Slovakia and Czech Republic Plan to Boost Cooperation in Regional Development

Bratislava, 18 February (TASR) - Slovakia and the Czech Republic want to strengthen cooperation in the areas of regional development, public administration, investment, affordable housing and informatisation, concurred Slovak Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Minister Samuel Migal (Independent) and Czech Local Development Minister Zuzana Mrazova following their talks in Bratislava on Wednesday. Migal said that it's important for Slovakia and the Czech Republic to coordinate their positions, especially on issues related to EU funds and the future programme period after 2028. "This is extremely important because the issues that concern Slovakia and the Czech Republic are very similar, and it's precisely our common stances and common messages that can be a much stronger voice in Brussels, in the European Union," he stated, adding that high on the agenda of the meeting was the efficient use and distribution of EU funds to the regions. The ministers also discussed investments and support for affordable housing. "We exchanged our knowledge and experience in this area to date. At the same time, of course, we listened to what the Czech Republic is interested in, how we can help each other," said Migal. Mrazova highlighted the close ties between the two countries. "The Slovak Republic is the Czech Republic's closest partner and should remain so in the future," she said, emphasising the need to develop cross-border cooperation, joint regional development and a coordinated approach in preparing for the new programme period after 2028. The Czech minister also praised the Slovak model of support for the construction of flats. According to her, this could serve as inspiration for the Czech environment. "Our tools are different, but I believe that we'll bring some of these measures to the Czech Republic," she added, welcoming the interest shown by investors in a joint Slovak-Czech market. am/df