Coordination
#11Key Findings
Slovenia falls into the sample’s upper-middle ranks (rank 11) in the category of coordination.
The Prime Minister’s Office provides expert opinions, manages government work and coordinates interdepartmental cooperation. However, it does not directly involve itself in drafting ministry policies, which remain the responsibility of the ministries. The General Secretariat of the Government oversees administrative tasks and monitors policy implementation.
Communication within the government happens both formally and informally, through the government information system and via private discussions. Informal meetings between party leaders can play a significant role in shaping government processes.
The government is highly centralized, with all major administrative institutions located in the capital. There is no regional level, and municipalities have limited competences and funding. The division of responsibilities between the national and local levels can sometimes lead to conflicts, for instance with regard to responsibility for infrastructure maintenance.
The Prime Minister’s Office provides expert opinions, manages government work and coordinates interdepartmental cooperation. However, it does not directly involve itself in drafting ministry policies, which remain the responsibility of the ministries. The General Secretariat of the Government oversees administrative tasks and monitors policy implementation.
Communication within the government happens both formally and informally, through the government information system and via private discussions. Informal meetings between party leaders can play a significant role in shaping government processes.
The government is highly centralized, with all major administrative institutions located in the capital. There is no regional level, and municipalities have limited competences and funding. The division of responsibilities between the national and local levels can sometimes lead to conflicts, for instance with regard to responsibility for infrastructure maintenance.
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To what extent do established coordination mechanisms between the government’s office and line ministries effectively enhance policy coherence?
10
9
9
Functional coordination mechanisms between line ministries and the GO/PMO, aimed at enhancing policy coherence, are in place.
8
7
6
7
6
Largely functional coordination mechanisms between line ministries and the GO/PMO, aimed at enhancing policy coherence, are in place.
5
4
3
4
3
Coordination mechanisms between line ministries and the GO/PMO, aimed at enhancing policy coherence, are only somewhat functional.
2
1
1
Coordination mechanisms between line ministries and the GO/PMO, aimed at enhancing policy coherence, are not at all functional.
The Prime Minister’s Office handles the coordination, organization, professional, and administrative tasks for the Prime Minister. Its responsibilities include preparing expert opinions to inform the prime minister’s decisions and actions in managing and directing government work, as well as coordinating the ministries in implementing the government’s political and administrative measures. The office also oversees the implementation of binding instructions issued by the prime minister to the ministers, which are crucial for the work of individual ministries. Additionally, the office is responsible for interdepartmental cooperation on matters involving multiple ministries.
Structurally, the office consists of nine experts, the Head of the Office, and eight State Secretaries. The State Secretaries are responsible for relations with the National Assembly, European affairs, culture, and international affairs. They also develop dialogue with civil society, coordinate citizens’ initiatives, manage intergenerational dialogue and housing policy, oversee strategic communication, and handle the national nuclear program. Women are strongly represented in the current cabinet, alongside three male State Secretaries.
The government operates and makes decisions through regular and correspondence meetings, typically convened by the prime minister on Thursdays. In the prime minister’s absence, the deputy prime minister or a minister appointed by the prime minister chairs the meetings. The government also reviews materials finalized in meetings of its working bodies.
As with previous administrations, there are currently three working bodies: the Committee of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for State and Public Affairs, the Committee of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Economic Affairs, and the Commission of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Administrative and Personnel Affairs. These working bodies meet weekly and consist of the president, the deputy president, and a sufficient number of members appointed by the government. Decisions are made by a majority vote of the members present.
Each working body issues a brief report on the government material discussed at its meetings. Once a working body has given final consideration to a matter, the decision is issued as a government decision.
The State Administration Act defines the relationship between the government and its ministries. Ministries must follow the political guidelines of the government. The government may instruct a ministry to investigate a particular issue, fulfill a specific task, and report back. However, the Prime Minister’s Office is not directly involved in the policies proposed by the ministries, which remain the responsibility of the respective ministries.
Citations:
Republic of Slovenia. 2024. “Office of the Prime Minister.” https://www.gov.si/en/state-authorities/government-offices/office-of-the-prime-minister
Republic of Slovenia. 2024. “Secretariat – General of the Government.” https://www.gov.si/drzavni-organi/vladne-sluzbe/generalni-sekretariat-vlade/
Republika Slovenija. 2024. “Dnevni redi delovnih teles vlade.” https://www.gov.si/drzavni-organi/vlada/seje-vlade/dnevni-redi-delovnih-teles-vlade/
Structurally, the office consists of nine experts, the Head of the Office, and eight State Secretaries. The State Secretaries are responsible for relations with the National Assembly, European affairs, culture, and international affairs. They also develop dialogue with civil society, coordinate citizens’ initiatives, manage intergenerational dialogue and housing policy, oversee strategic communication, and handle the national nuclear program. Women are strongly represented in the current cabinet, alongside three male State Secretaries.
