PS Seeks Audit of MIRRI's Recovery Funds Digital Grants, Urges PM Fico to Act

Bratislava, 17 June (TASR) - Opposition party Progressive Slovakia (PS) has filed a request with the Supreme Audit Authority (NKU) to examine the effectiveness of the use of Recovery and Resilience Plan funds in a digital grant scheme run by the Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Ministry (MIRRI), PS MP Jan Hargas announced on Wednesday. PS also called on Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) to "put matters right" with the ministry's head, Samuel Migal (Independent). In February, PS filed criminal complaints with both the Prosecutor-General's Office and the European Public Prosecutor's Office regarding Call No. 2 for research and development support in digital transformation. According to Hargas, the European Public Prosecutor's Office is examining the case. The party has questioned the legality of the evaluation process and has also raised concerns about some of the companies receiving grants. According to PS, one recipient company doesn't respond to email or telephone inquiries and has no registered headquarters, while another has reported zero revenues. The ministry rejected Hargas's allegations of manipulation of the evaluation process in February, stating that the assessment had been conducted in accordance with legal rules and Recovery and Resilience Plan mechanisms, which are subject to multi-level national and European oversight. It also noted that support can only be awarded to entities demonstrably engaged in research activities and that reimbursement is limited to a maximum of 60 percent of eligible costs. "MIRRI has nothing to hide and welcomes any lawful review by law-enforcement authorities. Recovery Plan processes can be audited and are subject to strict controls," said the ministry. The call, financed through the Recovery and Resilience Plan, had a total allocation of €58 million and was launched by the ministry in August 2025. The criminal complaint submitted by PS cited suspected subsidy fraud, damage to the financial interests of the European Union, a breach of obligations in the administration of entrusted assets, and misuse of powers by a public official. mf/df