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Abstract
Energy transition, driven by increased adoption of renewable energy sources (RES), is an ongoing topic in Slovakia, underpinned by the underutilisation of such energy sources vis-à-vis other members of the EU (Eurostat, 2023). Moreover, Slovakia's most underrepresented source of renewable energy is wind energy (Bórawski et al., 2020, p. 695). To accelerate the deployment of RES, particularly wind energy, the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) requires Member States to designate “renewable acceleration areas” (Article 1c of the Directive). Expansion of wind energy in Slovakia is also supported by favourable conditions for such expansion (TASR, 2022).
The process of identifying such zones differs among member states, reflecting the Directive’s flexible approach for objectives delivery. Designating acceleration zones and involving stakeholders and the public may influence acceptance of wind energy, particularly local projects (Frantál & Kučera, 2009). While general public acceptance of RES can be assessed, it often faces "Not in my backyard" (NIMBY) challenges linked to procedural issues. In Slovakia, procedural muddiness is evident in the final designation of two acceleration zones, down from the “39 potential suitable areas for wind farms” previously identified through state-level monitoring (Jenčová, 2025). These zones, finalised in the revision of the Slovak EIA law on the initiative of the environment minister claiming finalised methodology (Jenčová, 2025), known for his anti-RES stance (Lauková, 2025), sparked opposition from two concerned municipalities of Hlohovec (West) and Michalovce (East), which claimed no prior involvement (Haluza, 2025). This opposition contrasts with 2025 Slovak public support for RES, at 70–83 % (Chabada et al., 2025, p. 8 & 32). Understanding which actors are engaged and how is therefore crucial to analysing acceleration zone designation, forming the focus of this paper.
Theoretically, the paper builds upon the framework of three legitimacy types formulated by Vivien Schmidt (2012) – input, throughput, and output legitimacy. While contributing to rich theoretical contributions on the input and output types, Schmidt (2012) adds the throughput type, observing how the collected input from actors is considered in the process, under what formats it is elaborated upon, while reflecting on its permeasion in the policy output (adopted acceleration zones). Given the multilevel nature of the policy, public and private actors in both vertical and horizontal interactions are considered.
Methodologically, the paper adopts a top-down approach, observing the processes of fulfilling acceleration zone objectives in Slovakia. It follows the time frame in accordance with the introduction of RED III Directive, from October 2023, until July 2026, assuring up-to-date findings for the paper to be presented at the conference. Building on the multilevel legitimacy framework, it analyses stakeholder participation across EU, national, regional, and local levels in two acceleration zones. Data are collected through document analysis and elite surveys and analysed using thematic analysis. Focusing on legislative, procedural, and process documents, the study assesses stakeholder inputs and modes of engagement. The findings contribute to debates on wind energy planning in Slovakia and the procedural conditions for a legitimate and lasting transition.
