Krupa Not Aware of Problems with Compensation for Equipment Donated to Ukraine

Bratislava, 1 June (TASR) - Opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) MP Juraj Krupa isn't aware of any problems regarding the compensation to be paid by the European Union (EU) to Slovakia for military equipment donated to Ukraine, claiming that Slovakia could have received more, however, if the payment hadn't been blocked by former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Krupa was responding to remarks by Defence Minister Robert Kalinak (Smer-SD) on STVR's discussion programme 'O 5 minut 12' (Five Minutes to Twelve) on Sunday (31 May). He said that it appears the EU "has a problem" with paying the money and that this is going to be a "huge scandal". MP Gabor Grendel ('Slovakia'-'For the People' caucus) said that Slovakia is relying on this money. "After all, it was a condition for donating that military equipment. Naturally, this compensation was expected, so the government should have done everything it could to make sure we get the money. If we don't, it will be their political responsibility as well," stated Grendel, also criticising the governing coalition for failing to directly oppose the Hungarian blockade. Krupa added that if there's an issue with the payment of compensation, he suspects that it's more likely on the Slovak side. According to him, the financial package for compensation is being redistributed among all participating countries. "Slovakia was supposed to receive around €330 million. However, because Hungary blocked the package, it gradually shrank, as more countries joined in and started providing military aid. We've ended up with less than half of the amount 'thanks' to Viktor Orban," said Krupa. jrg/df