Slovenia getting 16 million francs in cohesion assistance from Switzerland

The implementation agreement for what is the second iteration of this programme, securing 13 EU members states a total of 1.3 billion francs to reduce economic and social disparities, was signed in Ljubljana on Monday by Cohesion and Regional Development Minister Aleksander Jevšek and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on behalf of the Swiss Federal Council.

The funds will be directed towards environmental and climate protection, specifically increasing energy efficiency and the share of renewable energy sources. As emphasized by Jevšek, the recent floods in Slovenia have once again underscored the urgency of combating climate change.

"Together with relevant Swiss institutions we have designed a program to enhance energy efficiency and promote renewable energy in Alpine regions. This includes optimising energy efficiency planning and the use of renewable energy sources through the digitalisation of local energy concepts, encouraging measures within communities, promoting the use of shallow geothermal energy, and piloting the introduction of agro-photovoltaics," the minister said.

He highlighted the excellent economic cooperation between the two countries. Switzerland is currently Slovenia's second-largest foreign trading partner and the third-largest investor in the Slovenian economy.

Regarding the funds allocated through the second Swiss Contribution, Jevšek clarified that they would not be used to address the recent weather-related damage but could be used to co-finance measures to reduce potential future weather-related devastation.

The funds dedicated to addressing the damage from the disasters will come from a separate donation made by Switzerland to Slovenia, he explained. Details will be presented during the Bled Strategic Forum, which commenced today. According to information obtained by the STA, the donation amounts to 200,000 francs (EUR 209,000).

Cassis also highlighted the excellent relations between Slovenia and Switzerland. He noted that trade had shown impressive growth, which he believes is a result of numerous elements that the two countries share, including geographic ones.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration in other areas as well. One such area is the fight against climate change, where joint efforts are just as crucial. We build upon shared endeavours to protect the Alpine region, and efforts should also be strengthened in other areas, he said.