MP Roman Malatinec Plans to Amend Law on Arts Support Fund

Bratislava, 26 March (TASR) – Independent MP Roman Malatinec plans to submit a proposal to amend the law on the Arts Support Fund (FPU), citing long-standing concerns about its functioning, which he says fails to meet the expectations of the cultural community. "Two years after the changes, the fund doesn't serve organisers as we would expect. It lacks the required level of transparency and professionalism," stated Malatinec at a press conference on Thursday. Malatinec also pointed to problems with the setting and timing of calls for projects, which complicates the planning of cultural events. Because of this, he plans to submit a bill to Parliament in the near future and initiate a session of the parliamentary committee for culture and media, along with broader expert discussions across the political spectrum. His aim is to make the fund more effective and to consult both MPs and representatives of the cultural sector. Tourism and Sport Minister Rudolf Huliak (Independent) highlighted the importance of supporting folklore events for preserving cultural heritage and developing tourism. "There are sufficient resources in the fund to support such activities," he said, noting that organising festivals requires long-term preparation and stable funding. Representatives of folklore festival organisers have pointed to practical problems in accessing support, criticising in particular the unpredictability of decision-making and the failure to recognise certain costs. They said that it's difficult to organise events without clear information on funding well in advance. More than 20 institutions across Slovakia recently called on the fund to respect valid multi-year contracts and to sign addenda for 2026. They argue that the FPU Council doesn't have the authority to cancel contracts by resolution, citing a legal analysis. If obligations aren't respected, they are prepared to take legal action, including by filing complaints with the prosecution service and suing for damages. They also warned that the decision to cancel so-called three-year contracts affects dozens of projects, festivals and cultural centres across Slovakia and could lead to restrictions or the cancellation of events. The fund has rejected the criticism, saying it isn't about withdrawing money but about changing the system in favour of a 'fairer distribution of support' and a broader range of applicants. A decision of the FPU Council from 18 March concerns the cancellation of so-called three-year contracts, reportedly affecting more than 30 projects nationwide, including cultural centres, international festivals and magazines. Organisations have also noted that the minutes from the meeting haven't yet been published and that no justification has been provided by the council. mf/df