The food system
In 2023, Slovenia began implementing the , which provides a strategic framework for the development of agriculture, the food industry and rural areas in Slovenia. Despite the current food, climate and environmental challenges, the concept of sustainable food systems is still being established in public debate and policy.
proposed a systemic approach to the sustainable transformation of food systems (including a collective vision, interdisciplinary/multisectoral cooperation, knowledge building, consistent policies, systemic financing and evidence-based monitoring). In 2025, the preparation of a new national vision for the agrifood system started, with the aim of strengthening food sovereignty and agricultural production in a sustainable way while also addressing climate change, resource management and . A weak understanding of the food system in Slovenia on the part of policymakers often results in the uncritical adoption of approaches from other Member States that are inappropriate or have negative effects. For example, on the one hand, sustainable production and self-sufficiency may be promoted, but on the other hand, the same production limitations as in Member States with intensive agricultural production may be implemented.
Compared with that in other Member States, Slovenian agriculture is unusual, as it is significantly less intensive, with low consumption rates of chemicals, mineral fertilisers and antimicrobials . Slovenia is characterised by predominantly unfavourable conditions for agricultural production. Approximately 80Â % of the utilised agricultural area (UAA) is on land facing natural or other specific constraints, and approximately 60% of the UAA is permanent grassland; therefore, the role of livestock production, especially grazing, is even more pronounced.
As a small market, Slovenia has relatively uncompetitive production and a relatively vulnerable food system, strongly influenced by the international trade environment. With a growing awareness of the importance of domestic food and an efficient, connected and competitive domestic food chain, Slovenia encourages numerous investments in more modern, efficient and environmentally friendly technologies and practices in agriculture, including organic farming, . The food processing industry is also pursuing these objectives, in addition to investments in environmentally friendly technologies, in terms of food products, for example in the field of waste management (including food waste) and . Agricultural non-governmental and research organisations are very active in research, advice and knowledge transfer on sustainable food production and consumption, as well as putting technological solutions into practice, despite limited systemic financial resources . According to key stakeholders in the field, there is still a lack of in-depth reflection on consumer habits in the public debate, which will also need to be adjusted to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable transformation of the food system in Slovenia.
The energy system
The guiding principle of Slovenian energy policy, as outlined in the updated national energy and climate plan (NECP), is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This goal drives new policies and measures to meet EU commitments.
Slovenia aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 28Â % in sectors not covered by the emissions trading system by 2030, surpassing the target set for . sets a 2033 deadline for a just coal phase-out, which will enable Slovenia to reach a 55Â % reduction in GHG emissions by 2033 and decarbonise its electricity production.
Energy efficiency measures focus on not exceeding 50.2Â TWh of final energy consumption by 2030, a target that has significantly advanced since 2020. The transport sector remains a challenge, and additional measures will have to be put in place to help change user habits and promote public transport and electrification. On the other hand, the residential sector has seen a decrease in energy consumption. Comprehensive building renovations, with the aim of renovating 3Â % of the public sector annually, will be further encouraged. Special attention is being given to reducing energy poverty. has set targets and put measures in place and will allocate significant funds to reducing the number of energy-poor households.
With the updated NECP, Slovenia aims for a 33 % share of renewable energy sources (RESs) in gross final energy consumption by 2030. Insufficient implementation in the past, as well as specific national circumstances, such as the large share of Natura 2000 areas and lengthy permit-granting procedures, means that Slovenia is lagging behind EU targets. Challenges in the deployment of RES, particularly wind energy, which is facing considerable public opposition in Slovenia, are being tackled through new legislation that establishes priority areas for the placement of solar and wind installations and financial incentives . As , the potential for RES was assessed and foundations were prepared for potential priority areas for solar and wind energy. The 2023 increase in photovoltaic capacity by 408 MW, bringing the total installed capacity to 1 043 MW, marked a record year for new photovoltaic installations and highlights Slovenia’s efforts in this area.
Legislative effort has been made to support the transition to non-fossil-fuel energy sources, including through limiting the use of fossil fuel for heating in new buildings and creating procedures for expediting . A cost-effective green transition requires efficient energy use and demand-side adaptation. Smart meters and active consumption flexibility will optimise electricity infrastructure use. In Slovenia, most connection points are already equipped with smart meters. Active consumption flexibility will be further encouraged with the recently introduced reform of network billing.
The mobility system
The mobility system in Slovenia plays a crucial role in the country’s economic, social and environmental progress. The current state of transport infrastructure includes well-developed motorways, but local roads are often poorly maintained. Additional investments are needed in this area to modernise infrastructure, improve traffic safety and reduce traffic congestion. The road infrastructure is also overburdened by the volume of transit passenger and freight traffic, and, due to the pronounced geographical dispersion of the population, it is extremely expensive and difficult to organise an efficient public transport system.
The railway infrastructure is outdated, with low speeds and unreliable connections. Renovating the tracks, upgrading the fleet and better integrating with other forms of public transport are necessary measures to improve the railway system.
The cycling infrastructure is relatively well developed in cities, but there is still a significant lack of cycling paths in rural areas.
Public transport is well organised in larger cities but less accessible in smaller towns and rural areas. Increasing service frequency and improving connections between different transport systems between suburbs and rural areas would contribute to making public transport more time efficient and attractive.
Slovenia faces significant environmental challenges related to high carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from transport. Promoting the use of public transport, car sharing, carpooling, cycling, walking and electric vehicles is key to reducing air pollution. At the same time, the accessibility of transport must be improved for all population groups, including people with mobility impairments, the elderly and the socially disadvantaged.
To improve productivity and stimulate economic growth, regional connectivity must be enhanced, and traffic congestion reduced. It is also important to mention the high mobility costs for households in Slovenia; on average, households spend almost a fifth of their total consumption expenditure on transport, which . High transport costs for households are related to dispersed settlements, an underdeveloped public transport network and, consequently, the prevalence of less sustainable modes of mobility.
Most recommendations for improvements are already included in the current transport and the updated . Slovenia plans to adopt a new comprehensive national transport strategy for 2050 in 2026, covering all transport subsystems and cross-cutting topics such as alternative fuels, safety and resilience.