Slovenia receives 1.5 billion euros from the recovery and resilience fund in ten installments. So far, it has received 281 million euros, which puts it behind the members. A second payment request has now been sent to Brussels.
The European Commission established the Recovery and Resilience Fund at the outbreak of the epidemic, which also borrows from the financial markets. Countries thus receive grants. All members, including Slovenia, have already received an advance of 231 million euros from the fund. In addition, Slovenia received another 50 million euros in the first tranche, and the Slovenian Office for Recovery and Resilience sent a second request to Brussels, which consists of the second and third installments of grants and the first installment of loans, the Slovenian Office for Recovery announced and resilience.
As the Radio Slovenia journalist explained Zdenka Bakalar, the size of the amount is difficult to estimate because the government has changed the withdrawal plan in the meantime, and the European Commission has not yet approved it. If the original plan were to apply, the second and third installments would total 460 million, and the first installment of loans would amount to 300 million. So Slovenia would receive a total of over 700 million.
When the withdrawal plan is changed, the amount will most likely be lower, as the second request requires the fulfillment of 44 milestones and goals, while 60 were foreseen in the previous one. The changed plan will now be evaluated by the European Commission, so the amount of the amounts will probably be known until the end years. Then there is a review of the fulfillment of the set milestones and goals, so that Slovenia could receive the funds in the spring.
The evaluation process may take longer if the Commission needs additional explanations or expects additional activities. Countries have half a year to do so. If the Member State meets all expectations, it receives the full payment.
Reforms and investments will have to be rushed – funds are available until the end of 2026
A wide range of areas is included among the goals and milestones that are a condition for drawing funds. The competent ministries estimate that they have met all 44 milestones and goals. “First of all in the field of reforms – the law on electricity supply, the law on the promotion of investments, the amendment of the housing law, broadband network development plans and the capital market development strategy, among other things, came into force,” the director of the Slovenian Fund for Recovery and Resilience explained to Radio Slovenia Josip Mihalic.
“However, when we talk about the investment part of the plan, I can mention the tendered funds for drinking water supply projects and municipal waste water drainage and treatment projects. The procedures for selecting projects for investment in accommodation and tourism have also been completed. We are also recording progress in providing public rental apartments for young people – the settlement under Pekrska gorca in Maribor, apartments in Prvačina near Nova Gorica and in Rogaška Slatina,” he further explained.
Funds from this fund are available until the end of 2026, so reforms and investments will have to be rushed if we want to use all the grant funds in the amount of 1.5 billion euros, reported Zdenka Bakalar. It is a demanding task, as pension reform, health care, long-term care, wages in the public sector, the green transition and many investments must be carried out, among other things.
Source: Rtvslo
