The debate in Ljubljana was hosted by the Environment Agency (ARSO), which did not wish to speculate when the environmental permit procedure would be completed, nor did it want to comment on the arguments heard today.

Vojko Bernard of Alpe Adria Green, one of the 12 third parties in the procedure, argued that "the opposite side has so far not given a single statement that we would consider concrete and could agree with".

Although the NGOs expressed several concerns, including regarding fire safety, Bernard expects that ARSO will issue the permit.

"Because this is a priority for the government, the procedure will probably be wrapped up in a month. We will examine the permit and file an appeal in all likelihood," he said.

Magna on the other hand feels it responded to all the reservations expressed. "The number of Magna representatives at today's debate shows how important this question is to us," head of the Magna Steyr investment in Slovenia David Adam said, expressing hope that concerns have been addressed.

He said there was no danger of limit values being reached, while en expert opinion also showed there would be no impact on the health of the population around the factory, which is planned outside of Maribor and promising to bring hundreds of jobs to a troubled region.

"We showed today we are doing everything possible to protect the surroundings," Adam added.

While not wishing to say how long Magna was willing to wait for the permit, he argued the important thing was that they felt welcome. "We presently do. Today's debate was open and I hope we will reach a solution benefiting everyone."