This article provides a concise overview of the legal regulations
governing spatial and development planning in relation to the utilisation of
European funds. It aims to explore
how Slovenia can more optimally
leverage the finan- cial resources available from the European
Union to foster
economic growth, innovation,
and sustainable development. The capacity of programmes and projects to absorb
European cohesion funds is critically dependent on the timely approval or
adoption of national programme documents. This is par- ticularly important for ensuring the timely and efficient use of European
cohe- sion funds. Strategic
and implementation documents
in the field of spatial
and development planning are also essential at both national and
regional levels. Although there have been consistent changes to legal
regulations to enhance the efficient use of available
European Union financial resources, there remain further opportunities for
refinement.
Key words: EU funds, absorption
capacity, spatial planning, development planning, municipalities, regions.