The Association of Towns and Municipalities of Slovakia (ZMOS) has criticised the government’s decision on Wednesday to freeze 50% of EU funds allocated to municipalities. They called the move unfair and a breach of trust following recent dialogue with the Ministry of Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation.
The freeze affects flexible allocations under the Slovakia Programme 2021–2027. In a meeting between the Association and Investment Minister, Samuel Migaľ, the municipalities were assured they would have access to €400 million. The decision to freeze the funds came the following day.
The Association considers the government’s decision to be an unexpected reversal that creates uncertainty for municipalities. The move was also criticised by the Union of Slovak Cities and the opposition movement Progressive Slovakia (PS).
However, the Ministry maintains that no funds will be lost, with redistribution being necessary to prevent Slovakia from forfeiting up to €700 million in unspent EU funds.
Source: TASR
