Hospital. The adoption of the rules on airworthiness and flight operations of state aircraft was of great importance for the smooth performance of the duties of the emergency helicopter medical assistance and continues to enable an unhindered use of the SAF and the Police helicopters for this purpose. 68/102 ----- **9.1 Review of Website Posts in 2014** In 2014, an average of 1.6 press releases a day were published on the MoD and SAF websites (mo.gov.si and _www.slovenskavojska.si), or the total of 586 releases. The releases were_ equipped with more than 3,000 photographs and 179 sound recordings, which is equal to the average of the recent years. In comparison with the previous year, there was a significant reduction in the activity on social networks, since the number of posts on MoD Twitter and Facebook dropped by almost half, which may be due to the increased targeting of already established communication via the social networks. In 2014, several new topic areas on the protection of critical infrastructure and the work of civilian functional specialists were published on the MoD website. In cooperation with the IT and Communications Service, the MoD organised three training events on the maintenance of the internal MoD websites, which will allow the MoD organisational units a continued independent publishing of information from their areas of work on the Intranet. On the website _[www.postanivojak.si, the MoD regularly published current news on the](http://www.postanivojak.si/)_ employment in the SAF, voluntary military service and contract military service in the reserve SAF component, as well as interesting articles about life and work in the SAF units. During six years of operation, a total of 699,446 visits were identified, with more than 380,000 different visitors which opened 4,017,054 pages. On average, the visitors viewed 5.7 pages and stayed on a single page for an enviable 4.5 minutes. Appearance on social networks is a reality of online communication, which is why the MoD expanded our activity on the social networks Facebook, where it already has 5,000 followers, and YouTube, where it published more than 200 films viewed by more than 230,000 different visitors. **9.2 Filming and Publishing Activities** The realization of the plan for publishing professional military and other literature for 2014 was higher than in previous years (18.5 percent in 2013, and 69 percent in 2014), mainly due to more realistic planning in relation to financial and human capacities and not because of the increased number of issued publications. In 2014, 22 publications (printed and on electronic mediums) were issued, including periodicals, namely 12 issues of the »Slovenska vojska« magazine, four issues of the »Sodobni vojaški izzivi« publication and the »Ujma« magazine. The renewed Rules on the Filming and Publishing Activities were also submitted for inter-ministerial coordination. In addition to professional military and other literature, a great number of official texts were also proofread for the purposes of the General Staff of the SAF. In accordance with the guidelines of the inspection, several internal training events were carried out. A number of important projects were successfully completed in the field of video production. The entire activities and equipment from the former Poljče Defence Training Centre were moved to the MoD seat in Ljubljana. The presentational film Officer Candidate School and educational film The ROLAND Air Defence System were completed, and the contents of the educational film Tactical Procedures of the Signals Platoon were modified. Moreover, the twoyear project of presentational film The Civil Protection and Disaster Relief Training Centre in Ig was completed. All the major important events and exercises of the SAF were documented, and 70 short videos were published on the MoD YouTube channel. These videos were also available to media companies for the preparation of information material. The videos on the consequences of sleet and floods which affected Slovenia and are interesting both for the general and professional public received the highest number of views. 69/102 ----- ### 10 NORMATIVE ACTS **Review of Regulations from the Field of Work of the** **MoD, adopted in 2014** 1 Decree Amending the Decree on Voluntary Military Service 2 Decisions on the Appointment of the RS Civil Protection Commander, his Deputy, Members of the RS Civil Protection Headquarters as well as Regional Civil Protection Commanders, their Deputies and Members of the Regional Civil Protection Headquarters 3 Decision on the Appointment of Members of the Committee for the Fire Protection Fund Management and its Activity **Adopted or** **Published in** **Published by** RS Government Official Gazette of the RS, no. 6/14 RS Government Official Gazette of the RS, no. 18/14 RS Government Official Gazette of the RS, no. 18/14 4 Decree on Fire Protection in the Natural Environment RS Government Official Gazette of the RS, no. 20/14 5 Rules Amending the Rules on the Uniforms of the Civil Protection Service of the Republic of Slovenia 6 Decree Amending the Decree on Production Consents and Trade Permits for Military Weapons and Equipment, and on Preliminary Permits for Import, Export, Transit and Transfer of Defence Products 7 Rules amending the Rules on the Special Exams of Professional Firemen 8 Decree Amending the Decree on the Provision of Services in the Civil Protection Service 9 Decree Implementing the Decision on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism 10 Rules on the Licences, Powers, Training and Exams of the Operational Staff Responsible for the SAF Air Surveillance, Air Space Control and Air Defence 11 Decree Amending the Decree on Salaries and other Remuneration of Service Members of the Slovenian Armed Forces Fulfilling Obligations Assumed in International Organisations or through International Agreements Minister Official Gazette of the RS, no. 20/14 RS Government Official Gazette of the RS, no. 29/14 Minister Official Gazette of the RS, no. 35/14 RS Government Official Gazette of the RS, no. 45/14 RS Government Official Gazette of the RS, no. 62/14 Minister Official Gazette of the RS, no. 66/14 RS Government Official Gazette of the RS, no. 96/14 12 Rules on Military Personnel Assessment Minister Official Gazette of the RS, no. 98/14 70/102 ----- **10.1 Explanation of the Adoption Procedure and of the Content of Normative Changes in** **the Field of Defence and Protection against Natural and other Disasters** In accordance with the RS Government Work Programme for 2014 the adoption of 17 implementing regulations governing the work of the MoD (seven under the competence of the RS Government and 10 under the competence of the MoD) was planned. 12 implementing regulations were adopted and published in the Official Gazette. In this period, the MoD prepared 10 implementing regulations which, however, were not included in the RS Government Work Programme for 2014, as the need for their adoption only arose in the course of the year. Concerning the RS Government Work Programme, only 15 implementing regulations had not yet been implemented. However, this did not have a negative impact on legal regulation of the areas that are governed by them. Since the majority of them will be implemented in 2015, special measures are not necessary. Many normative activities were focused on further harmonisation of the implementing regulations with previous regulatory changes, in the working area of the MoD and also in other ministerial areas. Some changes were also related to the introduction of the European Legal Order into the legal order of Slovenia. With the Decree Amending the Decree on Voluntary Military Service, cash benefits of soldiers performing voluntary military service were reduced by 35 percent, so that a soldier performing voluntary service will receive around EUR 1,100 net (until the entry into force of amendments to this decree, soldiers performing voluntary service received approximately EUR 1,700 net). With the new Decree on Fire Protection in Natural Environment, some terms were redefined (natural environment, open fire, incineration, arson); and fire protection measure as well as observation and notification measure (such fire-fighting duty service) during declared high or very high fire hazard were specified. The Rules Amending the Rules on the Uniforms of the Civil Protection Service of the RS redefined individual characteristics of the Civil Protection uniforms (vest and pullover) and specified the possibility of using this uniform in various combinations, depending on weather conditions and the authorization of the competent commander. The Rules Amending the Rules on the Special Exams of Professional Firemen specified the amended special exam programme for professional fire-fighters and introduced the possibility of recognizing the special exam contents also for the final exam. With the Decree Amending the Decree on the Provision of Services in the Civil Protection Service, the wages of professional fire-fighters were bound to the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the introductory and basic training system was supplemented. In terms of contents, the Rules on the Licences, Powers, Training and Exams of the Operational Staff Responsible for the SAF Air Surveillance, Air Space Control and Air Defence regulated in more detail the requirements, modalities and procedures related to the commencement and the course of training, and the procedure for the issuing of licences to the operational staff responsible for the SAF air surveillance, air space control and air defence. The Decree Amending the Decree on Salaries and other Remuneration of Service Members of the Slovenian Armed Forces Fulfilling Obligations Assumed in International Organisations or through International Agreements extended the validity of reduced nominal bases for the determination of salary received for performing military service abroad until 31 December 2015 (previously until 31 December 2014). The new Rules on Military Personnel Assessment will ensure greater transparency of the assessment and increase integration of military personnel assessment into the system of career management. Key changes with regard to the previous rules are: the reduction in the number of elements to be assessed; consideration of the importance of individual competencies in relation to the actual formation duty; change in the approach to the assessment of individual competencies; inclusion of a part containing data relevant to career planning into the assessment form. 71/102 ----- **10.2 Internal General Normative Documents Adopted in 2014** **Rules** **No.