The meeting first focused on the progress made in Slovenia’s Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027 implementation, which included the presentation of the approved amendments to the regional plans for just transition and the progress in implementing operations of strategic importance. Particular attention was paid to the mid-term evaluation of the programme and preparations for the necessary amendments relating to the STEP regulation to enable more effective implementation of operations in the coming years. 

The STEP regulation is a new initiative of the European Union (EU) that supports key and strategic technologies in the EU to reduce strategic dependencies and strengthen Europe's technological autonomy. It focuses on three main areas: digital technologies and deep-tech innovation, biotechnologies and clean and climate-neutral technologies. The successful pursuit of the objectives set out in the STEP regulation requires an amendment of Slovenia’s Cohesion Policy Programme to provide the financial resources to pursue the objectives of the STEP regulation successfully.

The Monitoring Committee members also discussed the progress of the strategic project to implement the European Capital of Culture GO2025! project, which is one of the main projects for this programming period. The meeting was also an opportunity to exchange views and discuss current issues that are crucial for the successful implementation of Slovenia’s Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027.