In his speech, he said that Slovenia, Europe, the countries who see the Port of Koper as a strategic port, the citizens, the Slovenian logistics sector and the economy have all waited for this event.

“We are at a point at which we cannot and must not go back. In its merciless global economic game, the Slovenian logistics sector, which, if I use the sports jargon, has been playing on a damp and hard playing field, cannot afford to lose. This would have long-term negative consequences for the Slovenian economy. Many own goals have already been scored, it is time to hit the opponent’s net! Today we are levelled in this game. I believe that in 10 years, we will have a great advantage”, said Vrtovec and noted that the path to the signing of the contract and the start of the construction works was “difficult and narrow, full of blind curves and various barriers”.

The minister believes that Slovenia is facing a new challenge, namely that the second railway line must be constructed within the set deadline, in a transparent way and within the financial plan. “As long as I am minister of infrastructure, I will not allow any overpayments to be made. Every euro will be used transparently and responsibly. The government will insist on this. I believe we have sufficient know-how, experience and courage to conclude the construction project for the second section of the railway line from Črni Kal to Koper in due time, as well as all the required works at the first section between Divača and Črni Kal. We must not allow the project to remain unfinished until the end of 2025 and not given into service in 2026”, said the minister of infrastructure.

“Due to the unhindered operation of passenger and goods traffic, the coronavirus epidemic has shown the importance of a well-developed traffic and logistics sector for the economy. This year, which the European Union proclaimed to be the year of the railways, is an opportunity for mode decisive steps forward in order for the Slovenian railway to become the backbone of transporting passengers and goods in practice as well. And not just on paper. The railway traffic must play a key role in the decarbonisation of traffic”, said the minister of infrastructure, Jernej Vrtovec.