** **Title** 1. 2. 3. Rules Amending the Rules on the Management and Protection of Personal Data at Ministry of Defence of the RS (MoD; no. 071-9/2013-1, dated 14 February 2014) Rules Amending the Rules on the Protection of the Communication and Information System of the Ministry of Defence (MoD; no. 0070-17/2014-1, dated 5 May 2014) Rules Amending the Rules on Fixing the Position Bonus to the SAF Members for the Period of their Service Abroad (MoD; no. 0070-33/2014-1, dated 18 December 2014) Rules Amending the Rules on the Functioning of the Internal Auditing Service in 4. the Ministry of Defence (MoD; no. 007-123/2014-4, dated 17 September 2014) 5. 6. 7. Rules Amending the Rules on the Procedures for the Calculation and Reimbursement of Costs Incurred during Travelling on Official Duty (MoD; no. 0070-1/2014-1, dated 27 12. 2013) Act Amending the Act on Internal Organisation and Systemisation of Work Posts of the Ministry of Defence with its Constituent Bodies (MoD; no. 0070-2/2014-12, dated 27 January 2014, no. 0070-2/2014-33, dated 17 June 2014, no. 00702/2014-47, dated 27 August 2014, no. 0070-2/2014-58, dated 12 November 2014) Rules Amending the Rules on the Signing of Documents and Reporting on the Documents Adopted or Issued (MoD; no. 0070-12/2013-18, dated 28 October 2014) Rules on Research and Development Activities at the Ministry of Defence (MoD; 8. 0070-13/2013-16, dated 7 February 2014) 9. 10. Rules on the Development of Threat Assessments for the Facilities and Surroundings Thereof which Are of Special Importance for the Defence, and Threat Assessments for the Planned Activities of the Ministry of Defence (MoD; no. 0070-33/2013-8, dated 2 April 2014) Rules on the Regulation of Certain Issues Related to the Labour Status of the Members of the Slovenian Armed Forces Deployed to International Operations and Missions (MoD, no. 007-36/2012-12, dated 7 February 2014) Rules on the Rights and Obligations of Military Personnel during Military 11. Education or Training (MoD; no. 007-91/2014-1, dated 6 June 2014) Rules on the Testing of Armaments, Equipment and Systems at the Ministry of 12. Defence (MoD; no. 00790-30/2013-16, dated 12 September 2014) Rules on the Introduction of Armaments and Military Equipment into Operational 13. Use in the SAF (MoD; no. 0070-30/2013-15, dated 12 September 2014) **Instructions** **No.** **Title** Instruction Amending the Instruction on the Military Occupational Specialties in 14. the SAF (MoD; no. 0070-26/2011-189, dated 14 February 2014) 15. Instruction on the Manner of Recording Communications and the Storage and Use of Records in the SAF Joint Operations Centre (MoD; no. 0070-8/2014-1, dated 18 March 2014) 72/102 ----- Instruction on the Planning of Promotional Activities for the Recruitment and 16. Provision of the SAF Personnel (MoD; no. 8012-8/2014-3, dated 2 April 2014) Instruction on the Preparations for the Re-Introduction of all the Components of 17. Military Occupational Specialty (MoD; no. 0070-16/2014-1, dated 17 April 2014) Instruction on the Preparations for the Implementation of Readiness Measures 18. (MoD; no. 8010-2/2014-1, dated 25 April 2014) Instruction on the Use of the Electronic Mail at the Ministry of Defence (IT and 19. Communications Service; 0070-13/2014-2, dated 20 May 2014) Instruction on the Provision of Assistance on Workstations (MoD; no. 007020. 20/2011-1, dated 11 June 2014) Instruction on the Belonging and Dates of Durability of the RS Civil Protection 21. Uniforms (MoD; no. 007-15/2014-13-DGZR, dated 22 July 2014) 22. 23. Instruction on the Determination and Division of Tasks of Real Estate Management at the Ministry of Defence (MoD; no. 0070-27/2014-1, dated 22 July 2014) Instruction on the Manner of Equipping Real Estate Managed by the Ministry of Defence with Real Estate Signs and the Equipping of Rooms with Bar Codes (MoD; no. 0070-21/2014-3, dated 17 July 2014) Instruction on the Decommissioning and Disposal of Material Resources (MoD; 24. no. 0070-9/2014-16, dated 17 September 2014) 25. Instruction on the Establishment of Register of Telecommunication and Information Facilities and the Tasks of Administrators of Telecommunication and Information Facilities and Premises (MoD; no. 0070-32/2014-1, dated 1 December 2014) 73/102 ----- ### 11 COOPERATION WITH CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS With the Act Amending the War Veterans Act, the responsibility for the financing of societies or associations which operate in the public interest in the area of war veterans (societies and associations) was transferred from the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities to the MoD. In accordance with the War Veterans Act, the MoD started to prepare the criteria for the cofinancing of activities of societies and associations immediately after the transfer of responsibility. In this way, the proposal for the Rules on Determining the Criteria for Societies in Demonstrating Major Achievements in the Functioning of the Societies in Order to Be Granted the Status of a Society Operating in the Public Interest in the Field of War Veterans, as well as the proposal for the Rules on the Criteria for Co-Financing of the Activities of Societies or Associations of War Veterans were prepared; both documents were coordinated on two occasions with the societies and associations which were the beneficiaries of funds in 2014. Both Rules were adopted in January 2015. 74/102 ----- ## IMPLEMENTATION OF RESOURCE PLANS ### 1 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FINANCIAL PLAN In 2014, the MoD spent EUR 339.9 million on the accomplishment of its tasks, which makes up 98.8 percent of the applicable financial plan (FP) and 99.6 percent of the supplementary FP. _Budgetary Resources (Financial Plan) in 2014 (EUR)_ **Adopted** **2014 FP** **Amendments** **of the 2014** **FP** **Adopted** **2014** **Realisation** **of the 2014** **FP** **Supplementary** **FP** **Applicable** **2014 FP** (6 Dec 2012) (15 Nov 2013) (19 Nov 2014) (31 Dec 2014) (31 Dec 2014) Financial Plan 379,326,478 335,544,145 341,323,075 344,070,398 339,949,130 Percentage in Reference to the Supplementary FP Difference in Reference to the Supplementary FP 111.1 98.3 100 100.8 99.6 38,003,403 -5,778,930 0 2,747,323 -1,373,945 **MoD Financial Plan** The RS National Assembly issued three rulings on the available resources of the MoD. The first ruling was made in 2012, the second ruling a year later and the last in November 2014 when the supplementary financial plan was adopted, which resulted in the reduction of the available resources to the MoD by EUR 38,003,403 million – 39.4 percent in investments, 22.8 percent in current expenditures, and 4,1 percent in salaries. The applicable financial plan of 31 December 2014 amounted to 344.070.398 EUR and exceeds the supplementary financial plan for EUR 2.747.323. Integral funds are reduced by EUR 322,948, while appropriations are increased by EUR 3,070,270, since their value is being assessed during the planning. The financial plan realisation in the amount of EUR 339,949,130 represents 3.52 percent of the RS national budget and 0.92 percent of the GDP, which is the lowest percentage in recent years. In comparison to the applicable financial plan, the realisation of integral funds was 99.9 percent. The realisation of appropriations was 78.8 percent, chiefly as a result of state property management, for which the largest amount of unapplied funds will be transferred to the next year. The MoD integral funds represent 95.7 percent, and the appropriations 4.3 percent of the realised financial plan. 75/102 ----- _The Portion of the MoD's Financial Plan in the National Budget and GDP (in Millions of Euros)_ **2008** **2009** **2010** **2011** **2012** **2013** **2014** National 8,470,049 9,259,521 9,280,169 9,362,821 8,993,488 9,314,513 9,654,921 Budget MoD Financial 546,272 549,814 552,630 448,288 396,001 350,703 339,949 Plan Defence Expenditure of the RS 566,201 575,058 582,959 478,857 422,969 381,280 366,460 GDP in Million 37,951 36,166 36,220 36,868 36,006 36,144 37,246 EUR % of the MoD 6.45 5.94 5.95 4.79 4.40 3.77 3.52 FP in the NB % of the MoD 1.44 1.52 1.53 1.22 1.10 0.97 0.91 FP in GDP % of DE in 1.49 1.59 1.61 1.30 1.17 1.06 0.98 GDP _The data includes the Spring Forecast of Economic Trends 2015._ The difference between the applicable financial plan and the realisation is the uncommitted EUR 4.1 million – EUR 220,246 in integral funds and EUR 3.9 million in appropriations. Of the uncommitted appropriations, EUR 3.89 million was transferred to the 2015 fiscal year. The remaining EUR 7,776 were registered as a surplus in the RS national budget. In comparison to the supplementary financial plan, the realisation dropped by EUR 1.4 million, while the spending index was at 99.6. The realisation of integral funds indicates a reduction of EUR 543,193: EUR 579,308 increase for salaries, and EUR 235,715 reduction for current expenditure, and EUR 886,786 reduction for investments. The realisation of appropriations was by EUR 830,751 lower than planned. In comparison to the 2013 financial plan realisation, the realised 2014 financial plan was by EUR 10.8 million lower, while the index was at 96.9. In integral funds, the realization is lower by EUR 9.7 million. In nominal terms, all the categories have a lower percentage, while in in terms of the structure, the portion of salaries went up by 0.6 percent, current expenditure went up by 0.3 percent, and the portion of investments went down by 0.5 percent. The realisation of appropriations was by EUR 1.1 million lower. _Comparison of the Realisation in the Last Two Years (in EUR)_ **Realisation in** **Realisation in** **Economic Purposes** **Structure** **Structure** **2013** **2014** Integral Funds 335,074,727 95.5 325,409,354 95.7 Appropriations 15,628,061 4.5 14,539,776 4.3 **MoD TOTAL** **350,702,788** **100** **339,949,130** **100** The overview of the expenditures by budget users shows an increase in the share at the ACPDR for a 0.7 percentage point in comparison to 2013, and a reduction in the share at the SAF for 0.7 and at the administrative part of the MoD for 0.3 percentage points, while the shares of other users remained the same. The table below presents the realization by budget users. 