11 July 2024 – SRIP – Circular economy, which aims to sustainably increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the Slovenian economy in the transition into circular economy, has for the second consecutive year awarded prizes for the best inventive solutions in the field of the circular economy.
This year’s call for the best inventive solutions in the circular economy, supported once again by the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, received 27 applications, which shows the strong growth of development and innovation activity in Slovenia.
The expert committee, chaired by Dr. Martin Ocepek, Head R&D Synthetic Resins at Helios TBLUS, Ltd, and including Dr. Zorka Novak Pintarič, Full Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology at the University of Maribor, Marko Hren, Head of the Smart Specialisation Coordination Division at the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, and Mag. Aleksandra Podgornik, Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Štajerska, awarded two gold, thirteen silver and seven bronze prizes for the best inventive solutions and five prizes were given for development activities in the field of circular economy.
Among the recipients was the project LFIA-REC – Recycling of Rapid Antigen LFIA Tests (COVID-19), which received a silver prize. The LFIA-REC project developed an innovative process for collecting, sterilising, separating, recycling and reusing materials that are the basic components in rapid antigen tests. This process allows for the energy-efficient sterilisation and separation of the test components, which are then recycled into plastic and refined into gold. The recovered materials are further processed and reused.
Supported by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, the LFIA-REC project involved collaboration between the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maribor, Surovina, Waste processing company, Ltd, Zlatarna Celje, Ltd, Plastika Skaza, Ltd, the Faculty of Polymer Technology, the University Medical Centre Maribor, and the Institute of Metals and Technology.
5 July 2024 – The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme is being implemented in the 2014-2021 programming period and represents an important step towards sustainable development and reducing the negative impacts of climate change.
The programme aims to accelerate planning, strengthen institutional capacity and implement demonstration actions that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Improved Management of Ecosystems
Under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme, three projects supported by the EEA Financial Mechanism have been implemented, contributing to improving the management of ecosystems under climate change pressure.
The ReNature project
The ReNature project, promoted by the Škocjan Caves Public Service Agency, focused mainly on improving the condition of dry karst grasslands and wetlands. In the Brkini Hills, Vremščica Hill and Košana Valley, efforts concentrated on restoring 45 ha of meadows and orchards. Specifically, 39 hectares of meadows were revitalized on Vremščica Hill. In the Košana Valley, meadow areas were restored and a new orchard was established near the Ravne manor. Additionally, in the broader Brkini area, eight ponds and one karst spring were restored. The project also involved mapping and inventorying ecosystem services. Over two years, numerous awareness-raising and educational activities were conducted for local residents, landowners, experts and other stakeholders. The participating project partners include the Municipality of Pivka, the University of Primorska, the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and the Foundation Norwegian Institute for Nature Research.
The JeloviZA project, led by CIPRA Slovenia, Association for the Protection of the Alps, has established a management model for the Jelovica area. The project focused on restoring damaged forest by planting more climate-resistant species, installing nest boxes for Ural owls, and inventorying species such as wild cockerel, hazel grouse and Eurasian three-toed woodpecker. Additionally, visitor monitors were installed to gather data on visitor numbers and amount of traffic. Through the transfer of good practices, trainings and workshops, stakeholders involved in the management of the Jelovica ecosystem have acquired new knowledge and competencies. Besides the project promoter, the project partners include the Municipality of Železniki, the Slovenia Forest Service, the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, the Sora Development Agency, Ltd, and CIPRA International.
The ZAGON project, whose project promoter is the Municipality of Grosuplje, focused on enhancing ecosystem resilience. The project developed two management models: a unified management model for individual ecosystems and a complex management model for cultural landscapes. The project has resulted in five ecosystems restored in the Natura 2000 area, covering a total of 46.15 hectares. In the Radensko polje Nature Park, a wet meadow was restored, and a three-kilometre nature trail was created, starting in Mala Račna next to the Frog’s House and leading to the floodplain forest. Furthermore, an awareness-raising campaign and training courses were conducted, enhancing the knowledge and competencies of 110 experts in ecosystem management. The participating project partners include the Institute for Tourism and Promotion Grosuplje, the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, the Slovenia Forest Service, the Slovenian Forestry Institute and the University College for Green Development.
