Minister of Construction and Regional Development Marian Janusek rejected criticism of the opposition Hungarian Coalition Party (SMK) about delays of approval of Slovakia's National Strategic Reference Framework for the programming period of 2007-2013, that has still not been signed by the European Commission. In his reaction on Wednesday, the Construction Minister called SMK's allegation a transparent tactic in its race to score easy points. Time is not the only criterion, according to the minister; the quality of the projects should take precedence, and it is quality that will test the readiness of Slovakia's regions to draw billions in EU funds, believes the minister. He also added that the government is to sign the reference framework with the European Commission in August.
Earlier this week, the SMK criticized the government for its inability to reach an agreement with the European Commission, and Construction Minister Janusek and his team for their lack of professionalism in dealing with this issue.
In his reaction, Mr. Janusek also emphasized that SMK was the driving force behind preparations of Slovakia's National Strategic Reference Program for the period of 2007-2013 during former Prime Minister Mikulas Dzurinda's government. The SMK had ministers in three key sectors -- Construction and Regional Development, Agriculture and Environment. Pal Csaky, present head of the party, was responsible for Euroagenda in the former government. This, Mr. Janusek claims, is reflected in the content of operational programs and direction of potential European Union funds. Following early elections in Slovakia, which brought both a new government and a change in direction, the ethnic Hungarian party lost its position, stated Mr. Janusek.
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