Minister Jevšek visits the Obalno-kraška region: Karst’s development potential is endless
Accompanied by representatives from the municipalities of Koper and Izola, Minister Jevšek visited the Bonifika Urban Park project in Koper and a section of the renovated Parenzana cycling route in Izola. Minister Dr Aleksander Jevšek emphasised: “Today’s visit to the Obalno-kraška region confirms that Cohesion Policy funds are more than just numbers – they bring concrete improvements, from well-maintained cycling routes to green infrastructure. However, we should look ahead. With the revision of legislation, we are introducing a new regional development model based on innovation-driven growth. Our goal is to enable all regions to create jobs with higher added value and to ensure a higher quality of life for residents.”
The main part of the visit was devoted to strategic cooperation in the Karst region. At the Lipica border crossing, the state is completing the renovation of the premises for the head office of the future European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) Kras-Carso. Minister Dr Jevšek expressed his clear support for establishing the association and its head office in Slovenia.
“The EGTC is not an end in itself; it is a tool that will enable the Karst region to develop as a functional cross-border region with greater development potential than any individual municipality could achieve on its own. Special recognition goes to the municipalities of the Karst, development agencies, scientific and research institutions, and non-governmental stakeholders who have upgraded the concept of the project from the bottom up,” said Minister Jevšek, who, together with Minister at the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad Matej Arčon, spoke with mayors from both sides of the border about the integrated development of the Kras-Carso area.
State Secretary Srečko Đurov attended an afternoon meeting with mayors and representatives of the business community in the Obalno-kraška region. He presented the amendment to the Promotion of Balanced Regional Development Act. The Act introduces a new management model designed to reduce development disparities and increase productivity across all Slovenian regions.