At the main ceremony that marked the 22^nd municipal holiday of Benedikt, State Secretary stressed that occasions and celebrations such as the 30^th anniversary of Slovenia’s independence, are an opportunity to reflect on the past. ‘Data show that in 2021 Slovenes live better if compared to the past. I am convinced that you also feel this way. Despite the fact that Bendikt is a smaller municipality and jet has been an independent municipality already since 1998, Benedikt has been on the road of steady economic development and has constantly been raising the quality of life,’ she said.

In the past, EU funding has played an important role in the development of local communities, and the available funds continue to support numerous important projects implemented in Slovenia. ‘You could see the results presented in the frame of the photo exhibition EU funds connect which was presented in Benedikt last November with the Benedikt multi-generational centre being showcased,’ she added.

On 21 June 2020 the leader of EU Member States reached a historic agreement after several days of negotiations. Slovenia will benefit from extensive additional funding. Yesterday, on the occasion of the start of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU, the European Commission approved Slovenia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. The funding available under the Plan will support the recovery following the COVID-19 epidemic and promote investment in green and digital transition, in healthcare and long-term care. ‘The Government will continue to allocate EU funding to stories of success that create added value for the people. Unfortunately, there is never enough funding to support all the project. We will continue to use the available funding to reduce the development disparities between Slovenia’s regions. We have a great responsibility ahead of us,’ concluded State Secretary mag. Monika Kirbiš Rojs and wished the residents of the municipality a happy celebration.

Address delivered by State Secretary (in Slovene)