Strategic documents – the key factor for successful implementation of Cohesion Policy Marjana Dermelj, Prague, 27. January 2016

Coherence of the strategic documents Key precondition for successful implementation of all policies, including Cohesion Policy. Horizontal coherence (link between key policies/policy elements). Vertical coherence (link between relevant players, international, national, regional, local).

National Development Strategy and PA/OP Starting points at the beginning of programming National Development Strategy (NDS) was still valid (2005 – 2013) EU 2020 CSR etc. IMAD (responsible to prepare the „old“ NDS) yearly reports on its implementation  helped us in “direction setting” for the PA/OP (one of the inputs). 2014 the validity of the NDS ceased  criticisms no overall picture, however as NDS objectives were not yet fully met  document still relevant.

ESI funds – development vehicle ESI funds in the 2014 – 2020 perspective of significant importance. Slovenia was affected severely by the economic and financial crisis so ESI funds were considered (and they still are) the most important “development” funds in the country. In the context of „missing“ new NDS, policies that were being prepared since then, are strongly linked with the PA/OP, which is ok, but the lack of overall strategic sight is missing.

New National Development Strategy – why and what? Significant changes in the global context and the fact that validity of the NDS has ceased  Government of the Republic of Slovenia has commenced the project which expected results are following: vision 2050; long-term development strategy 2030 (linked with SDGs; strategic priorities and goals + appropriate measurement framework); mid term action plans where the link with the budget will be established.

New National Development Strategy – how? Cross-ministry working group for the coordination and five Task Forces. OECD assistance. Participatory workshop on the Vision 2050, kick-off event in a wider engagement process. Currently translating the vision into an actionable strategy. Challenges: closing the gaps between the vision and a robust strategic plan, and establishing a new governance and institutional set up; align national development strategy with SDGs; link the emerging and existing strategies and the programmes including the PA and OP, as well as the S4 and embed them meaningfully in longer term 2030 Strategy.

Link NDS and Cohesion policy beyond 2020 The new NDS: high level consensus on the national aspirations by 2050; better understanding of the national development priorities, challenges and opportunities in the changing global environment; will help us to reach better vertical and horizontal coherence; assist in to prioritising which of the challenges, priorities and opportunities could or should (also) to be reflected at the EU level (also) through Cohesion policy;

Thank you.