Author Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development

Minister for Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs, State Secretaries Rok Šimenc and Ivan Meglič, Director-General of Regional Development Directorate Dr Robert Drobnič, Acting Director-General of Cohesion Directorate Matjaž Dragar and Deputy Director-General of Regional Development Directorate Marko Drofenik met with the representatives of both associationsfor an open and constructive exchange on the challenges in local self-government and the opportunities to further strengthen the work of Slovenian municipalities.

Representatives of the associations of municipalities presented a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening self-government, advancing process digitalisation, improving financing of municipalities, and ensuring more effective implementation of development policies. Key topics discussed included the financing of municipalities and lumps sum arrangements, spatial legislation reform, the future work of the Local Self-Government Task Force and opportunities to further streamline procedures for obtaining approvals from managing authorities for the use of European funds.

Representatives of the Association of Urban Municipalities of Slovenia presented initiatives to further strengthen municipal warden services, advance process digitalisation and reduce the administrative burden on municipalities. They also highlighted the need to upgrade the legislative framework and digital solutions that contribute to more effective delivery of municipal services and tasks.

Financing of municipalities was among the topics discussed. Associations presented their views on lump sum arrangements and other aspects of financial autonomy of municipalities. The Ministry noted that the calculation of average costs for financing municipal tasks and services for 2027–2028 is underway, inviting associations to submit their comments by 1 September 2026.

Discussion also revolved around strengthening the representation of Slovenian local communities in Brussels. One possible avenue identified was the expansion of the regional office in Brussels by ensuring the presence of representatives of national, local, and economic interests.

The implementation of cohesion policy in the 2021-2027 period was also addressed. The Association of Urban Municipalities of Slovenia acts as intermediate body for the selection of operations under the Integrated Territorial Investments mechanism and contributes to its implementation. To date, 43 funding decisions worth €100.8 million in ERDF support have been issued, accounting for 84% of the total allocation, whereas €41.6 million has already been disbursed to beneficiaries. These results underline the important role of urban municipalities and their association in implementing development projects and ensuring the efficient use of EU funding.

Minister Dr Monika Kirbiš Rojs highlighted the importance of further simplifying procedures and strengthening trust between the government, regions and local communities. She noted: “The system is fairly centralised. I would wish that, after all these years, we place greater trust in local communities and that at least a portion of funding is allocated at regional level, allowing regions and local communities to exercise more independent decision-making and management.”

A key conclusion of the meeting was the agreement that both municipal associations will provide the Ministry with all proposals, initiatives and supporting documents, allowing for comprehensive analysis and appropriate follow‑up in future procedures. The Minister reaffirmed her commitment to regular, results‑oriented cooperation with the associations. This will ensure more detailed discussion of individual matters and swifter coordination of next steps.

The meeting reaffirmed the joint commitment of both the national level and local communities to pursuing solutions that support more efficient local self-government, successful implementation of development projects and balanced regional development of Slovenia.