Government to Discuss Position to EU's Future Budget at Its Session on Wednesday

Bratislava, 17 December (TASR) - At its session on Wednesday, the Slovak government is set to discuss the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034 for which the Finance Ministry has prepared Slovakia's framework position, taking a negative stance on the proposal to merge traditional policies having separate implementation systems and rules into a single National and Regional Partnership Plan. The government is also expected to deal with a proposal for a public-private partnership project for the comprehensive renovation of bridges on first-class roads. The project involves the replacement and reconstruction of 575 bridges, with the future concessionaire operating them for 30 years. A public procurement procedure for the concessionaire should be launched by the Transport Ministry by 31 January 2026. Also discussed will be the redistribution of personal income tax revenues next year to secure the funding for the indexation of tariff salaries for school employees in affected towns and municipalities. Furthermore, the cabinet will deal with several regulations prepared by the Agriculture Ministry, such as changes in the provision of support under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as well as by the Labour, Social Affairs and the Family Ministry, which has submitted a draft regulation for changes in the granting of visas to third-country nationals, while extending the period from 180 days to one year. In order to allow more effective implementation of public policies and coordination of activities between the government office, the government proxy for Roma communities and other state authorities with regard to Roma inclusion, the cabinet should discuss a proposal to set up the Government Council for the Inclusion of Marginalised Roma Communities. At its session, the government should also deal with a draft amendment to the Penal Code aimed at tightening the penalties for human trafficking and introducing a new criminal offence to be imposed for using the services of a victim of human trafficking. The government will also discuss proposals submitted by the the Health Ministry, the Tourism and Sport Ministry and the Education Ministry. jrg