DEPUTY PM for EU integration Pál Csáky is preparing "dignified and grand" celebrations for Slovakia's expected EU entry in May 2004, with Sk10 million (€238,000) earmarked for the event.
The Slovak daily SME reported that Csáky wants to ask the cabinet to release even more funds for the festivities, and that talks were in progress with two big firms who were willing to sponsor the event in exchange for having their logos visible during the celebrations.
Csáky's spokesman, Martin Urmanič, refused to specify the two companies "until contracts are signed".
The celebrations are expected to start on the eve of the country's entry on April 30. Major events will take place in Slovakia's capital city, Bratislava. However, Csáky also wants to ask mayors of major regional and district towns to join in.