State Secretary Šimenc: “The goal of a just transition is not simply to close one development chapter, but also to open a new one”

State Secretary Šimenc delivering remarks | Author Ministy of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development

The event aimed to facilitate the exchange of views and help shape development initiatives to support the successful economic, energy, and social transformation of the Savinjsko-šaleška coal region.

State Secretary at the Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development Rok Šimenc addressed attendees on behalf of the ministry, underlining that the coal region is undergoing one of the largest development transformations in Slovenia. "The phase-out of coal is not merely an energy issue. It affects the economy, jobs, the environment, knowledge and skills, social security, and the future of the region. Therefore, the response cannot be one-dimensional. It must be comprehensive, development-oriented, future-proof and aligned with the needs and aspirations of the region and its residents," said State Secretary Šimenc.

He recalled that the national strategy envisages the cessation of lignite extraction and the operation of Block 6 of the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant by 2033 at the latest. This development shift will directly and indirectly affect a significant number of jobs. Consequently, the restructuring process must be comprehensive, encompassing economic development, the energy sector, the environment, infrastructure, education, and social affairs.

In the morning, the participants gained a deeper understanding of the priorities of Slovenia's Regional Development Strategy for the period 2026-2050 and the Act on Development Restructuring of the Savinjsko-šaleška region. They learned more about the region's current situation, exploring the opportunities emerging from the transition to a new development phase.

State Secretary Šimenc underlined the importance of legislative framework that consists of the Act on Gradual Closure of the Velenje Coal Mine and the Act on Development Restructuring of the Savinjsko-šaleška Coal Region. "By adopting these two documents, the state is not leaving the region's transition to chance. Instead, it is making sure that this transition is supported by a clear legal framework, strategic projects, and financial instruments," he noted.

In this context, he also highlighted the amount of development funding allocated to the region. Over 296 million euros has been secured to implement the act in the 2026-2035 period, with a further 189 million euros in EU and national funding earmarked under cohesion policy for the just transition of the Savinjsko-šaleška coal region. ''These are not mere figures; they are our clear commitment to development," underscored State Secretary.

The main part of the conference consisted of four panels in which panelists discussed economic transformation, quality of life and access to services, energy transition and the environment, as well as natural resources and the region's resilience. The discussions highlighted the importance of bringing together all relevant stakeholders, developing new economic activities, investing in knowledge and skills, and creating conditions for a high quality of life and work in the region.

In his final remarks, the State Secretary underscored that the success of the just transition process depends on the cooperation of all key partners - the state, municipalities, development agencies, business community, research and education institutions, and civil society. "The goal of a just transition is not only to close one development chapter, but also to open a new one - one built on knowledge, innovation, new technologies, sustainable energy, and quality of life," he concluded.

He added that the region's restructuring will only be successful if residents perceive it as a development opportunity, young people as a foundation for their future, and the business community as an opportunity for growth and investments. He assured that the ministry would remain a reliable and steadfast partner to the region throughout the process.

The development conference demonstrated that, alongside its rich mining tradition, knowledge and potential, the coal region also has a clear vision of its future development path. Funding from the Just Transition Fund will play an important role in its transformation, promoting economic diversification, job creation, skills development, and implementation of projects that contribute to sustainable and just development of the region.