Audits reveal new loopholes: Ministry of Education short €133 million by end of year

The Ministry of Education, Science and Youth has confirmed that it faces a shortfall of approximately 133 million euros by the end of the year, according to recent financial reviews. The issue was highlighted during the handover ceremony, where former ministers Dr. Vinko Logaj and Dr. Igor Papič had already warned that the budget did not provide sufficient funds for teacher salaries or higher education activities in December. Minister Dr. Borut Rončević emphasized that the situation is alarming, stating that the identified shortfall is serious and concerning. He noted that these are not funds for new projects or additional ambitions of the ministry, but rather essential resources needed to fulfill legal obligations. The minister added that they are aware of the need to ensure that legal obligations are met, and therefore the provision of these funds will be coordinated with the Ministry of Finance. He stressed that the ministry does not wish for investment projects to be halted, nor for interference with funds intended for co-financing municipal investments. Any unused funds at the end of the year will be reallocated to cover legal obligations. The shortfall is distributed across different sectors. The largest portion, amounting to 111.6 million euros, is related to primary and secondary schools. In the field of higher education, the shortfall stands at 21.3 million euros, of which 20 million euros is allocated for fulfilling legal obligations related to higher education financing, and 1.3 million euros is designated for the research infrastructure FAIR. This funding is part of Slovenia’s contribution to the international research facility FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) located in Darmstadt. Slovenia is a founding partner with a share of around 1 to 1.2 percent and has contractual obligations for financing. Failure to secure these funds could impact the fulfillment of international commitments. The ministry has acknowledged the gravity of the situation and is working to address the shortfall. It is currently coordinating with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that necessary funds are available to meet legal obligations without disrupting ongoing investment projects or interfering with co-financed municipal initiatives. Unused funds at the end of the year will be redistributed to cover these obligations. The financial review revealed critical gaps in the budget allocation, particularly in areas directly affecting educational services. The lack of funds for teacher salaries poses a risk to the quality of education, while the shortfall in higher education financing threatens the continuity of academic programs and research activities. The situation also raises concerns about Slovenia's ability to meet its international financial commitments, especially regarding the FAIR project. The ministry has expressed a commitment to resolving the issue promptly and transparently. It has stated that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that the required funds are secured by the end of the year. The coordination with the Ministry of Finance is seen as crucial in this process, given the complexity of the financial landscape and the competing priorities within the government. The ministry has also assured that any measures taken will be carefully managed to avoid negative impacts on educational institutions and research facilities.