Minister Polona Rifelj and former minister Jože Novak |Author Daniel Novaković / STA

Upon assuming office, MinisterPolona Rifeljstated that the handover had been conducted in a highly professional and constructive manner and that she had received comprehensive handover reports. She highlighted several outstanding environmental issues, particularly the C0 canal project. She also identified the calls for proposals for waste incineration facilities as one of the key environmental issues.

The Minister further emphasised that a number of housing projects are already underway and will continue. She advocates the construction of housing for young people throughout the country, not just in individual municipalities, and not only rental housing but also owner-occupied housing. She also sees part of the solution in bringing existing vacant properties back into use. The Government's objective is to enable young people to live where they choose, including in rural areas, rather than concentrating housing development solely in cities.

Minister Polona Rifelj also announced that the immediate priority is to reorganise and merge ministries, which must first be completed. Among the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning's priorities, she also highlighted the need to expedite procedures and to review a number of projects that require further examination and assessment. They will also begin working intensively on systemic deregulation in the areas of spatial planning and building permits.

The Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning is responsible for the development and implementation of policies relating to the environment, climate change, nature conservation, water management, spatial planning and housing. It works to protect the environment and natural resources, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and strengthen resilience to natural disasters.Through the sustainable management of space, water and nature, as well as the development of housing policy, it creates conditions for balanced development and a high-quality living environment. The Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning is committed to responsible environmental and spatial management and to advancing solutions that support sustainable development and a higher quality of life for the residents of Slovenia.