Government visit to South-East Slovenia: concrete agreements to accelerate regional development
SLOVENIA, November 4 - "At least 30 or 40 outstanding issues, including some major ones, will receive answers, project timelines or, in some cases, even final solutions," Prime Minister Janez Janša emphasised during the visit.
The main programme began with a government working meeting in Metlika, followed by meetings between the Prime Minister, mayors and other regional representatives. Ministers and state secretaries visited numerous municipalities, companies, educational institutions and public bodies. At its working meeting, the Government discussed proposals previously submitted by municipalities and identified possible solutions and next steps for a number of projects. Approximately 40% of the outstanding issues concerned infrastructure, while around 30% related to the environment and spatial planning.
Transport infrastructure: Third Development Axis remains a priority
Transport connections were among the key topics of the visit, particularly the construction of the southern section of the Third Development Axis, which is essential for connecting Bela krajina with Novo mesto and the rest of Slovenia.
Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Jernej Vrtovec discussed priority transport projects with mayors and explored ways to accelerate their implementation. An integrated building permit was issued in October for the Osredek–Maline subsection, although it has not yet become final. A renewed building permit procedure is under way for the Novo mesto East–Osredek subsection.
The Development Programme Plan includes 64 road projects with a total value of EUR 817.4 million. In 2026, EUR 13.9 million has been allocated to investments in main and regional roads in South-East Slovenia, with a further EUR 26 million planned for 2027 and 2028. Planned upgrades to railway infrastructure and the development of cycling connections are also important priorities.
During the visit, the renovated section of the Metlika–Božakovo state road was officially opened in Rosalnice. The investment, with a contract value of approximately EUR 788,000, included resurfacing the road, improving drainage and upgrading road equipment and traffic signage. At the same time, the municipality renovated the water supply network and street lighting.
Education and research: new investments and agreements
Minister of Education, Science and Youth Dr Borut Rončević and Mayor of the Municipality of Novo mesto Gregor Macedoni signed an agreement regulating property-related legal matters between the state and the municipality. The agreement clarifies the ownership of properties used by educational institutions and establishes the conditions for their long-term development.
At the Novo mesto School Centre, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a new sports hall. He also visited the Rudolfovo Research Institute, where plans to expand research capacities were presented.
The establishment of the University of Novo mesto represents another important milestone for the region. A formal ceremony marking its establishment took place at the conclusion of the regional visit, highlighting a significant step towards strengthening higher education, research and cooperation between academia and business.
Healthcare: new facilities to improve access to healthcare services
As part of the regional visit, a satellite emergency medical centre and the northern extension of the community health centre were opened in Črnomelj. The investment is worth more than EUR 4.1 million, of which the Ministry of Health provided over EUR 3 million in co-financing. At Novo mesto General Hospital, the renovated paediatric department was officially opened. The state also supported the purchase of modern medical equipment worth more than EUR 2.4 million.
Minister of Health Dr Tadej Ostrc also visited the Kočevje Community Health Centre, where he inspected the satellite emergency medical centre and the new helipad. Once the necessary permits have been obtained, the helipad will enable faster transport of critically ill patients. The investment is worth more than EUR 1 million, with the Ministry contributing almost EUR 800,000.
These new facilities and improvements will help enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for residents of South-East Slovenia.
Environment and spatial planning: water supply, flood protection and faster procedures
Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning Polona Rifelj discussed several priority issues with mayors, particularly the spatial planning of development projects, water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, and flood protection. She emphasised efforts to simplify and shorten administrative procedures, which frequently delay investment projects.
State Secretary Peter Lovšin addressed, among other matters, the planned upgrade of the Suha krajina water supply system, which envisages improvements to more than 18 kilometres of the water supply network and more reliable drinking water supplies for 1,140 residents.
In Šentjernej, he inspected flood protection measures in the Kobila catchment area. The first phase of the project, worth EUR 7.42 million including VAT, involved the regulation of approximately three kilometres of the watercourse. The second phase provides for the construction of a dry flood retention basin. Together, these measures will help reduce flood risks for approximately 280 residents.
Discussions in the municipalities also focused on the expansion of business zones, improvements to municipal infrastructure and the creation of conditions for further development.
Security and the inclusion of the Roma community
As part of the regional visit, two consultation meetings were held in Šentjernej with mayors of municipalities in South-East Slovenia and representatives of the Dolenjska Civic Initiative. Minister of the Interior and Public Administration Franci Matoz also attended the meetings.
Participants discussed public order and security, living conditions in Roma communities, children's participation in education and social inclusion. Particular attention was devoted to more effective action against repeat offenders and closer cooperation between the police, state authorities and local communities.
Economic development and investment in the region
The Government paid particular attention to creating conditions for continued economic development and improving public services. Under the Agreement on the Development of Regions, 20 projects with a total value of EUR 52.3 million are planned, primarily in the areas of water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, and sustainable mobility.
Encouraging business investment, improving broadband connectivity and removing administrative barriers that delay project implementation also remain important elements of the region's development efforts.
South-East Slovenia: an economically strong region facing development challenges
According to numerous statistical indicators, South-East Slovenia ranks among Slovenia's most developed regions. It is characterised by a strong manufacturing sector, high-value-added jobs, high purchasing power, low unemployment and significant investment in research and development. The region also stands out for its high number of births per 1,000 inhabitants.
Despite its favourable economic indicators, considerable development disparities remain among its 21 municipalities. While some areas benefit from a strong economy and well-developed infrastructure, others continue to face inadequate transport connections, gaps in municipal infrastructure and limited access to certain public services.
The regional visit reaffirmed the importance of cooperation between the state and local communities in reducing development disparities. Continuing infrastructure projects, strengthening public services and investing in knowledge and the economy remain key priorities for the further development of South-East Slovenia.
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