In this master’s thesis, we examined the developmental role of regions as the second level of local self-government in Slovenia, focusing on the current state of regional development in Slovenia and the potential future impact of the formation of regions. We conducted an online survey among the general public (N = 262) and carried out 15 semi-structured interviews with interlocutors from two groups: (1) experts from various fields who participated in drafting proposals, and (2) “users” or stakeholders who would be involved in spatial management and the promotion of regional development within the framework of an additional spatial governance level in Slovenia (municipalities, regional development agencies, the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development, and the Ministry of Public Administration). Selected proposals for the territorial division of Slovenia into regions (3, 8, 15, and 25 regions) were evaluated against 18 criteria, grouped into four categories: (1) strategic development goals, (2) spatial and environmental aspects, (3) quality of life, and (4) governance and participation. Despite multiple attempts, regions have not yet been formed for various reasons, including constitutional constraints, lack of political will, financing issues, and ineffective communication with the general public. Analyses and opinions indicate that regions could contribute to more balanced regional development, the reduction of development disparities, and more efficient governance. However, open questions remain regarding their number, methods of financing, and the actual political will to form them. The proposal for 8 regions appears to be the most balanced and professionally substantiated, as it offers the highest number of positive impacts on achieving regional development goals.
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