The projects focusing on ecosystem management under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme have shown that targeted activities and cooperation between different stakeholders contribute significantly to improving the management of ecosystems under the climate change pressure. Partnerships with institutions from different countries have enabled the exchange of knowledge and good practices, further enhancing the effectiveness and innovation of approaches.
27 June 2024 – The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme is being implemented in the 2014-2021 programming period and represents an important step towards sustainable development and reducing the negative impacts of climate change.
The programme aims to accelerate planning, strengthen institutional capacity, and implement demonstration actions that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Increased application of circular economy principles
Under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme, six projects supported by the Norway Financial Mechanism have been implemented, contributing to increased application of circular economy principles in Slovenia.
Project CIRCI
The CIRCI project, led by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Slovenia, focused on the transfer of good practices from Norway to Slovenia, the introduction of innovative and green technologies, processes and solutions, and the implementation of circular economy pilot projects. In addition to the project promoter, the project also involved the TECOS, Slovenian Tool and Die Development Centre, Institute of Metals and Technology and the Norwegian partner Eyde Cluster.
The NovIKroG project, promoted by the Municipality of Novo mesto, included an analysis of local circular material loops and the impact of public procurement on circular material loops in the local environment. With the project they established an innovation centre for the circular economy, bringing together different stakeholders from research, business and local government, and promoted the development of circular procurement competencies. Project partners set up a circular public procurement model and a digital platform with the intend to promote the collection, processing and re-use of materials. The participating partners in the project are the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Novo mesto, Development centre Novo mesto, Ltd, the KNOF social enterprise, Public utility company Novo mesto, Ltd, and the Nord University from Norway.
The LFIA-REC project, led by the University of Maribor, has established a recycling technology for LFIA rapid antigen tests, which enables the reuse of individual test components in the manufacture of new products. The project also involved Plastika Skaza, Ltd, the Faculty of Polymer Technology, the Institute of Metals and Technology, Zlatarna Celje, Ltd, the University Medical Centre Maribor and Surovina, Waste processing company, Ltd.
The studioKroG project, led by the Scientific Research Centre Ptuj, focused on the development and establishment of an innovative pilot facility “studio of the circular economy”. This facility is designed according to the principles of industrial symbiosis and includes a green roof and walls, rainwater harvesting and the use of waste textiles for thermal insulation. In addition, the project has provided creative workshops, practical demonstrations, training, and education to better understand the circular economy. The participating project partners are the Reuse Centre, implementation of procedures for the reuse of used equipment, Ltd, social enterprise, OKP Public company for communal services Rogaška Slatina, Ltd, Research and Development Center RRC Ormož, public institution, and the Norwegian Fonix AS.
The LEAP project, led by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, has developed a learning-demonstration network that enables the design of bio-cellulose packaging also for heavier and more transport-intensive products that do not yet have an alternative to EPS packaging. The project has established a new business model based on the use of invasive non-native plants present in the local environment, which enables the production of high-performance packaging solutions. Besides the project promoter, the project also involved the Pulp and Paper Institute, Gorenje, Ltd, Surovina, Waste processing company, Ltd, and Norwegian partner SINTEF AS.
The REWINNUSE project, promoted by M SORA, trade and production, Plc, has led to the development of a new model of wooden window with glass, built with only dry components, which allows the window to be easily disassembled into its basic components and reused. The focus was also on finding alternative wood species and reusing waste wood. The participating project partners are the Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana, the Slovenian Forestry Institute, and the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research.
All six projects focusing on the circular economy under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme have contributed significantly to the increased application of circular economy principles in Slovenia. The projects addressed different aspects of the circular economy, from the transfer of good practices from Norway to Slovenia, the introduction of innovative technologies and the establishment of circular economy centres, to the development of new materials and packaging solutions and the recycling of industrial products. The collaboration of different stakeholders, including universities, research institutes, municipalities, companies and Norwegian partners, has enabled the successful implementation of projects and the establishment of sustainable solutions.
