Slovakia received EU approval for the fourth payment from the recovery plan

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BRATISLAVA – The Slovak Republic definitively obtained approval to disburse the fourth payment from the recovery plan in full on Friday, October 18th. The European Commission (EC) confirmed that the criminal amendment does not contradict the milestones of the recovery plan. This was announced by the head of the communication department of the National Implementation and Coordination Authority, Oľga Dúbravská, from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic for the Recovery Plan.

“We have fulfilled all fifteen milestones within the fourth payment request, which guarantees us the disbursement of the amount of 799 million euros. After evaluating additional information, the EC concluded that the original milestone concerning the fight against corruption and the independence of the judiciary is not considered overturned, and therefore the request is evaluated positively,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery Plan and Knowledge Economy of the Slovak Republic, Peter Kmec (Hlas-SD).

The total value of the request was 923 million euros. After deducting part of the pre-financing that Slovakia has already received, a payment of 799 million euros is expected in the next few days. Thanks to these funds, several reforms can be implemented. This includes improving the integration and financing of long-term social and healthcare, as well as reforming counseling and prevention in the area of supporting the mental health of children, pupils, and students.

“This example shows that negotiations with the European Commission take place at a very professional and correct level, and I would be glad if we did not make a political competition out of the recovery plan in Slovakia. Let us focus on the result and be proud of what we have achieved today,” Kmec concluded.

Slovakia has submitted four requests so far. The recovery plan counts on a total of nine payments until its completion in 2026. Slovakia will submit the fifth payment request in December of this year. (October 18th)

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