76/102 ----- _Realization of the 2014 Financial Plan by Direct Budget Users (in EUR)_ **BU 1911** **Total** **MoD** **BU 1912** **ACPDR** **BU 1913** **IRSPANOD** **BU 1914** **SAF** **BU 1915** **DIRS** **339,949,130** 38,349,596 33,155,052 2,048,107 265,781,415 614,961 100 % 11.3 % 9.8 % 0.6 % 78.2 % 0.2 % The line chart below depicts the realization by budget users for the period 2006–2014 (base year 2006). In 2008 and 2009 there were two groups of users, whereas in 2014, there was greater dispersion of users. In comparison to 2006, only ACPDR has higher realisation – IRSPANOD has 82 percent realisation and all other users have lower realisation: Index of the SAF is at 78, of the DIRS at 59 and of the administrative part of the MoD at 53. _The Growth Index of Realization by Budget Users (Base Year 2006)_ 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 MoD (1911) ACPDR (1912) IRSPANOD (1913) SAF (1915) DIRS (1915) _Breakdown of 2014 Realisation by Economic Purposes_ Investment Appropriations; Expenditures; 4,3% 4,6% Current expenditures; 20,9% Salaries; 70,3% 77/102 ----- Costs of labour in the amount of EUR 239 million represent 70.3 percent of the total MoD expenditure. In recent years, the portion intended for salaries is growing, in particular on account of lower investments. However, in nominal terms, staff appropriations are strongly decreasing. Since 2010, the MoD has been reducing labour costs by not replacing departures and by recognising allowances and reimbursements only on a very rational basis. In comparison with the previous year, the salaries in 2014 were lower by EUR 5.3 million, while in comparison with 2009, when they were the highest, the salaries were lower by EUR 53.1 million. Current expenditures amount to EUR 70.9 million, which represents 20.9 percent of the total spending. Due to the ageing of the equipment, the maintenance costs are higher; fixed operating costs also represent a large part of expenditures. Investment expenditure stood at EUR 15.5 million, accounting for 4.6 percent of the total MoD expenditure. Since 2007, the investments portion has been decreasing; the sole exception was the year 2010 due to the use of the clearing debt. The dynamics of individual categories of the MoD expenditures in the period between 2006 and 2014 is depicted in the line chart below. _The Growth Index of Realisation by Economic Purposes (Base Year 2006)_ 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Salaries Current expenditures Investment Expenditures Research and Development Appropriations 78/102 ----- **1.1 Overview of the Realization by Programme Structure** The year 2014 saw the implementation of the financial plan in line with the programme planning. The financial plan was implemented through a single policy, 3 programmes, 11 subprogrammes and 59 measures or projects. The MoD's fundamental policy is »07 – Defence and Protection«, and the programmes are: Defence System and Crisis Management, Military Defence and Protection against Natural and Other Disasters. _2014 Financial Plan Realisation by Programme Structure_ **Realisation** **No.** **Title of the Policy/Programme/Sub-programme** **Structure** **in 2014** **07** **Defence and Protection** **0701** **Defence System and Crisis Management** **38,964,557** **11.5** 070101 Common Defence Functions and Defence Planning 24,830,158 7.3 070102 International Defence Cooperation 6,402,464 1.9 070103 Equipment and Infrastructure 7,116,975 2.1 070104 Inspections in the Area of Defence 614,961 0.2 **0702** **Military Defence** **265,781,415** **78.2** SAF Human Resources Management, Education 070201 213,232,919 62.7 and Support 070202 Operational Tasks and Readiness of the SAF 42,959,923 12.6 070203 Infrastructure and Equipment of the SAF 3,554,848 1.0 Membership in International Organisations and 070204 6,033,725 1.8 Cooperation with the Local Environment **0703** **Protection against Natural and Other Disasters** **35,203,159** **10.4** 070301 Functioning of the PRR System 18,883,883 5.6 070302 Preparedness of the PRR System 14,271,169 4.2 070303 Inspection and Tasks Related to Minor Offences 2,048,107 0.6 **Total** **339,949,130** **100** **Defence Expenditure of the RS** The realised 2014 defence expenditure stood at EUR 366 million, accounting for 0.98 percent of the GDP (IMAD, Spring Forecast of Economic Trends 2015). It was by EUR 4.6 million lower than that anticipated in the supplementary budget (index was at 98.8). In comparison to the 2013 realisation, the defence expenditure decreased by EUR 15.2 million. Defence system resources (the financial plan of the SAF, the administrative part of the MoD and the RS Defence Inspectorate) represented 83.2 percent of the defence expenditure. The remaining 16.7 percent was represented by military pensions, while the resources of the Office for the Protection of Classified Information amounted to approximately EUR 0.5 million (0.1 %). 79/102 ----- _Defence Expenditure from 2013 to 2014_ **2013** **Supplementary** **Budget** **2014** **2014** **Realisation** **2014** **Approved** **Realisation** MoD Financial Plan 350,702,788 379,326,478 341,323,075 339,949,130 **% of FP in GDP** **0.97** **1.02** **0.92** **0.91** Defence Expenditure of the RS 381,657,901 413,498,148 371,083,809 366,459,514 **% of DE in GDP** **1.06** **1.11** **0.996** **0.98** GDP in Million EUR 36,144 37,246 37,246 37,246 *The data includes the Spring Forecast of Economic Trends 2015. _Comparison of the Portion of the Approved and Realised Defence Expenditure in GDP (in %)_ 1,70 1,59 1,59 1,61 1,57 1,50 1,50 1,47 1,48 1,50 1,59 1,54 1,38 1,49 1,32 1,47 1,33 1,30 1,39 1,40 1,43 1,41 1,44 1,30 1,30 1,15 1,08 1,10 1,17 0,996 1,06 0,90 0,98 0,70 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Approved Defence Expenditures Realised Defence Expenditures The chart shows that realised defence expenditure represented the highest percent of GDP in 2010, namely 1.61 percent. The lowest percent of GDP was reached in 2014 when defence expenditure stood at 0.98 percent of GDP. The highest percentage of the approved defence expenditure was recorded in 2006 and 2009, namely 1.59 percent of GDP. In the period between 2001 and 2014, the average realised defence expenditure represented 1.37 percent of GDP (multi-annual average). 80/102 ----- ### 2 PERSONNEL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION **2.1 Personnel Plan Implementation in the Administrative Part of the MoD** The Joint Personnel Plan of the RS Government specified that the permitted number of employees in the administrative part of the MoD as of 31 December 2014 was 1158 public employees. In accordance with the Rules on the Contents and Procedures of Preparation and Submission of Personnel Plans, the permitted number of employees excludes (1) full-time employment with reduced working hours to compensate for phased or disability retirement of public employees, (2) temporary employment for the replacement of temporarily absent public employees where salary compensation is not provided by the MoD, maternity and childcare leave, sick leave of over 30 working days and parental leave. Since the beginning of 2009, the administrative part of the MoD strictly adhered to guidelines of the RS Government on the reduction of the number of employees. The table below shows that in the period between 2008 and 2014, the permitted number of employees decreased by 201 public employees, which is 85 percent of the Personnel Plan from 2008. Since 2010, the number of employees in the administrative part of the MoD annually decreased by more than required by the RS Government Personnel Plan. _Personnel Plan Realisation in the Administrative Part of the MoD in the Period 2008–2014_ **Year** **Allowed** **Situation** **Based on the** **Personnel Plan** **Personnel** **Plan** **Realisation** **Difference** 2008 1,359 1,378 19 2009 1,328 1,328 0 2010 1,310 1,300 – 10 2011 1,281 1,274 – 7 2012 1,259 1,190 – 69 2013 1,170 1,161 – 9 2014 1,158 1,134 – 24 In 2014, the MoD reached the goal again, since the permitted number of employees as of 31 December 2014 did not exceed the permitted number which was specified in the Decision of the RS Government no. 10002-12/2013/7, dated 12 September 2013. The actual number was 24 employees less than the permitted number. The reasons for the lower number of employees are mainly some unplanned terminations of employment (voluntary retirement), closure of the Poljče Defence Training Centre and relocation of public employees from the administrative part to the SAF, as well as restrictive employment policy. 