The government operates and makes decisions through regular and correspondence meetings, typically convened by the prime minister on Thursdays. In the prime minister’s absence, the deputy prime minister or a minister appointed by the prime minister chairs the meetings. The government also reviews materials finalized in meetings of its working bodies.
As with previous administrations, there are currently three working bodies: the Committee of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for State and Public Affairs, the Committee of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Economic Affairs, and the Commission of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Administrative and Personnel Affairs. These working bodies meet weekly and consist of the president, the deputy president, and a sufficient number of members appointed by the government. Decisions are made by a majority vote of the members present.
Each working body issues a brief report on the government material discussed at its meetings. Once a working body has given final consideration to a matter, the decision is issued as a government decision.
The State Administration Act defines the relationship between the government and its ministries. Ministries must follow the political guidelines of the government. The government may instruct a ministry to investigate a particular issue, fulfill a specific task, and report back. However, the Prime Minister’s Office is not directly involved in the policies proposed by the ministries, which remain the responsibility of the respective ministries.
Citations:
Republic of Slovenia. 2024. “Office of the Prime Minister.” https://www.gov.si/en/state-authorities/government-offices/office-of-the-prime-minister
Republic of Slovenia. 2024. “Secretariat – General of the Government.” https://www.gov.si/drzavni-organi/vladne-sluzbe/generalni-sekretariat-vlade/
Republika Slovenija. 2024. “Dnevni redi delovnih teles vlade.” https://www.gov.si/drzavni-organi/vlada/seje-vlade/dnevni-redi-delovnih-teles-vlade/
To what extent are there positive (formalized) forms of coordination across ministries that aim to enhance policy coherence?
10
9
9
Interministerial coordination mechanisms targeting policy coherence provide incentives for identifying synergies and opportunities.
8
7
6
7
6
Interministerial coordination mechanisms targeting policy coherence sometimes provide incentives for identifying synergies and opportunities.
5
4
3
4
3
Interministerial coordination mechanisms targeting policy coherence rarely provide incentives for identifying synergies and opportunities.
2
1
1
There are no interministerial coordination mechanisms targeting policy coherence that provide incentives for identifying synergies and opportunities.
The Government Rules of Procedure, adopted in 2001, define cooperation between ministries. The government establishes committees for the preliminary examination of individual matters and interministerial cooperation. The government determines which decisions the ministers on a committee are authorized to make on its behalf. A committee may cease its activities as soon as it has fulfilled its tasks.
The Office of the Government for Legislation ensures that regulations are constitutional and lawful, internally consistent, drafted according to nontechnical rules, understandable to the public, and practical in application. This government service plays a crucial role in coordinating cross-departmental regulations. According to the government’s rules of procedure, proposals for general legislation must always be coordinated in advance with the Office of the Government for Legislation.
The General Secretariat of the Government manages the technical aspects and administration of government activities. This body is responsible for organizing meetings of the government, its working bodies, expert councils, and other government entities, as well as monitoring the implementation of the government’s decisions and obligations.
Communication among government members occurs via the government information system, which is accessible to government members, the secretary-general, the prime minister’s head of office, heads of government services, and their representatives. Decisions on European legislation are made through the EU portal, which is part of the government information system. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses its information system for EU matters related to the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union. When EU matters are published on the EU portal, it is assumed that the material has been distributed to all ministries and government departments. The EU portal is also used to inform the National Assembly.
In December 2022 and March 2023, the government adopted the new Digital Public Services Strategy 2030 and the Digital Slovenia 2030 Strategy, respectively. The Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Digital Transformation was established by the Janša government as a ministry without a portfolio. Although it remains part of the current government, it was reorganized in January 2023 and assigned to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. This ministry is responsible for providing electronic public administration services and, in May 2023, presented guidelines to public administration bodies for accelerating digital transformation in public administration.
