Hailing Slovenia's efforts so far, European Commission vice-president Maroš Šefčovič stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders.

The commissioner, responsible for the Energy Union, believes that given the support demonstrated by its population, mayors and technological companies, Slovenia can become a model for other countries in the region and show how clean technology can bring a change for the better fast.

Outgoing Infrastructure Minister Peter Gašperšič expressed Slovenia's support for the European Commission package of measures related to the Energy Union, arguing the envisaged market-oriented solutions would have a positive effect on the economy and active consumers.

He noted the transition would also have to be accompanied by major decisions at large production units in the country, while a modern regulatory framework and the participation of businesses, consumers and the state will also be important.

The minister assessed for the STA that Slovenian companies are indeed already getting ready for the necessary adjustments and that Slovenia could become a model within ten years.

"Green business is good business, especially in the energy sector," Economy Minister Zdravko Počivalšek added, while noting that circular models and modernisation are becoming a must in the economy.

The conference examined proposals by young researchers and experts active in the field, as well as initiatives coming from Slovenian business.

The key message by what were over 120 participants was that the energy transition is a major challenge for the energy sector, the economy and all of Slovenia's citizens and that its direction and pace have to be well thought through, also taking into account the country's specifics.

Slovenia cannot afford to simply copy the solutions used by other countries, the participants stressed, while calling on the government and the European Commission to support Slovenia as a testing environment for new technologies, products and services, the GZS wrote.