Slovakia preparing new environment policy; wants public involved

Slovakia might get a new Environmental Policy Strategy for the first time in many years, as the Environment Ministry plans to submit one to a Cabinet session by December, TASR learnt from the ministry's State Secretary Norbert Kurilla on Monday. "The ministry wants a new, modern and targeted strategy. The current one is already 25 years old, and it's no longer reflecting contemporary needs," said Kurilla, adding that the public can join the preparation work. The document should react to the new challenges that Slovakia faces, such as the recent smog problem. The Environmental Policy Institute (IEP) at the Environment Ministry will be in charge of preparing and coordinating work. It will also cooperate with the Agriculture, Economy, Transport and Construction and Health Ministries. "As it will be an open process, we in no way want to leave the professional public and NGOs out of it. They will be part of seven working groups," said IEP analyst Pavol Široký. According to him, the public can send its comments on the strategy until the end of April. An online form has been published on the ministry's website. The final draft version of the new strategy should be completed by the end of June.