Monthly Highlights: June 2026

New Bridge at Polule in Celje Nears Completion

Construction of the new bridge over the Savinja River in the Polule area of Celje is entering its final phase. The bridge will improve the conveyance of high flows and reduce flood risk while providing a safer transport connection. The €17 million project, implemented by the Slovenian Water Agency, also includes river channel widening, riverbank improvements and new transport infrastructure. The bridge, designed without support piers in the riverbed, will provide safer conditions for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, with works progressing according to schedule.

The new bridge at Polule improves the conveyance of high flows on the Savinja River. | Author DRSV

Roman Kramer Appointed Acting Director of the Slovenian Water Agency

On 23 June 2026, Roman Kramer assumed the position of Acting Director of the Slovenian Water Agency. A graduate civil engineer, he has extensive managerial and professional experience in water management, municipal services and spatial planning. In 2024, he received the Golden Coat of Arms of the City of Celje for his contribution to flood protection projects. Having previously served as Director of the Agency following his appointment by the Government in 2020, he has now been entrusted once again with leading the institution as Acting Director. He will serve until a permanent director is appointed, but for no longer than six months.

Acting Director Roman Kramer.

Working Together for a Safer Savinja Valley

Minister for the Environment and Spatial Planning Polona Rifelj and State Secretary Peter Lovšin presented in Mozirje the initiative for a National Spatial Plan aimed at reducing flood risk in the Upper Savinja Valley. The proposal includes comprehensive measures along the Savinja River and its tributaries, including flood retention areas, nature-based solutions and improvements to river flow capacity. The objective is to enhance flood protection for local communities while taking climate change, environmental protection and cooperation with local stakeholders into account.

Public presentation held as part of the national spatial planning process for reducing flood risk in the Upper Savinja Valley between Mozirje and Ljubno ob Savinji.

Works on the Savinja River Between Ločica and Male Braslovče Progress According to Schedule

The Slovenian Water Agency continues extensive river engineering works on the Savinja River between Ločica and Male Braslovče as part of a flood risk reduction project. The works include widening the river channel, constructing and rehabilitating embankments, and strengthening riverbanks along more than seven kilometres of the river. The €17.3 million project is progressing according to schedule and is expected to be completed by February 2027. It is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Slovenia.

Works on the Savinja River between Ločica and Male Braslovče

Minister for the Environment and Spatial Planning Polona Rifelj Visits Storm-Affected Žetale

Minister for the Environment and Spatial Planning Polona Rifelj, together with Minister Suzana Lep Šimenko, visited the storm-affected Municipality of Žetale and assured local authorities of the Government's full support. According to initial assessments, around 50 landslides occurred, while bridges, roads and water infrastructure sustained damage. The Slovenian Water Agency is already carrying out emergency works to restore water flow capacity and is preparing damage assessments and further rehabilitation measures.

Minister's meeting with the local community.

Slovenian Water Agency Presents the Implementation of Measures Financed by the EU Solidarity Fund

At a meeting on measures financed by the European Union Solidarity Fund, the Slovenian Water Agency presented the emergency measures implemented after the August 2023 floods, the rehabilitation of damaged water infrastructure, and the monitoring system for completed works. To date, almost 1,500 work sites covering more than 843 kilometres of watercourses have been completed, while rehabilitation activities will continue until 2028. A public online portal for monitoring implemented measures and investments was also presented.

As part of the emergency measures implemented in 2023 and 2024, works were carried out at 1,486 sites covering a total of 843.5 kilometres of watercourses.

Ministry Provides Support to the Municipality of Žetale Following Severe Storm

Following a severe storm in the Municipality of Žetale, Minister for the Environment and Spatial Planning Polona Rifelj assured the mayor of the Government's full support in addressing the damage. The Slovenian Water Agency carried out initial field inspections, recorded flooding and damage to water infrastructure, and declared an increased level of flood risk in the Drava River basin. The competent authorities are preparing a damage assessment and a plan for urgent rehabilitation measures.

SLO4D Final Event: Digital Solutions for Better Data and More Efficient Procedures

The final event of the Green Slovenian Location Framework (SLO4D) project was held at Brdo pri Kranju, showcasing Slovenia's digital transformation in spatial planning, water management, environmental protection and real estate management. The Slovenian Water Agency presented key achievements in the digitalisation of water management, including the upgraded eVode portal, the modernised Water Atlas, and the integration of the eConstruction and Water Register systems, simplifying water-related permitting procedures and improving data accessibility.

Peter Kolenko, Head of the Information Technology and GIS Department.

Rehabilitation of the Sediment Retention Dam at the Tolminka Springs to Reduce Torrential Flood Risk in Tolmin

The Slovenian Water Agency will rehabilitate the sediment retention dam near the springs of the Tolminka River, an important structure for reducing torrential flood and flood risks in the Tolmin area. Due to deterioration and structural damage, there is a risk of failure and the sudden release of accumulated sediment downstream. Rehabilitation works, including the restoration of the dam, stilling basin and access road, will take place from June to November 2026 in cooperation with the relevant nature conservation and other competent institutions.

View of the damaged right riverbank

Following Concerns Raised by Solkan Residents, the Slovenian Water Agency Strengthens Measures at the Soča Diversion Channel Construction Site

Following concerns expressed by residents of Solkan, the Slovenian Water Agency inspected conditions at the Soča diversion channel construction site and introduced additional measures with the contractor to reduce noise and other construction impacts. Communication with local residents will also be strengthened. The project, worth more than €24 million, will improve flood protection for Nova Gorica and Solkan and provide greater safety for approximately 20,000 residents.

Installation of additional noise barriers.

Good Practice Example: Removal of Invasive Butterfly Bush from the Mošenik Stream in Tržič

As part of the LIFE OrnamentalIAS project's Week Without Invasive Species, the Slovenian Water Agency, together with NIVO EKO, carried out a demonstration removal of the invasive butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) from the Mošenik stream channel and banks in Tržič. The action improved the stream's flow capacity, contributed to greater flood safety, and limited the spread of the species. The removed plant material was transported to the Simbio composting facility, while pupils from Tržič Primary School also attended the event as part of an educational programme.

Removal of butterfly bush from the banks and channel of the Mošenik Stream in Tržič.