20 June 2024 – The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme is being implemented in the 2014-2021 programming period and represents an important step towards sustainable development and reducing the negative impacts of climate change.
The programme aims to accelerate planning, strengthen institutional capacity, and implement demonstration actions that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Enhanced Sustainable Mobility Management
Under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme, five projects supported by the EEA Financial Mechanism have been implemented, contributing to sustainable mobility management.
ReMOBIL Project
The ReMOBIL project, led by the Soča Valley Development Centre, establishes a model for sustainable mobility governance at regional level through recommendations for harmonisation of legislation. The project has established a pilot network of six regional mobility centres. The partners involved in the project are the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region, BSC, Business Support Centre, Ltd, Regional Development Centre Koper, Regional Development Agency for Podravje – Maribor, RDA Koroška, the Regional Development Agency for Koroška, Ltd, AMZS, Urban Institute of Ljubljana and the Norwegian partner Viken County Council.
The SmartMOVE project is promoted by the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region. The project has developed a procedure for obtaining a special certificate for sustainable mobility and has established a methodology and developed sustainable mobility plans for organisations with many employees in congested locations. They also designed a pilot solution for commuting in the Ljubljana Urban Region with dynamic group transport. The project also involved the Jožef Stefan Institute, the Urban Institute of Ljubljana, the Association of Employers of Slovenia, GoOpti Ltd, the Institute for Spatial Policies, the Centre of Energy Efficient Solutions and the Nordland Research Institute from Norway.
The SALOMON project, led by the Development Centre Novo mesto Ltd, focused on the development of a plan for mobility management at the General Hospital Novo mesto site. The project includes the establishment of a GoNM system for bicycle rental at the hospital site, three charging stations for electric vehicles for employees and an IT tool for monitoring travel habits. The participating partners in the project are General Hospital Novo mesto and the Norwegian partner Nord University.
The Trata 2.1 project, led by the Municipality of Škofja Loka, increased the share of employees in the Škofja Loka industrial zone Trata using sustainable forms of mobility for commuting and business trips by at least 4%. A missing part of the two-way cycle path connecting the industrial zone Trata with Godešič was built. The companies involved in the project have acquired individual mobility plans, bikesheds, electric bicycles and charging stations for electric bicycles. In addition, various measures and promotions were used to present the benefits of sustainable mobility to employees and encourage them to change the way they get to work. The participating partners are Sora Development Agency Ltd, Institute for Spatial Policies, CIPRA Slovenia, Society for the Protection of the Alps, Knauf Insulation, Ltd, SIBO Group, Packaging Development and Production, Ltd, LTH Castings, Ltd, and CIPRA International.
The project Predjama Sustainable is led by the Municipality of Postojna. The project focused on improving mobility in the Predjama area by increasing the involvement of local providers in sustainable offer. The project involved Postojnska jama Joint Stock Company, the Institute for Spatial Policies and the Norwegian partner Strand Municipality.
Contribution to Improving the Sustainable Mobility Management
Projects focusing on improving the sustainable mobility management have established cooperation between different regional agencies, municipalities, institutes, and international partners, leading to the establishment of pilot networks, certification procedures and mobility plans that reduce negative environmental impacts and improve quality of life. The projects show that concrete and measurable improvements are possible through cooperation and innovative approaches, leading to a more sustainable future that benefits people and the environment.
19 June 2024 – On Monday, 17 June 2024, Marko Koprivc, State Secretary responsible for Cohesion Policy, met the outgoing Norwegian Ambassador, Trine Skymoen.
The meeting took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, where the successful completion of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism and EEA Financial Mechanism programmes for the period 2014-2021 was discussed.
Both financial mechanisms have made it possible to implement several important projects in Slovenia with funding from donor countries, especially the Kingdom of Norway. In addition, the challenges and opportunities of the next programming period were also discussed.
