10 April 2026,
Ljubljana

Representatives of the EPEKA Association attended an important meeting today in Ljubljana with the Director-General of the Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Edvin Škrt. The central topic of the discussion was the proposed model for involving the private sector in international development cooperation projects for the 2027–2029 period, which introduces significant changes to the funding and implementation structure of humanitarian aid projects.

Within the framework of the SLOGA platform, we provided constructive feedback on the proposed partnership model. Although non-governmental organizations generally support the involvement of the private sector when it brings clear added value to local communities, we emphasized that substantive control over projects must remain in the hands of those who best understand the needs on the ground. This is crucial to ensure we do not stray from the fundamental purpose of development aid – poverty reduction and support for the most vulnerable groups.

We specifically highlighted issues regarding localization and ensuring gender equality. Experience shows that NGO-led projects are often more effective at achieving transformative social impacts than those primarily driven by business interests. We believe that the key to success lies in transparent, partnership-based, and consultative dialogue, which will enable the stable and resilient operation of all stakeholders involved.

You can read more about the platform’s positions and future steps on the SLOGA platform website.