Mining Regions and Cities in SAŠA and Zasavska, Slovenia

Slovenia’s plan to phase out coal before 2033 shapes current development trajectories in the Savinjsko-Šaleška (SAŠA) subregion and the Zasavska region. Zasavska has been adjusting to mine and power plant closures since 2014, while SAŠA still relies on an active coal complex and needs to prepare for its closure. Both regions can access a number of programmes including the EU’s Just Transition Mechanism, national co financing and regional development programmes to support new activities, skills and land reuse. A mix of tools and support designed to enable lasting economic and community prosperity.This OECD report examines how SAŠA and Zasavska can continue building a just transition beyond the current JTF programming period, grounded in the mining identity that has shaped these regions. It reviews trends, the policy framework and early implementation lessons. For national and regional policymakers, it offers practical ways to strengthen project pipelines, improve co-ordination, and prepare transition plans for 2028 and beyond, showing how coal regions can draw on their industrial know-how, research assets and natural strengths to build resilient economies where communities with mining legacy thrive.