State Secretary Marko Koprivc expressed his pleasure to be able to celebrate with the Ambassador the successful cooperation over the years. He took the opportunity to thank her once again for her contribution to the strengthening of relations between the Republic of Slovenia and the Kingdom of Norway.
10 June 2024 – The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme is being implemented in the 2014-2021 programming period as an important step towards sustainable development and reducing the negative impacts of climate change.
The programme aims to accelerate planning, strengthen institutional capacity, and implement demonstration actions that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Increasing Renewable Energy Production
The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme has implemented three key projects supported by the EEA Financial Mechanism that contribute to increasing renewable energy production.
SI-Geo-Electricity Geothermal Pilot Plant
The SI-Geo-Electricity pilot project, promoted by Hydropower company Dravske elektrarne Maribor, Ltd, is designed as a demonstration project to increase the use of geothermal energy. The project enabled the establishment of an innovative 50 kW geothermal power plant based on patented Slovenian technology. The Petrol Geo, production of hydrocarbons, Ltd, the University of Maribor and the Geological Survey of Slovenia also participated in the project.
The SOPOREM project, promoted by Port of Koper, port and logistic system, Plc, establishes the production of electricity from renewable sources in the Port of Koper and the Municipality of Koper through the construction of two solar power plants. This project helps to reduce the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. The participating partners in the project are the Municipality of Koper and Greenstat ASA from Norway.
The pre-defined INFO-GEOTHERMAL project, led by the Geological Survey of Slovenia, focuses on improving the legislative framework for geothermal energy. The project has prepared two key legislative proposals: a report on the necessary legislative changes for the establishment of geological risk insurance schemes and a report on the necessary legislative changes for support schemes for reinjection, cascade use and geothermal electricity. With the cooperation of the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia and Reykjavik University, Iceland School of Energy, the project promotes the transition from stagnation to accelerated and environmentally friendly production of thermal energy from the deep subsurface.
Projects focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy security promote innovative use of geothermal and solar energy, improve the regulatory framework, and strengthen cooperation between different institutions and experts. The results of these projects contribute to increased renewable energy production, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced energy security, which are essential for a sustainable future of Slovenia.
The report includes important milestones in the implementation of the project and other information and communication activities. Read more about the activities carried out under the VIS A VIS project here.
The project involved the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations for Autism in Slovenia as the project promoter and project partners Šentprima – institute for rehabilitation and education, Alma Mater Europaea – European center, Maribor, Elementary School Kozara Nova Gorica, MIK international trading and manufacturing company, Ltd, and Fjæran-Granum’s Top Competence Service from Norway.
The Children’s House is a child-friendly and safe place where children who are witnesses or victims of crime are offered help and support. Representatives of the Public Institution Children’s House presented to the participants of the conference how the holistic treatment of the child is carried out. They carry out interviews with these children for court proceedings and provide crisis support and psychosocial support to traumatised children and families.
At the closing conference, the project partners presented the importance of projects such as the Children’s House project for society, as well as for the justice system. They also presented the achievements of the project, which paved the way for the development of efficient measures to create a child-friendly justice system.
The participants of the conference were addressed by mag. Andreja Kokalj, State Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, Dr Jože Ruparčič, Deputy Human Rights Ombudsman of the RS, and Regina Jensdottir, Head of the Children’s Rights Division and CoE Coordinator for the Rights of the Child at the Council of Europe.
In a video welcoming address, Regina Jensdottir, Head of the Children’s Rights Division and CoE Coordinator for the Rights of the Child at the Council of Europe, welcomed Slovenia’s decision to take such a comprehensive approach to improving the lives of children, and stressed that she “looks forward to a continued cooperation between the Council of Europe and the Slovenian Ministry of Justice in working towards an environment where a child victim of violence is not afraid or ashamed to turn to the justice system.”
The representative of the project Children’s House, mag. Andrej Del Fabro pointed out that “since February 2021, the premises have been renovated and furnished, and almost 800 professionals have been trained – social workers, primary school teachers and experts, judges, prosecutors, lawyers and court experts, as well as the personnel of the Public institution Children’s House.”