81/102 ----- _The Number of Employees in the Administrative Part of the MoD in the Period 2008–2014_ 1400 1350 1300 1250 1200 1150 1100 1050 1000 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Approved 1359 1328 1310 1281 1259 1170 1158 Realised 1378 1328 1300 1274 1190 1161 1134 The table below depicts the portion of the reduction in the number of public employees by individual budget users. The table shows that in 2014, the administrative part was reduced by two percent, which is more than agreed within the social dialogue between the Government of the RS and the representative public sector trade unions. _Implementation of the MoD Personnel Plan (PP) by Budget Users_ |1400|Col2|Col3|Col4|Col5|Col6|Col7|Col8| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |1400 1350 1300 1250 1200 1150 1100 1050 1000|||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||||||||| ||2008|2009|2010|2011|2012|2013|2014| |Approved|1359|1328|1310|1281|1259|1170|1158| |Realised|1378|1328|1300|1274|1190|1161|1134| **Realisation** **PP, 31** **December** **2014** **Realisation** **PP, 31** **December** **2013** **Budget User** **Realisation** **PP, 31** **December 2012** **(2014/2013)** **Index** 1911 MoD 799 768 748 97 1912 ACPDR 315 321 315 98 1913 IRSPANOD 59 57 57 100 1915 DIRS 17 15 14 93 **Total** **1,190** **1,161** **1,134** **98** **2.2 Implementation of the Personnel Plan in the SAF** **Active Component** The medium-term planning documents provided for 7,328 members of the SAF active component for 2014. With the Joint Personnel Plan of the state administration bodies for 2014, the permitted number of the SAF active component decreased to 7,327 members. On 31 December 2014, the SAF had 7,176 employed members, which means that the Personnel Plan realisation was 98 percent. The reason for the failure to achieve the planned number of employed members are the restrictions to the employment, reduced interest of candidates for employment in the SAF and a large number of departures due to meeting the conditions for retirement. Of 7176 SAF members on 31 December 2014, there were 1,101 officers, 1,987 NCOs, 3,071 soldiers, 243 senior military specialists, 333 junior military specialists and 441 civilians. 82/102 ----- In 2014, 312 members left the SAF (43 officers, 50 NCOs, 171 soldiers, 27 military specialists and 21 civilians). This is more than in 2013 (292), 2012 (265) and in 2011 (281). The Personnel Plan was not fully realised. The quota of the SAF Personnel Plan also includes 43 people employed at workplaces or assigned to duties in the MoD at which military service is performed in accordance with Articles 47 and 48 of the Defence Act. These members work in the Service for Investigation of Aircraft Accidents and Military Aircraft Incidents (4), the Protocol Service (4), the Secretariat of the Secretary-General (7), the Defence Affairs Directorate (23) and Logistics Directorate (5). _Comparison in the Volume of the SAF Active Component in the Years 2013 and 2014_ **Situation as of** **Situation as of** **Status** **31 December** **31 December** **Difference** **2013** **2014** Officers 1,136 1,101 -35 Non-Commissioned Officers 2,002 1,987 -15 Soldiers 3,174 3,071 -103 Senior Military Specialists 246 243 -3 Junior Military Specialists 356 333 -23 Civilian Personnel 446 441 -5 **Total** **7,360** **7,176** **-184** Owing to the reduction in the permitted number of the SAF employees as well as to the fact that it is mostly solders who are leaving the armed forces and they cannot be fully replaced, the SAF cannot achieve the target ratio between officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers, and the SAF age structure is deteriorating. The strategic objective of the SAF is to achieve a structural balance between officers, noncommissioned officers and soldiers equal to the ratio 1 : 2 : 5. The target ratio, within the framework of 7,327 members of the active component, stayed the same in 2014 as it was in 2013. _Ratio between Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers_ **Non-Commissioned** **Year** **Officers** **Soldiers** **Officers** 2011 1 1.7 2.9 2012 1 1.8 2.9 2013 1 1.8 2.8 2014 1 1.8 2.8 From 2006 to 2014, the average age of the SAF members went up from 35.5 in 2006 to 39.3 years in 2014. _The Average Age of the SAF Members in the Period between 2006 and 2014_ **Category** **2006** **2007** **2008** **2009** **2010** **2011** **2012** **2013** **2014** Soldiers 27.9 28.6 29.2 29.2 29.6 30.1 30.8 31.4 32.6 Total 35.5 36.1 36.5 36.3 36.5 36.9 37.5 38.2 39.3 83/102 ----- **Employment in the SAF** In 2014, 455 candidates applied for employment in the SAF. Based on the selection procedures, 140 candidates were employed. This means that an average of 3.25 candidates applied for one position of a newly employed. Despite the efforts of the competent authorities, and the considerably high level of unemployment in Slovenia, it seems that the requirements and the complexity of the military profession, in connection with the level of salary for soldiers, discourage potential candidates to work in the SAF. _Planned Employments of the SAF Active Component Members and Realisaton Overview_ 7700 7600 7500 7400 7300 7200 7100 7000 2011 2012 2013 2014 Mid-Term Defence Programme 7600 7600 7600 7600 Approved Personnel Plan 7600 7600 7377 7327 Realised Personnel Plan 7600 7483 7360 7176 **Voluntary Military Service** In 2014, 250 candidates applied for voluntary military service, while 98 candidates were assigned for the actual military service. Since 2004, 2,472 soldiers were assigned to voluntary military service, of which 698 also employed in the SAF. In 2014, 34 former members of the voluntary military service were employed in the SAF. **Military Service in the SAF Contract Reserve** The Mid-Term Defence Programme 2013–2018 (SOPR 2013–2018) stipulated that in this period, the number of members of the contract reserve keeps within the framework of 1,500 members. The SAF Personnel Plan for 2014 and 2015 stipulated that on 31 December 2014, the SAF would have the maximum of 1,200 members. Due to the reduction in funding, possibilities for extending the currently valid contracts with members of the contract reserve were significantly limited. The selective extension of contracts resulted in 4.1 percent less members of the contract reserve component than planned at the end of 2014. On 31 December 2014, the SAF contract reserve included 1,150 members, of whom there were 26 officers, 65 non-commissioned officers, 1,018 soldiers, 24 junior military specialists and 17 senior military specialists. 84/102 |7700|Col2|Col3|Col4|Col5| |---|---|---|---|---| |7700 7600 7500 7400 7300 7200 7100 7000||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| |||||| ||2011|2012|2013|2014| |Mid-Term Defence Programme|7600|7600|7600|7600| |Approved Personnel Plan|7600|7600|7377|7327| |Realised Personnel Plan|7600|7483|7360|7176| ----- _Comparison of the Number of the Contract Reserve Component Members in the Years 2013_ _and 2014_ **Situation as of** **Category** **31 December 2013** **31 December 2014** **Situation as of** **Difference** **(2013–2014)** Officers 27 26 – 1 Non-Commissioned 67 65 – 2 Officers Soldiers 1,241 1,018 – 223 Senior Military Specialists 24 24 0 Junior Military Specialists 18 17 – 1 **Total** **1,377** **1,150** **– 227** In 2014, contracts with members of the contract reserve component were extended selectively, for two years, and did not include the long-service bonus. In the period concerned, 106 members signed the annex on the extension of the contractual relationship. The MoD issued the decision on the termination of the contractual relationship for 46 members. At the end of 2014, the register included 460 candidates who meet the formal requirements for the conclusion of contracts on military service in the contract reserve component. This is 64.8 percent less than in 2013 and is the result of the conclusion of applications depending on the needs of the SAF for members of the contract reserve component, the age of candidates and the time of submitting the application, as well as the fact that in 2014, the conclusion of new contracts was not possible. Only 74 candidates submitted the application for inclusion in the contract reserve component, which is the lowest since 2002 and is primarily due to nonaccepting new members of the contract reserve component. In the long term, this can be very alarming because it reduces the possibilities for deployment of young people to voluntary military service. **Promotion of Employment and Service in the SAF** In 2014, in accordance with the provisions of the Military Service Act, 9,827 conscripts got acquainted with their obligations and rights. Over 200 promotional events were carried out (227 acquaintance groups), at which different possibilities were presented for the employment in the SAF, for the performance of military service in the SAF contract reserve, voluntary military service and scholarship. The promotion of the military profession was mostly carried out on the web page www.postanivojak.si. _Promotion of the Military Profession at the Study Fair in the Leon Štukelj Sports Hall in Novo_ _mesto_ 85/102 ----- **Scholarships for Work in the SAF** In 2014, five contracts for scholarships for the SAF were concluded for the academic year 2013/2014. Call for applications for the award of five scholarships for the academic year 2014/2015 was published in June 2014. **Preparation of Personnel for Departure from Military Service** For the SAF members who gained the right to retirement in 2014, an information day was organised in April, at which representatives of Defence Affairs Directorate, General Staff of the SAF, Kapitalska družba company and the Modra zavarovalnica company presented the formalities to be carried out at retirement, and the absorption of funds. In June, a pre-retirement seminar was organised, at which experts on gerontology, healthy diet, addiction etc. presented the perils and opportunities of the third life period to the participants and gave them advice on how to make a successful transition to that new life period in the best way possible. Soldiers who lost their employment contracts due to reaching 45 years of age were given the right of reassignment to the appropriate posts within the MoD. **Care of Former SAF Members** The Intergenerational Information and Social Centres (MIDS) Ajdovščina and Slovenska Bistrica organised 113 events which were attended by approximately 1,300 participants. The intergenerational groups for quality ageing accepted 11 new members, so that the total number of their members in now 220. The voluntary intergenerational association of the RS MoD for quality ageing has approximately 140 members. 