''CLLD instrument will be implemented throughout Slovenia in the framework of all 37 LAGs. I am happy that all Slovenian municipalities take part in LAGs, which is rarely seen in Europe. This is really encouraging given that bottom-up mechanisms deliver tailor-made and most efficient solutions to concrete local challenges,'' said Minister Jevšek.

Investments will be aimed at building an inclusive society and further supporting integrated socio-economic development in LAG areas, with a particular focus on reducing socio-economic inequalities between people living in LAGs and between territories in line with Slovenia's EU Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027. The areas of intervention will correspond to the actual needs of local communities and local areas identified by local partnerships and will support sustainable forms of local entrepreneurship, innovative use of local resources, tourism, natural and cultural heritage protection, revitalisation of public spaces for communal use, health prevention and protection, intergenerational cooperation, competence building, care for the elderly, the young and the disadvantaged groups as well as social inclusion. The bottom-up approach will ensure that local stakeholders are actively involved in decision-making at lower levels and meaningfully contribute to local development strategies with in-depth knowledge and understanding of local needs and potentials, which will be key for reducing development disparities at the local level.  

CLLD will be implemented under Slovenia's EU Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027 that follows policy objective 'A Europe closer to citizens by fostering the sustainable and integrated development of all types of territories and local initiatives' and specific objective 'Fostering the integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental local development, culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism and security in areas other than urban areas'.

In the 2021-2027 period, CLLD instrument will be implemented throughout Slovenia in the framework of the 37 LAGs. CLLD has been gaining ground across the EU and has become an important instrument used to tackle concrete problems of people and local communities. It has also been recognised as an important tool in the long-term vision for the EU's rural areas by 2040.