Various officials and experts will discuss environmental connectivity.

The event will bring several debates featuring decision-makers at the international, national and local level, as well as stakeholders from the wider region.

Almost 1,000 representatives of European macro-regions and EU institutions are expected to attend.

The official opening saw Development and European Cohesion Policy Minister Alenka Smerkolj stressing that regional connections boost economic development and contribute to the sustainable development of regions.

She pointed out that Slovenia collaborated in three of the four macro-regional EU strategies, connections that she sees as the only way to ensure successful development.

Prime Minister Miro Cerar noted better ties were instrumental in improving security and addressing challenges.

"We are encountering great security issues and various military conflicts very close to our country. We know that we are also dealing with one of the biggest migration waves in history," he said.

Addressing required a lot of effort, but it can all be overcome if "we are truly connected," he said.

Several exhibitions were held ahead of today's opening, while a workshop focusing on the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region was organised last Friday.

Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Strategies Week is organised by the Foreign Ministry, the National Assembly, the Environment and Spatial Planning Ministry, the National Institute for Nature Conservation and several local and regional organisations.