Blanar: Slovakia Has Gained Higher Quality of Life for Population Thanks to EU

Bratislava, April 29 (TASR) - Slovakia has gained prosperity, along with growth in the standard of living and quality of life of its population thanks to its membership of the European Union (EU), Foreign Affairs Minister Jura0j Blanar (Smer-SD) has told TASR in anticipation of the anniversary of Slovakia's accession to the EU. Slovakia will mark the 20th anniversary of joining the EU on May 1. Blanar noted that by joining the EU, Slovakia has received significant support from EU funds, thanks to which hundreds of specific projects were brought to the regions. "This money has helped us in the fields of regional development, transport, education, science and research, health care and environmental protection. It's helped us to build or reconstruct roads, railways, medical facilities, cycle paths, bus stops, to buy new buses for public city and suburban transport and other positive changes," he said, adding that Slovakia has gained EU funds amounting to €30 billion to date. The minister pointed out that EU membership and 15 years of using the single European currency have also brought the free movement of goods, services and capital throughout the EU. "We can pay and trade with the single currency, which is a competitive advantage, and it significantly helps Slovakia to develop its economy and trade," said Blanar, noting that customs duties were scrapped and roaming fees removed. Blanar also highlighted the possibility of free travel within the Schengen zone with only a national ID card. He sees another advantage in more job opportunities, either in Slovakia or in other member states, as well as more opportunities to study and gain experience within programmes to support education, such as Erasmus. He specified that 40,000 students and trainees from Slovakia have already participated in this programme. The minister added that the EU should continue to put emphasis on higher food quality, limiting the use of chemicals, artificial fertilisers and pesticides in the food chain. "Our efforts to address the issue of double quality of food, which was raised at the EU level by the Slovak government, are still needed here," he stressed. ko/df