Prague – The Czech Republic needs to expedite the drawing of European subsidies from specific operational programs this year to avoid losing allocated funds. This concern is particularly focused on the Just Transition operational program, aimed at enhancing conditions in regions impacted by coal mining. If the Czech Republic does not improve its pace of utilization within this program, it could forfeit between one and four billion crowns. This information is highlighted in a report published by the Ministry for Regional Development (MMR) regarding the risks and strategies for implementing EU funds.
The report also indicates potential challenges in accessing funds from the Technology and Applications for Competitiveness program as well as the Fisheries program. Despite these challenges, all programs are expected to comply with the n+3 rule this year, which stipulates that funds allocated for a given year must be utilized within the subsequent three calendar years.
The MMR, as the national coordination authority, has proposed 21 measures in the report to streamline administration and enhance fund utilization. Minister for Regional Development Petr Kulhánek (for STAN) emphasized, “European funds are a vital investment source for the Czech Republic, facilitating regional development, transport modernization, education, and entrepreneurship support. The measures we’ve put in place provide a clear strategy for their optimal use this year.”
Further risk assessments and evaluations of these measures will be conducted this autumn. For the programming period from 2021 to 2027, the EU has allocated 550.5 billion CZK to the Czech Republic. (April 4)
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