Government of the Republic of Slovenia

10/16/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Working together to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe

The closing event of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism and the European Economic Area Financial Mechanism programmes for the period 2014-2021 in Slovenia took place in Ljubljana. A total of 37.7 million euros was allocated to Slovenia under the two financial mechanisms during this period.

In his opening address, Dr Aleksander Jevšek, Minister of Cohesion and Regional Development, underlined that the 20th anniversary of Slovenia's membership in the European Union also marks the beginning of cooperation between our country and the donor states Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein under the two financial mechanisms.

"These unique mechanisms are also the cornerstone of cooperation between Slovenia and the donor states. The financial mechanisms share the common goal of working together to reduce economic and social disparities in Europe. The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development implemented two programmes, namely the programme Education - Strengthening Human Resources and the programme Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. A total of 41 projects were implemented in all Slovenian regions under these programmes, involving 229 Slovenian and foreign partners. I am convinced that the results of the projects have contributed to the development and quality of life in different parts of Slovenia."

The Minister thanked the donor states and their representatives for their support, as well as all colleagues, project partners, and numerous regional and local actors, institutions, and NGOs for their initiatives and successful implementation of projects on the ground.

The projects of the 2014-2021 programming period have contributed to the development and quality of life in different parts of Slovenia. The projects have created new partnerships or strengthened existing ones while transferring knowledge and good practices that have contributed to strong cooperation benefiting all citizens.

The financial mechanisms have also made an important contribution to strengthening long-term bilateral relations between Slovenia and the donor states, both at the national level and between institutions and individuals at the programme and project levels. By developing, testing and sharing successful national policies and good practices in cooperation with donor states, the financial mechanisms have contributed to building a greener, more competitive and inclusive Europe.