After more than a decade, a new veterinary school, but still 12 million euros missing

The University of Ljubljana opened its new Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Ljubljana on Tuesday, marking the completion of a major infrastructure project for the institution. The ceremony coincided with the 70th anniversary of veterinary studies in Slovenia. While the building is ready for educational activities, university officials stated that essential equipment for laboratories and clinics is still missing. Dean Breda Jakovac Strajn addressed attendees at the opening, urging them to help finish the work that has been started. The new facility consists of two connected buildings. One structure is five stories high and dedicated to pedagogical activities. The total cost of the construction was reported as 81.7 million euros. According to the university, funding came from several sources. Approximately 52.6 million euros were allocated from the European Union’s recovery and resilience mechanism. Another 14.8 million euros came from the national budget, while the university contributed 14.2 million euros in its own funds. The university acted as the investor for the project. Dean Jakovac Strajn noted that the faculty currently serves around 400 students. She explained that previous spaces lacked adequate areas for socializing, practical exercises, and clinical training. With the new building, the faculty expects to increase annual enrollment. Previously, the program admitted 60 new students each year. Starting with the next academic year, the capacity should allow for at least 80 new admissions. This represents an increase of twenty students per year. However, the dean emphasized that the project is not fully finished. An additional 12 million euros are required to equip the clinics and laboratories. She requested that the ministry and the university rectorate not consider the task complete until this equipment is installed. The faculty also requires staffing reinforcements, particularly in cleaning and technical maintenance services, to care for the new building. Jakovac Strajn highlighted the critical role of veterinarians in protecting animal welfare, preventing disease spread, and ensuring food safety. She stressed that education, research, and professional practice are tightly linked, requiring functional university clinics and experienced experts. Rector Gregor Majdič praised the project during his speech. He described it as one of the few projects in Slovenia completed within the scheduled timeframe and without amendments. He noted that the old facilities in Geric Street had become too small and outdated over recent decades. One of the older objects, which contained many lecture halls, was considered exceptionally dangerous in terms of seismic stability. The faculty was established in 1953 as part of the Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry. It initially operated at the current location before acquiring two other objects in 1961 and 1962. Majdič expressed confidence that the new building will enable further development in scientific, research, and teaching work. He argued that veterinary science involves more than just treating animals. It includes crucial responsibilities regarding safe food production and environmental protection. The new infrastructure is intended to train future generations of professionals who will uphold these standards. The university views the new facility as a significant acquisition for modern higher education and research infrastructure in the field of veterinary medicine. Sources differ slightly on the exact breakdown of costs. One report cited nearly 50 million euros from the EU budget and slightly more than 18 million from the state, alongside a 12.5 million euro contribution from the university. Another detailed breakdown specified 52.6 million euros from the EU recovery plan, 14.8 million from the state, and 14.2 million from the university. Both accounts agree on the total value being approximately 81 million euros. The discrepancy lies in the specific allocation figures between the different funding streams. Despite these minor differences in reporting, both sources confirm that the building is operational for classes but lacks final technical equipment.