European Commission adopts ‘Partnership Agreement’ with Slovenia on using EU Structural and Investment Funds for growth and jobs in 2014-2020
European Commission
Press release
Brussels, 30 October 2014
European Commission adopts ‘Partnership Agreement’ with Slovenia on using EU Structural and Investment Funds for growth and jobs in 2014-2020
The European Commission has adopted a "Partnership Agreement" with Slovenia setting down the strategy for the optimal use of European Structural and Investment Funds throughout the country. Today’s agreement paves the way for investing €3.07 billion in total Cohesion Policy funding over 2014-2020 (current prices, including European Territorial Cooperation funding and the allocation for the Youth Employment Initiative). Slovenia also receives €837.8 million for rural development and €24.8 million for fisheries and the maritime sector.
The EU investments will help tackle unemployment and boost competitiveness and economic growth through support to innovation, training and education in cities, towns and rural areas. They will also promote entrepreneurship, fight social exclusion and help to develop an environmentally friendly and a resource-efficient economy.
The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) are:
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-The Cohesion Fund
Commenting on the adoption, Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn said:
"Today we have adopted a vital investment plan that sets Slovenia on the path to jobs and growth for the next 10 years. This Partnership Agreement reflects the European Commission and Slovenia's joint determination to make the most efficient use of EU funding. Our investments must be strategic, according to the new Cohesion Policy- focusing on the real economy, on sustainable growth and investing in people. But we must focus on quality not speed in the coming months, as we plan the investments from the European Structural and Investment Funds in 2014-2020. Commitment is needed on all sides to ensure good quality programmes are put in place.”
Commissioner Hahn added: "This investment strategy builds on the important contribution Slovenia is already making to help the EU meet its goals of creating a resource efficient economy with sustainable energy use and sustainable mobility. Slovenia now has a firm base in this Partnership Agreement that covers all Structural and Investment Funds and gives strategic direction to future programmes that will enhance innovation, transform Slovenian SMEs into models of growth, and secure Slovenia’s growing reputation in supporting research, development and innovation. The ESI Funds are helping Slovenia's regions and cities to face these challenges."
Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, László Andor said:
"Human capital is a key driver for economic recovery and the European Social Fund is the main EU instrument for investment in people. I am pleased to see that Slovenia has decided to dedicate 717 million euros (34% of all Structural Funds) to the European Social Fund. The ESF support will focus on getting people back to work, promoting active ageing, providing support to vocational training and creating opportunities for young people, also through the Youth Employment Initiative. The ESF will also help Slovenia to strengthen social inclusion, and help to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration and judiciary. By doing so, the ESF will address many of the challenges that are subject to Country Specific Recommendations and help Slovenia on its way towards the Europe 2020 employment and poverty targets. I am pleased with the good cooperation we have had with the Slovenian authorities so far in preparing the programming documents for the next seven years"
Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş said:
“Rural Development is a vital pillar of our Common Agricultural Policy, addressing elements relating to economic, environmental and social issues in rural areas, but in a way which allows Member States or regions to design programmes suitable for their own specific situations and priorities. The concept of Partnership Agreements is very important to ensure that national or regional authorities, when drafting their Rural Development programmes, have an approach which is coherent with plans that they are drafting for other EU structural measures in order to get better coordination and a greater efficiency in the use of EU taxpayers’ money. For Slovenia, I am pleased to note the priority given to investment in enhancing farm viability and increasing competitiveness, strong agri-environmental programmes, boosting innovation by strengthening the links between agriculture, food production, forestry, and research, and broader measures to support economic and social development at local level."
Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki said:
"We want the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) to contribute to the sustainable development of Slovenia’s fisheries and maritime sectors by supporting those investments and innovation that will reduce the impact of fishing activities on the marine environment. The funding will support small and medium-sized businesses in the aquaculture and processing sectors, as well as the local economies of areas that depend on fisheries."
All Member States have now presented their Partnership Agreements to the Commission. The adoption of these agreements will follow after a process of consultation.
More information:
MEMO on Partnership Agreements and Operational Programmes
European Commission- Slovenia Partnership Agreement and Summary
Contacts : Shirin Wheeler (+32 460 76 65 65) - Jonathan Todd (+32 4989 94107)
Roger Waite (+32 4989 61404) - Helene Banner (+32 4607 52407)