Urgent Warning Issued by Opposition MP
Slovakia is facing the potential loss of €440 million in European Union funds allocated for its Rural Development Program, according to a recent warning from opposition MP Veronika Remišová. The deadline for drawing these funds is set for the end of 2025, and Remišová has expressed skepticism regarding the country's ability to utilize them effectively within the remaining timeframe.
Remišová, a member of the National Council representing the political party Za ľudí (For the People), highlighted the critical situation during a press conference. She previously served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investment, Regional Development and Informatization, and has a history of advocating against corruption.
The Rural Development Program Under Scrutiny
The funds in question are part of the EU's Rural Development Program (RDP), which constitutes the second pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This program provides financial support to Member States for multi-annual, co-funded initiatives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of agriculture and forestry, promoting sustainable natural resource management, and fostering economic development in rural areas. Slovakia's RDP for the 2014-2022 period, adopted in 2015, outlined the use of €2.961 billion in public money, with €2.230 billion originating from the EU budget.
The current concern centers on the €440 million that the Slovak Ministry of Agriculture must draw by December. Remišová stated that it is 'unrealistic' for the necessary projects to be completed and the funds disbursed within this tight deadline.
Past Failures and Calls for Accountability
This is not the first time concerns have been raised about Slovakia's absorption of EU funds. Remišová recalled a previous instance where she warned that the Minister of Agriculture had lost €216 million for farmers. She also voiced dissatisfaction with contracts recently signed by the Ministry of Agriculture with legal and consulting firms, suggesting potential inefficiencies or irregularities.
In response to the looming deadline and past issues, Remišová has called for Minister of Agriculture Richard Takáč (Smer-SD) to appear before parliament to provide an explanation regarding the utilization of EU funds.
Broader Context of EU Fund Management in Slovakia
Slovakia has faced challenges in managing EU funds in various sectors. For example, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) concluded three investigations in 2020 into the possible misuse of EU agricultural funds in Slovakia. These investigations uncovered issues such as the ineligibility of land claimed for payments, breaches of obligations, and systemic weaknesses within the national control and management systems for direct payments.
Furthermore, an audit in 2024 revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Paying Agency (APA) failed to efficiently manage the Operational Programme Fisheries for 2014-2020. Out of an initial allocation of nearly €16 million, 51% (€8.05 million) had to be returned to Brussels due to a complex and poorly structured system, with less than a third of the reduced amount ultimately utilized.
6 Comments
Fuerza
It's alarming to see such a large sum at risk, and accountability is necessary. However, the complexity of EU regulations often makes absorption difficult for smaller administrations.
Manolo Noriega
Finally, someone is holding them accountable for wasting EU money.
Fuerza
EU funds come with too much bureaucracy anyway, no wonder it's hard.
Ongania
While it's crucial to utilize all available EU funds for development, the consistent mismanagement suggests deeper systemic issues beyond just one ministry. We need structural reform.
Manolo Noriega
Losing €440 million is a serious failure that impacts real people in rural areas. Yet, past issues imply that the problem isn't new and requires a comprehensive, long-term solution, not just finger-pointing.
eliphas
They'll find a way to spend it last minute, they always do.