Brussels, 23/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - In terms of regional policy, Slovenia has made itself a reliable and exemplary partner, in the view of the commissioner responsible. Johannes Hahn met the Slovenian prime minister, Alenka Bratusek, and members of her government and of the parliament in Ljubljana on 20 September.
Discussions covered the use of European structural funding for the planning period that is coming to an end, and preparation of the operational programmes for the 2014-2020 period. Planning is already well under way, the commissioner was pleased to note, and he said Slovenia should be “more self-confident and proud” of what it has achieved. He also stated that European funding should be directed towards SMEs, and said the focus must be on “stimulating intelligent, smart and sustainable usage of money”. Hahn again made it clear that the Commission is ready to assist Slovenia in shifting priorities and adapting programmes. He also announced the lifting of the suspension of €178 million, which will be paid out to the Slovenian authorities shortly. (MD/transl.fl)