State Secretary Šimenc says ‘just transition should unlock new development opportunities for the region and its people’
Author Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development
In his opening remarks, State Secretary Šimenc highlighted Velenje an example of a city undergoing economic and energy transformation while pursuing ambitious green transition objectives. Velenje participates in the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, which supports 100 cities across Europe to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 and serve as hubs of innovation. It also lies at the centre of a region which is to undergo one of the country’s most significant transformations following the gradual exit from coal.
“The transition will be successful only if it is just. This means providing new quality jobs, new skills and accessible reskilling and upskilling opportunities, a competitive economy and a high-quality living environment. But above all, it means that decisions about the region cannot be made without the region itself. We must work together with the region to shape its future,” said State Secretary Šimenc.
The Act on the Development Restructuring of the Savinjsko-šaleška Coal Region for the Period 2026-2035 is an important legislative framework for the region’s future development. It places particular emphasis on economic diversification, the efficient and sustainable use of space, lifelong career guidance and the preservation of mining and energy heritage. The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has already prepared proposals for several instruments that could be incorporated in the Programme for the Development Restructuring of the Savinjsko-šaleška Coal Region. The document is currently being coordinated with other ministries and relevant regional stakeholders. The programme is expected to be adopted by the end of the year, with the launch of properly designed measures scheduled for as early as next year.
Strategic projects include, among others, the overhaul of the district heating system in the Šaleška dolina valley, the redevelopment needed to support the shift to renewable energy, the preservation of the Coal-Mining Museum of Slovenia, the development of cultural and creative sectors and the Valley of Startups and Scaleups. The latter is closely linked to Velenje’s ambition to establish itself as a recognised Innovation Valley.
Cohesion policy plays an important role in supporting the region’s development efforts. Over €258 million has been allocated to both Slovenian coal regions under the Just Transition Fund, with €174 million ring-fenced for the Savinjsko-šaleška coal region. The funding will support the just energy transition, skills development, sustainable economic development and diversification as well as the provision of affordable and sustainable housing.
Notes
Author Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development In his opening remarks, State Secretary Šimenc highlighted Velenje an example of a city undergoing economic and energy transformation while pursuing ambitious green transition objectives. Velenje participates in the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, which supports 100 cities across Europe to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 and serve as hubs of innovation. It also lies at the centre of a region which is to undergo one of the country’s most significant transformations following the gradual exit from coal. “The transition will be successful only if it is just. This means providing new quality jobs, new skills and accessible reskilling and upskilling opportunities, a competitive economy and a high-quality living environment. But above all, it means that decisions about the region cannot be made without the region itself. We must work together with the region to shape its future,” said State Secretary Šimenc. The Act on the Development Restructuring of the Savinjsko-šaleška Coal Region for the Period 2026-2035 is an important legislative framework for the region’s future development. It places particular emphasis on economic diversification, the efficient and sustainable use of space, lifelong career guidance and the preservation of mining and energy heritage. The Ministry of Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development has already prepared proposals for several instruments that could be incorporated in the Programme for the Development Restructuring of the Savinjsko-šaleška Coal Region. The document is currently being coordinated with other ministries and relevant regional stakeholders. The programme is expected to be adopted by the end of the year, with the launch of properly designed measures scheduled for as early as next year. Strategic projects include, among others, the overhaul of the district heating system in the Šaleška dolina valley, the redevelopment needed to support the shift to renewable energy, the preservation of the Coal-Mining Museum of Slovenia, the development of cultural and creative sectors and the Valley of Startups and Scaleups. The latter is closely linked to Velenje’s ambition to establish itself as a recognised Innovation Valley. Cohesion policy plays an important role in supporting the region’s development efforts. Over €258 million has been allocated to both Slovenian coal regions under the Just Transition Fund, with €174 million ring-fenced for the Savinjsko-šaleška coal region. The funding will support the just energy transition, skills development, sustainable economic development and diversification as well as the provision of affordable and sustainable housing.