Slovenian Regional Development Fund marks 30th anniversary with major exhibition

22. 5. 2026

• Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development

Slovenian Regional Development Fund opened an exhibition at the Ribnica Castle to mark its 30th anniversary, showcasing three decades of work and impact. Numerous representatives of national and local institutions, development organisations and funding recipients from across Slovenia gathered to celebrate three decades of working together to reduce regional disparities and foster sustainable development.

The event highlighted the importance of Slovenian Regional Development Fund as they key national development institution. Director of the Fund, Matjaž Ribaš, and Mayor of Municipality of Ribnica, Samo Pogorelc, underlined the importance of decentralisation and of the Fund's role in supporting projects across the country. Remarks were also delivered by Director-General of Regional Development Directorate at the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development and by Head of development projects at Slovenian Regional Development Fund, Lea Štimec Turk, and Dean of Postgraduate School of ZRC SAZU, Assistant Professor Jani Kozina, both addressing the role of stakeholder involvement in regional development.

The exhibition highlights key milestones, programmes, and concrete projects that strengthened the economy, supported agriculture, improved public infrastructure, and enhanced the quality of life in local communities across Slovenia over three decades. With more than 190 calls for proposals launched, over 13,000 projects supported and over 640 million euros in development funding made available in the past 30 years, this anniversary retrospective not only takes visitors on a journey through the Fund's history but also offers a glimpse into a future in which Slovenian Regional Development Fund remains committed to creating new opportunities for the balanced development of Slovenia's regions.