Slovenia
Slovenia rises two spots to rank 28th in the CCPI, as a medium performer. The country rates medium in GHG Emissions and low in Renewable Energy, Energy Use, and Climate Policy.
In January 2025, Slovenia updated its National Climate and Energy Plan (NECP), setting stronger targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. In June 2025, it adopted a new Climate Law, bringing the target date for achieving climate neutrality forward from 2050 to 2045. However, the CCPI country experts criticise the revised NECP for moving the fossil fuel subsidy phase-out to 2030, and note that, contrasting most previous drafts, the Climate Law includes no commitments on fossil fuel subsidies. The experts stress that the country’s Long-Term Climate Strategy should now also be renewed in line with the new 2045 goal, and that the planned Social Climate Plan should be adopted.
Need for natural gas phase-out policy, closer look at logging and forestry plans
Slovenia plans to phase out coal by 2033, but there is no phase-out policy for natural gas. After a 2-year delay, a draft law on the gradual closure of the Velenje coal mine was finally submitted for public consultation in November 2024, outlining a complete end to mining by 2033. In December 2024, an intervention law for the Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (TEŠ) was adopted to ensure an alternative heat source, but its timeline (by April 2027) remains inconsistent with the coal phase-out date and lacks a long-term plan. The experts also criticise the government’s strong push for expanding nuclear power and new subsidies for coal use at TEŠ, which now mainly functions as a heating plant for the region.
Slovenia’s forests represent a GHG emissions sink, and forestry is a sector that has devoted at least some attention to climate change adaptation measures. The country has a long tradition of sustainable forest management, but the experts warn that relying on forest sinks to achieve climate neutrality by 2045 is risky, given that extreme weather and slow forest renewal threaten their capacity. The widespread use of woody biomass for household heating also harms air quality. Additionally, measures in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan 2023–2027 aim to increase productivity, competitiveness, and technological development in forestry, which may not be align with conservation measures. The experts caution that these policies could encourage logging in previously closed forest stands and threaten forests in Natura 2000 areas.
Building sector policies show promise, while country has need for stronger climate policy ambition and implementation
The experts note that agriculture remains the sector in Slovenia most resistant to GHG-reduction measures. Also, although 11% of agricultural land in the country is organically farmed, growth in this area is slow. The CAP Strategic Plan aims to raise this to 18% by 2027, but the experts consider this target unrealistic because of insufficient support policies. In contrast, building sector policies are viewed more positively. Slovenia’s national public fund, Eko Sklad, finances subsidies for energy renovations, including through the ZER 2024 programme, which effectively promotes energy efficiency and reduces energy poverty.
Slovenia plays a mixed role in international climate policy. In 2023, it was the only Central and Eastern European country that supported a more ambitious EU 2040 climate target, yet in 2025, it co-signed a letter seeking to weaken the upcoming EU Emissions Trading System for buildings and road transport (EU ETS 2). The experts note that the country’s carbon price signal remains mostly EU-driven; while Slovenia raised its domestic carbon tax from EUR 17.30 to EUR 30.85 in 2024, it still falls short of EU ETS levels.
The experts urge Slovenia to increase its climate policy ambition and implementation. Renewable energy production should also be accelerated and fossil fuel subsidies should be phased out as soon as possible. Agriculture should undergo improved climate policies and a climate adaptation strategy for key sectors should be developed and swiftly implemented.
Key Outcomes
- Slovenia rises two spots to rank 28th in the CCPI, as a medium performer
- Agriculture remains the sector in Slovenia most resistant to GHG-reduction measures
- Key demands: Agriculture should undergo improved climate policies and a climate adaptation strategy for key sectors should be developed and swiftly implemented
CCPI Experts
The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:
