The legislative programme of the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning for 2026

The aim is to develop a modern, transparent and effective regulatory framework that will facilitate faster decision making and provide greater legal certainty and better conditions for the development of the country, the economy and local communities.

The programme is focused on three fundamental goals:

• to ensure legal certainty and the enforcement of Constitutional Court decisions and EU legislation,
• to expedite the development and investment procedures,
• to ensure a more effective protection of the environment, land, nature and water resources.

Key acts

In 2026, the adoption of several important act amendments are planned:

• Environmental Protection Act (ZVO-2B) - the elimination of unconstitutionality regarding the extended producer responsibility (EPR), the digitalisation of environmental procedures and a more efficient issuing of environmental permits.
• Climate Act - harmonisation with the new EU climate rules and the adjustment of the ETS2 system to ensure the stability of public finances and legal certainty for businesses.
• Spatial Planning Act - the extension of time limits for municipalities to adopt municipal spatial strategies.
• Housing Act - urgent harmonisation with EU rules on state aid, which is the condition for the absorption of cohesion funds.
• Architecture and Civil Engineering Act - the elimination of non-compliance with EU legislation.

Key implementing regulations

The comprehensive package of regulations will:

• implement EU legislation on packaging, batteries, waste, plastic and circular economy,
• update the system of extended producer responsibility,
• regulate the implementation of new climate legislation,
• include several regulations on the protection of water protection areas and drinking water supply,
• set management plans for key natural protected areas (Triglav National Park, Goričko, Škocjanski zatok, Kolpa, Radensko polje),
• regulate light pollution and the implementation of EU regulations on ozone-depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases.

Key messages

The proposed legislative programme provides an important framework for the country's development. It:

• eliminates established unconstitutionalities,
• reduces the risks of European Commission procedures,
• ensures the more efficient absorption of EU funds,
• increases legal certainty for citizens, municipalities and businesses,
• accelerates the digitalisation of administrative procedures,
• ensures a higher level of protection of the environment, nature and water resources,
• creates a predictable legislative environment for investments and sustainable development.

This is one of the key legislative programmes of the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, which will have a significant impact on the country's development projects and on the efficiency of public administration, businesses and local communities.

Furthermore, the ministry is already preparing a comprehensive analysis of the legislation in force and of the administrative procedures laid down by this legislation. The aim is to identify administrative burdens, duplications and unnecessary complexities, which prolong procedures and increase costs for citizens, municipalities and businesses.

Based on this analysis, the systemic deregulation and simplification of procedures will continue in 2027. Additional amendments to acts and implementing regulations will be drawn up with a view to shorten administrative procedures, reduce administrative burdens, increase digitalisation, eliminate bureaucratic obstacles and improve the efficiency of public administration.

The aim of the ministry is to not only adopt new regulations but develop a modern, transparent and effective regulatory framework that will facilitate faster decision making and provide greater legal certainty and better conditions for the development of the country, the economy and local communities.