Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico intends to win an exemption for Slovakia for drawing EU funds at the session of the European Council and top euro zone representatives in Brussels. This privilege would give Slovakia an additional year to use the entire allocated amount.
The state is on the right track to get the exception but, according to Fico, some "jealous countries" may pose obstacles and the whole process could be put on ice. As a result, Slovakia would lose €350 million. However, the Slovak premier did not specify which countries those are. He just added that the group also included some neighbouring states. An exemption was also promised to Romania, the prime minister told journalists on the flight to Brussels on Thursday, June 27.
Another topic on the agenda is youth unemployment, the SITA newswire wrote. In 2014-2020, the EU wants to help 10 to 11 countries whose rate of unemployment among people aged 29 and under is 25 percent. The sum allocated for this purpose is projected at €6 billion. According to Fico, Slovakia may obtain €80 million. Europe's leaders will also tackle promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
(Source: SITA)
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
