Migal: Small Municipalities to Get €4 mn from State Budget for 186 projects (2)

Bratislava, 19 December (TASR) - Small municipalities in Slovakia will receive state funding worth €4.1 million for 186 approved projects under the 'Living Countryside' call, Investment Minister Samuel Migal (Independent) told a press conference on Friday following the evaluation of the call, adding that 745 applicants applied for funding worth more than €17 million. "Slovakia's development mustn't stop at large cities or municipalities. To see balanced and fair development across the entire country, we must systematically support small villages as well," said Migal. During the pre-Christmas period, the 186 'presents' will be distributed to the municipalities to improve the quality of life of their people, he added. "This assistance covers a wide range of areas – support for culture and traditions, including folk costumes and musical instruments, and the restoration of cultural heritage, such as wooden churches and war cemeteries," explained Migal. The funds can also be spent on reconstructing sports grounds and on civic amenities, such as PA sound systems, portable stages, benches or multi-purpose solutions. Migal said that it's difficult for small municipalities with up to 1,000 inhabitants to take part in medium-sized or even large calls for EU funds, as they lack project teams of external consultants, capacities or funds for co-financing. However, they do possess determination and have good ideas, urged on by the need to change the environment for their people. "For the first time in 50 years, we'll replace our portable stage and benches. This is a great help for us, as it's difficult to allocate funds for this in the municipal budget," said mayor of the village of Necpaly in Turiec area (Zilina region) Peter Majko. The technical details and a list of supported projects have been published on the website of the Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Ministry (MIRRI), which has also announced that support for the smallest local governments will continue. "We're working to ensure that a special call is launched next year specifically for small municipalities which, for many years, had no chance to apply for any European grants," said Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Deputy Minister Radomir Salitros. He added that municipalities will be able to refurbish their community centres and use several tens of thousands of euros precisely for what they need. NOTE: This story has been extended to include the final three paragraphs jrg/df