At its session on May 16, the government approved re-allocation of €345 million from a number of EU Operational Programmes to help create jobs for young people and stimulate economic growth, the TASR newswire reported.
"Initially we intended to re-allocate €270 million; however after extensive discussions with ministers we agreed that this would be a good opportunity to use EU funds," stated Prime Minister Robert Fico, as quoted by TASR.
The largest amount, €170 million, will come from OPIS (the Operational Programme for Informatisation of Society); €70 million will come from OP Education; and €55 million from OP Transport. Fico added that the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and the Family has another €50 million available to add and these resources will be used within two other Operational Programmes: Employment and Social Inclusion and Competitiveness and Economic Growth.
To ensure that the money is used to actually create new jobs, the government said all tenders involving these programmes will be approved by the cabinet. The European Commission also must give its assent before the re-allocation takes place and EU funds are drawn.
"I believe we will receive the European Commission's approval soon and be able to use the €345 million in the autumn," Fico stated, as quoted by TASR.
Source: TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
