Remisova Criticises Migal's Absence at Press Conference on New EU funds

Bratislava, 14 July (TASR) - Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Minister Samuel Migal (Independent) should start managing his ministry and hold talks on new EU funds with all relevant partners, opposition MP Veronika Remisova ('Slovakia - 'For the People') said in response to Tuesday's press conference on the preparation of the new National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP), which Migal did not attend in person. According to her, it's absolutely unacceptable and outrageous that the public is being informed about "such a tectonic shift and the future of €20 billion for our country only by government proxies, section directors and invited guests". The press conference was attended by Government Proxy for NRPP Ladislav Simko and Transport Ministry State Secretary Denisa Zilakova, as well as by Dusan Gabor, general director of the Rural Development and Direct Payments Section at the Agriculture Ministry, Branislav Zacharides from the Slovak Towns and Villages Association (ZMOS), and Andrej Lasz from the Association of Industrial Unions and Transport (APZD). During the preparation of the strategic document, the ministry is deliberately not communicating with all important partners, according to Remisova. "They are pushing this through quietly, inviting only selected representatives for appearances, while key NGOs, innovators, and the broader professional community are purposefully excluded from the process," said Remisova. She is convinced that if the minister doesn't change this approach, there's a real risk that the new EU funds will be set up in a way that disadvantages regions, while the money "will once again end up only in the hands of large financial groups". According to a press release from the ministry, the second meeting of the national platform on NRPP was attended by representatives of central and local governments, the business and civic sectors, as well as expert stakeholders. jrg