Citations:
Republika Slovenija. 2024. “O Ministrstvu za digitalno preobrazbo.” https://www.gov.si/drzavni-organi/ministrstva/ministrstvo-za-digitalno-preobrazbo/o-ministrstvu-za-digitalno-preobrazbo/
Vlada Republike Slovenije. 2023. “Digitalna Slovenija 2023.” https://www.gov.si/assets/ministrstva/MDP/Dokumenti/DSI2030-potrjena-na-Vladi-RS_marec-2023.pdf
Republika Slovenija. 2023. “Usmeritve za pospešitev digitalne preobrazbe v javni upravi.” https://www.gov.si/novice/2023-05-15-usmeritve-za-pospesitev-digitalne-preobrazbe-v-javni-upravi/
Republika Slovenija. 2023. “C2K7 – Digitalna preobrazba javnega sektorja in javne uprave.” https://www.gov.si/zbirke/projekti-in-programi/nacrt-za-okrevanje-in-odpornost/o-nacrtu-za-okrevanje-in-odpornost/digitalna-preobrazba/c2k7-digitalna-preobrazba-javnega-sektorja-in-javne-uprave
Official Journal. 2001. Poslovnik vlade Republike Slovenije. http://www.pisrs.si/Pis.web/pregledPredpisa?id=POSL32
Republike Slovenije. 2023. “O Služba vlade za zakonodajo.” https://www.gov.si/drzavni-organi/vladne-sluzbe/sluzba-vlade-za-zakonodajo/o-sluzbi/
The Office of the Government for Legislation ensures that regulations are constitutional and lawful, internally consistent, drafted according to nontechnical rules, understandable to the public, and practical in application. This government service plays a crucial role in coordinating cross-departmental regulations. According to the government’s rules of procedure, proposals for general legislation must always be coordinated in advance with the Office of the Government for Legislation.
The General Secretariat of the Government manages the technical aspects and administration of government activities. This body is responsible for organizing meetings of the government, its working bodies, expert councils, and other government entities, as well as monitoring the implementation of the government’s decisions and obligations.
Communication among government members occurs via the government information system, which is accessible to government members, the secretary-general, the prime minister’s head of office, heads of government services, and their representatives. Decisions on European legislation are made through the EU portal, which is part of the government information system. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses its information system for EU matters related to the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union. When EU matters are published on the EU portal, it is assumed that the material has been distributed to all ministries and government departments. The EU portal is also used to inform the National Assembly.
In December 2022 and March 2023, the government adopted the new Digital Public Services Strategy 2030 and the Digital Slovenia 2030 Strategy, respectively. The Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Digital Transformation was established by the Janša government as a ministry without a portfolio. Although it remains part of the current government, it was reorganized in January 2023 and assigned to the Ministry of Digital Transformation. This ministry is responsible for providing electronic public administration services and, in May 2023, presented guidelines to public administration bodies for accelerating digital transformation in public administration.
Citations:
Republika Slovenija. 2024. “O Ministrstvu za digitalno preobrazbo.” https://www.gov.si/drzavni-organi/ministrstva/ministrstvo-za-digitalno-preobrazbo/o-ministrstvu-za-digitalno-preobrazbo/
Vlada Republike Slovenije. 2023. “Digitalna Slovenija 2023.” https://www.gov.si/assets/ministrstva/MDP/Dokumenti/DSI2030-potrjena-na-Vladi-RS_marec-2023.pdf
Republika Slovenija. 2023. “Usmeritve za pospešitev digitalne preobrazbe v javni upravi.” https://www.gov.si/novice/2023-05-15-usmeritve-za-pospesitev-digitalne-preobrazbe-v-javni-upravi/
Republika Slovenija. 2023. “C2K7 – Digitalna preobrazba javnega sektorja in javne uprave.” https://www.gov.si/zbirke/projekti-in-programi/nacrt-za-okrevanje-in-odpornost/o-nacrtu-za-okrevanje-in-odpornost/digitalna-preobrazba/c2k7-digitalna-preobrazba-javnega-sektorja-in-javne-uprave
Official Journal. 2001. Poslovnik vlade Republike Slovenije. http://www.pisrs.si/Pis.web/pregledPredpisa?id=POSL32
Republike Slovenije. 2023. “O Služba vlade za zakonodajo.” https://www.gov.si/drzavni-organi/vladne-sluzbe/sluzba-vlade-za-zakonodajo/o-sluzbi/
How effectively do informal coordination mechanisms complement formal mechanisms of interministerial coordination?
