Smerkolj highlighted steps forward in Slovenia in the field of programming as well a refocusing from infrastructural funds to softer content.

"We need to focus on drawing up good projects and their execution, not only in terms of drawing EU funds but above all in the sense of achieving the goals and results," the minister was quoted by the Government Service for Development and European Cohesion Policy.

Smerkolj touched in her address on the use of financial instruments and welcomed the European Commission's efforts to expand them.

Given the development gaps among Slovenian regions, Slovenia is a supporter of using financial mechanisms on the basis of the needs of individual countries and regions, she added.

On the sidelines of the two-day meeting, which got under way today, Smerkolj also attended upon an invitation from Slovakian deputy PM Lubomir Važny a meeting of the Visegrad Group and Greece, Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria. Challenges related to the closing stage of the 2007-2013 financial perspective topped the talks.

The main topic of the EU ministerial is the success and added value of cohesion policy with a focus on the implementation of the reform of the policy for 2014-2020.