The press conference was held to promote the first circular economy demo centre in Slovenia and to showcase how discarded shipping containers can be reused in the context of sustainable solutions. The project is supported by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, also known as the Norway Grants. The recent devastating floods have shown once again how important it is to find new pathways to performing economic activities in a sustainable, environment-friendly way to be able to improve the quality of life and reduce negative environmental impact while facilitating adaptation to climate change.     

The Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development acts as the Programme Operator for the programmes that are implemented and co-financed in Slovenia by the EEA Financial Mechanism and the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. The two financial instruments are based on cooperation between Slovenia and three donor states, i.e. Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. The goal is to contribute to growth and employment, mitigation of climate change, and reduction of energy dependence as well as to reduce poverty and social exclusion. The two financial mechanisms also aim to foster bilateral and international cooperation.    

The 2014-2021 funding period, which closes in 2025, has made a total of 37.7 million euros available to Slovenia under both financial mechanisms, 19.9 million euros from the EEA Financial Mechanism (EEA Grants) and a further 17.8 million euros from the Norway Financial Mechanism (Norway Grants).