Municipalities Warn Government May Divert €400 Million to Other State Projects

Bratislava, April 30 (TASR) - Representatives of the Slovak Towns and Village Association (ZMOS), the Self-governing Regions Association (SK8), and Slovak Towns Union (UMS) called on the government on Wednesday not to reallocate funds from the Slovakia Programme intended for local governments to other areas, warning that such a move, linked to the European Commission's new funding priorities, could cost municipalities €400 million needed for infrastructure, school equipment, and water and sewage systems. "We reject any reallocation and call on the Slovak premier [Robert Fico] to maintain funding designated for municipalities, towns, and regions, otherwise local projects, such as the construction of social service homes or expanding primary school capacity, will be at risk. The money must go directly to regions, towns, and municipalities," said SK8 chairman Jozef Viskupic, warning that redirecting funds for new state priorities would seriously endanger key regional projects. Municipalities have already discussed the issue with the Investment Ministry, which is concerned about the slow drawing of EU funds. The municipalities stressed they can spend the money from the Slovakia Programme, but the process takes time due to complex project preparation. They called on Robert Fico to engage in open dialogue. lin