Carinthia and Slovenia intensify cooperation on key issues for the future

The Slovenia–Carinthia Joint Committee met today, Wednesday, 10 September 2025, at the Regional Government Office of Carinthia in Klagenfurt, under the joint chairmanship of Carinthia's Governor Peter Kaiser and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, Tanja Fajon. The long-standing cooperation forum reaffirmed the close partnership between Slovenia and Carinthia, setting important priorities for the next period of cooperation. Topics discussed included environmental and climate protection, transport and energy, education and health, the economy, research, culture, agriculture and tourism.

Prior to their bilateral meeting, the co-chairs, Governor Kaiser and Minister Fajon, discussed current issues relating to cross-border cooperation and developments in the neighbourhood. The importance of the Slovenian national minority and its contribution to the diverse and mutually enriching cooperation between Slovenia and Carinthia were highlighted. The recent police intervention at the Peršman Homestead was also discussed. Both Governor Kaiser and Minister Fajon emphasised the need for a swift and thorough investigation into the incident that would deliver clear results. “This is in line with the expectations of both the Slovenian minority and the Slovenian and Austrian public,” they stressed. Minister Fajon and Governor Kaiser reaffirmed their commitment to continuing all joint activities that promote coexistence and cross-border cooperation. This includes projects that foster inclusive remembrance and good relations between the two neighbouring peoples.

Key findings and highlights of the session:

Environment and spatial planning

It was agreed to exchange experiences and expertise in climate protection initiatives and the sustainable use of renewable energy sources (sun, wind, water and biogas). In addition, cooperation on environmental protection and cross-border environmental impact assessments (SEA/EIA) will continue at both strategic and operational levels. Collaboration within the framework of the Permanent Slovenian–Austrian Commission for the Drava River will also continue.

Protection against disasters

The excellent and regular cross-border cooperation will continue. This includes joint exercises and improved communication.

Transport and mobility

Both sides underlined the importance of renovating the Ljubelj/Loibl tunnel and introducing cross-border bus connections for cycling and leisure projects along the Drava/Drau Cycle Path. This includes the connection between Labot/Lavamünd and Velenje, as well as new, sustainable mobility solutions in the area around the Koralm tunnel. The possibility of convening a trilateral meeting between representatives from Carinthia, Friuli and Slovenia to discuss infrastructure and transport was also considered.

Energy

The expert dialogue on renewable energy sources and hydrogen continues. The agenda also included the latest information about the Krško Nuclear Power Plant.

Public administration

An agreement was reached on exchanging experiences in public administration. Exchanges of knowledge and experience in the field of digitalisation are also planned, for example with regard to the development of ‘KärntenGPT’.

Education

Excellent cooperation within the Joint Commission on Education will continue, including in the area of pre-school education. This will involve recruiting teachers from Slovenia to work in bilingual areas. Cooperation between Slovenian and Carinthian schools, colleges and universities will also continue. Particular focus will be given to developing Slovenian language teaching in Carinthia and promoting multilingual education models. The exchange of teaching materials and language assistants was also discussed, as well as training for management staff (for school principals).

Health, demographic change

It is essential that agreements on cooperation between emergency services in the border area are in place. The exchange of experiences in the fields of mental health and the prevention and treatment of addiction was also agreed. Other topics included the protection of vulnerable groups from the effects of heat, addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population and promoting the social inclusion of older people.

Economy and research

Both sides will encourage networking between semiconductor competence centres and the development of cross-border supply chains. New initiatives in areas such as the circular economy, sustainable construction methods and start-up support are also set to bolster economic cooperation.

Tourism and sport

Plans are in place for new joint tourism products, ranging from the Drava/Drau paddling trail to sustainable initiatives in the Alps-Adriatic region. These include a cycling project titled ‘Graz–Maribor–Villach’ and a cross-border MTB trail. The initiative of the municipalities on both sides of the border to reopen the road between Črna na Koroškem and Železna Kapla/Bad Eisenkappel via the Luže/Luschaalm border crossing was also discussed in connection with cross-border cycling, hiking and tourism networking. In addition, the concept of an open-water swimming series in lakes and sea bays will be explored in more depth. Both sides also support the continuation of cooperation in the field of sport.

Culture

Cultural cooperation will be further strengthened through projects focused on greater mobility for artists and cultural professionals, mutual festival promotion, expanded cooperation with the Ingeborg Bachmann Museum, alternating Fabian Hafner Prize awards and continued development of the cross-border Alps-Adriatic theatre ticket for visits to the Ljubljana Opera House, the City Theatre Klagenfurt, the Schauspielhaus theatre in Graz and the Trieste Opera House. Cooperation in literature and reading skills will also be enhanced. In this context, library partnerships will continue, with support provided for the work of the Slovenian Study Library in Celovec/Klagenfurt.

Agriculture and rural development

Topics discussed included cooperation between young farmers, monitoring and preventing animal diseases and exchanges in agricultural education, and the challenges of the 2028+ Common Agricultural Policy. Attention was also given to coordinating shared interests in preserving small-scale agriculture, as well as to the regular exchange of information and experience in forestry.

Governor Peter Kaiser emphasised “the strategic importance of cross-border cooperation in times of climate change, global uncertainty and economic transformation. Carinthia and Slovenia are not only neighbours but also partners in a shared European region of the future.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Tanja Fajon stressed: “Cooperation with the state of Carinthia is in our mutual interest. It benefits the people living in the border region and supports its development. Regular dialogue also strengthens good neighbourly relations. As we enter our twelfth year of cooperation, we are putting forward proposals to continue our work across a range of areas”.

Background

The Slovenia–Carinthia Joint Committee was established through a joint initiative between the Republic of Slovenia and the Austrian state, led on the Carinthian side by the current co-chair, Governor Peter Kaiser. The Committee serves as a platform for bilateral cooperation in politics, the economy, society, culture and the environment. It brings together the interests of both sides and develops concrete projects, many of which are supported by EU programmes such as Interreg.