EC: EU Funds to Slovakia Exceed €36 billion Since 2004

Bratislava, 30 April (TASR) – More than €36 billion flowed into Slovakia from the European budget between 2004 and 2025, the European Commission Representation in Slovakia has stated in anticipation of the 22nd anniversary of the country's accession to the European Union, which falls on 1 May. The total could increase by a further €6.4 billion when the Recovery and Resilience Plan is included. According to a Eurobarometer survey from last December, 54 percent of Slovaks trust the EU, while 68 percent feel attached to it. "For more than two decades, the EU has helped Slovakia move forward: investing in competitiveness, supporting health care, education, infrastructure, innovation and modern technologies, and strengthening the country's stability and resilience. We should be proud to belong to a space in which rules are observed and respected. The answer to today's challenges should be even closer cooperation within the EU. Together, we are stronger and more resilient in the face of uncertainty in today's turbulent world," said head of the Commission's representation in Slovakia, Peter Stano. According to the representation, EU funds have significantly improved the country's economy and make up a large share of public investment. Hundreds of projects have been supported in areas such as regional development, transport, education, science and research, health care and environmental protection. EU funding has been used to build and modernise hospitals and health-care facilities, restore historical buildings and renovate homes across Slovakia. It's also enabled the launch of a supercomputer and supported scientific projects and cutting-edge research. Slovakia could receive a further €20 billion from the new financial framework for 2028–2034. "When we look at how major economies compete for dominance on the global stage, it is clear that EU membership is a huge advantage for us, both geopolitically and economically," said European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency Maros Sefcovic. He added that in today's world of unpredictability and conflict, the EU's role as a peace project remains crucial. mf/df