Brussels/Strasbourg – On Wednesday, European Parliament members approved an extension of EU recovery plan funding beyond 2026. This initiative enjoys backing from several Slovak MEPs across various political groups, who shared their views with TASR.
Lucia Yar (RE/PS) emphasized that the progressives support an 18-month extension of recovery plan funding, which she believes is beneficial for Slovakia and other EU nations. “We voted in favor of the report urging the European Commission to prolong the recovery plans for an additional year and a half,” she stated, highlighting that Slovakia has utilized only 55% of its recovery plan funds to date, with about a year and two months remaining to access several billion euros. Therefore, additional time for utilization is crucial for Slovakia.
She attributed the delayed payment requests to the current government’s focus on less relevant issues instead of timely recovery plan implementation.
Branislav Ondruš (independent/Hlas-SD) remarked that the first two years following the approval of Slovakia’s recovery plan saw previous governments doing little for its execution. “We only began reforming social services and assessment activities in autumn 2023, with new capacities at social service facilities developed later. The health sector suffered even more with hospital construction,” he noted.
He expressed support for extending the funding draw deadline to the end of 2027, believing this will mitigate the risk of reduced project quality due to time constraints. He welcomed the opportunity for improved conditions for modern social service providers and the assurance that the state-owned Forests of Slovakia will preserve jobs for low-skilled workers throughout the prolonged restoration period.
Miriam Lexmann (EPP/KDH) argued against setting a deadline for completing recovery plan projects, stating that it is established from other EU fund utilizations that member states are offered additional time to access funds. “I regret that this issue has only emerged now; we should have discussed it earlier. We need to support member states, especially for ongoing projects facing completion challenges,” she remarked. She believes this measure will ensure the recovery plan’s effectiveness in bolstering the EU economy and sustaining member states’ competitiveness post-pandemic, though she raised concerns over Slovakia’s ability to meet all recovery plan benchmarks, even with the extension.
Michal Wiezik (RE/PS) noted that EU states have, on average, utilized 47% of the recovery plan and achieved 55% for grants, with less than 18 months remaining to access the remaining funds.
“Parliament is advocating for an 18-month extension for large strategic projects tied to the recovery plan, which are crucial yet difficult to implement,” he explained. Nevertheless, member countries should still adhere to the initial project timelines, which provide long-term benefits for utilizing the available billions. This also involves re-evaluating ineffective programs, such as Slovakia’s national park reforms, to redirect resources toward public interest projects.
Monika Beňová (independent/Smer-SD) pointed out that most EU countries face challenges in timely resource utilization from the recovery plan and welcomed the funding extension proposal. “It is an excellent tool, one of the most effective compared to previous initiatives,” she concluded. (June 18)
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