Bratislava – This year’s main focus for Slovakia’s industry, mirroring trends within the EU, is energy prices. Minister of Economy Denisa Saková (Hlas-SD) made this announcement during a conference hosted by the Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SOPK) titled Expected Development of the Slovak Economy in 2026. She indicated that Slovakia is working on an aid program for energy-intensive businesses, which has already been communicated to the European Commission (EC), according to TASR.
“Undoubtedly, the top priority and pressing issue is energy prices, which impact the competitiveness of Slovakia and the entire EU. Prices continue to be higher than before the 2022 energy crisis. We are striving to leverage all available exemptions granted by the European Commission,” stated Denisa Saková.
The government is coordinating a state aid scheme for enterprises in negotiations with the European Commission
Saková explained that the Slovak government is formulating a state aid scheme, currently under negotiation with the European Commission, aimed at supporting the energy-intensive sector. “We will be able to refinance half of the electricity costs for 50% of energy-intensive industries. However, those industries must reinvest half of that amount back into their operations and decarbonization initiatives,” she clarified.
The minister anticipates that the proposed state aid scheme will be submitted to the EC in the coming weeks and subsequently implemented in the business sector.
She also noted that the number of businesses benefiting from the scheme will be contingent on the financial resources available in the state budget, which will fund the initiative. “Additionally, we are in discussions with the Environmental Fund, which may also provide refinancing for certain groups of enterprises,” Saková added. (27 January)
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