Vrtovec Returns to Lead Slovenia's Infrastructure Ministry, Focus on Major Projects

Jernej Vrtovec is set to resume his position as Slovenia's Minister of Infrastructure, a familiar territory for the career politician. During his previous term in the Janša government, the ministry's budget surpassed one billion euros. Vrtovec is anticipated to push forward with large-scale transport infrastructure projects and the development of the second block of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant.

Gregor Ficko, director of the Chamber of Construction at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, expressed optimism about Vrtovec's return. "Continuity will continue. In the two years that Jernej Vrtovec led the ministry, he launched major infrastructure projects: from the third development axis to the second track. He will not be short of work. He knows the ministry perfectly and has experience. He performed excellently in his first term," Ficko stated.

Vrtovec, born in 1985, is a dedicated politician within New Slovenia, having served as a Member of Parliament and previously as Minister of Infrastructure from 2020 to 2022. His agenda includes advancing projects like the double-track railway lines towards Kamnik, Kranj, and Grosuplje, as well as the third development axis. A significant challenge will be navigating spatial planning and obtaining permits, requiring close collaboration with the Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning.

The government must also ensure that any budget savings do not hinder economic growth by cutting investment funds. Financial resources for projects are expected to be more readily available, partly due to the utilization of cohesion funds. In the previous term, under Minister Alenka Bratušek, the state allocated seven billion euros for transport infrastructure, making construction a vital engine for economic growth. The sector's added value increased by 22% over four years, significantly outpacing manufacturing's 10% growth.

Vrtovec will also oversee the energy sector, previously managed by Minister Bojan Kumer. Slovenian energy faces challenges related to grid readiness for distributed energy sources and electrification, as well as the country's long-standing difficulty in building new large-scale production facilities beyond solar power. During his first term, Vrtovec granted Gen Energija a permit for the second block of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant, and the government is expected to make a final decision on its supplier and construction in the current term.

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Continuity will continue. In the two years that Jernej Vrtovec led the ministry, he launched major infrastructure projects: from the third development axis to the second track. He will not be short of work. He knows the ministry perfectly and has experience. He performed excellently in his first term.