Monitor: Benova: Subsidies for Slovak Farmers Not at Risk

(STVR, 'Sobotne dialogy', 13 June) EU funds earmarked for Slovak farmers are not at risk, and recipients will receive them, MEP Monika Benova (Smer-SD) stated on STVR's politics programme 'Sobotne dialogy' (Saturday Dialogues) in connection with reports that the European Commission (EC) is investigating the Agricultural Payments Agency (PPA). MEP Miriam Lexmann (Christian Democrats/KDH) also believes that Slovak farmers won't lose their money, but she emphasized the importance of addressing the European Commission's concerns regarding insufficient protection of the European Union's (EU) financial interests. "The letter the Commission sent to Slovakia clearly identifies concerns and issues regarding potential lack of transparency or conflicts of interest," noted Lexmann, adding that she also sees the relevance of the Commission's concerns regarding changes to Slovakia's criminal laws in the context of conditions for drawing EU funds. Benova noted that opposition representatives are constantly scaring the Slovak public by claiming that EU funds will be taken away from the country. She considers the proceedings related to the PPA case to be one of many standard processes that the EC is conducting against several countries. "We're aware of this; the relevant ministry is communicating with the Commission and seeking a way to resolve the matter," pointed out Benova, adding that she trusts the statements made by Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) that funds for Slovak farmers are not at risk. "I also have information that they are not at risk," she noted. am