The event, which also celebrated the 20^th anniversary of Slovenia’s accession to the European Union, was a celebration of the positive impact of EU membership on the country's development. The Minister highlighted that, from today’s perspective, Slovenia’s EU membership has significantly boosted the country’s economic development, enhanced its international recognition, and opened up numerous new opportunities for its citizens. The support of the European Cohesion Policy funds, one of the most visible benefits of EU membership, has been instrumental in this progress.

“EU funding plays a crucial role in supporting a balanced regional development. The Park of Military History is a prime example of this, demonstrating how EU funds are effectively put into practice to bring about the development of tourism, the hospitality sector, and other activities, benefiting the region as a whole,” Minister Jevšek expressed his appreciation for the EU's contribution.

More than 15,000 projects have been implemented in Slovenia with the support of EU funding, helping to raise living standards and boost Slovenia’s overall development. EU funding support also opens up opportunities for Slovenians to work and study in other Member States. Cohesion and other EU funds have contributed significantly to reducing Slovenia’s lag behind and bringing it closer to the EU’s average level of development.

Since 2004, more than EUR 11 billion has been allocated to Slovenia to achieve Cohesion Policy objectives. In the 2021-2027 programming period, Slovenia has been allocated a good EUR 3.2 billion. For this period, the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development has already issued support decisions for almost half a billion euros. Slovenia has completed the 2014-2020 period very successfully, being one of the seven EU Member States to have used all the available Cohesion Policy funds for this period.