Slovak Minister reveals EU funds won't support energy assistance

In Slovakia, Denisa Sakov, the Minister of Economy, announced that energy assistance for households would not be funded by European Union resources. This confirmation came after a recent government meeting, where she acknowledged the Ministry had been aware of this limitation for several weeks. The situation arose as she indicated several meetings in Brussels, during which they had awaited potential EU funding for this initiative. In earlier communications, the President of the European Commission suggested that financing from EU funds could be viable. However, over the past month, plans have shifted towards an alternative solution. Understanding the pressing need for energy assistance, the Ministry of Economy has been actively exploring alternative routes to provide support for households. The Minister explained that the government is focusing on projects that receive financing from the state budget and could instead be funded with unspent EU funds. By reallocating these unspent resources, they aim to free up budgetary funds that would be directly allocated for household energy assistance. This strategic pivot comes as Slovakia continues to grapple with rising energy costs affecting households. With the need for immediate support, the Slovak government acknowledges the financial constraints while still seeking feasible solutions to ensure aid reaches those in need. On a broader scale, the discussions around energy assistance reflect the ongoing challenges faced by many European nations in managing energy affordability amid economic pressures. In a further development, the President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini, has recently signed a law aimed at providing targeted energy assistance. This legislative move is a critical step toward addressing the energy crisis and ensuring that households have access to the necessary support. While the situation remains complex, the Slovak government is committed to finding a viable pathway for energy aid to its citizens.