Estok: Future EU Budget a Strategic Issue with Direct Impact on Slovakia

Bratislava, 1 June (TASR) - Current European issues, upcoming events at the highest political level and discussions on the future direction of the European Union were the fulcrum of talks on Monday between Deputy Foreign and European Affairs Minister Marek Estok and Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovakia Peter Stano, TASR learnt from the ministry's press department on the same day. The meeting took place as part of regular consultations aimed at exchanging information on current developments in the European Union. "I consider the future European budget to be a strategic issue, as the outcome of the negotiations will have a fundamental political, financial and economic impact on Slovakia. Our goal is to achieve a favourable negotiating outcome while remaining a constructive partner in seeking a Europe-wide compromise," Estok stated. According to Estok, the next EU budget will likely be the last one during which Slovakia remains a net recipient of EU funds. During its 22 years of EU membership, Slovakia has received more than €36 billion from the EU budget to support projects in regional development, transport, education, science and research, healthcare and environmental protection. Including the Recovery and Resilience Plan, the total amount could increase by a further €6.4 billion. EU funds have contributed to the construction of motorways, the reconstruction of first-, second- and third-class roads, the modernisation of trams and trains, and investments in hospitals, modern education and the digitalisation of society. At the most recent meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, Slovakia initiated a joint declaration by 16 countries within the Friends of Cohesion group calling for a strong and fair EU budget that will support regions, farmers and investment. mf