Resolution on Slovenia's Regional Development Strategy 2026-2050
Minister Jevšek gives press statement following the government session. | Author Government of the Republic Slovenia
“With this Strategy, Slovenia chooses to advance polycentric development that aims to empower all regional centres and reduce over-centralisation in the Osrednjeslovenska region. The Strategy aims to further strengthen the role of Ljubljana while ensuring even development across the country with strong regional centres. We are sure that these goals can only be achieved by the regions that work together, are resilient, competitive and well-governed,” said Minister Jevšek after the government session.
The Strategy puts economic transformation of regions at the forefront. It focuses on productivity growth and competitiveness, talent development and improved access to services. It sets out four priority areas:
- Promoting economic transformation by focusing on increased productivity and competitiveness as well as talent development.
- Providing good access to public services and infrastructure in all regions to ensure high quality of life for all.
- Securing targeted support to border areas and areas with specific development challenges.
- Strengthening governance system and implementation of development policies at national and regional levels.
The new regional development model builds on a place-based approach that includes support tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of an area or region and focuses on long-term economic growth, better quality of life in all regions and access to high value added jobs and quality public and market services close to home. The approach aims to directly cater to everyday needs of Slovenian citizens while decreasing daily commuting.
“In line with the Strategy, regions are no longer viewed merely as implementers of local infrastructure projects, but as active drivers of the country’s economic, innovative, and social development. The focus of regional policy is shifting toward knowledge, entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic transformation. The measures and projects will be tailored to the unique circumstances of individual regions,” said Minister Jevšek.
The approval of the text of draft Resolution on Slovenia’s Regional Development Strategy 2026–2050 is necessary for further activities underlying the use of EU funding in the new multiannual financial framework. Once the Strategy is adopted, work on the preparation of regional development programmes and implementing documents will kick off. These will include the action programme for balanced regional development at national level and agreements on the development of regions at regional level.
Link to the Strategy and its promotional video (in Slovene).