Shortly before the payment of salaries RTV Slovenija in liquidity difficulties

RTV Slovenija has faced a significant liquidity crisis just days before the July payrolls were due, according to its management. The organization reported that its financial position had deteriorated considerably, leaving it with insufficient funds to meet immediate obligations. This situation has raised concerns over whether employees will receive their salaries on time. The issue stems from a reduction in the amount of state funding allocated to RTV Slovenija. Originally, the organization had planned to withdraw 12 million euros from the unified treasury account of the state in 2026. However, the Treasury Directorate informed RTV Slovenija on Friday that only 9.5 million euros would be available instead. The reason cited was an upcoming budget realignment for 2026, which has created uncertainty regarding the repayment of loans taken by RTV Slovenija. As a result, RTV Slovenija has been left with 2.5 million euros less than anticipated, impacting its ability to fulfill current financial commitments. Management has expressed concern over whether the approximately 1,999 employees will actually receive their wages on Thursday, August 14th. In response, the leadership stated they have implemented all possible measures to ensure full payment of salaries and honorariums on those dates. Natalija Gorščak, chairperson of the board, explained that during the period before receiving payments from the RTV contribution, the organization has relied on credit facilities. She emphasized that this approach has placed RTV Slovenija in a precarious position, as the Treasury Directorate failed to honor a prior agreement. “This effectively puts us in the hands of commercial banks, where we know interest rates are higher,” she warned. “That means we will end up paying more for money that could have been normally borrowed from the state, which is accessible to all entities.” Gorščak noted that the reasons behind the refusal to grant the loan request remain unclear, despite the fact that all previous credits have been repaid on time. Additionally, RTV Slovenija has yet to receive any funds designated for national community programs and audiovisual production, another critical factor contributing to its liquidity challenges. A recent law passed by the National Assembly in December last year outlines how these funds should be allocated. It stipulates that audiovisual production should be co-financed from the state budget at four percent of the annual RTV contribution revenue, roughly four million euros. At the same time, national community programs must be co-financed at ten percent of the RTV contribution, equating to around ten million euros annually. For national community programs, the state is expected to provide approximately 10.88 million euros, while audiovisual production requires around 4.35 million euros. By the end of June, RTV Slovenija had anticipated receiving 7.76 million euros from these sources. However, the delayed disbursement has exacerbated the current financial strain.