86/102 ----- ### 3 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THE STATE’S PHYSICAL ASSETS **3.1 Real estate** The MoD realised the plan for the acquisition of real estate of the state as well as regions and municipalities for 2014 in the following cases: - Based on the Exchange Contract for the Attainment of Public Benefit, no. 478-23/201127, dated 13 May 2014, the MoD acquired land with parcel nos. 1076/41, 1076/42, 1076/43, 1076/44, 1076/45 and 1076/46 of the Selo pri Bledu Cadastral Community, namely within the military real estate Mačkovec Fire Range. New land was acquired through the exchange of land with parcel no. 320/14 of the Želeče Cadastral Community, which was in the management plan and was not needed by the MoD for its activities, and through the payment of the difference in the amount of EUR 9650. - The MoD carried out a contractual purchase of 1/3 of the ownership of the apartment no. 153 in the Dom na Krvavcu Guesthouse (RTC Krvavec) in the dimension of 19.13 m², for which the MoD paid EUR 6,380. - Due to the project of enlargement and modernization of the Cerklje ob Krki Airfield and based on the Decree on Spatial Plan of National Importance for the Cerklje ob Krki Airfield (Official Gazette of the RS, no. 73/2008), the land purchase and conclusion of rehabilitation contracts for permanent loss of agricultural land from agricultural production and due to the extension of routes from the years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 continued also in 2014. In total, 97.5 percent of the owners concluded contracts for the purchase of land in the value of EUR 2,826,000 (of which EUR 257,000 in 2013 and EUR 6,000 in 2014), which represents 99 percent of all the land necessary for the construction of the airfield (46.5 ha). For the rehabilitation of agricultural holdings related to permanent loss of agricultural land and the extension of routes, contracts in the value of EUR 519,000 were concluded for 2013, whereas for 2014, contracts in the value of EUR 15,000 were concluded. Up until now, EUR 3.4 million were allocated. The project of the first phase of purchase of land for the airfield will be completed with the acquisition of the parcel (0.5 ha or 1 percent) which is co-owned by four owners (2.5 percent of the owners). In 2014, the MoD spent EUR 37,030 for the acquisition of real estate. **3.2 Procurement** In 2014, the MoD conducted 191 public procurement procedures, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act and the Public Procurement for Defence and Security Act. On the basis of the conducted procedures, 275 contracts were concluded, with the total value of EUR 108.388 including the VAT. Most of the value – EUR 99.13 million – relates to the conclusion of long-time contracts (from three to the maximum of five years). Such contracts were concluded for goods and services for ensuring regular operation and permanent readiness of the SAF and the protection and rescue system in carrying out their statutory tasks, providing maintenance services and supply of spare parts for SAF aircraft and equipment, and in all other areas where the MoD needs valid contracts for its activities. On the basis of the Government decision on joint public procurements for 2014, carried out by the Ministry of Finance, the MoD, on the basis of concluded umbrella agreements, concluded direct contracts for the supply of liquefied petroleum gas, purchase of plane tickets, supply of office paper and performance of postal services. In the field of purchasing equipment and goods for the needs of the SAF, major orders were made for the purchase of tactical vests and the related equipment, ammunition and armaments, combat and service uniform items, and two used fire rescue vehicles for the needs of the Cerklje Airfield. In the field of construction, contracts were concluded for the restoration of security fences and for the setting up of the replacement antenna tower at the Pečna Reber peak. Several small value contracts were also concluded for investment maintenance works. 87/102 ----- In the field of protection and rescue, a major purchase was made of thermal cameras, whereas several procedures were carried out for the purchase of the accommodation containers, modular unit in Sežana, fire hoses and dividers and drive unit for oil containment boom. **3.3 Take-overs** In 2014, 329 controls of the quality of goods and services were carried out. The total value of take-overs was EUR 10.63 million. The financial value of take-overs was 26.13 percent lower than in 2013. However, the number of take-overs remained similar to that of the year 2013. **3.4 Plan for the Acquisition of the State’s Physical Assets Belonging to the SAF** EUR 3,554,847 were spent under the heading infrastructure and equipment. Of that amount, EUR 461,417 were spent for infrastructure, EUR 2,307,377 for the main equipment and modernisation, and EUR 786,052 for the Cerklje ob Krki Airfield, where resources were provided to fund further construction of electronic and visual navigation and a fire-fighting vehicle. EUR 659,300 were allocated to the project of investment maintenance of military infrastructure. EUR 234,506 were allocated to the adaptation of infrastructure (electrification and optics of camp premises at the BAČ Military Post in Postojna; acquisition of project documentation, permits and spatial plans). EUR 226,911 were allocated to the project of establishing technical security of the SAF facilities. Due to the lack of funds, co-investment in the local infrastructure was not planned. EUR 2,341,591 were allocated to the purchase of the SAF uniforms. Most of the funds were used for the purchase of combat uniform items and warrior's personal protective equipment, and a smaller part of funds was used for individual service uniform items. With the available resources, it was not possible to ensure the purchase of all types of the prescribed uniform and protective equipment in accordance with the criteria of belonging. EUR 410,490 were allocated to the purchase of equipment for operational functioning, which guaranteed the purchase of only the most essential equipment for operation (equipment for environmental protection; devices for uninterrupted power supply, fire protection and safety at work equipment, camp equipment, naval assets, CBRN protective equipment; mountaineering equipment, medical and veterinary equipment). EUR 241,976 were spent for investment maintenance of material resources, which is half of the amount spent in 2013. 88/102 ----- _Funds for Investment in Equipment and Maintenance for the Period_ _2010–2014_ 120.000.000 100.000.000 80.000.000 60.000.000 40.000.000 20.000.000 |0.000|Col2|Col3|Col4|Col5|Col6| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0|||||| ||||||| ||||||| ||||||| ||||||| ||||||| ||2010|2011|2012|2013|2014| |EUR|115.363.728|42.035.934|36.232.317|27.188.975|23.843.603| The graph shows the financial value of the headings of equipping with the main equipment, uniforms, equipping for operational activities, procurement of ammunition and investment and on-going maintenance of material resources and infrastructure. The value in 2010 was higher due to the one-off purchase of the military boat Triglav. 89/102 ----- ### 4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE PLAN FOR THE SALE OF STATE-OWNED TANGIBLE PROPERTY **4.1 Real estate** The Annual Management Plan for 2014 included real estate which the MoD does not need for its activities, regardless of whether or not they were registered in the Land Register. At the same time, the MoD carries out intense procedures for the development and acquisition of the appropriate documents for the registry in the Land Register, including the land allotment procedures. A common obstacle to the purchase are also: the judicial proceedings, denationalisation and unsettled ownership of land on which MoD facilities are situated. In spite of the financial crisis which resulted in the decreased sale of real estate, the MoD achieved an increased inflow from the sale of real estate, with the emphasis on the sale of apartments and garages. Based on the Annual Tangible Property Management Plan, eight public auctions were carried out, along with direct sale, both resulting in the sale of real estate (28 flats, 34 garages, 17 pieces of land and four facilities) in the total value of EUR 1,924,500. Three apartments, eight garages, five pieces of land and one facility were sold through direct sale alone. In addition, the transformer stations in Blekova vas and Velike Bloke were also sold through direct sale. **4.2 Movable property** The Ordinance on the State-Owned Tangible Assets Management Plan Intended for State Bodies, Judicial Bodies, Public Institutes, Public Agencies and Public Funds for 2014, of which the State-Owned Movable Property Management Plan for 2014 is a constituent part, included a Dassault Falcon 2000 EX airplane, two radar stations of the AN/TPS-70 type, infantry ammunition sets according to calibres and ammunition sets for a 30 mm automatic mortar according to types of ammunition. Serious interest was shown only for the purchase of two AN/ TPS-70 radar stations. Individual movable property which was not included in the Annual Movable Property Management Plan was sold, since the individual value of movable property did not amount to EUR 10,000. According to the method of direct contract, the following goods were sold: 131 pieces of permanently deactivated weapons with certificates on the deactivation of weapons, TEMARK 60 kWA generator, 12 anti-tank barriers (full reinforced concrete tetrahedron), two passenger vehicles Renault (Clio and Megane), three caravans Adria special 3901, 14 metres of light camouflage fabric and non-formation equipment of the SAF. The total value of the above-mentioned sales was EUR 136,927 million. Public auctions for the sale of infantry weapons were carried out, selling 700 pieces of infantry weapons with the total value of EUR 133,144. In accordance with the tenancy agreement, a light reconnaissance vehicle COBRA 4x4 was rented to the company EM.TRONIC for the period from 23 June 2014 to 23 October 2014 in the amount of EUR 1,400 excluding VAT. The total value of the sold movable property and the rented vehicle amounted to EUR 271,471. **4.3 Donations – Free Transfers** Movable property was transferred free-of-charge to the following organisations: - KP-85 Rade Končar trailer kitchen to the Slovenska Istra District Association of the Veterans of the War for Slovenia. - Anti-tank barrier to the Ormož District Association of the Veterans of the War for Slovenia. - Four pieces of permanently deactivated infantry weapons to the Veteran Nova Gorica District Association of the Veterans of the War for Slovenia. - 22 pieces of permanently deactivated infantry weapons and other material resources to the Logatec District Association of the Veterans of the War for Slovenia. 