Working Group for the Preparation of the NRPP holds its kick-off meeting

The VFO2 Working Group will be chaired by Minister for Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs. It will be responsible for the operational preparation of the NRPP 2028-2034, coordinating interministerial cooperation and monitoring the progress in the implementation of the 2021-2027 cohesion policy programmes. In carrying out its tasks, the Working Group will take into account both EU and national development priorities, while ensuring coherence with sectoral and regional policies.

“The approach in the next programming period will be different. A stronger link will be established between reforms and investments. To access cohesion policy funding, Common Agricultural Policy funding and support currently provided through other national programmes, Slovenia will need to design and implement reforms in individual policy areas and achieve the corresponding milestones and targets. These reforms will be prepared in line with the coalition agreement, the country-specific recommendations under the European Semester and the EU framework governing the preparation of the NRPP. Investment funding will be released on the basis of progress made in implementing these reforms,” said the Minister.

During the preparation process, the development priorities of individual ministries will need to be aligned, while the proposed reforms and investments will have to address identified and emerging national and regional needs. The objective is to develop a comprehensive national framework that will ensure the most effective and efficient use of EU funding, while contributing to greater competitiveness, productivity and quality of life across Slovenia. The VFO2 Working Group is expected to prepare the first set of proposed reforms for inclusion in the NRPP by the end of November.

Slovenian Government has also established an interministerial Working Group on the Preparation and Coordination under the Multiannual Financial Framework Programmes 2028-2034 (VFO1). The working group will be chaired by the Prime Minister. It will be responsible for the strategic coordination of the programmes financed under the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, including decisions on development priorities, implementation arrangements and distribution of available funds.

The establishment of both working groups marks an important step towards the timely and coordinated preparation of Slovenia for the next programming period. The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development will serve as the National Coordinator for the preparation of the NRPP, helping ensure that EU funding is used as efficiently and effectively as possible to support the development of the country and its regions in the next programming period.