Slovenia country profile - SDGs and the environment

In this context, it has defined priority areas, including raising awareness of all aspects of the transition and a comprehensive approach to reducing GHG emissions (SDG 13); the use of renewable energy sources (SDG 7); and the development of sustainable mobility (SDG 9) (Government of Republic of Slovenia, 2020). 

Slovenia`s priority areas in SDGs with an environmental dimension are SDGs 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. 

Statistics place Slovenia below the EU average when it comes to three types of productivity — material, energy and emissions — as well as monitoring circularity in the use of resources (EU + the UK: 11.7, Slovenia: 8.5 – in 2017). In the long run, this makes Slovenia vulnerable because of its dependency on imported raw materials. Therefore, one of its four priority areas is the transition to a low-carbon economy (Government of Republic of Slovenia, 2020). 

In cooperation with the European Institutes of Innovation and Technology (EIT Climate-KIC and EIT Raw Materials) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), Slovenia has prepared a comprehensive programme for its transition to a carbon-free society, which represents a model example at the EU level. The connection between transitioning to a circular economy and achieving climate neutrality is partly included in the National Energy and Climate Plan of the Republic of Slovenia and will also play an important role in developing new strategies for industrial climate neutrality and amending the Smart Specialization Strategy. 

Slovenia also considers SDG 14 as a priority area on preserving the biodiversity of land, marine and inland aquatic ecosystems. Its Spatial Development Strategy of Slovenia until 2050 puts the spotlight on the new role of cities, including green city systems and sustainable mobility systems and a healthy urban life (SDG 11) (Government of Republic of Slovenia, 2020). 

The Slovenian Development Strategy 2030 is the country’s umbrella development framework proposing a high quality of life for all. Slovenia incorporated the SDGs into its Development Strategy 2030 with the active participation of relevant stakeholders and vulnerable groups from local, regional and national bodies, civil society and businesses. The country’s National Development Strategy 2030 aims to strike a balance between a resilient, inclusive, and responsible society, economic growth that is inclusive and green, and a well-preserved natural environment (Government of Slovenia, 2017).

Slovenia submitted two VNRs to the UN in 2017 and 2020.

Slovenia established an Interdepartmental Working Group for Development Policies, which aims to link existing capacity on sustainable development and ensure horizontally integrated interdepartmental cooperation between ministries, government institutions and other key agencies (Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy, 2017).