Cost of arbitration for Slovenia close to 5,5 million euros

Croatia has spent less than four million euros (net worth)

The largest part of the mentioned amount which has been spent by Slovenia for the arbitration procedure was paid to foreign lawyers – 2,800,000 euros in five years. Foto: EPA

The arbitration procedure for settling the border dispute between Slovenia and Croatia is connected with expenses as well. Croatia has spent the net worth of a less than four million euros for business of the court, lawyers, experts, and other expenses. Since 2010 Slovenia has spent a little more than five and a half million euros (gross value).

The largest part of the mentioned amount which has been spent by Slovenia for the arbitration procedure was paid to foreign lawyers – 2,800,000 euros in five years. The largest fee among the Slovenians received the agent Mirjam Škrk, i.e. 225,000 euros for her services during five years. The second agent, Simona Drenik, who resigned, received additional payment only during her maternity leave, i.e. 12,000 euros, being employed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The only temporary Slovenian lawyer Vasilka Sancin received 53,000 euros during the three years of her cooperation with Slovenia.

Among the names found on the bill of costs for the arbitration the name of the present PM Miro Cerar can be found as well. In 2013 he participated at the study for preparatory material, and received the fee of 2,000 euros. The work of the court alone cost Slovenia 850,000 euros, including the fee of Jernej Sekolec, until recently the arbitrator.

Since the work of the court is almost concluded, the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims that the amount spent until now, i.e. 5,5 million euros, is close to the final sum of costs for the arbitration.

Metka Majer, TV Slovenija
Translated by G. K.