Local Governments: Good Conditions for Implementing Projects in Regions Lacking

Bratislava, 26 May (TASR) - The Slovak Towns and Villages Association (ZMOS) and the Slovak Towns Union (UMS) welcome the support of the Investments Ministry in accessing regional EU funds, but say that good conditions for doing so have not yet been established in Slovakia. The two organisations were responding to a statement by Investments Minister Samuel Migal (Independent) on Friday, 23 May, when he gave assurances that the government doesn't intend to take local authorities' money from the 'Slovakia Programme'. Municipalities agreed that the current consolidation of public finances poses significant challenges for them in terms of providing quality services to the public as well as ensuring the sustainable development of regions. EU funds represent indispensable financial support for them in addressing investment deficits and, in many cases, constitute the only source of funding for investments. Therefore, at the end of April, local governments called on the government not to touch the financial resources allocated to them, amounting to a total of €400 million. At the same time, the local governments understand the ministry's concerns about the slow rate at which EU funds are being drawn. However, they argue that many calls have been published late, and the conditions were also changed after their publication, causing repeated project revisions. Municipalities want to implement projects, but they require significant preparation. They therefore oppose addressing the issue by cutting allocations for territorial development, as, according to them, the main causes lie with the state. Maintaining the current allocation of the 'Slovakia Programme' is the only way to ensure continued regional development. lin/df