Slovenian municipalities gather to chart their path to climate neutrality and resilience together

High involvement from Slovenian cities  

The opening remarks were delivered by Peter Dermol, Mayor of Velenje, and member of the EU Covenant of Mayors’ Political Board. Mayor Dermol emphasised that “achieving climate neutrality is key to create a better future for all”.  

Getting involved in several EU initiatives like the Covenant of Mayors is a way to success for Slovenian cities. The ongoing activities under the Covenant of Mayors were outlined by The Association of Municipalities of Slovenia (ZMOS). 

This was followed by presentations on various projects and initiatives driving climate neutrality and resilience in Slovenian cities and at the national level. Representatives from Kranj, Ljubljana, Maribor, and Velenje shared best practices, while officials from the Ministry of the Environment, Climate, and Energy provided insights into upcoming funding opportunities.  

Nataša Jazbinšek Seršen, head of the environmental protection department at the Municipality of Ljubljana, highlighted that for the capital, decarbonisation is an extremely demanding and ambitious goal, and innovative solutions are currently being implemented.  

Approximately 40 participants from Slovenian municipalities gained valuable insights into how Slovenian cities are advancing toward climate neutrality.  

Highlight on Multilevel governance 

The event emphasised exemplary projects and importance of inter-municipal collaboration, inclusive community participation and strategic planning to tackle key environmental challenges.  

The Municipality of Kranj presented the UP-SCALE project, which supports systemic changes in governance and management across Kranj, Ljubljana, and Velenje. These changes are designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness in tackling climate issues. Participants learned how each city is addressing specific climate goals:  

• Kranj is focusing on decarbonising transport,
• Ljubljana is using excess heat from high-temperature systems such as industry and data centers, while  
• Velenje is reducing emissions from building heating through the use of data-driven energy management tools.  

The Covenant of Mayors as a key initiative for cities in transition 

The Urban Municipality of Ljubljana, signatory of the EU Covenant of Mayors since founding back to 2009, and selected by the European Commission as one of the 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030, shared the process and key activities that led to the signing of its Climate City Contract—a major step toward its long-term sustainability goals.

Additionally, the City Municipality of Maribor, previously showcased in the Covenant of Mayors' Cities Heat Detox campaign on decarbonising the heating and cooling plans, now just joined the new Cities Refresh campaign to showcase the work they are doing to tackle extreme heat as partners of the Interreg Ready4Heat Project.  

As the first Slovenian municipality to develop a heat action plan, they took the stage at the event to present its efforts to address the growing challenge of sudden heatwaves. Attendees learned about practical, short-term measures the city is implementing to provide immediate relief during extreme heat events.  

To learn more about how European cities are taking the lead in tackling urban heat and setting an example for climate resilience, check the new Covenant of Mayors Cities Refresh campaign!

The event offered a comprehensive look at how different municipalities are developing and applying tailored strategies to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts.  

In Slovenia, 72 municipalities are signatories of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy Europe, translating ambitious climate and energy commitments into local solutions.