Brussels, 28/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission will on Tuesday launch negotiations with Slovakia in Bratislava, to plan the structural funds to be received by the country in 2004 to 2006. During this period, Slovakia will receive 1.1 billion EUR under the Union structural funds, and 0.6 billion EUR from the cohesion fund. Four regions of Slovakia are eligible for cohesion funds, three under Objective 1 (region with delayed development), whilst the Bratislava region will be entitled to Objectives 2 (region being restructured) and 3 (training, social action). "The general aim of funds granted to Slovakia is to further growth, competitiveness and employment, whilst eliminating regional imbalances caused by unequal growth", explains the Commission. Negotiations will focus on a general Community support framework and operational programmes, which define the strategy and types of project eligible. The programmes could start as of January 2004.
Negotiations are already underway with Slovenia, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic.