Slovak Investment Minister Faces Scrutiny Over Millions in Questionable Recovery Fund Contracts

Slovak Investment Minister Richard Migaľ is under criticism for awarding millions of euros from the country's EU recovery plan to companies with questionable credentials. The controversial grants, totaling around 18 million euros according to opposition estimates, were allocated for research and digital transformation projects to lesser-known firms lacking significant business backgrounds. All the disputed contracts share common characteristics: they involve research and digitalization work awarded to companies without substantial track records. Minister Migaľ has defended the allocations, stating he focuses primarily on project results rather than whether the recipients are small-scale or virtual companies. The criticism comes from Veronika Remišová, a former investment minister who now serves as an opposition member of parliament, highlighting concerns about the proper use of EU recovery funds intended to help Slovakia modernize its economy following the COVID-19 pandemic.