90/102 ----- - 10 pieces of bulletproof military helmets to the Domžale District Association of the Veterans of the War for Slovenia. - 10 pieces of deactivated weapons to the Mežiška dolina District Association of the Veterans of the War for Slovenia. - 18 pieces of permanently deactivated infantry weapons to the Zasavje District Association of the Veterans of the War for Slovenia. - Four pieces of permanently deactivated infantry weapons to the Domžale District Association of the Veterans of the War for Slovenia. - 100 pieces of combat uniform berets to the Organisation of Mountain Soldiers. - Two RRU-9B radio relay devices to the National Museum of Slovenia. - 24 pieces of permanently deactivated infantry weapons, two machine gun bases and one hand mine carrier to the Kromberk – Nova Gorica Goriška Region Museum. - 22 pieces of military weapons to the Loka Region Museum in Škofja Loka. - 5 pieces of permanently deactivated infantry weapons to the Dolenjska Region Museum in Novo mesto. - 21 pieces of permanently deactivated infantry weapons to the Zasavje Region Museum in Trbovlje. - 250 l solid fuel trailer kitchen to the Voluntary Fire-Fighting Society Zagorje-mesto. - Quartermaster equipment (80 pieces of military blankets and 40 military beds) to the Mountain Rescue Association of Slovenia. - 18 pieces of telephone cable and 7500 m of telephone wire to the Speleological Association of Slovenia. - Two tents to the Slovenian Catholic Girl Guides and Boy Scouts Association. - Two radio devices to the Radio Club Škofja Loka. - 14 radio devices to the Association of Radio Amateurs of Slovenia. Some applications of societies, self-governing local community, public institutes and individuals were resolved negatively, as they did not fulfil the necessary legal requirements. Based on the agreement between the old and the new managers, the MoD defined the new manager of movable property, namely the Ministry of the Interior for the TAM 150 motor vehicle and 6,000 pieces of rounds. 91/102 ----- ### 5 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EDUCATION, TRAINING AND ADVANCED TRAINING PLAN The Education, Training and Advanced Training Plan for 2014 was implemented in the administrative part of the MoD: - Functional internal training – 141 percent realisation (due to the large number of the employees attending the classified information seminars and protection and rescue training courses). - Functional external training – 37 percent realisation. - Language training – 51 percent realisation. - Training abroad – 44 percent realisation. _Functional Internal Training_ **Budget** **User** **Planned Number of** **Participants** **Actual Number of** **Participants** **Realisation (in** **%)** BU 1911 664 929 140 BU 1912 177 273 154 BU 1913 50 71 142 BU 1915 20 17 85 **Total** **911** **1,290** **141** _Functional External Training_ **Budget** **User** **Planned Number of** **Participants** **Actual Number of** **Participants** **Realisation (in** **%)** BU 1911 396 179 45 BU 1912 126 9 7 BU 1913 141 53 38 BU 1915 50 20 40 **Total** **713** **261** **37** _Language Training_ **Budget** **User** **Planned Number of** **Participants** **Actual Number of** **Participants** **Realisation (in** **%)** BU 1911 11 7 64 BU 1912 32 15 47 BU 1913 0 0 0 BU 1915 0 0 0 **Total** **43** **22** **51** 92/102 ----- _Training Abroad_ **Budget** **User** **Planned Number of** **Participants** **Actual Number of** **Participants** **Realisation (in** **%)** BU 1911 33 29 88 BU 1912 33 0 0 BU 1913 0 0 0 BU 1915 0 0 0 **Total** **66** **29** **44** The above-mentioned data shows that the planning was either not coordinated with the actual needs, or that for various reasons (too much work at the workplace, cancellation of courses, employee turnover, and reduction of financial resources), the employees did not participate in the planned trainings. **Education and Training in the SAF** Members of the SAF improved their capacity to perform tasks with their participation in various forms of education and training within the Military Schools Centre or in comparable military education and training courses abroad. In 2014, the only ones who continued the part-time education were the SAF members – participants of the module studies, which are a combination of military and undergraduate studies for non-commissioned officers at the Vocational College of Traffic and Transport. Currently, 12 more SAF members have valid education contracts for the acquisition of a higher level education. In 2014, 19 SAF members who concluded contracts on education with the MoD successfully completed the training courses for the acquisition of general higher level education. Language courses for the acquisition of STANAG 3332 and 2221 were successfully completed by 13 SAF members. 86 members attended the English Language False Beginner Refresher Course. 13 members attended the English Language High Elementary Refresher Course and 1,200 candidates underwent the ALCPT placement tests. As many as 3,575 members of the SAF, MoD, Police and of foreign armed forces participated in different forms of military education and training in the organisational units of the Military Schools Centre. The planned military education and training courses were completed by as many as 3,445 candidates. Various functional and career education and training courses abroad were attended by 227 SAF members, out of which 129 were officers, 69 non-commissioned officers, 19 soldiers, eight military specialists and three civilians. The realization of all the executed attendance at education, training and advanced training courses abroad was 55 percent when compared to the planned attendance. There are various reasons for non-realisation of planned attendance. Some are due to the organisers, while others were cancelled due to reduced funds. 93/102 ----- _Funds Spent for Education and Training of Individuals in the SAF_ _in the Period 2009–2014_ #### 6.000.000 5.000.000 #### 4.000.000 3.000.000 #### 2.000.000 1.000.000 |0.000|Col2|Col3|Col4|Col5|Col6|Col7| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0||||||| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| |||||||| ||2009|2010|2011|2012|2013|2014| |EUR|5.583.586|4.107.087|4.716.458|2.927.535|2.605.605|1.808.578| The chart shows the trend of reductions of the funds in the last six years. In 20014, 67.6 percent less financial resources were allocated for the education and training of individuals in the SAF as in 2009. Input in education and training of individuals does not follow the needs resulting from the maintenance of current and the development of new capabilities. Deployments to functional education and training courses were carried out mainly to grant licenses and powers that are essential so that members can perform their professional duties. 94/102 ----- ### 6 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION PLAN International activities in the MoD were carried out within programmes of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, the EU, NATO, sports – CISM (Conseil International du Sport Militaire) and military and technical cooperation. Activities were carried out in accordance with priorities, programme and objective set out in the 2014 MoD Business Plan. The objectives in the field of international cooperation supported the achievement of key conceptual objectives and priorities of the MoD. Based on the Annual Plan of International Cooperation for 2014, the MoD planned 1,167 events. 746 events, or 63.92 percent, were realized, and 422 planned events were not realized. 299 unplanned events were realized. The MoD spent EUR 840,785 to implement the plan of international cooperation. The details are shown in the table below: The Summary of Realisation in the Field of Implementing the MoD's International Cooperation Plan for 2014. The discrepancy between the planned activities and the actual realization is still large. At the same time, the number of new unplanned events that could not be foreseen during the time of planning increased. The number of realized unplanned events reminds us that the planning should also take into account new obligations and foresee subsequent execution. In the assessment of the realisation of planned events, it is also necessary to take into account cancellations of the opposite side, as well as the fact that some of the proposals are written only as a form of possible cooperation, that certain objectives aimed at with certain activity have changed, and that there are some organisational and personnel changes. _Table 2: The Summary of Realisation in the Field of Implementing the MoD's International_ _Cooperation Plan for 2014_ **Additionally** **Number of** **Realised** **Number of** **Realised** **Planned** **Organisational** **Unit** **Number of** **Planned** **Events** **Events** **Realisation** **Number of** **Unrealised** **Planned** **Unplanned** **Events** **Events** Minister's 40 15 37.5 % 25 13 Office Defence Policy 91 76 83.5 % 15 15 Directorate Defence Diplomacy Representatives Secretariat of the Secretary General 194 151 77.8 % 43 54 42 30 71.4 % 12 8 Logistics 73 59 80.8 % 16 18 Directorate Defence Affairs 45 16 36 % 29 6 Directorate Service for Investigation of Aircraft Accidents and Military Aircraft Incidents 3 3 100 % 0 0 95/102 ----- Total Administrative Part of the MoD 488 349 71.5 % 140 114 DIRS 2 1 50 % 1 ACPDR 262 198 75.5 % 64 41 IRSPANOD SAF