Slovenia at a crossroads: New development priorities for 2034 taking shape

Minister Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs | Author Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development

"If we want to build a better Slovenia for tomorrow, we need to make the right choices today. That is why we are inviting the relevant stakeholders to be part of the design and planning process," said Minister Kirbiš Rojs at the 58th International Trade Fair MOS.

To this end, the Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development hosted a workshop at the fair, providing a platform for discussion on Slovenia's future development. The workshop marked the start of preparations for the next programming period 2028-2034 which aims to strengthen Europe's sovereignty, enhance competitiveness and build resilience. The proposed EU budget for 2028-2034 is structured around six strategic priorities:

1. Investing in people, member states and regions
2. Fostering education, social rights and democracy
3. Driving prosperity via competitiveness, research and innovation
4. Protecting people and building preparedness and resilience
5. Protecting Europe
6. Building partnerships for a stronger Europe in the world.

The programming of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework in Slovenia is still at an early stage. Therefore, both the overall financial envelope and the structure of future programmes may undergo substantial changes during the negotiations with the European Commission. According to current estimates, the allocation available to Slovenia could amount to between €5 billion and €6 billion for cohesion policy, Common Agricultural Policy and other EU programmes. On the other hand, Slovenia is expected to contribute between €8 and €9 million to the EU budget during the period. Maintaining Slovenia's position as a net beneficiary of the EU budget will require both effective absorption of cohesion policy funding and stronger performance in securing funding under centrally managed EU programmes.

The value of EU funding is ultimately measured by its impact on the ground - it delivers its full value when it is perceived as relevant and beneficial by stakeholders and citizens, whether contributing to economic development, strengthening institutions or supporting local communities. The development workshop held during the MOS fair provided an opportunity for national authorities, businesses, research organisations and regional representatives to exchange views on the necessary measures for Slovenia's future development. The event marked the first step in a broader process of consultation and coordination with relevant stakeholders.

President of the National Council of the Republic of Slovenia and President of the Strategic Council for the Economy Marko Lotrič, President of the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia Blaž Cvar and State Secretary Rok Šimenc, who underlined the importance of regional projects, also participated in the workshop. Matjaž Dragar and Marko Hren from the Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development outlined the EU's emerging development priorities, funding opportunities for Slovenia under the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework and the renewal of the country's central strategy for economic transformation.

According to Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs, the Minister for Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development, businesses and the economy are facing increasingly complex and uncertain environment. "Businesses are navigating growing geopolitical and technological changes; that is why they require a stable and predictable environment that enables development," she said. She recalled the proposed Act on Intervention Measures for the Development of Slovenia, which foresees relief for entrepreneurs, introduces a more equitable long-term care contribution, and facilitates staff recruitment and retention. The Government has also established the Strategic Council for the Economy, an independent advisory body which contributes to economic policy design.