Mirjam Kline, Supreme State Prosecutor and Deputy State Prosecutor General of the Republic of Slovenia, also spoke at the closing conference, emphasising that “the Children’s House allows for a more authentic, less burdensome communication to the child that is a victim of crime about what happened to him or her.” She also underlined that in the past, they repeatedly addressed the issue of how to approach children who are victims of crime in the least burdensome way, to interrogate them in a way that would cause the least trauma and to understand as much as possible the consequences that the child is experiencing.
The project Children’s House (Barnahus) involves the project promoter, the Ministry of Justice, and the project partner, the Public Institution Children’s House.
The final event of the project Empowering for Work in the 21st Century through Life Skills, Promotion of Wellbeing and Prevention of Mental Disorders – EMPOWER FOR 21 – was aimed primarily at medical professionals. Specialists, medical trainee specialists and medical students watched a live broadcast of a laparoscopic procedure from the University Medical Centre Maribor.
The workshops carried out within the project’s framework will empower students to develop critical thinking skills and enable professors to better identify and deal with mental health problems in young individuals. The workshop participants gained valuable insights and tools to facilitate optimum performance in the work environment.
A press conference was also held as part of the closing event. At the press conference, the project leader, Dr Monika Sobočan, and the specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry, Assoc. Prof. Dr Hojka Gregorič Kumperščak, presented the results of the project EMPOWER FOR 21, Empowering for Work in the 21st Century through Life Skills, Promotion of Wellbeing and Prevention of Mental Disorders.
At the closing event, a publication of lectures on laparoscopic techniques was created, entitled Lectures in Advanced Laparoscopic Techniques in Gynaecology, which is available for the interested public and experts to view here.
The EMPOWER FOR 21 project is co-created by the project promoter, the University Medical Centre Maribor, and project partners the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Maribor and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
30 April 2024 – The construction of one of the country’s largest solar power plants, boasting a total capacity of 3.3 MW, has been successfully finalised by the Port of Koper. This solar installation is situated atop the warehouses of the general cargo terminal, forming a key component of the SOPOREM project.
The ceremony, held at the Port of Koper, commenced with an opening speech delivered by Nevenka Kržan, President of the Management Board of the Port of Koper. Following this, Jadranka Plut, Head of the Financial Mechanisms Sector at the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, delivered a speech. Concluding the sequence, Her Excellency Trine Skymoen, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, presented her remarks.
Jadranka Plut, Head of the Financial Mechanisms Sector at the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, said that Slovenia has set itself the objective of doubling its solar energy capacity in the next few years. “This type of solar power plant makes an important contribution to achieving this objective, as it allows for a significant increase in cumulative power in the entire Coastal-Karst region. In addition to their positive impact on the global and European environmental targets for reducing climate change, solar power plants also ensure higher energy self-sufficiency and less dependence on fluctuations in electricity prices on the market,” she pointed out in her speech.
“The promotion of green energy remains a priority for both financial mechanism programmes, as it is a key element in the fight against climate change and in promoting sustainable development across Europe. Green alternative energy sources have the potential to not only be sustainable but also to increase energy security, create jobs and reduce CO2 emissions,” said the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, H.E. Trine Skymoen.
Boštjan Pavlič, Head of Health Protection and Ecology at Port Koper, alongside dr. Boris Sučić from the Jožef Stefan Institute, outlined the energy and climate plan of the Port of Koper and explained its key strategic directions.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place with the participation of Nevenka Kržan, President of the Management Board of the Port of Koper, Her Excellency Trina Skymoen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, Jadranka Plut, Head of the Financial Mechanisms Sector at the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, and Janez Škrabec, CEO of Riko company. The new solar power plant, which covers approximately 15,000 square metres, was officially opened. The 3.3-megawatt solar power plant will contribute significantly to energy independence and a cleaner environment, and the energy produced will also reduce CO2 emissions by 1,500 tonnes per year.
The project promoter of the project SOPOREM is the Port of Koper, port and logistic system, Plc, and the project partners are the Municipality of Koper and Greenstat ASA from Norway.