General Staff 415 198 47.7 % 217 144 **MoD TOTAL** **1,167** **746** **63.9 %** **422** **299** **6.1 International Cooperation within NATO** Activities of the MoD in 2014 were focused on the preparation of the Summit in Wales attended by heads of state and government in September. In preparation for the NATO Summit, the Ministers met in February and June 2014 in Brussels. In March, Slovenia hosted the meeting of the Defence Policy Directors of the NATO member countries in Ljubljana. In Wales, the Readiness Action Plan was adopted, extending the implementation of the assurance measures for the Eastern Allies and strengthening NATO's readiness by enhancing the intensity of military exercises and creating rapid deployable high-readiness forces which will be able of rapid deployment to the East. The Allies adopted a commitment to stop the negative trend of the declining defence spending and try to gradually rise this spending within the next ten years in line with the economic growth. In the framework of NATO, the SAF carried out 134 events. The main activities at which the SAF participated were the meetings and conferences of the Military Board at the level of chiefs of general staffs, which mainly discussed the possibilities of a joint use and sharing of forces and means as well as the adjustments of the operation of defence systems, taking into account the reduction of defence budgets. SAF representatives participated in meetings of various NATO expert committees and working bodies. In 2013, as a result of rationalization, a large part of the tasks were performed by members of the Peacetime Structure of the SAF Abroad. NATO began preparations for the transfer of the centre of gravity from operations to the readiness for operation across the whole spectrum of possible sources of threats, particularly in the implementation of the Readiness Action Plan (RAP), adopted at the summit in Wales in September 2014. During operations, the focus was on the completion of the ISAF operation (Afghanistan) and the preparations and creation of conditions for the mission Resolute Support. In the area of transformation, the focus is on the implementation of the new NATO command structure, reform of the agencies and the International Military Staff (IMS), achievement of key capabilities within the Defence Planning Process (NDPP), Connected Forces Initiative (CFI) and Smart Defence (SD), and the renewal of the field of training and exercises (ETEE), with the emphasis on the NATO Response Force (NRF). Slovenia also participated in the following important activities abroad: conferences of the NATO Military Committee at the level of Chiefs of General Staff, strategic conference with partners and the conference of heads of transformation in the Allied Command Transformation (ACT). In the field of informatics and communications, the MoD participated in the work of committees and working groups and acquired knowledge for work on the target capabilities in the field of informatics and communications, for the maintenance and management of the NATO cryptographic network in Slovenia, and for the event associated with the NATO exercise Cyber Coalition 2014. 96/102 ----- The MoD was assigned the responsibility for the building of initial capabilities for the provision of cyber security. Therefore, two unplanned events were carried out. The acquired knowledge will contribute to the successful establishment and implementation of activities in the field of cyber security at the MoD and in Slovenia. An important aspect of participation in education is also the establishment of contacts with lecturers and other training participants, since one of the prerequisites of a successful collective cyber security assurance is also mutual trust between the cyber defence actors. In spite of financial constraints, the MoD actively participated, within the framework of the Organisation for Science and Technology, in three activities of the panel for human factors and medicine, one activity within the panel for the technology of information systems, and three activities within the panel for the technology of sensors and electronics. In addition to the MoD's internal experts, experts from the following institutions were also involved in the work of the groups: Jožef Stefan Institute, Psychiatric Clinic, Alpineon, Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School and the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering. With this kind of cooperation, the capability targets were only partially supported due to the lack of own resources. However, the resources within the framework of the NATO support programme were fully utilized. According to the MoD, the cooperation, which was nevertheless carried out to a limited extent, was successful and fruitful. In the field of cooperation with NATO member countries, the exercise Broken Wing 2014 was organised, including participants from the United States of America and the Republic of Croatia. The exercise was carried out for the purpose of acquainting the exercise participants with a possible situation which might realistically occur in the event of an aircraft accident. In this particular case, the simulation of a collision of a SAF aircraft with an unmanned aircraft (UMA) was carried out, since this type of aircraft is increasingly present in the airspace. At the end of the exercise, participants made conclusions and gave proposals for improving the UMA situation, particularly in the field of documents governing UMA flights, both in the civilian and military fields. **6.2 International Cooperation within the European Union** In the field of military cooperation with the European Union, the SAF carried out 14 events. As with the events in the framework of the Alliance, the participation at the majority of the events was taken over by the Military Representation of the SAF to the EU due to rationalization. The Representation carried out its mission by representing the national interests in the EU committees and working groups within the EU Military Committee (EUMC). In terms of contents, the activities were directed towards the December European Council meeting on the Common Security and Defence Policy. In addition to the Council, the attention was also devoted to the preparation and deployment of the EUTM Mali mission. According to the IT and Communications Service, the scope of cooperation with the EU in the field of informatics, telecommunications and cyber defence is too limited, which means that in the international environment, Slovenia's contribution to common EU objectives is too small. Within the framework of the Italian Presidency of the EU Council, Slovenia participated in the field of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EU. In Slovenia, there are no large manufacturing and integrator companies in the defence area. Since there are no domestic companies in Slovenia, Slovenian SMEs have to either take on the role of those companies in the area of technologically less demanding products, such as weapons and ammunition, or attempt to become suppliers for large foreign producers, which is much more difficult due to the large market and supply. In the field of R&T, Slovenia participated in the European Defence Agency (EDA). It also took up efforts towards the accession to the joint investment programme of Remotely-Piloted Air Systems. Slovenia is in the process of joining the programme in the part which relates to the integration into the airspace. 97/102 ----- The MoD participated in the Flight Safety Conference (AFFSC(E)) in Lithuania – the conference of investigators of aircraft accidents and flight safety of military aircraft. The membership in the AFFSC(E) enables instant notification between the members on the accidents and incidents of military aircraft of the same type, and mutual technical assistance in the event of an aircraft accident investigation, in accordance with STANAG 3531. Slovenia is responsible for the organisation of the international conference in 2015. **6.3 Bilateral Cooperation** The annual bilateral cooperation programmes were prepared together with 26 countries on the basis of umbrella agreements on cooperation of countries in the defence field. In accordance with the Declaration of the National Assembly on the Western Balkans, the Guidance on the Activities of the RS in the Western Balkans and the Action Plan on the Activities of the RS in the Western Balkans 2014, a part of the operations planning was oriented towards the countries of that region, in addition to the four neighbouring countries. In comparison with 2013, the SAF notes the reduction in the number of events carried out by 26 percent (from 101 to 77), which reduces the importance of bilateral cooperation in that region in comparison with other countries. The reasons are mainly the restriction of funds both in Slovenia and in the participating countries. In addition to the USA, intensive bilateral cooperation also takes place with the strategic partners France, Germany and Italy. The cooperation with France is focused mainly on the expert area of the navy. With Italy, Slovenia cooperates in the IOM and the Multinational Forces (MLF). Among the strategic partners, in addition to the USA, intensive bilateral cooperation takes place with France, Germany and Italy. The cooperation with France is focused mainly on the expert area of the navy. With Italy, Slovenia cooperates in the IOM and the Multinational Forces (MLF). At the bilateral meeting with Serbia, the MoD presented the interest of Slovenia's industry's in cooperation with Serbian companies or the MoD. The Serbian side will examine the interest and prepare feedback and interest of Serbian companies in cooperation. Based on that information, Slovenia will organize bilateral meetings of relevant entities in the field of economics and scientific research. Slovenia continued the successful cooperation with the Austrian MoD, especially in the field of disinvestment and material management. **6.4 Multilateral Cooperation** In 2014, the SAF carried out 85 multilateral events. In the field of multilateral forms of cooperation, the most important for the SAF was the further development of the Multinational Centre of Excellence for Mountain Warfare, which continued the procedures for transformation into the NATO Centre of Excellence. Italy, Germany, Croatia and Austria announced to join the Centre in 2015. The SAF actively participated in the regional initiatives of the Western Balkans (participation in the meetings of the Adriatic Charter, SEDM, and others), DECI (Defence Cooperation Initiative) at the level of Chiefs of General Staffs, their deputies or Sergeants Major. Expert meetings were carried out for the further development of the Balkan Medical Task Force (BMTF), which is progressing towards the establishment of a regular structure. Cooperation continues at the CBRN Defence Centre Kruševac, where the SAF contributes one member into the working group. The Verification Centre carried out 16 multilateral activities and thus increased the intensity of cooperation in relation to previous years. Among other things, it carried out an activity in Slovenia in the field of international treaties on open skies, whereas the remaining events were related to the obligations deriving from the Vienna Document, to OSCE and other forms of cooperation between European verification centres in the field of arms control. 