Observed annually on April 22, Earth Day is an international day when support for environmental protection stands in the forefront. One day prior to Earth Day, European Union negotiators clinched a deal on European Climate Law that will enshrine the EU's commitment to reaching climate neutrality by 2050, as well as the very steps that individual Member States must take to achieve it. These will also apply to Slovakia, as well as the obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
In her statement issued on the occasion of Earth Day, Slovak president Zuzana Čaputová said that during the pandemic, people have become even more aware of their vulnerability and their close connection with nature. She thinks that on the way out of this pandemic crisis, it will be important to pursue a green, innovative and nature-aware recovery. She is therefore pleased that the Green Agenda will be an important part of the country's Recovery Plan and that the planned investments will help Slovakia to reduce emissions and create a better and healthier environment.
Symbolically on Earth Day, the Environment Minister Ján Budaj (OĽaNO) signed a decree to the Nature Conservation Act, by which the grey wolf was added to the list of protected animals. It will be prohibited to capture, injure or kill, breed, sell or exchange wolf specimens. The decree sets the social value of the grey wolf at 3,000 euros.
