Monthly Highlights: February 2026
Annual Report of the Slovenian Water Agency 2025
The Annual Report of the Slovenian Water Agency for 2025 has been published, highlighting record investments amounting to €237.2 million for the restoration and rehabilitation of watercourses following the 2023 floods. The implemented measures have significantly reduced flood risk for more than 100,000 residents across the country. The Slovenian Water Agency has also strengthened its organizational efficiency, accelerated the digitalization of procedures, and substantially reduced backlogs in application processing and the issuance of opinions.
Field Visit of Works under the LIFE RESTORE for MDD Project in Slovenia
On 28 January 2026, the Slovenian Water Agency organized a field visit to observe the implementation of works under the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project – an international project aimed at preserving and restoring floodplain forest habitats along the Mura–Drava–Danube rivers.
The visit provided participants with direct insight into the implementation of water management and nature-based measures (e.g. restoration of an oxbow at Gradišče and widening of the Mura River channel at Konjišče), enabled professional discussions, and facilitated the exchange of experiences among project partners and the local community. The event contributed to strengthening cooperation in achieving the project’s objectives.
Insight into the progress of works in Konjišče. | Author Stjepana Zorec
Watercourse Measures Improve Safety and Infrastructure Resilience in Koroška
During a visit to the Koroška region, the Minister of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, Jože Novak, reviewed flood protection measures on the Meža and Drava rivers near Dravograd. The project, valued at €13.5 million (financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan), is scheduled for completion this year. In addition, torrential stream rehabilitation works worth over €4 million are underway.
These measures will improve flood safety for 7,260 residents. As part of the government visit, the Minister, the Prime Minister, and other representatives also inspected works at Votla peč in Ravne na Koroškem. Overall, the region has received €162 million, with more than 76 projects currently underway this year, valued at nearly €100 million.
Post-flood restoration on the Meža River near Ravne in the Koroška region. | Author Nebojša Tejić/STA
Opening Ceremony upon Completion of Flood Protection Works in Železniki
An opening ceremony was held in Železniki to mark the completion of flood protection works on the Selška Sora River, which have been underway since 2021 and have significantly reduced flood risk in Železniki, which has been heavily affected in the past.
The project, implemented in two phases (river channel regulation, retention basins, and supporting infrastructure), has ensured a basic level of flood safety for more than 340 residents and 102 buildings. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, Dr. Robert Golob, Minister Jože Novak, Acting Director of the Slovenian Water Agency Dr. Lidija Kegljevič Zagorc, and the Mayor of Železniki, Marko Gasser.
Opening Ceremony upon Completion of Flood Protection Works in Železniki. | Author Andrej Tarfila
Public platform providing overview of activities carried out on watercourses
The Slovenian Water Agency has launched an online viewer platform providing the public with a clear and transparent overview of the public service activities and the rehabilitation and investment measures carried out on watercourses. The platform displays locations and descriptions of measures at various stages of implementation and is updated monthly in line with project progress and the availability of verified data.
Comprehensive Flood Protection Measures in the Sotla River Basin
Comprehensive flood protection measures are being implemented in the Sotla River basin to protect the settlements of Rigonce, Gmajna, Dobova, and Veliki Obrež. The project will improve safety for approximately 375 residents and 170 buildings.
It includes the construction of floodwalls, raising and reconstruction of embankments, mobile flood protection elements, and nature-based solutions such as controlled flooding and riparian planting. The measures take into account climate change impacts and aim to ensure resilience up to the year 2100.
High-water embankment in Rigonce.
Support for Energy Projects and Strengthening Resilience in Posavje
Minister Jože Novak attended a meeting in the Posavje region regarding the Mokrice Hydropower Plant project, where he was briefed on its progress and emphasized the ambition to secure an exemption related to water status objectives for interventions in water bodies within the current mandate. This would enable the necessary groundwork for obtaining a construction permit within this year.
He also visited the Municipality of Sevnica, where several landslide remediation works are underway. Currently, more than ten flood protection projects are being implemented in the Posavje region.