98/102 ----- At the EUROSATORY trade show, the Slovenian companies in the field of defence, security and protection and the MoD shared a common stand where they presented themselves. The goal set was met in line with expectations, and the result was an increased interest of foreign ministries and companies in information and cooperation with our defence industry. In the framework of the group of users of the Pandur vehicle, the MoD hosted members of the Maintenance and Spare Parts Working Group (CSPL - Common Spare Parts and Logistic) in Maribor. The meeting was attended by representatives of Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Slovenia, who exchanged their experience on the use of the Pandur vehicles (Valuk), technical problems, procurement of spare parts and possible upgrades. **6.5 Cooperation in the Field of Military Technology** In the field of military technology, 16 events were carried out. Due to the financial situation, the number of events was limited to the most important ones. In this category, among others, the following projects were carried out: the takeover of the upgraded helicopter Cougar (France), participation at the military equipment exhibition Partner 2014 (Serbia), and the prior preparation of the Falcon aircraft for entry into the military register (Switzerland). **6.6 Sports – CISM** The events of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), in total, present approximately three percent of all SAF’s international military cooperation events. With their role, these events greatly contribute to the integration of the armed forces and the promotion of countries in the field of military sports, which can also be seen in other fields of the SAF's core activities. Slovenia's national delegation to the CISM coordinated its work at seven sessions. Due to the very limited financial resources for the CISM activity, the SAF organized only one regional CISM competition. It was the Regional Orientation Competition, participated by military teams from Belgium and the Netherlands. The national delegation's Secretary General attended the CISM General Assembly (Indonesia), European CISM Conference (Estonia) and the meeting of the CISM Neighbours Regional Group (Germany). 99/102 ----- ## IMPLEMENTATION OF THE THE RISK REGISTER The risk register is a set of anticipated risks that could be a negative influence on the economical use of the fiscal resources and the attainment of the MoD's set goals, and the set of all measures that are prepared in advance and applied for preventive and timely reduction of the negative influences of risks. Based on the MoD’s risk register, 159 risks were anticipated for 2014. The level of risk is determined based on the level of the risk probability estimate and the consequences influence estimate, which are marked with numbers from 1 to 3, the higher value meaning greater probability of the occurrence or a greater influence of consequences of the realized risk. The product of both assessments signifies the level of risk. Taking into account the value of the product, four levels of risk have been determined: - 9 – a very high probability for the occurrence of the risk and the influence of the consequences (red colour). - 6 – a high probability for the occurrence of the risk and the influence of the consequences (orange colour). - 3, 4 – a medium level probability for the occurrence of the risk and the influence of the consequences (yellow colour). - 1, 2 – a low probability for the occurrence of the risk and the influence of the consequences (green colour). 10 risks or 6 percent out of all risks have been assessed with the highest level of risk, 52 or 33 percent were attributed a high level of risk, 69 or 43 percent with a medium level of risk, and 28 or 18 percent with a low level of risk, as depicted in the chart below. _Structure of Risks in Reference to the Levels of Risk_ The chart below depicts the realisation of risks in reference to individual levels of risk. With very high and high probability for the occurrence of the risk, levels 9 and 6, the realisation was 60 and 47 percent. This means that with these risks, the assessment of the level of probability for the occurrence was correct and that consequently, the measures in response to the occurred risks could be prepared and implemented on time. The level of realisation of lower-level risks (1–3) was 33 and 28 percent. The prevailing risks with a very high probability of occurrence are of project nature and refer to the field of spatial planning, the status of real estate in the Land Register, and untimely implementation of infrastructure projects, which is also the result of delays in the registration of easement in the Land Register. Risks with a very high probability of occurrence also include 100/102 ----- those of the procedural, personnel-related and normative type. The procedural risks primarily refer to the lack of provision or maintenance of target capabilities and the changes of the prospects of real estate. The personnel-related risks refer to the untimely preparation and establishment of the competency model and the lack of personnel for international military cooperation at all levels. The normative risks refer to the lack of the legal bases regulating the field of defence planning and crisis management. _Realisation of Risks in Reference to Individual Levels of Risk_ 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% |Col1|40% 53% 52% 67% 67% 72% 60% 47% 48% 33% 33% 28%| |---|---| ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| 40% 53% 52% 67% 67% 72% 60% 9 6 4 3 2 1 YES NO 60% 47% 48% 33% 33% 28% In 2014, 68 risks or 43 percent of anticipated risks were realized, and appropriate measures were applied for the majority of them. The measures were successfully implemented for 81 percent of all the realised risks. The result represents an improvement in comparison to the previous year, when 79 percent of the measures for realised risks were implemented. _The Level of the Implementation of Measures for Realised Risks_ NO 19% YES 81% Successive realisation of risks in the years 2013 and 2014 means that appropriate measures which would reduce the level of risk were not implemented. There was a 40-percent realisation (4 out of 10) of risks of the highest level entered in the risk register for 2013 and 2014. With high-level risks, realisation was 47 percent (19 out of 40 were realised), whereas with mediumlevel risks, it was 26 percent (18 out of 69 were realised). 101/102 ----- On the other hand, successive non-realisation of certain risks both in 2013 and 2014 means that the risks are managed and their level of occurrence may be reduced. The non-realisation of risks of the highest level recorded in the risk register for 2013 and 2014 was 20 percent (2 out of 10 were not realised), whereas for high-level risks, the non-realisation was 32 percent (13 out of 40 were not realised) and for the medium-level risks, it was 25 percent (17 out of 69 were not realised). However, there are still too many risks which the MoD has no direct influence on, because it depends on the available funds allocated under the RS national budget. In such cases, it is necessary to achieve the least possible impact of such risks on the achievement of key MoD objectives. The structure of risks in reference to their type (personnel-related, project-related, procedural, normative, financial or security) shows that the majority of risks (43 percent) are of procedural nature, as depicted in the chart below. Among the risks with very high probability of occurrence (level 9), four are project-related, two are procedural, two are personnel-related and two are normative. Among the risks with a high probability of occurrence (level 6), 17 are of procedural type, 11 are project-related and seven are financial. _Structure of Risks in Reference to their Type_ 50% 43% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 21% 20% 17% 15% 10% 10% 6% 5% 3% 0% The predominance of procedural and project-related risks is a warning that processes and project management should be given more attention in the future, as they directly influence the effectiveness and efficiency of operation. In a metaphorical sense, this means that our priority in the short-term period must be to further endeavour for an effective use of the limited financial, personnel and material resources and systematically direct them towards the implementation of the key long- and medium-term objectives. Effective implementation of measures for the management of risks and the prevention and mitigation of their consequences greatly contributes to the further development of the defence system, which is highly important in the ever more complex, changing and unpredictable security environment. 102/102 -----