Monika Kirbiš Rojs assumes office as Minister of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development

Under the leadership of the new minister, Slovenia will continue the consistent implementation of cohesion and regional policy. Upon taking office, Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs underlined that a key priority will be the efficient implementation of the current programming period. At the same time, Slovenia will engage in challenging political negotiations at the EU level regarding the next programming period up to 2034. In the field of regional development, Slovenia remains committed to advancing the process of establishing self-governing provinces, which will require strong political will and the securing of a constitutional majority in the National Assembly. “Every province must have the opportunity to develop, regardless of its distance from the centre. If only the centre develops, the country will weaken in the long term. Our goal is not merely administrative management, but a country where no one is left behind,” Minister Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs highlighted upon taking office.

Outgoing minister Dr Aleksander Jevšek expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved over the past four years: “As our term comes to an end, I would like to highlight that the Parliament has adopted both a law and a strategy for balanced regional development by 2050.” He added that the new minister’s approach is fully aligned with this strategy. Regarding cohesion policy implementation, he noted that Slovenia continues to face significant challenges in accelerating project delivery, pointing out that the ministry has succeeded in extending the cohesion period with the European Commission until the end of 2030, providing much-needed additional time for the absorption of EU funds. The former minister added that he is leaving the ministry well organised and fully operational, and wished the new minister every success in her work.

In the afternoon, a second handover took place, marking the transfer of local self-government responsibilities from the Ministry of Public Administration to the newly restructured Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development. Bringing these key areas under one roof will enable closer cooperation with local communities and more effective implementation of regional policy.

The outgoing Minister of Public Administration, mag. Franc Props, expressed pride in the achievements made during his term, highlighting a range of measures and systemic changes introduced in the area of local self-government. “We have ensured stable municipal funding throughout the entire term and strengthened financial autonomy, which directly contributes to more balanced development and higher-quality services for residents across Slovenia,” he said, noting that in every year of the mandate, an agreement was reached with representative associations of municipalities on the level of municipal funding allocation. On this occasion, he thanked all colleagues involved in preparing the aforementioned changes. “The foundations that have been laid are solid, and I trust they will be built upon, contributing to the continued development of municipalities,” he added.

With the transfer of local self-government responsibilities, the Ministry will now comprehensively oversee municipal financing and the implementation of regional projects. Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs welcomed the integration of local self-government responsibilities with cohesion and regional policy, noting that it will enable more effective measures and improve the quality of life in local communities across Slovenia.