EU money for Slovenia’s largest environmental project – big investment in our common future
Ljubljana, 17 August 2017 – Minister responsible for development, strategic projects and cohesion Alenka Smerkolj highlighted at the press conference on the adoption of the project Wastewater Collection and Treatment in the Area of the Aquifer Ljubljansko Polje that the adoption was the result of hard work and commitment of all stakeholders participating in project preparation. The Minister reiterated that it was only by working together and enhancing cooperation that we would move forward, either with the help of EU or national development funding.
Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy, the Managing Authority for ERDF, ESF and Cohesion Fund yesterday received Commission decision approving the largest environmental major project in Slovenia in the 2014-2020 programming period worth EUR 135 million. The contribution of the Cohesion Fund to the project stands at nearly EUR 69 million, state budget provides EUR 12 million, while the remainder is covered by the municipalities of Ljubljana, Medvode and Vodice. The investment will improve the daily life of over 300,000 citizens by providing a comprehensive and sustainable wastewater collection and treatment solution.
Commissioner for Regional Policy, Ms Corina Creţu, in her statement addressed to the press conference praised the efficient cooperation between the stakeholders in finalising the project: ‘’I am particularly pleased that your authorities, beneficiaries, Jaspers and the Commission services worked together to finalise the project with the objective to deliver the best value for money.’’ She underlined that Slovenia provided the Commission with all the necessary information and that there were no outstanding issues that would postpone signing of the financing decision. Ms Creţu further added that the adoption of the project was important but that it was only the first step among many others, and recalled that the stakeholders had to focus on efficient implementation.
Minister Alenka Smerkolj thanked the Commissioner for her effort and for seeing to it that the Commission services delivered their part of the job on time. She added that this project meant Slovenia was beginning to write another success story. ‘’I firmly believe this project is a true investment in our common future!’’