Šlechtová urges municipalities and regions to prepare for drawing funds from the EU

Brno - Minister for Regional Development Karla Šlechtová (for ANO) urges municipalities, cities, and regions to be prepared to draw funds from the European Union during the programming period from 2014 to 2020. The Integrated Regional Operational Program has prepared 4.6 billion euros (125 billion crowns) for the Czech Republic. 80% of this is to go into spatial planning, roads, infrastructure, and similar projects, as stated by the minister during her visit to Brno. Šlechtová also told reporters that the ministry will announce the first call in July, which will specifically relate to spatial planning.
    Municipalities, cities, regions, non-profit organizations, and other applicants can apply for money from European funds. "I don't want to speculate on how much South Moravian Region might receive, as there are no regional envelopes. However, if we are successful, the Ministry for Regional Development will be the only managing authority that will decide on these grants. Therefore, I would like to urge all applicants to be ready to draw grants as soon as possible and to be prepared for the calls,” said Šlechtová.
    South Moravian Governor Michal Hašek (ČSSD) previously informed that the South Moravian Region could receive up to 16 billion crowns from European funds. The money would go towards road repairs, wastewater treatment plants and sewage systems, hospitals, cycling paths, and similar projects. The city of Brno will strive to acquire funds for transport infrastructure, social areas, or improving the environment.
    According to the spokesperson for the Regional Operational Program Southeast, Kateřina Dobešová, the South Moravian Region is experienced and draws European funds well. She added that it could reach the maximum possible amount. Several conditions must be met. "It is necessary to apply for the grant on time, have prepared projects, conduct public procurements correctly, but also to execute and settle the projects properly. The biggest problems occur with public procurements, which can cause delays or corrections,” Dobešová warned.
    In case of errors, the applicant may receive a smaller grant or none at all. The city of Brno has faced several issues with grants in recent years. Due to mistakes, it lost part of the funding for a new sewage system, the construction of which cost two billion crowns. The city also dealt with errors regarding a grant from the European Union for the Beringia exhibition at the Brno Zoo. The mayor of Brno, Petr Vokřál (ANO), began to criticize the level of readiness of some of the city's projects after taking office at the end of last year. According to him, the new leadership believed it would receive funds for projects, but some projects are not prepared from his perspective at all.