The Minister of the Environment, Cristina Narbona, has held a bilateral meeting with her Slovenian counterpart, Janez Podobnik, to discuss, among other issues, the issue of the Life+ Regulation and its adoption by the European Commission, as well as the inclusion and financing of some forestry development and infrastructure construction actions in the context of the Natura 2000 Network. The Natura 2000 Network aims to conserve the biodiversity of the different types of natural habitats and species in their natural range, within the territory of the European Union.

Both countries share the common effort to contribute territory to the Natura 2000 Network; that is, habitats of community interest and Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPAs). Spain and Slovenia contribute approximately 25 percent of their territories to the European Union in Sites of Community Importance (SCIs) and SPA areas, in accordance with the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives. The two countries are contributing to strengthening the Natura 2000 Network in its sustainable model. This is the path on which they walk.

But this Community financial instrument also has two other lines of work aimed at environmental policy: climate change and waste management, information and communication, including campaigns on forest fires and financial support for NGOs.

Another of the issues addressed at the bilateral meeting was the promotion of renewable energies for sustainable development, especially wind energy, a sector in which Spain has exemplary business development. On this point, both Ministers also spoke of the need to carry out rigorous environmental impact assessment procedures in the installation of wind farms, in accordance with EU provisions, and of the importance of communication with the population through public information procedures.