EU Commissioner: farmers and researchers need clear information

"I am here in Slovakia to listen to the Slovak side. Representatives of local governments, farmers and researchers do need clear information on the principles and mechanisms of cohesion policy. The European Commission wants to come up with a budget draft that will be beneficial for the member states," said EU Commissioner for Budget Gunther Oettinger, hinting at scandals involving the misuse of EU funds in agriculture and R&D which have happened in Slovakia in the past two years. For the Slovak Government it is important to draw EU money immediately; as soon as the 2021-2027 programming period starts. About €13.3 billion in current prices should be allocated to Slovakia during this period. "Slovakia has several comments on the EC's budget proposal. It wants the funds to be tailored to the needs of individual countries, but it views the draft as a good entry for further discussions," reads a statement from the Finance Ministry.