Migal Expects New EU Funds to Support Competitiveness and Innovation

Bratislava, 10 March (TASR) - EU funds during the new 2028-34 programming period should support competitiveness as well as modern innovation in the regions, said Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Minister Samuel Migal (Independent) during a briefing on Tuesday that followed a meeting with representatives of the business sector concerning preparations for the National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) for 2028 and beyond. Migal said that simplifying the system for drawing EU funds will be a priority. "Slovakia cannot grow without having strong industry and a strong business environment. That's why we want to prepare the new programming period at our ministry, under our leadership, in a different way. We want to learn from past mistakes and set up EU funds in a way that will make sure that they really will support competitiveness and modern innovation in the regions". Dialogue is the key for doing this, stressed Migal. "Businesses must be direct partners in shaping the new programming period. They know best where the barriers are, where the opportunities lie and what investments can push Slovakia forward," he said. He stated that the ambition is to prepare a plan that will help Slovakia keep up with the most advanced economies in Europe while also strengthening the development of the regions. Also attending the briefing, Government Proxy for NRPP Ladislav Simko said that the year 2034 will clearly be very different from now, as preparing the funds and designing projects up to 2034 as early as in 2027 will be extremely demanding. "Our goal will be to narrow the number of priorities and to focus on Slovakia's key investment needs, particularly with a view to supporting the business sector," said Simko, who added that the required reforms might be painful but necessary for Slovakia to function properly. "I agree that it's necessary to narrow the scope for using European resources. As a five-million-strong country, we can't do everything," stressed president of the Association of Industrial Unions and Transport (APZD) Alexej Beljajev. According to the Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Ministry (MIRRI), the NRPP for the 2028-34 period should respond to the changing global environment and to new EU priorities that place particular emphasis on competitiveness, innovation, security and the resilience of the European economy. Based on the most recent proposals, Slovakia could draw approximately €19.9 billion under NRPP during the 2028–34 period. jrg/df