Slovenia signs declaration on the alliance for reducing administrative burden

Participants at the high-level conference on reducing administrative burdens in Brussels. | Author BKA / Valentin Brauneis

The event, which was held at the invitation of Sepp Schellhorn, State Secretary at the Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, was attended by European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis, ministers, state secretaries, and other high-level representatives of the European Union member states. The discussion focused on exchanging national experience and best practice, and addressing common challenges in reducing administrative burdens.

By signing the alliance declaration, the participating countries endorsed further cooperation within the framework of the Alliance for the Reduction of Bureaucratic Burden at Member State Level (ARBB). The principles of this cooperation include the creation of simple, understandable, high-quality legislation, the reduction of the administrative burden on citizens and businesses, and the prevention of gold-plating.

Reducing bureaucracy among Slovenia's priorities

In his speech, State Secretary Dr Božo Predalič emphasised that the conference and the establishment of the alliance are taking place at a time when the Slovenian government has made rationalising the organisation and functioning of public administration, as well as reducing bureaucracy, one of its priorities. The government has already taken the first steps towards this goal, including by reducing the number of ministries from 19 to 14.

Preparations are also underway for the 2030 Administrative Burden Reduction Action Plan, which will set out specific proposals for eliminating administrative burdens.

Dr Predalič particularly emphasised the importance of digitalisation, stating that it must be accompanied by simplified procedures and regulatory changes.

The State Secretary also emphasised the importance of the knowledge and skills of those who draft, coordinate and implement regulations, as well as the importance of cooperation between the public administration and the business sector. He believes that solutions should take into account practical experience and the needs of the business sector.

Clear legislation to reduce administrative burden

He also welcomed the fact that the European Commission has prioritised reducing administrative burdens. In this context, he emphasised one of the key commitments set out in the signed declaration: the adoption of legislation that is simple, understandable and practicable.

"A key element of effective legislation is its clarity, so that everyone, whether a citizen or a business, can foresee the legal consequences of their actions. And the state must ensure this," Predalič emphasised.

Slovenia will continue to play an active role in joint European efforts to reduce the administrative burden, as well as in the exchange of best practices and solutions for reducing bureaucracy.