The Pigeon Government has been extremely poor at drawing on European funds, so many projects are now stalled.

Dr. Monika Kirbiš Rojs, the Minister for Local Self-Government, Cohesion and Regional Development in Slovenia’s 16th government, has emphasized the need for greater collaboration and less division in order for the country to become a successful and balanced state. Speaking during an interview with the media, she stated, “Slovenija ima vse možnosti, da postane uspešna, razvojno uravnotežena država. Potrebujemo pa več sodelovanja in manj delitev.” Her remarks come as she begins her role leading the ministry, which she has previously held in different capacities. The minister, who joined the new government after a period of transition, noted that while she had a thorough understanding of the ministry's functions from prior mandates, the challenges ahead remain significant. She highlighted the decline in Slovenia’s position regarding the utilization of European Union funds, noting that according to data from the European Commission, the country has slipped to approximately the 20th place among EU member states. This represents a marked drop from its fourth-place ranking four years ago. The minister described this as a personal concern, expressing a sense of responsibility to address the issue. In her early days in office, Kirbiš Rojs has been actively engaging with various stakeholders including other ministries, municipalities, development agencies, and business representatives to accelerate the process of accessing EU funds. She stressed the importance of moving quickly to ensure that projects can proceed smoothly and that financial resources are effectively utilized. The handover of responsibilities within the ministry took place in an orderly and professional manner. She expressed gratitude towards the outgoing minister, Dr. Aleksander Jevšek, for his cooperation and openness in presenting the current status of affairs. A formal handover document has been prepared, providing a clear picture of the starting point for the new mandate. However, she has not yet signed the document, citing the need for further review of financial matters before proceeding. One of the key concerns outlined in the handover document is the uncertainty surrounding funding for the year 2027. According to the document, there are insufficient financial rights available to ensure the uninterrupted implementation of all planned cohesion projects. As a result, some contracts may not even be possible to sign if adequate financial support is not secured. Kirbiš Rojs has already raised these issues during parliamentary hearings, highlighting the budget deficit and potential long-term loss of funds. Her primary task, she explained, is to ensure that the necessary financial guarantees are in place to allow the smooth execution of all planned projects. This includes working closely with the national government to assess the situation comprehensively and to take appropriate measures to secure the required funding. She plans to continue discussions with relevant parties to find solutions and improve the efficiency of fund usage. The minister has also underscored the importance of local self-government and the necessity of treating municipalities as partners rather than administrative obstacles. She believes that strengthening local governance will play a crucial role in achieving broader developmental goals. With over 23 years of experience in regional development, EU cohesion policy, and public administration, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her new role. As she moves forward, Kirbiš Rojs is determined to address the challenges facing Slovenia in utilizing EU funds and to work collaboratively across sectors to achieve more effective and sustainable outcomes. Her focus remains on ensuring that Slovenia maintains its competitive position and continues to benefit from the opportunities provided by the European Union.