Bratislava – The foundation of European investments must continue to be cohesion and cooperation among regions. This assertion was made by Juraj Droba, President of the Bratislava Self-Governing Region (BSK), following a meeting with European Commissioner for Budget, Fight against Fraud, and Administration, Piotr Serafin. The discussion revolved around the proposal for a new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028 – 2034, as reported by BSK spokesperson Lucia Forman.
“It is crucial for us to concentrate on objectives and outcomes, ensuring that EU funds are less encumbered by bureaucracy and simpler to access, allowing us to focus more on tangible results in our territories. I am pleased that the European Commissioner acknowledged this approach, as well as the effective and meaningful utilization of the funds,” stated Juraj Droba.
The meeting further addressed the importance of maintaining cohesion policy as a key instrument for regional development. According to Droba, regions anticipate stability, predictability, and true partnership from the new financial framework. He also reminded that strengthening Europe’s competitiveness should not come at the cost of cohesion policy, which underpins regional development, innovation, and social stability.
The Bratislava Region is advocating in the EU Committee of the Regions for cohesion policy to remain accessible to all regions
He highlighted the necessity for regions to be considered full partners in the upcoming MFF. The Bratislava Region, alongside Slovak and Czech delegations within the EU Committee of the Regions, is pushing for cohesion policy to remain open to all regions. Additionally, they advocate that National Regional Partnership Plans include obligatory regional chapters with distinct allocations and that the European Commission engage in direct negotiations with regional authorities.
Droba emphasized the need for a distinct and stable allocation for cohesion policy, ensuring that new European instruments are closely tied to territorial requirements. “Beyond the official government stance, I believe the perspectives of regional self-governments are equally significant. Therefore, we discussed ways to integrate the priorities of the Bratislava Region — and, candidly, all Slovak regions — into this long-term budget framework to ensure continued support for Slovakia’s economic development,” noted Piotr Serafin.
The meeting also featured a visit from the European Commissioner to the Ekocentre Čunovo, a facility established by BSK through cross-border cooperation involving Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. This environmental education center focuses on nature conservation, biodiversity, and climate challenges, serving as a prime example of effective EU fund utilization. (2 December)
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