Bratislava – The Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization (MIRRI) in Slovakia is committed to maximizing the use of EU funds, aiming for full utilization whenever possible. The reallocation of these funds will only be considered if municipalities fail to use them effectively, potentially leading the European Commission (EC) to withdraw the funds from Slovakia. Minister of Investments Samuel Migaľ (independent) made this statement in response to municipal concerns about potentially losing access to EU funding.
Minister Migaľ noted that the Banskobystrický, Košický, and Prešovský self-governing regions have effectively capitalized on the available opportunities. He pointed to the success of the Catching-up Regions Initiative as a notable example of how European funds can be put to good use. Migaľ shared this update during a closing conference for the seven-year initiative, which involved collaboration with the regions, the European Commission, and the World Bank.
“If it becomes apparent that some municipalities or towns are unable to effectively utilize the funds, there may be some redistribution. However, we at the ministry will ensure these funds return to the regions,” Migaľ emphasized following a meeting with Ondrej Lunter, chairman of the Banskobystrický self-governing region (BBSK).
Lunter expressed concerns during an extraordinary briefing about the risk of municipalities losing significant EU funds allocated for regional development. He claimed that the government is planning to transfer a portion of these resources from municipalities to the central government in June, which he believes would be detrimental to essential public services, including road repairs, school renovations, and basic social services.
“There are transparent criteria in place that clearly show fund utilization levels. The minister assured me that those who are meeting their targets have no need to worry. It is also crucial that the decision on resource reallocation is made by the minister, not the government overall,” Lunter stated after meeting with the minister.
Lunter further mentioned that the BBSK has a complete array of projects ready for execution, with plans for 100 percent of these projects to be approved by the regional partnership council by the end of the year. Additionally, at least 80 percent of applications for non-repayable financial contributions are expected to be submitted. (April 15)
“If it becomes apparent that some municipalities or towns are unable to effectively utilize the EU funds, there may be some redistribution. However, we at the ministry will ensure these funds return to the regions.” Samuel Migaľ
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