Responsible BodyPolicy OverviewMilestones International CooperationMain DocumentsBasic IndicatorsContact PersonsUseful Links Responsible Body Regional Developement Government Office of the RS for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy (Služba Vlade Republike Slovenije za lokalno samoupravo in regionalno politiko) Kotnikova 28, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 308 31 78 Fax: +386 1 478 36 19 E-mail: info-svrp@gov.si Web Page: http://www.gov.si/svrp/eng.html Urban Planning Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning (Ministrstvo za okolje in prostor) Dunajska cesta 48, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 478 74 00 Fax: +386 1 478 71 82 E-mail: gp.mop@gov.si Web Page: http://www.mop.gov.si/ Spatial Development Office Dunajska cesta 21, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 478 70 14 Fax: +386 1 478 70 10 E-mail: info.upr@gov.si Web Page: http://www.mop.gov.si/?id=2034 Location on the Map Organization Chart Policy Overview Regional Developement In accordance with the coalition agreement, the Slovene Government established the Government Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy by adopting a decision on 20 January 2005. The Government Office which was established by joining the former Government Office for Structural Policy and Regional Development, and Directorate for Local Self-Government of the Ministry of the Interior, now has three working areas: Local self-government area, Regional development area, EU Cohesion Policy area. The Office has three responsibilities: Local Self-Government Department Regional Development Department The establishment of the new Government Office has provided new initiatives for the project of the promotion of balanced regional development. The programming phase (preparation of the National Development Plan and regional development plans) is finishing in 2003 and the project phase (preparation of key development projects for the realization of regional development priorities) is beginning. By the end of the year it will be necessary to finish the project since it will be possible for Slovene development projects to begin creating expenditure within the EU Structural Funds. This is an onerous task but possible to realize with a partnership approach by the state, local communities, private sector and civil society institutions. EU Cohesion Policy Department Policy Structural or cohesion policy of the European Union, which includes the related Structural and Cohesion Funds, is the main instrument of solidarity in the EU. It is used by the EU members in order to contribute to a more balanced development of the EU territory and to help overcome development differences in regions. This type of assistance, which takes up over 35% of the EU budget expenditure, is intended for those countries or areas, where gross domestic product is below 75% of the EU average or 90% in the case of the Cohesion Fund. As an EU member, Slovenia is also eligible for the EU structural assistance. In the 2004-2006 period, the whole of Slovenia is eligible for the so called Objective 1 assistance which consists of four Structural funds (ERDF, ESF, EAGGF, and FIFG) and the Cohesion Fund. Urban Planning The Spatial Planning Directorate covers the area related to systemic and legal spatial issues, the spatial planning and management system and policy, construction affairs and regulations, as well as matters related to building construction, housing, and matters of buildings and land use. Within the Directorate, professional tasks in this area of work are performed in internal organization units, while at the general level this work is coordinated by the Surveying and Mapping Administration, and the Inspectorate for the Environment and Spatial Planning, as well as at the inter-ministerial and international levels. The main tasks of the Directorate are: Spatial planning: The reform of the standards and organisational aspects of spatial planning embraces and establishes new rules, especially in relation to the system of spatial planning documents and their contents, recognition and introduction of market instruments in the area of spatial planning, new roles in spatial planning for local communities and respecting private property as one of the basic constitutional categories. The new normative arrangement will enable greater flexibility of spatial documents and greater public participation in adopting decisions on the use of space, establish the foundations of a spatial planning information system and newly regulate the activities of spatial planning. Construction of facilities: Even under the previous legal system, the Slovene construction industry achieved an internationally comparable high level of professionalism and quality. However, with the adoption of new legislation in this area, it will be necessary to further tighten the responsibility of individual participants in this area. Housing economy: Stimulating housing construction by loans and premiums embraces support to loans by municipalities and non-profit housing organisations, savings in the framework of the national housing savings scheme, subsidising leasing by providing specific subsidies and capital increase of the Housing Fund of the Republic of Slovenia. The Ministry has also the responsibility to: Conduct and implement land policy, Maintain the spatial data system, Develop and encourage professional work in spatial planning, Participate in the matters of spatial planning and management at the international level. The spatial development of Slovenia has been exceptionally dynamic over the last decade. The public attitude to physical space as a limited resource has been gradually improving, the Slovene culture of living has changed and the quality of life has increased. The availability of and access to infrastructure has improved, and newly built structures are better planned and more suitably located. In addition, there are fewer harmful agro-technical spatial development activities, because the agriculture is increasingly using more environment-friendly technologies. The Ministry's efforts include the preparation of laws, strategies and national programmes; promotion of the spatial dimension as part of vertical and horizontal co-operation; involvement in international actions to integrate European regions; establishment of regional spatial planning levels; provision of access to information; active inclusion of local communities in the decision-making process. The Spatial Development Office performs administrative and associated professional tasks relating to: Spatial development and spatial planning; Preparation and implementation of the Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia and other spatial planning documents of national and regional significance, and participation in the preparation of spatial planning documents of local communities, as well as establishing their conformity with the national spatial planning documents; Monitoring the conditions in connection with spatial planning and management; Land use and the associated records of the spatial conditions in spatial planning; Spatial data system; Fulfilment of international obligations in these areas, and international data exchange; Developments of spatial planning methods and techniques, and the associated preparation of implementing regulations. Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia lays down the concept of spatial development and strategic policies for sustainable spatial development of activities at the national and local levels, as well as the basic premises for the coordination of development policies and conservation requirements. Spatial strategy serves to solve the current spatial issues, assert the spatial advantages of Slovenia and steer the economic and social development with the purpose of creating a high quality living and working environment, which will be equivalent to or even competitive with other European regions/areas. The sustainable spatial development goals of Slovenia are: Urban centers linked into an efficient network; Sustainable spatial development in areas with common developmental problems and potential; Towns as a pleasant working and living environment; Development of the countryside and partnerships with urban areas; Transport system as a prerequisite for the development of urban centers; Strengthening identity by preserving the natural and cultural heritage and other spatial values; Spatial development adaptation to the natural processes and the availability of natural resources. Milestones Regional Development 2002 The Republic of Slovenia Government Office for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy was established. December 2002 Zdenka KovaÄ, M. SC. became the first Minister (without portfolio), responsible for regional development - head of office. December 2004 Dr. Ivan Žagar took oath as Minister without portfolio responsible for local government and regional policy in the national assembley Urban Planing 2001 The Assessment of Spatial Development in Slovenia adopted by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. 2001 The Spatial Management Policy of the Republic of Slovenia adopted by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. 2002 The Spatial Planning Act adopted by the National Assembly. 2002 The Construction Act adopted by the National Assembly. 2003 The Real Estate Agencies Act adopted by the National Assembly. 2003 The Housing Act adopted by the National Assembly. 2004 The Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia adopted by the National Assembly. 2004 The Spatial Order of Slovenia adopted by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia. International Cooperation The Office performs the following tasks in relation to the International Cooperation: Coordinating the inter-ministerial preparation and harmonisation of Framework agreements with the EU, on the basis of which Slovenia can receive funds from the EU budget; Performing the management function in the area of the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund; Coordinating, monitoring and evaluating the work of the ministries, government services as well as other public bodies and services involved in the implementation of Structural Policy tasks and reporting on the findings to the Government of the Republic of Slovenia; Establishing and maintaining a functioning information system for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating the National Development Plan and the Single Programming Document; Performing other expert tasks in accordance with the rules and decisions of the Slovene Government. The basic task of the Ministry in the field of international co-operation is the preparation of expert materials; participation in the international bodies dealing with sustainable spatial development; organisation of international seminars and meetings of experts; and preparation of publications. Activities are carried out at the level of: The United Nations: within the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements, Committee on Human Settlements at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the Action Plan of Habitat II, for which we prepared materials for the Conference on Environment and Health. The Council of Europe: within the Committee of Senior Officials of CEMAT, for which we prepared materials for the Guiding Principles for Sustainable Spatial Development of the European Continent, organised an international seminar on rural areas, and took part in preparation of a proposal for conventions on mountains, rural areas and landscape. The European Union: in the preparation of the Phare CBC programmes concerning the environment; in the preparation and implementation of the national co-ordination of the CREDO programme; in the preparation of the Trilateral Programme Slovenia-Austria-Hungary in the field of the environment; participation in joint international bodies for the management and monitoring of the efficiency and implementation of the Interreg IIc and the Alpine Space programmes; in the preparations for the operative programme and national co-ordination of the programmes Interreg IIIb for the Alpine area and Interreg IIIb CADSES. The Central European Initiative (CEI): in the Subgroup on Environment and Transport in the preparation of the CEI declaration on sustainable transport. Implementation of international conventions: the Barcelona Convention (Commission for Sustainable Development of the Mediterranean, Integrated Coastal Zone Management); the Alpine Convention (Standing Committee of the Alpine Convention, working group for monitoring and informing on the Alps). Regional co-operation: in the Commission of the Alps-Adriatic Working Community, within which we conduct the Working group for environmental management which prepared the guidelines for spatial planning in the area of Alps-Adriatic the working group and proposals of strategic projects for integration in the Interreg III b programmes; in the North Adriatic area, where we have established close co-operation between spatial planners of regions and countries of this area, and prepared first proposals for joint projects of the programme Interreg III CADSES. Bilateral co-operation: with the Republic of Croatia in the field of spatial planning and regional development and in the Working group for adjustment of traffic links between the two countries; with the province of Carinthia; with the region of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia; with the region of Venezia; with the region of Emilia Romagna; with the region of Bavaria. Main Documents Regional Development Cohesion Data Cohesion Fact Sheet Cohesion Map "Annex - Maps, Graphs & Tables to the European Commission's 3rd Report on Economic & Social Cohesion, May 2005" © European Communities, 1995-2006 © EuroGeographics Association for the Administrative Boundaries For any further information concerning the copyright notice, please refer to the following link: http://europa.eu/geninfo/legal_notices_en.htm Main Regulations and Documents Main Regulations and Documents governing the activities of the Republic of Slovenia Government Office for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy: Decision on the establishing of the Republic of Slovenia Government Office for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy and the tasks and organisation thereof (OG RS, No. 115/02) Promotion of Balanced Regional Development Act (OG RS, No. 60/99) Strategy of Regional Development of Slovenia, adopted by the Government of RS at its 38th session on 26 July 2001 National Development Plan of the RS 2001-2006, adopted by the Government of RS at its 54th session on 13 December 2001 COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No. 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds Council Regulation (EC) No 1447/2001 of 28 June 2001 amending Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds Regulation (EC) No 1783/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 1999 on the European Regional Development Fund Regulation (EC) No 1784/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 1999 on the European Social Fund Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/1999 of 17 May 1999 on support for rural development from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and amending and repealing certain Regulations Commission Regulation (EC) No 2760/98 of 18 December 1998 concerning the implementation of a programme for cross-border cooperation in the framework of the PHARE programme Council Regulation (EC) No 1266/1999 of 21 June 1999 on coordinating aid to the applicant countries in the framework of the pre-accession strategy and amending Regulation (EEC) No 3906/89 Council Regulation (EC) No 1268/1999 of 21 June 1999 on Community support for pre-accession measures for agriculture and rural development in the applicant countries of central and eastern Europe in the pre-accession period Commission Regulation (EC) No 2759/1999 of 22 December 1999 laying down rules for the application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1268/1999 on Community support for pre-accession measures for agriculture and rural development in the applicant countries of central and eastern Europe in the pre-accession period Council Regulation (EC) No 1263/1999 of 21 June 1999 on the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance Council Regulation (EC) No 1164/94 of 16 May 1994 establishing a Cohesion Fund Council Regulation (EC) No 1264/1999 of 21 June 1999 amending Regulation (EC) No 1164/94 establishing a Cohesion Fund Council Regulation (EC) No 1265/1999 of 21 June 1999 amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1164/94 establishing a Cohesion Fund Commission Regulation (EC) No 1386/2002 of 29 July 2002 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1164/94 as regards the management and control systems for assistance granted from the Cohesion Fund and the procedure for making financial corrections Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund Commission Regulation (EC) No 438/2001 of 2 March 2001 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 as regards the management and control systems for assistance granted under the Structural Funds Commission Regulation (EC) No 1681/94 of 11 July 1994 concerning irregularities and the recovery of sums wrongly paid in connection with the financing of the structural policies and the organization of an information system in this field Commission Regulation (EC) No 448/2001 of 2 March 2001 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 as regards the procedure for making financial corrections to assistance granted under the Structural Funds Council Regulation (EC) No 1267/1999 of 21 June 1999 establishing an Instrument for Structural Policies for Pre-accession (ISPA) Urban Planing Working Programme of the National Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Spatial Planning for 2003 – 2004 Including Strategic Aims Sustainable Spatial Development in Slovenia Sustainable Spatial Development in Slovenia - Summary Slovenian National Report on the Implementation of the Habitat Agenda Spatial Planning System in Slovenia Spatial Management Policy of the Republic of Slovenia Spatial Planning Act Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia Fundamental spatial legislation The Spatial Planning Act defines the types, contents and hierarchy of documents and the method of their preparation. It also defines instruments for operational planning of spatial development activities. The Act regulates spatial planning activities and the enforcement of implementation measures for the implementation of the planned spatial arrangements, ensures building land development, and the keeping of the spatial data system. It also determines conditions for performing spatial planning activities and defines violations in this area. The Construction Act regulates the conditions for the design, construction and maintenance of all structures and lays down the method and conditions for performing activities related to the construction of structures. In addition, the law regulates the organisation and scope of work of the two professional chambers, regulates inspection supervision, sets out the penalties for violations in connection with the construction and regulates other matters related to the design, construction and maintenance of structures. The Real Estate Agencies Act pursues the objective of consumer protection. It protects public interests in the field of real estate contracts and mediation of real estate contracts concluded with real estate agents, regulates public records of real estate transactions, defines expert groundwork for individual assessments of the real estate market value, provides for supervision over the implementation of this act and sanctions for its violation, and lays down requirements for compliance of real estate agencies' activities with the new law. The Housing Act facilitates and rationalises management in multi-dwelling houses, supports the interest of landlords and provides the Housing Fund of the Republic of Slovenia and municipal housing funds with the legislative basis for their activities related to the implementation of the National Housing Programme and the municipal housing programmes. Other Spatial planning documents In the spatial planning system, spatial planning documents are organized hierarchically at the national, regional, and local levels. The national spatial planning documents are prepared by the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, while municipal documents are prepared by municipalities. Two documents – the Spatial Management Policy and the Assessment of Spatial Development – present the basis for the preparation of new solutions in the field of spatial planning and management in Slovenia. The Assessment of Spatial Development in Slovenia highlights the main characteristics of the Slovenian territory and the most urgent problems pertaining to spatial development and the current spatial planning system. The Spatial Management Policy of Slovenia sets out the fundamental spatial management objectives, and methods and instruments for their achievement. According to the Spatial Planning Act, national spatial planning and development guidelines are determined by two spatial planning documents: the Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia and the Spatial Order of Slovenia. The Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia is the basic document concerning spatial development and it serves as the conceptual starting point for other national strategies and programmes. The Spatial Order of Slovenia lays down the rules of spatial planning and management. The Spatial Report is the review of the state of spatial development goals, and an instrument for monitoring the implementation of spatial planning guidelines. The Detailed Plan of National Importance is an implementing document related to the performance of spatial development activities. The Regional Conception of Spatial Development was introduced with the purpose to guide spatial development activities of national and regional significance in agreement between the state and the municipalities. The Municipal Spatial Development Strategy is used to set the long-term goals of spatial development of municipalities. Basic Indicators "Annex - Maps, Graphs & Tables to the European Commission's 3rd Report on Economic & Social Cohesion, May 2005" © European Communities, 1995-2006 © EuroGeographics Association for the Administrative Boundaries For any further information concerning the copyright notice, please refer to the following link: http://europa.eu/geninfo/legal_notices_en.htm Statistical data for the proposed Regionalization of Slovenia for the EU Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 Proposed Slovenian NUTS-2 Regions - Option 1: Basic statistical data and socio-economic indicators for the proposed Slovenian NUTS-2 territorial units and for the whole country – Option 1. 1) Western Slovenia (NUTS-2): Gorenjska, Goriška, Obalno-kraška, Osrednjeslovenska (all NUTS 3) 2) Eastern Slovenia (NUTS-2): Pomurska, Podravska, Koroška, Savinjska, Jugovzhodna Slovenija, Zasavska, Spodnje-posavska, Notranjsko-kraška (all NUTS 3) 3) NACE activity classification, active population 4) Source: SORS, ponders by Labour Force Survey, Census data 2002. 5) Unfinished and finished elementary school. 6) 2002 Census data 7) The Development risk index is calculated by weighting indicators of economic development (GDP per capita, gross basis for income tax per capita, number of jobs per active working population in the region and gross value added of companies per employee), labour market (level of registered unemployment and level of registered employment), population (population ageing index), education (average number of schooling years) and environment (share of population attached to the public sewage system, share of NATURA 2000 surface area and settlement indicator). Sources: - SORS - For labour market indicators Labour Force Survey. - Eurostat, New Cronos for GDP (19/10/2006). Proposed Slovenian NUTS-2 Regions - Option 2: Basic statistical data and socio-economic indicators for the proposed Slovenian NUTS-2 territorial units and for the whole country – Option 2. INDICATORS Western 1) Slovenia Central 2) Slovenia Eastern 3) Slovenia Slovenia Surface area (in km2) 6.962 2.555 10.756 20.273 Number of inhabitants; 2005 (30.6.) 475.739 496.285 1.029.091 2.001.114 GDP (PPP) (in million purchasing power standards); 2002 7.308 11.689 14.369 33.367 GDP (PPP) (in %; EU-25=100); 2003 71 108 64 76 Number of employed in service activities (G-O)*; 2002 (in %) 59,7 70,7 52,3 58,9 Unemployment (in %); 2003 5,7 5,0 8,3 6,8 Share of youth among the unemployed; (in %); 2003 (26,4) (25,3) 27,9 27,1 Share of women among the unemployed; (in %); 2003 49,7 43,0 49,6 48,4 Life expectancy at birth (in years) 76,2-75,8 76,3 73,7 74,9 Share of population in areas with special development problems, in accordance with the Promotion of Balanced Regional Development Act; (in %) 17,6 6,0 83,1 48,7 1) Western Slovenia (NUTS-2): Gorenjska, Goriška, Obalno-kraška, Notranjsko-kraška (all NUTS-3) 2) Central Slovenia (NUTS-2): Osrednjeslovenska (NUTS-3) 3) East Slovenia (NUTS-2): Pomurska, Podravska, Koroška, Savinjska, SE Slovenija, Zasavska, Spodnje-posavska (all NUTS-3) * NACE activity classification () not precise estimate Sources: SORS, IMAD. Unemployment by Labour Force Survey. Only active and unemployed persons taken into account, between 15-64 years old; the age group on the basis of which Eurostat calculates unemployment rate. Their calculations normally differ from SORS by approx. 0.1% due to different modes of calculating. Statistical Data Area: 20.273 km2 North-South distance 163 km East-West distance 248 km Total area of forest 56,5 % Arable land 39 % Open areas to total area 1.4 % Waters 0.7 % Build areas to total area 2.7 % Roads 1.0 % Railway lines 0.1 % Population: Density 98 persons/km2 Urban population 92,6 % Rural population 7,4 % Source: Statistical Yearbook, 2002 Slovenian Spatial Characteristics In addition to certain historic factors, the characteristics of Slovenian space are defined by the division into Alpine, Dinaric-Karst, Mediterranean, and Pannonian areas. A picture of Slovenia is created by contrasting landforms, a large share of Karst and mountainous areas, as well as a wealth of surface and underground waters. Its maritime position, relatively well preserved nature that has a high degree of bio-diversity and a variety of landscapes, preserved cultural heritage and extensive forested areas. Slovenia is also characterized by a diverse urban structure with a great number of small settlements and large areas of dispersed settlement, as well as comparatively high quality of living in a relatively unpolluted environment. An outstanding feature is also a changed role and significance of the countryside resulting from the penetration of the urban way of living and non-agricultural activities. The basic factors influencing spatial development is the demographic and economic development, as well as the development of regions, which have an important role and significance in the integration of Slovenia into the international space, particularly in the time after gaining independence. The characteristics of demographic development in Slovenia are a moderate degree of urbanization (estimate: 65%), a moderate concentration of urban population (estimate: 50%), an above average concentration of population in suburban areas (65% of the population live in 12% of the territory, with over 75% of jobs and a population density of over 500 inhabitants/km2). Only the settlements located in the corridors along the Slovenian cross-shaped motorways are developing at an above average rate. The biggest city is Ljubljana with 275,000 citizens, followed by Maribor with over 100,000 citizens, while all other towns and urbanized settlements are ranked among small towns according to the European criteria regarding the number of citizens. Additionally, Slovenia has another 16 towns with over 10,000 citizens and 20 with over 5,000 citizens each. All other settlements in Slovenia, totalling almost 6,000, have less than 5,000 inhabitants each. The major issues of demographic development are also the ageing and stagnation of the population, which indicates a structural weakness in two thirds of the Slovenian territory. Spatial transformation in the past was largely unplanned, which is reflected, among other things, in haphazard dispersed building outside contiguous settlements with the consequent degradation of the cultural landscape. Further negative impacts on spatial development were also produced by the depopulation of border communities and less developed areas, economic regression in old industrial towns, a reduced role of formerly prevailing primary activities in rural areas with the consequent changes in the cultural landscape, deficient and obsolete infrastructure in settlements, unbalanced road and railway transport, extensive protection of agricultural land on the one hand and its uncontrolled forestation on the other, threat to waters and, in some areas, the threat of floods, as well as increased environmental pressures caused by, among other thing, illegal building. Contact Persons Regional Developement Mrs. Mariana JanÄar-Kac, Public Relations, Minister's office Government Office for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy Kotnikova 28, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 308 31 73 Fax: +386 1 478 36 19 E-mail: info-svrp@gov.si National Contact Points Urban Planning Mrs. Metka ČernelÄ, Director-General Spatial Planning Directorate, Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning Dunajska 48, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 478 74 14 Fax: +386 1 478 70 10 E-mail: metka.cernelc@gov.si Mrs. Sanja Traunšek, M.Sc., Director Office for Construction and Spatial Planning System, Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning Dunajska 48, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 478 74 31 Fax: +386 1 478 74 26 E-mail: sanja.traunsek@gov.si Housing and Urban Land Section Mrs. Barbara Starič Strajnar – Secretary Office for Construction and Spatial Planning System, Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning Dunajska 48, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 478 71 35 Fax: +386 1 478 71 37 E-mail: barbara.staric-strajnar@gov.si Spatial Development Mrs. Valentina Lavrenčič Director Spatial Development Office, Dunajska 21, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 478 70 14 Fax: +386 1 478 70 10 E-mail: valentina.lavrencic@gov.si National Contact Points Useful Links Regional Developement Strukturni in kohezijski skladi EU v Sloveniji (currently available in Slovene only!) National Agency for Regional Development Public Fund of the Republic of Slovenia for Regional Development and Preservation of the Settlement of Slovene Rural Areas Regional Policy - Inforegio Gateway to the European Union European Commission – Agriculture Slovenija doma v Evropi (currently available in Slovene only!) Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Agricultural Markets and Rural Development Kmetijsko gozdarska zbornica Slovenije (currently available in Slovene only!) Slovenian Rural Development Network Small Business Development Centre Slovene Enterprise Fund Urban Planning INTERREG III B - Slovenia ESPON ZAPS - Chamber of Architecture and Spatial Planning of Slovenia Slovenian Chamber of Engineers Town and Spatial Planning Association of Slovenia Slovenian Association of Landscape Architects The Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering University of Ljubljana, The Faculty of Architecture University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Landscape Architecture University of Maribor, Faculty of Civil Engineering
Regional Developement
Urban Planning
Dunajska cesta 48, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 478 74 00 Fax: +386 1 478 71 82 E-mail: gp.mop@gov.si Web Page: http://www.mop.gov.si/
In accordance with the coalition agreement, the Slovene Government established the Government Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy by adopting a decision on 20 January 2005. The Government Office which was established by joining the former Government Office for Structural Policy and Regional Development, and Directorate for Local Self-Government of the Ministry of the Interior, now has three working areas: Local self-government area, Regional development area, EU Cohesion Policy area.
The Office has three responsibilities:
The Spatial Planning Directorate covers the area related to systemic and legal spatial issues, the spatial planning and management system and policy, construction affairs and regulations, as well as matters related to building construction, housing, and matters of buildings and land use. Within the Directorate, professional tasks in this area of work are performed in internal organization units, while at the general level this work is coordinated by the Surveying and Mapping Administration, and the Inspectorate for the Environment and Spatial Planning, as well as at the inter-ministerial and international levels.
The main tasks of the Directorate are:
The Ministry has also the responsibility to:
The spatial development of Slovenia has been exceptionally dynamic over the last decade.
The public attitude to physical space as a limited resource has been gradually improving, the Slovene culture of living has changed and the quality of life has increased. The availability of and access to infrastructure has improved, and newly built structures are better planned and more suitably located. In addition, there are fewer harmful agro-technical spatial development activities, because the agriculture is increasingly using more environment-friendly technologies.
The Ministry's efforts include the preparation of laws, strategies and national programmes; promotion of the spatial dimension as part of vertical and horizontal co-operation; involvement in international actions to integrate European regions; establishment of regional spatial planning levels; provision of access to information; active inclusion of local communities in the decision-making process.
The Spatial Development Office performs administrative and associated professional tasks relating to:
Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia lays down the concept of spatial development and strategic policies for sustainable spatial development of activities at the national and local levels, as well as the basic premises for the coordination of development policies and conservation requirements. Spatial strategy serves to solve the current spatial issues, assert the spatial advantages of Slovenia and steer the economic and social development with the purpose of creating a high quality living and working environment, which will be equivalent to or even competitive with other European regions/areas.
The sustainable spatial development goals of Slovenia are:
The Office performs the following tasks in relation to the International Cooperation:
The basic task of the Ministry in the field of international co-operation is the preparation of expert materials; participation in the international bodies dealing with sustainable spatial development; organisation of international seminars and meetings of experts; and preparation of publications.
Activities are carried out at the level of:
Cohesion Data
© European Communities, 1995-2006 © EuroGeographics Association for the Administrative Boundaries For any further information concerning the copyright notice, please refer to the following link: http://europa.eu/geninfo/legal_notices_en.htm
Main Regulations and Documents
Main Regulations and Documents governing the activities of the Republic of Slovenia Government Office for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy:
Fundamental spatial legislation
The Spatial Planning Act defines the types, contents and hierarchy of documents and the method of their preparation. It also defines instruments for operational planning of spatial development activities. The Act regulates spatial planning activities and the enforcement of implementation measures for the implementation of the planned spatial arrangements, ensures building land development, and the keeping of the spatial data system. It also determines conditions for performing spatial planning activities and defines violations in this area.
The Construction Act regulates the conditions for the design, construction and maintenance of all structures and lays down the method and conditions for performing activities related to the construction of structures. In addition, the law regulates the organisation and scope of work of the two professional chambers, regulates inspection supervision, sets out the penalties for violations in connection with the construction and regulates other matters related to the design, construction and maintenance of structures.
The Real Estate Agencies Act pursues the objective of consumer protection. It protects public interests in the field of real estate contracts and mediation of real estate contracts concluded with real estate agents, regulates public records of real estate transactions, defines expert groundwork for individual assessments of the real estate market value, provides for supervision over the implementation of this act and sanctions for its violation, and lays down requirements for compliance of real estate agencies' activities with the new law.
The Housing Act facilitates and rationalises management in multi-dwelling houses, supports the interest of landlords and provides the Housing Fund of the Republic of Slovenia and municipal housing funds with the legislative basis for their activities related to the implementation of the National Housing Programme and the municipal housing programmes.
Other Spatial planning documents
In the spatial planning system, spatial planning documents are organized hierarchically at the national, regional, and local levels. The national spatial planning documents are prepared by the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning, while municipal documents are prepared by municipalities.
Two documents – the Spatial Management Policy and the Assessment of Spatial Development – present the basis for the preparation of new solutions in the field of spatial planning and management in Slovenia.
The Assessment of Spatial Development in Slovenia highlights the main characteristics of the Slovenian territory and the most urgent problems pertaining to spatial development and the current spatial planning system.
The Spatial Management Policy of Slovenia sets out the fundamental spatial management objectives, and methods and instruments for their achievement.
According to the Spatial Planning Act, national spatial planning and development guidelines are determined by two spatial planning documents: the Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia and the Spatial Order of Slovenia.
The Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia is the basic document concerning spatial development and it serves as the conceptual starting point for other national strategies and programmes.
The Spatial Order of Slovenia lays down the rules of spatial planning and management.
The Spatial Report is the review of the state of spatial development goals, and an instrument for monitoring the implementation of spatial planning guidelines.
The Detailed Plan of National Importance is an implementing document related to the performance of spatial development activities.
The Regional Conception of Spatial Development was introduced with the purpose to guide spatial development activities of national and regional significance in agreement between the state and the municipalities.
The Municipal Spatial Development Strategy is used to set the long-term goals of spatial development of municipalities.
"Annex - Maps, Graphs & Tables to the European Commission's 3rd Report on Economic & Social Cohesion, May 2005"
Basic statistical data and socio-economic indicators for the proposed Slovenian NUTS-2 territorial units and for the whole country – Option 1.
1) Western Slovenia (NUTS-2): Gorenjska, Goriška, Obalno-kraška, Osrednjeslovenska (all NUTS 3) 2) Eastern Slovenia (NUTS-2): Pomurska, Podravska, Koroška, Savinjska, Jugovzhodna Slovenija, Zasavska, Spodnje-posavska, Notranjsko-kraška (all NUTS 3) 3) NACE activity classification, active population 4) Source: SORS, ponders by Labour Force Survey, Census data 2002. 5) Unfinished and finished elementary school. 6) 2002 Census data 7) The Development risk index is calculated by weighting indicators of economic development (GDP per capita, gross basis for income tax per capita, number of jobs per active working population in the region and gross value added of companies per employee), labour market (level of registered unemployment and level of registered employment), population (population ageing index), education (average number of schooling years) and environment (share of population attached to the public sewage system, share of NATURA 2000 surface area and settlement indicator).
Sources: - SORS - For labour market indicators Labour Force Survey. - Eurostat, New Cronos for GDP (19/10/2006).
Proposed Slovenian NUTS-2 Regions - Option 2:
Basic statistical data and socio-economic indicators for the proposed Slovenian NUTS-2 territorial units and for the whole country – Option 2.
Western 1) Slovenia
Central 2) Slovenia
Eastern 3) Slovenia
Slovenia
6.962
2.555
10.756
20.273
475.739
496.285
1.029.091
2.001.114
7.308
11.689
14.369
33.367
71
108
64
76
59,7
70,7
52,3
58,9
5,7
5,0
8,3
6,8
(26,4)
(25,3)
27,9
27,1
49,7
43,0
49,6
48,4
76,2-75,8
76,3
73,7
74,9
17,6
6,0
83,1
48,7
1) Western Slovenia (NUTS-2): Gorenjska, Goriška, Obalno-kraška, Notranjsko-kraška (all NUTS-3) 2) Central Slovenia (NUTS-2): Osrednjeslovenska (NUTS-3) 3) East Slovenia (NUTS-2): Pomurska, Podravska, Koroška, Savinjska, SE Slovenija, Zasavska, Spodnje-posavska (all NUTS-3) * NACE activity classification () not precise estimate Sources: SORS, IMAD. Unemployment by Labour Force Survey. Only active and unemployed persons taken into account, between 15-64 years old; the age group on the basis of which Eurostat calculates unemployment rate. Their calculations normally differ from SORS by approx. 0.1% due to different modes of calculating.
Slovenian Spatial Characteristics
In addition to certain historic factors, the characteristics of Slovenian space are defined by the division into Alpine, Dinaric-Karst, Mediterranean, and Pannonian areas. A picture of Slovenia is created by contrasting landforms, a large share of Karst and mountainous areas, as well as a wealth of surface and underground waters. Its maritime position, relatively well preserved nature that has a high degree of bio-diversity and a variety of landscapes, preserved cultural heritage and extensive forested areas. Slovenia is also characterized by a diverse urban structure with a great number of small settlements and large areas of dispersed settlement, as well as comparatively high quality of living in a relatively unpolluted environment. An outstanding feature is also a changed role and significance of the countryside resulting from the penetration of the urban way of living and non-agricultural activities.
The basic factors influencing spatial development is the demographic and economic development, as well as the development of regions, which have an important role and significance in the integration of Slovenia into the international space, particularly in the time after gaining independence. The characteristics of demographic development in Slovenia are a moderate degree of urbanization (estimate: 65%), a moderate concentration of urban population (estimate: 50%), an above average concentration of population in suburban areas (65% of the population live in 12% of the territory, with over 75% of jobs and a population density of over 500 inhabitants/km2). Only the settlements located in the corridors along the Slovenian cross-shaped motorways are developing at an above average rate. The biggest city is Ljubljana with 275,000 citizens, followed by Maribor with over 100,000 citizens, while all other towns and urbanized settlements are ranked among small towns according to the European criteria regarding the number of citizens. Additionally, Slovenia has another 16 towns with over 10,000 citizens and 20 with over 5,000 citizens each. All other settlements in Slovenia, totalling almost 6,000, have less than 5,000 inhabitants each. The major issues of demographic development are also the ageing and stagnation of the population, which indicates a structural weakness in two thirds of the Slovenian territory.
Spatial transformation in the past was largely unplanned, which is reflected, among other things, in haphazard dispersed building outside contiguous settlements with the consequent degradation of the cultural landscape. Further negative impacts on spatial development were also produced by the depopulation of border communities and less developed areas, economic regression in old industrial towns, a reduced role of formerly prevailing primary activities in rural areas with the consequent changes in the cultural landscape, deficient and obsolete infrastructure in settlements, unbalanced road and railway transport, extensive protection of agricultural land on the one hand and its uncontrolled forestation on the other, threat to waters and, in some areas, the threat of floods, as well as increased environmental pressures caused by, among other thing, illegal building.
Mrs. Mariana JanÄar-Kac, Public Relations, Minister's office Government Office for Local Self-Government and Regional Policy Kotnikova 28, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 308 31 73 Fax: +386 1 478 36 19 E-mail: info-svrp@gov.si
National Contact Points
Mrs. Sanja Traunšek, M.Sc., Director Office for Construction and Spatial Planning System, Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning Dunajska 48, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 478 74 31 Fax: +386 1 478 74 26 E-mail: sanja.traunsek@gov.si
Housing and Urban Land Section Mrs. Barbara Starič Strajnar – Secretary Office for Construction and Spatial Planning System, Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning Dunajska 48, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 478 71 35 Fax: +386 1 478 71 37 E-mail: barbara.staric-strajnar@gov.si
Spatial Development Mrs. Valentina Lavrenčič Director Spatial Development Office, Dunajska 21, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Phone: +386 1 478 70 14 Fax: +386 1 478 70 10 E-mail: valentina.lavrencic@gov.si