Prosecutor-General (PG) Maros Žilinka has pointed to the long-term deterioration of many immovable cultural monuments, warning that their cultural value is at risk and expressing concern that this could ultimately lead to their physical destruction, adding that the matter will be investigated.
"In 2026, the PG's Office will examine the lawfulness of corrective and punitive procedures, decisions, and measures across Slovakia, as well as any potential idleness shown by public administration bodies when it comes to protecting cultural monuments," said Žilinka.
In a response, the Monuments Authority stated that it has long pointed to the poor condition of heritage assets and the need to restore and maintain them. It stated that the absence of this has caused the number of buildings in a deteriorating condition to grow.
The authority also pointed to the high costs of restoration, which necessitates the involvement of state subsidy schemes, local governments and European funds.
"A key activity in the near future is the possibility of setting the budget for the EU National and Regional Partnership Plan for 2028 to 2034, supplemented by a reform of the subsidy scheme for restoring and saving heritage assets," stated the Monuments Authority.
With a budget of some €450 million over a period of seven to ten years, the quality of heritage assets would improve significantly to reach a good or satisfactory state. This would also strengthen employment opportunities, tourism and services in the regions, added the authority.
At the same time, the Monuments Authority confirmed that the Prosecutor-General's Office requested its cooperation last month in evaluating the structural and technical condition of cultural monuments.
"We provided this cooperation as requested, while also providing a list of monuments in an impaired and dilapidated condition to the Prosecutor-General's Office," stated the Monuments Authority, adding that this cooperation will continue at the level of regional bodies.
Source: TASR
