Slovenia sold 75pc of NLB to international investors in 2018 and earlier this year to fulfil a commitment to the European Union which approved state aid for the bank in 2013. The government plans to keep 25pc of the bank in its hands to have a say in future business decisions.

During the first half of the year bad loans fell to 6pc of all loans from 8.3pc a year ago. New provisions for bad loans amounted to 5.5 million euros while costs were up by 1pc.

"Economic growth in the region is slowing down. Exports of goods and services are weaker due to economic slowdown on the main export markets," NLB said.

NLB has subsidiaries in Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro.