Archives: Novice

14 August 2024 – The Education, Scholarships, Apprenticeship, and Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, implemented in the 2014-2021 programming period, aims to enhance human capital and develop essential 21st-century skills.

This programme emphasizes connecting education with practical experience, supporting vulnerable groups, balancing work life and private life, and strengthening institutional capacities for good governance. The Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills and the National Agency for International Education Affairs from Liechtenstein are key partners in its implementation.

Contribution to Improving Education and the Social Environment for Disadvantaged Groups

Under the Education, Scholarships, Apprenticeship and Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, seven projects contributing to education and the social environment for disadvantaged groups have been implemented with support from the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. These projects have driven the development of innovative solutions aimed at empowering young people, reducing unemployment, and fostering entrepreneurial and social competencies. The collaborative efforts of the participating organizations and project partners have created lasting positive impacts that will continue to support youth and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Project Career Centre Posavje

The Career Centre Posavje project, led by the Regional Development Agency Posavje, has established an innovative approach to improving the employability of young people in the Posavje region. The project has created a digital support environment to enhance the employability of young people. Key achievements include a comprehensive survey of employers’ needs, and the labour market conditions, the establishment of a youth support network, the exchange of good practices with a Norwegian partner and the delivery of a 40-hour training course for career counsellors. Over 253 individual counselling sessions were conducted, along with 19 events to develop informal skills, and an online platform was launched to connect youth with regional employers. To support these activities, a space in the attic of the Mencinger House in Krško was renovated, ensuring ongoing support for young people on their career paths. The project also involved key regional stakeholders including the Centre for Youth and Sport Krško, the Institute of Adult Education Krško, the Regional Chamber of Craft and Small Business Krško, the Municipality of Krško, and Collective Innovation.

Project KOR-NET

The KOR-NET project, whose project promoter is the Dravit Dravograd Public Institute for Sports, Tourism, Culture and Youth Activities, aimed to strengthen the support environment for young people in Carinthia and reduce the brain drain, while at the same time equalising opportunities for all young people, especially those from demographically deprived areas, and empowering them to participate actively in public life and the labour market. The project activities were based on cooperation between youth organisations, the business world, and educational institutions, which helped to establish the Virtual Youth Incubator of Carinthia and 13 youth workstations across the region. Workshops, camps, seminars and events were organised to develop soft skills and entrepreneurial competences. The project activities also led to the creation of a handbook of good practices in the field of youth work. Project partners included in the project are Public Institute for Tourism, Sports, Youth and Social Programs SPOTUR Slovenj Gradec, Kompleks Youth Culture Centre, the Regional Chamber of Craft and Small Business Ravne na Koroškem, A. L. P. PECA Company for Product Development and Marketing, and Bjerkaker LearningLab.

Project NEKSTEP

The NEKSTEP project, whose project promoter is the Adult Education Centre Koper, provided young people in local communities with workshops on entrepreneurship and career orientation, individual counselling, mentor training, and networking opportunities. More than 350 young people took part in the career orientation workshops, preparing themselves for the job market. The workshops taught them how to design a CV and prepare for a job interview, while exploring digital tools, learning the basics of coding, discovering less common professions and meeting employers in the local area. Special attention was placed on young people considering entrepreneurship, with more than 180 young people taking part in entrepreneurship workshops. The project also included refresher training for 50 mentors and counsellors on creative methods for working with youth. One of the project’s highlights was the »Karierijada«, a Career Olympiad combining a hackathon, career workshops and speed meetings with employers. To ensure the sustainability of the results, the project partners have produced a range of materials that will remain freely accessible on their websites after the end of the project. The project also involved project partners such as the Adult Education Centre Sežana, the Središče Rotunda, Social Centre in the Littoral Region, and the International Development Norway.

Project PoMP

The PoMP project, whose project promoter is the Scientific Research Centre Bistra Ptuj, has established a comprehensive and sustainable support environment to encourage young people to think entrepreneurially and to develop entrepreneurial ideas. A key part of the project was the PoMP Academy, which provided teachers and mentors from primary and secondary schools with practical tools, methodologies, and training modules for teaching entrepreneurship. The Academy delivered 20 hours of specialised training to 75 teachers from 41 schools. The project led to the implementation of 20 pilot entrepreneurship workshops across the country, involving 379 pupils and 38 teachers. In addition, the project activities included the exchange of good practices with Norwegian partners and the establishment of a network of entrepreneurial schools and support institutions to enable the sustainability of the project. Project partners included in the project are the Primorska Technology Park, Development Centre Novo mesto, the Technology Park Ljubljana, the SAŠA Incubator, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Project PreseNEETi se

The PreseNEETi se project, whose project promoter is the University of Adult Education Celje, focused on the empowerment and social activation of NEETs, young people aged between 15 and 29 who are not in education, employment, or training, with a particular focus on the older age group between 25 and 29 years. The project partners have carried out an analysis of the situation of NEETs in Slovenia and Norway and developed an empowerment and social activation programme based on good practices. The programme, which included educational workshops, career and psychosocial counselling and soft skills workshops, involved 30 NEETs. Additionally, 40 mentors were trained, a mentoring scheme was established, and a handbook for mentors was created. Finally, a publication with recommendations was produced and presented at consultations with policy makers. The project empowered 30 NEETs, trained 40 mentors and improved the methodology for identifying the needs of NEETs. Partners included the Employment Service of Slovenia, the University of Maribor, the National Youth Council of Slovenia, and the Norwegian Organisation for Supervision and Co-Operation.

Project TALENT LAB

The TALENT LAB project, led by the Pomurje Technology Park, aimed to increase employment opportunities in Pomurje by connecting 61 young talents with 22 local companies. Students were mentored to solve entrepreneurial challenges, gain insights into business processes, and develop concrete solutions. The companies benefited from fresh ideas and met potential new hires. The results of these efforts were presented at two Pitch Day events. The project also supported 25 early-stage entrepreneurs in developing their business ideas and starting their businesses. In addition, two start-up academies were organised, a mentoring scheme was set up, a best practice guide for fostering youth entrepreneurship was produced and an online database of educational resources was created. Partners in the project included the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maribor, the School of Economics Murska Sobota, the Bilingual Secondary School Lendava, the Biotechnological School Rakičan, the Secondary School for Catering and Tourism Radenci, and the Faculty of Humanities at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Project TRIALOG

The TRIALOG project, whose project promoter is the Gender Equality Research Institute Maribor, was a response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, such as increased social isolation, peer violence, and psychosocial distress. The project aimed to empower young people by implementing a prevention program targeting online and intimate partner violence in secondary schools, complemented by training mentors within local networks. An online platform for positive dialogue was set up, offering young people an anonymous chat room and the possibility for youth to engage in local communities. Recommendations were also made to policy makers, focusing on young people’s mental health, which contributed to better integration of young people in local environments as well as to strengthening the competencies of youth and professional workers in the Podravska region. The project was carried out in partnership with the Municipality of Ptuj, the University of Adult Education Ormož, the Centre for Free Time Activities Ptuj, the Youth Council of the Municipality of Ptuj, and Avisensa, the Avisensa, Institute for psychology, counselling, and education.

 

SOURCE: Career Centre Posavje, KOR-NET, NEKSTEP, PoMP, PreseNEETi se, TALENT LAB, TRIALOG

1 August 2024 – The Education, Scholarships, Apprenticeship and Youth Entrepreneurship Programme is being implemented in the 2014-2021 programming period and represents an important step towards strengthening human capital and increasing competencies for the 21st century.

The programme aims to support the development of competencies, to improve the link between education and the real world, to develop support measures for the inclusion of disadvantaged groups in society and work, and to promote the work-life balance. The programme also strengthens institutional capacities for good governance and cross-sectoral cooperation, contributing to the sustainable development of society.

Contribution to Improved Work-life Balance

Under the Education, Scholarships, Apprenticeship and Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, four projects contributing to work-life balance have been implemented with support from the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. These projects have confirmed that the balance of the different areas of life is crucial for the sustainable development of society. Through innovative approaches, cross-sectoral cooperation and international support, significant progress has been made in improving living conditions and strengthening gender equality, which represents a key step forward in the efforts to achieve work-life balance.

IMRO Project

The IMRO project, led by the Slovenian Hospice Society, focused on relieving the burden on working people caring for sick and dying relatives. The project has established an integrated model of care for the elderly, including a day centre, and introduced the Compassionate Company Certificate to foster a new organizational culture in companies. The certificate offers companies new solutions, through measures developed and training, to help them balance the work commitments of an employee caring for a chronically ill or elderly family member at home. In addition, education and trainings have been provided to the working population on informal caregiving and work-life balance. The partners involved in the project are the Society for Cultural Relations SPES, the Municipality of Solčava and Bjerkaker LearningLab.

TERA Project

The TERA project, whose project promoter is the Development Centre Murska Sobota, addressed work-life balance in a rural environment. The project established training sessions on gender stereotypes, traditional gender roles and the challenges of work-life balance, while promoting gender equality. In doing so, it raised awareness of these issues among local and national stakeholders and decision-makers, strengthened the role of advocacy organisations to improve the situation of women in rural areas and promoted sustainable development. The project also raised awareness among the public about the role and position of women and men in rural areas and the state of (in)equality between the genders. Besides the project promoter, the project also involved the Regional Development Agency Posavje, the Gender Equality Research Institute Maribor, the Slovenian Rural Youth Association, the Centre for the Development of Sustainable Society, and the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences.

BalanCed Project

The BalanCed project, led by the Centre for the Communication, the Hearing and the Speech Portorož, focused on work-life balance through innovative and holistic approaches. The project brought services to the local environment that strengthen and enrich human resources through the arts, emphasising intrinsic factors such as stress coping skills, efficiency, problem solving and maintaining good relationships. The project promoted more effective time management and the use of external measures of society to support the balance of the different areas of life. A Creative Centre was set up as a supportive environment for employees, allowing participants to engage in creative activities and crafts. In addition, quality childcare was provided, teaching sustainable content. A network of organisations has been set up to support employees, organise childcare and develop competence-building programmes in work organisations, and train mentors for the long-term implementation of the programmes. The partners in the project are the NO PROBLEM ZONE, Institute for lifelong learning, creativity and well being, NOMED, Institute for Independent Media Activity, the Association for Culture and Education PiNA, and the Culture Break Borders.

PROMETHEUS Project

The PROMETHEUS project, promoted by the American Chamber of Commerce, addressed the challenges and issues of work-life balance and gender equality within the organisational structures of companies. The project raised awareness of possible solutions and measures to facilitate the work-life balance of employees. The focus was on addressing the poor work-life balance that often results from differences between genders, parenthood and career structures. The project also focused on improving the knowledge and competence of company management to establish gender-equitable organisational structures and on overcoming gender stereotypes that affect the unequal distribution of responsibilities between men and women. Besides the project promoter, the project also involved the Gender Equality Research Institute Maribor, Merkur, Ltd, Riko, industrial, construction engineering and leasing, Ltd, University of Maribor, Knauf Insulation, Ltd, Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia, A1 Slovenia, telecommunications services, Joint Stock Company, AMZS, service provider for members of national automobile association and other users of roadside assistance, Joint Stock Company, and the Norwegian Automobile Foundation.

SOURCE: IMRO, TERA, BalanCed, PROMETHEUS

11 July 2024 – SRIP – Circular economy, which aims to sustainably increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the Slovenian economy in the transition into circular economy, has for the second consecutive year awarded prizes for the best inventive solutions in the field of the circular economy.

This year’s call for the best inventive solutions in the circular economy, supported once again by the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, received 27 applications, which shows the strong growth of development and innovation activity in Slovenia.

The expert committee, chaired by Dr. Martin Ocepek, Head R&D Synthetic Resins at Helios TBLUS, Ltd, and including Dr. Zorka Novak Pintarič, Full Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology at the University of Maribor, Marko Hren, Head of the Smart Specialisation Coordination Division at the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, and Mag. Aleksandra Podgornik, Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Štajerska, awarded two gold, thirteen silver and seven bronze prizes for the best inventive solutions and five prizes were given for development activities in the field of circular economy.

Among the recipients was the project LFIA-REC – Recycling of Rapid Antigen LFIA Tests (COVID-19), which received a silver prize. The LFIA-REC project developed an innovative process for collecting, sterilising, separating, recycling and reusing materials that are the basic components in rapid antigen tests. This process allows for the energy-efficient sterilisation and separation of the test components, which are then recycled into plastic and refined into gold. The recovered materials are further processed and reused.

Supported by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, the LFIA-REC project involved collaboration between the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maribor, Surovina, Waste processing company, Ltd, Zlatarna Celje, Ltd, Plastika Skaza, Ltd, the Faculty of Polymer Technology, the University Medical Centre Maribor, and the Institute of Metals and Technology.

Source: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor and SRIP – Circular economy

5 July 2024 – The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme is being implemented in the 2014-2021 programming period and represents an important step towards sustainable development and reducing the negative impacts of climate change.

The programme aims to accelerate planning, strengthen institutional capacity and implement demonstration actions that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Improved Management of Ecosystems

Under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme, three projects supported by the EEA Financial Mechanism have been implemented, contributing to improving the management of ecosystems under climate change pressure.

The ReNature project

The ReNature project, promoted by the Škocjan Caves Public Service Agency, focused mainly on improving the condition of dry karst grasslands and wetlands. In the Brkini Hills, Vremščica Hill and Košana Valley, efforts concentrated on restoring 45 ha of meadows and orchards. Specifically, 39 hectares of meadows were revitalized on Vremščica Hill. In the Košana Valley, meadow areas were restored and a new orchard was established near the Ravne manor. Additionally, in the broader Brkini area, eight ponds and one karst spring were restored. The project also involved mapping and inventorying ecosystem services. Over two years, numerous awareness-raising and educational activities were conducted for local residents, landowners, experts and other stakeholders. The participating project partners include the Municipality of Pivka, the University of Primorska, the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Ljubljana and the Foundation Norwegian Institute for Nature Research.

JeloviZA project

The JeloviZA project, led by CIPRA Slovenia, Association for the Protection of the Alps, has established a management model for the Jelovica area. The project focused on restoring damaged forest by planting more climate-resistant species, installing nest boxes for Ural owls, and inventorying species such as wild cockerel, hazel grouse and Eurasian three-toed woodpecker. Additionally, visitor monitors were installed to gather data on visitor numbers and amount of traffic. Through the transfer of good practices, trainings and workshops, stakeholders involved in the management of the Jelovica ecosystem have acquired new knowledge and competencies. Besides the project promoter, the project partners include the Municipality of Železniki, the Slovenia Forest Service, the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, the Sora Development Agency, Ltd, and CIPRA International.

Project ZAGON

The ZAGON project, whose project promoter is the Municipality of Grosuplje, focused on enhancing ecosystem resilience. The project developed two management models: a unified management model for individual ecosystems and a complex management model for cultural landscapes. The project has resulted in five ecosystems restored in the Natura 2000 area, covering a total of 46.15 hectares. In the Radensko polje Nature Park, a wet meadow was restored, and a three-kilometre nature trail was created, starting in Mala Račna next to the Frog’s House and leading to the floodplain forest. Furthermore, an awareness-raising campaign and training courses were conducted, enhancing the knowledge and competencies of 110 experts in ecosystem management. The participating project partners include the Institute for Tourism and Promotion Grosuplje, the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, the Slovenia Forest Service, the Slovenian Forestry Institute and the University College for Green Development.

Contribution to improved ecosystem management

The projects focusing on ecosystem management under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme have shown that targeted activities and cooperation between different stakeholders contribute significantly to improving the management of ecosystems under the climate change pressure. Partnerships with institutions from different countries have enabled the exchange of knowledge and good practices, further enhancing the effectiveness and innovation of approaches.

SOURCES: ReNature, JeloviZA and ZAGON

27 June 2024 – The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme is being implemented in the 2014-2021 programming period and represents an important step towards sustainable development and reducing the negative impacts of climate change.

The programme aims to accelerate planning, strengthen institutional capacity, and implement demonstration actions that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Increased application of circular economy principles

Under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme, six projects supported by the Norway Financial Mechanism have been implemented, contributing to increased application of circular economy principles in Slovenia.

Project CIRCI

The CIRCI project, led by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Slovenia, focused on the transfer of good practices from Norway to Slovenia, the introduction of innovative and green technologies, processes and solutions, and the implementation of circular economy pilot projects. In addition to the project promoter, the project also involved the TECOS, Slovenian Tool and Die Development Centre, Institute of Metals and Technology and the Norwegian partner Eyde Cluster.

Project NovIKroG

The NovIKroG project, promoted by the Municipality of Novo mesto, included an analysis of local circular material loops and the impact of public procurement on circular material loops in the local environment. With the project they established an innovation centre for the circular economy, bringing together different stakeholders from research, business and local government, and promoted the development of circular procurement competencies. Project partners set up a circular public procurement model and a digital platform with the intend to promote the collection, processing and re-use of materials. The participating partners in the project are the Faculty of Industrial Engineering Novo mesto, Development centre Novo mesto, Ltd, the KNOF social enterprise, Public utility company Novo mesto, Ltd, and the Nord University from Norway.

Project LFIA-REC

The LFIA-REC project, led by the University of Maribor, has established a recycling technology for LFIA rapid antigen tests, which enables the reuse of individual test components in the manufacture of new products. The project also involved Plastika Skaza, Ltd, the Faculty of Polymer Technology, the Institute of Metals and Technology, Zlatarna Celje, Ltd, the University Medical Centre Maribor and Surovina, Waste processing company, Ltd.

Project studioKroG

The studioKroG project, led by the Scientific Research Centre Ptuj, focused on the development and establishment of an innovative pilot facility “studio of the circular economy”. This facility is designed according to the principles of industrial symbiosis and includes a green roof and walls, rainwater harvesting and the use of waste textiles for thermal insulation. In addition, the project has provided creative workshops, practical demonstrations, training, and education to better understand the circular economy. The participating project partners are the Reuse Centre, implementation of procedures for the reuse of used equipment, Ltd, social enterprise, OKP Public company for communal services Rogaška Slatina, Ltd, Research and Development Center RRC Ormož, public institution, and the Norwegian Fonix AS.

Project LEAP

The LEAP project, led by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, has developed a learning-demonstration network that enables the design of bio-cellulose packaging also for heavier and more transport-intensive products that do not yet have an alternative to EPS packaging. The project has established a new business model based on the use of invasive non-native plants present in the local environment, which enables the production of high-performance packaging solutions. Besides the project promoter, the project also involved the Pulp and Paper Institute, Gorenje, Ltd, Surovina, Waste processing company, Ltd, and Norwegian partner SINTEF AS.

Project REWINNUSE

The REWINNUSE project, promoted by M SORA, trade and production, Plc, has led to the development of a new model of wooden window with glass, built with only dry components, which allows the window to be easily disassembled into its basic components and reused. The focus was also on finding alternative wood species and reusing waste wood. The participating project partners are the Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana, the Slovenian Forestry Institute, and the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research.

Contribution to the circular economy in Slovenia

All six projects focusing on the circular economy under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme have contributed significantly to the increased application of circular economy principles in Slovenia. The projects addressed different aspects of the circular economy, from the transfer of good practices from Norway to Slovenia, the introduction of innovative technologies and the establishment of circular economy centres, to the development of new materials and packaging solutions and the recycling of industrial products. The collaboration of different stakeholders, including universities, research institutes, municipalities, companies and Norwegian partners, has enabled the successful implementation of projects and the establishment of sustainable solutions.

SOURCES: CIRCI, NovIKroG, LFIA-REC, studioKroG, LEAP, REWINNUSE

20 June 2024 – The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme is being implemented in the 2014-2021 programming period and represents an important step towards sustainable development and reducing the negative impacts of climate change.

The programme aims to accelerate planning, strengthen institutional capacity, and implement demonstration actions that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Enhanced Sustainable Mobility Management

Under the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme, five projects supported by the EEA Financial Mechanism have been implemented, contributing to sustainable mobility management.

ReMOBIL Project

The ReMOBIL project, led by the Soča Valley Development Centre, establishes a model for sustainable mobility governance at regional level through recommendations for harmonisation of legislation. The project has established a pilot network of six regional mobility centres. The partners involved in the project are the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region, BSC, Business Support Centre, Ltd, Regional Development Centre Koper, Regional Development Agency for Podravje – Maribor, RDA Koroška, the Regional Development Agency for Koroška, Ltd, AMZS, Urban Institute of Ljubljana and the Norwegian partner Viken County Council.

SmartMOVE Project

The SmartMOVE project is promoted by the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region. The project has developed a procedure for obtaining a special certificate for sustainable mobility and has established a methodology and developed sustainable mobility plans for organisations with many employees in congested locations. They also designed a pilot solution for commuting in the Ljubljana Urban Region with dynamic group transport. The project also involved the Jožef Stefan Institute, the Urban Institute of Ljubljana, the Association of Employers of Slovenia, GoOpti Ltd, the Institute for Spatial Policies, the Centre of Energy Efficient Solutions and the Nordland Research Institute from Norway.

SALOMON Project

The SALOMON project, led by the Development Centre Novo mesto Ltd, focused on the development of a plan for mobility management at the General Hospital Novo mesto site. The project includes the establishment of a GoNM system for bicycle rental at the hospital site, three charging stations for electric vehicles for employees and an IT tool for monitoring travel habits. The participating partners in the project are General Hospital Novo mesto and the Norwegian partner Nord University.

 Trata 2.1 Project

The Trata 2.1 project, led by the Municipality of Škofja Loka, increased the share of employees in the Škofja Loka industrial zone Trata using sustainable forms of mobility for commuting and business trips by at least 4%. A missing part of the two-way cycle path connecting the industrial zone Trata with Godešič was built. The companies involved in the project have acquired individual mobility plans, bikesheds, electric bicycles and charging stations for electric bicycles. In addition, various measures and promotions were used to present the benefits of sustainable mobility to employees and encourage them to change the way they get to work. The participating partners are Sora Development Agency Ltd, Institute for Spatial Policies, CIPRA Slovenia, Society for the Protection of the Alps, Knauf Insulation, Ltd, SIBO Group, Packaging Development and Production, Ltd, LTH Castings, Ltd, and CIPRA International.

Predjama Sustainable Project

The project Predjama Sustainable is led by the Municipality of Postojna. The project focused on improving mobility in the Predjama area by increasing the involvement of local providers in sustainable offer. The project involved Postojnska jama Joint Stock Company, the Institute for Spatial Policies and the Norwegian partner Strand Municipality.

Contribution to Improving the Sustainable Mobility Management

Projects focusing on improving the sustainable mobility management have established cooperation between different regional agencies, municipalities, institutes, and international partners, leading to the establishment of pilot networks, certification procedures and mobility plans that reduce negative environmental impacts and improve quality of life. The projects show that concrete and measurable improvements are possible through cooperation and innovative approaches, leading to a more sustainable future that benefits people and the environment.

SOURCES: ReMOBIL, SmartMOVE, SALOMON, Trata 2.1 in Predjama Sustainable

19 June 2024 – On Monday, 17 June 2024, Marko Koprivc, State Secretary responsible for Cohesion Policy, met the outgoing Norwegian Ambassador, Trine Skymoen.

The meeting took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, where the successful completion of the Norwegian Financial Mechanism and EEA Financial Mechanism programmes for the period 2014-2021 was discussed.

Both financial mechanisms have made it possible to implement several important projects in Slovenia with funding from donor countries, especially the Kingdom of Norway. In addition, the challenges and opportunities of the next programming period were also discussed.

State Secretary Marko Koprivc expressed his pleasure to be able to celebrate with the Ambassador the successful cooperation over the years. He took the opportunity to thank her once again for her contribution to the strengthening of relations between the Republic of Slovenia and the Kingdom of Norway.

10 June 2024 – The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme is being implemented in the 2014-2021 programming period as an important step towards sustainable development and reducing the negative impacts of climate change.

The programme aims to accelerate planning, strengthen institutional capacity, and implement demonstration actions that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Increasing Renewable Energy Production

The Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Programme has implemented three key projects supported by the EEA Financial Mechanism that contribute to increasing renewable energy production.

SI-Geo-Electricity Geothermal Pilot Plant

The SI-Geo-Electricity pilot project, promoted by Hydropower company Dravske elektrarne Maribor, Ltd, is designed as a demonstration project to increase the use of geothermal energy. The project enabled the establishment of an innovative 50 kW geothermal power plant based on patented Slovenian technology. The Petrol Geo, production of hydrocarbons, Ltd, the University of Maribor and the Geological Survey of Slovenia also participated in the project.

SOPOREM Project

The SOPOREM project, promoted by Port of Koper, port and logistic system, Plc, establishes the production of electricity from renewable sources in the Port of Koper and the Municipality of Koper through the construction of two solar power plants. This project helps to reduce the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. The participating partners in the project are the Municipality of Koper and Greenstat ASA from Norway.

INFO-GEOTHERMAL Project

The pre-defined INFO-GEOTHERMAL project, led by the Geological Survey of Slovenia, focuses on improving the legislative framework for geothermal energy. The project has prepared two key legislative proposals: a report on the necessary legislative changes for the establishment of geological risk insurance schemes and a report on the necessary legislative changes for support schemes for reinjection, cascade use and geothermal electricity. With the cooperation of the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, the Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia and Reykjavik University, Iceland School of Energy, the project promotes the transition from stagnation to accelerated and environmentally friendly production of thermal energy from the deep subsurface.

Contribution to a Sustainable Future of Slovenia

Projects focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy security promote innovative use of geothermal and solar energy, improve the regulatory framework, and strengthen cooperation between different institutions and experts. The results of these projects contribute to increased renewable energy production, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced energy security, which are essential for a sustainable future of Slovenia.

SOURCE: SI-Geo-Electricity, SOPOREM in INFO-GEOTHERMAL

 

23 May 2024 – The project partners of the project Support for Professionals in Education and Employment in the Field of Autism (VIS A VIS), co-financed by the Norway Grants under the Education, Scholarships, Apprenticeship and Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, have prepared the final report on their project activities.

The report includes important milestones in the implementation of the project and other information and communication activities. Read more about the activities carried out under the VIS A VIS project here.

The project involved the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations for Autism in Slovenia as the project promoter and project partners Šentprima – institute for rehabilitation and education, Alma Mater Europaea – European center, Maribor, Elementary School Kozara Nova Gorica, MIK international trading and manufacturing company, Ltd, and Fjæran-Granum’s Top Competence Service from Norway.

SOURCE: VIS A VIS

14 May 2024 – A little over a month ago, the closing conference of the Children’s House (Barnahus) project, organised by the Ministry of Justice and co-financed by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism under the Education, Scholarships, Apprenticeship and Youth Entrepreneurship programme, took place in Terme Zreče.

The Children’s House is a child-friendly and safe place where children who are witnesses or victims of crime are offered help and support. Representatives of the Public Institution Children’s House presented to the participants of the conference how the holistic treatment of the child is carried out. They carry out interviews with these children for court proceedings and provide crisis support and psychosocial support to traumatised children and families.

At the closing conference, the project partners presented the importance of projects such as the Children’s House project for society, as well as for the justice system. They also presented the achievements of the project, which paved the way for the development of efficient measures to create a child-friendly justice system.

The participants of the conference were addressed by mag. Andreja Kokalj, State Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, Dr Jože Ruparčič, Deputy Human Rights Ombudsman of the RS, and Regina Jensdottir, Head of the Children’s Rights Division and CoE Coordinator for the Rights of the Child at the Council of Europe.

In a video welcoming address, Regina Jensdottir, Head of the Children’s Rights Division and CoE Coordinator for the Rights of the Child at the Council of Europe, welcomed Slovenia’s decision to take such a comprehensive approach to improving the lives of children, and stressed that she “looks forward to a continued cooperation between the Council of Europe and the Slovenian Ministry of Justice in working towards an environment where a child victim of violence is not afraid or ashamed to turn to the justice system.”

The representative of the project Children’s House, mag. Andrej Del Fabro pointed out that “since February 2021, the premises have been renovated and furnished, and almost 800 professionals have been trained – social workers, primary school teachers and experts, judges, prosecutors, lawyers and court experts, as well as the personnel of the Public institution Children’s House.”

Mirjam Kline, Supreme State Prosecutor and Deputy State Prosecutor General of the Republic of Slovenia, also spoke at the closing conference, emphasising that “the Children’s House allows for a more authentic, less burdensome communication to the child that is a victim of crime about what happened to him or her.” She also underlined that in the past, they repeatedly addressed the issue of how to approach children who are victims of crime in the least burdensome way, to interrogate them in a way that would cause the least trauma and to understand as much as possible the consequences that the child is experiencing.

The project Children’s House (Barnahus) involves the project promoter, the Ministry of Justice, and the project partner, the Public Institution Children’s House.

SOURCE: Children’s House (Barnahus)