European funds revive Slovenian tourism and sports facilities, including Olympic pools

European Union funding has been instrumental in developing numerous projects across Slovenia, significantly improving living standards, boosting sports and tourism, and stimulating local economies. These initiatives demonstrate the tangible benefits of EU cohesion policy.

Among the notable projects is the extensive renovation of the Vevče Swimming Pool in Ljubljana. Once a popular recreational spot built in the 1970s, the facility closed in 2007 due to disrepair and lay abandoned for years. The City Municipality of Ljubljana acquired the site in 2018, initiating an architectural competition. By December 2024, the Ministry of Local Government, Cohesion, and Regional Development approved European funds for the Vevče project under the 2021-2027 European cohesion policy program.

The revitalized Vevče complex, officially opened in July 2025, spans over 10,700 square meters. It now features a modern, sustainably designed facility with indoor and outdoor pools, sports courts, children's play areas, a fitness center, a gymnasium, and three types of saunas. "It is difficult to carry out such extensive projects without European funds," stated Bojan Tušar, the facility's manager. He emphasized that the project revives a local tradition, allowing residents to swim in Vevče once again while prioritizing sports and sustainability.

Sustainability is a core feature of the Vevče complex, with an emphasis on wooden materials and energy efficiency. The facility includes a rooftop solar power plant, water-to-water heat pumps for heating and cooling, and a system for utilizing groundwater. The EU funding enabled the construction of an outdoor 50-meter Olympic pool and an indoor 25-meter pool, ensuring year-round use. Accessibility for diverse user groups, from families to professional athletes, was a key consideration, incorporating a volleyball court, table tennis, a multipurpose gym, and a children's playground. The total project cost reached 23.9 million euros, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.