The Social and Economic Council has agreed on aid for energy-intensive businesses in light of increased energy prices. Prime Minister Eduard Heger and several other representatives of the tripartite reported during the session of the body on Monday, claiming that the aid scheme should concern approximately 50,000 employees and amount to €40 million in 2022. Finance Ministry State Secretary Marcel Klimek claimed that the measure will be swift and budget-responsible, explaining that it'll depend on distribution tariffs paid by these companies. At the same time, the Economy Ministry will continue to hold talks with large employers to look for a solution for 2023. State Secretary Peter Svec reported the ministry wants to pursue the best possible alternative in order to protect the economy and industry and preserve employment. According to Heger, the Social and Economic Council agreed on a specific proposal tabled by representatives of the businesses in question. Both employer and trade union associations on Monday expressed their appreciation for the fact that the Social and Economic Council has agreed on aid for energy-intensive businesses. Rastislav Machunka, deputy chairman of the Association of Employers' Unions, said the partial levelling of conditions for large enterprises on the single European market will create a prerequisite for the functioning of the entire economy. Meanwhile, head of the Industrial Unions and Transport Association Alexej Beljajev claimed that the negotiations on aid for energy-intensive companies were difficult, but now that it's been approved the focus must shift to aid for companies in 2023. Although it is unclear how energy prices will continue to evolve, Beljajev adds that employers should rely on solutions that are compatible with those adopted in other European countries.
Source: TASR