10
9
9
Informal coordination mechanisms complement formal mechanisms of interministerial coordination.
8
7
6
7
6
In most cases, informal coordination mechanisms complement formal mechanisms of interministerial coordination.
5
4
3
4
3
In some cases, informal coordination mechanisms undermine formal mechanisms of interministerial coordination.
2
1
1
Informal coordination mechanisms undermine formal mechanisms of interministerial coordination.
Informal communication often occurs away from the public eye, happening daily in person, via emails and telephone conversations, or during various meetings and events. Informal discussions and coffee mornings between party leaders are common practices that influence the dynamics of processes and relationships between participants. The media is informed about such meetings only when a problem arises and a decision is expected from the prime minister.
For instance, during a disagreement within the Social Democratic Party, the party leader met with the prime minister individually, while the minister of justice also met separately with the prime minister. Additionally, a scandal involving the role of the general secretaries of political parties in ministerial duties revealed that the general secretaries of all three coalition parties met weekly to coordinate policy, personnel, and programs.
Citations:
Top news 2024: Matjaž Han: “Od predsednika vlade pričakujem, da jo bo razrešil” – Kaj sledi, če se premier na bo odločil za razrešitev ministrice? https://topnews.si/2024/01/31/video-matjaz-han-od-predsednika-vlade-pricakujem-da-jo-bo-razresil-kaj-sledi-ce-se-premier-na-bo-odlocil-za-razresitev-ministrice/
Alenka Krašovec and Tomaž Krpič. 2024. “Slovenia: Newcomers as Prime Ministers. A New Mode of Coalition Governance?” In Torbjorn Bergman, Gabriella Ilonszki, and Johan Hellstrom, eds., Coalition Politics in Central and Eastern Europe. Abingdon: Routledge.
For instance, during a disagreement within the Social Democratic Party, the party leader met with the prime minister individually, while the minister of justice also met separately with the prime minister. Additionally, a scandal involving the role of the general secretaries of political parties in ministerial duties revealed that the general secretaries of all three coalition parties met weekly to coordinate policy, personnel, and programs.
Citations:
Top news 2024: Matjaž Han: “Od predsednika vlade pričakujem, da jo bo razrešil” – Kaj sledi, če se premier na bo odločil za razrešitev ministrice? https://topnews.si/2024/01/31/video-matjaz-han-od-predsednika-vlade-pricakujem-da-jo-bo-razresil-kaj-sledi-ce-se-premier-na-bo-odlocil-za-razresitev-ministrice/
Alenka Krašovec and Tomaž Krpič. 2024. “Slovenia: Newcomers as Prime Ministers. A New Mode of Coalition Governance?” In Torbjorn Bergman, Gabriella Ilonszki, and Johan Hellstrom, eds., Coalition Politics in Central and Eastern Europe. Abingdon: Routledge.
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To what extent does central government ensure that subnational self-governments meet national (minimum) standards in delivering public services?
10
9
9
The central government effectively ensures that subnational self-governments successfully meet national standards for public service delivery.
8
7
6
7
6
Most of the time, the central government ensures that subnational self-governments successfully meet national standards for public service delivery.
5
4
3
4
3
The central government rarely ensures that subnational self-governments successfully meet national minimum standards for public service delivery.
2
1
1
The central government does nothing to ensure that subnational self-governments successfully meet national standards for public service delivery.
Slovenia’s government is highly centralized, with all major public administrative institutions and ministries located in the capital. Although some institutions, including administrative units, inspectorates, and institutes, have territorial units, there is a clear hierarchy among them. Furthermore, Slovenia does not have regions; the subnational level is represented solely by 212 municipalities with limited competences. The division of responsibilities between the national and local levels can sometimes lead to conflicts, particularly regarding the funding of local infrastructure such as bridge maintenance or water management licenses.
In recent years, the issue of unequal workloads among administrative units has emerged. Slovenia has 58 administrative units responsible for performing state administration tasks uniformly at the subnational level. These tasks include issuing identity cards, travel documents, and driving licenses, as well as registering residences and vehicles, issuing certificates and permits for public events, weapons, building and use permits, and certificates for checking the conformity of buildings.
The division of administrative units dates back to the previous political system, resulting in significant variations in their size and workload. In 2023, the Ministry of Public Administration proposed an amendment to the Act on State Administration to address these disparities. The amendment allows for transferring local jurisdiction between administrative units if a unit cannot manage a large number of cases within a reasonable time frame. This measure aims to expedite case resolutions and reduce backlogs for service users.
