Slovakia is to use €6.4 billion from the Recovery and Resilience Plan by the end of 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Peter Kmec is betting on continuity instead of overhauling milestones and is introducing crisis management to speed up implementation. The priority is coordination across ministries, eliminating duplication with EU funds, and an emphasis on digitalization and innovation.
The money is there, projects are delayed: management and duplication
Funds for two tranches are in the accounts, a third worth €812 million is on the way, and a request for another €924 million is being prepared; in the coming months, more than three billion will thus be available. Contracted calls amount to roughly 3.8 billion, but several implementation projects are not yet finalized. Therefore, a weekly status report at the government level and intensive communication with ministries are being introduced so that the money starts being spent effectively. At a time of a tight state budget, European resources are the main investment option, and it is necessary to turn them into real projects in the regions.
A major threat is duplicate financing between the Recovery Plan and the Slovakia program (EU funds), which could halt the flow of money. That is why a coordinating committee was created and a detailed investment map is being prepared—so it is clear what is paid from which source. Slovakia is also lagging behind the Czech Republic in launching EU funds, which Kmec attributes to the politicization of recent years; the solution is to depoliticize and focus on “ant-like” implementation work. The rules are to be clear and uniform from the announcement of calls through procurement to implementation.
Digitalization and innovation as drivers of change
Digitalization worth roughly €1.2 billion is among the most sensitive parts of the plan, and many IT projects have not even been procured yet. Kmec emphasizes the “last mile”: without high-speed internet in every household and affordable tariffs for low-income groups, digital services will remain on paper. Since at least 20 percent of Recovery Plan funds must go to digitalization, coordination talks with the ministries responsible for public administration lie ahead. The goal is to make up for delays so that citizens feel the results in everyday life.
In the field of innovation, the government relies on the scientific innovation authority (VAIA) and the National Strategy for Research, Development and Innovation through 2030. Support such as the super-deduction for research and development and proof-of-concept schemes is to continue, while the scattered grant and investment instruments are to be streamlined into two key agencies: a grant agency in education and an investment agency in the economy. Also planned are six regional technology and innovation centers that are to serve as hubs for talent and ideas outside Bratislava and Košice. Part of this is cooperation with compatriots and Ukrainian universities, including cross-border projects with Zakarpattia.
