May 24 (SeeNews) - The European Commission (EC) has recommended Slovenia to take action in 2022 and 2023 to reduce overall reliance on fossil fuels by accelerating the deployment of renewables, it said.
Slovenia needs to streamline permitting procedures, strengthen the electricity distribution network, increase the implementation of energy efficiency measures, and ensure that energy infrastructure and interconnections have sufficient capacity, the EU Commission said in a 2022 national reform programme recommendation on Monday.
"In 2023, ensure that the growth of nationally-financed current expenditure is in line with an overall neutral policy stance, taking into account continued temporary and targeted support to households and firms most vulnerable to energy price hikes and to people fleeing Ukraine. Stand ready to adjust current spending to the evolving situation," the EC said.
Slovenia also needs to expand public investment for the green and digital transition and for energy security, including by making use of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), RePowerEU, and other EU funds.
"For the period beyond 2023, pursue a fiscal policy aimed at achieving prudent medium-term fiscal positions. Ensure the long-term fiscal sustainability of the healthcare and long-term care systems. Introduce compensating measures to finalise the shift from labour taxes, including by rebalancing towards more green and growth-friendly taxes," the EU's executive body said.
The Commission also recommended Slovenia to proceed with the implementation of its recovery and resilience plan and submit the 2021-2027 cohesion policy programming documents with a view to finalising their negotiations and subsequently starting their implementation.