Citations:
Al. Ma. 2023. “Vlada za možnost prenosa krajevne pristojnosti med upravnimi enotami.” MMC RTV SLO, February 1. https://www.rtvslo.si/slovenija/vlada-za-moznost-prenosa-krajevne-pristojnosti-med-upravnimi-enotami/656494
In recent years, the issue of unequal workloads among administrative units has emerged. Slovenia has 58 administrative units responsible for performing state administration tasks uniformly at the subnational level. These tasks include issuing identity cards, travel documents, and driving licenses, as well as registering residences and vehicles, issuing certificates and permits for public events, weapons, building and use permits, and certificates for checking the conformity of buildings.
The division of administrative units dates back to the previous political system, resulting in significant variations in their size and workload. In 2023, the Ministry of Public Administration proposed an amendment to the Act on State Administration to address these disparities. The amendment allows for transferring local jurisdiction between administrative units if a unit cannot manage a large number of cases within a reasonable time frame. This measure aims to expedite case resolutions and reduce backlogs for service users.
Citations:
Al. Ma. 2023. “Vlada za možnost prenosa krajevne pristojnosti med upravnimi enotami.” MMC RTV SLO, February 1. https://www.rtvslo.si/slovenija/vlada-za-moznost-prenosa-krajevne-pristojnosti-med-upravnimi-enotami/656494
To what extent do national policymakers effectively collaborate with regional and local governments to improve the delivery of public services?
10
9
9
National policymakers work effectively with regional and local governments to improve the delivery of public services.
8
7
6
7
6
In general, national policymakers work effectively with regional and local governments to improve the delivery of public services.
5
4
3
4
3
National policymakers rarely work effectively with regional and local governments to improve the delivery of public services.
2
1
1
There is no effective multilevel cooperation between the central and subnational governments.
Slovenia is divided into 212 municipalities. Most of these municipalities are small and understaffed, making it difficult for them to cover all policy areas. Only the larger cities have departments that manage specific policy areas. Additionally, local governments struggle with inadequate funding and often inefficient budget use due to the small size of the municipalities and lack of resource pooling for shared services. Consequently, dissatisfaction between local and national levels often stems from the fee received from the national budget (the so-called “povprečnina”).
Municipalities, however, possess a certain degree of local autonomy. The extent of administrative supervision impacts the independence of local government. From a comparative perspective, Slovenia has the lightest forms of administrative supervision.
In October 2023, the Government Office for Legislation organized a public consultation on establishing the Register of Legal Acts of Local Communities, which representatives of municipalities, associations of municipalities, official gazettes, and other experts attended.
Citations:
Andreas Ladner, Nicolas Keuffer, and Alexander Bastianen. 2021. “Self-rule Index for Local Authorities in the EU, Council of Europe and OECD Countries, 1990–2020.” European Commission. http://www.andreasladner.ch/dokumente/Eigene%20Arbeiten/LAI_2_0%20Final%20report%20published%20on%20the%20website%20of%20the%20EC.pdf
Služba vlade Republike Slovenije za zakonodajo. 2023. “Javni posvet: vzpostavitev Registra pravnih aktov lokalnih skupnosti.” https://www.gov.si/novice/2023-10-23-javni-posvet-vzpostavitev-registra-pravnih-aktov-lokalnih-skupnosti/
Municipalities, however, possess a certain degree of local autonomy. The extent of administrative supervision impacts the independence of local government. From a comparative perspective, Slovenia has the lightest forms of administrative supervision.
In October 2023, the Government Office for Legislation organized a public consultation on establishing the Register of Legal Acts of Local Communities, which representatives of municipalities, associations of municipalities, official gazettes, and other experts attended.
Citations:
Andreas Ladner, Nicolas Keuffer, and Alexander Bastianen. 2021. “Self-rule Index for Local Authorities in the EU, Council of Europe and OECD Countries, 1990–2020.” European Commission. http://www.andreasladner.ch/dokumente/Eigene%20Arbeiten/LAI_2_0%20Final%20report%20published%20on%20the%20website%20of%20the%20EC.pdf
Služba vlade Republike Slovenije za zakonodajo. 2023. “Javni posvet: vzpostavitev Registra pravnih aktov lokalnih skupnosti.” https://www.gov.si/novice/2023-10-23-javni-posvet-vzpostavitev-registra-pravnih-aktov-lokalnih-skupnosti/