Regional development discussed at the MOS trade fair in Celje

Minister Dr Aleksander Jevšek, State Secretary Srečko Đurov and their team with the presidents of regional development councils and directors of regional development agencies | Author Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development

The Minister outlined the progress made in terms of the agreements on the development of regions. ''Up until today, we have given green light to 263 projects worth a total of 411 million euros. Further projects worth 47 million euros are expected to be approved by the end of the year,'' he said.

The Minister also touched on the recently approved baselines for the amendments to Slovenia's EU Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027. Slovenia is taking this step to ensure the programme accommodates new development and strategic priorities of the European Union and the country's emerging needs. ''We are doing this to optimise the use of available EU funding. Also, this change involves redirecting funds to areas with the biggest development impact,'' stressed the Minister. The planned reallocation amounts to a total of 241 million euros.

Minister Jevšek also briefed the participants about the incoming amendments to the Act on the Promotion of the Balanced Regional Development and the drafting of Slovenian Regional Development Strategy. ''We have already put the amendments and strategy baselines on the table. Their fate is now in the hands of the highest political decision makers. But we hope that both documents get green light by the end of the term,'' he stressed.

During the discussion, State Secretary Đurov explained how future measures and projects would be selected according to the incoming act. Director-General of the Cohesion Directorate mag. Mojca Aljančič briefed the participants about all that is known so far about the next multiannual financial framework for the period 2028-2034. The presentations were followed by a discussion between the ministry's representatives and the participants.

At the fair, the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development will highlight different EU funding, cohesion and regional development related topics that will be showcased at the stand or presented during side events. On Wednesday, the visitors got to know about the success stories funded by the EU, Thursday was dedicated to regional development, Friday will put spotlight on cross-border projects and Saturday will take the visitors through success stories again.