Defense Ministry to Join Zvolen Bypass Project, Cites EU Funding Advantages

Slovakia's Defense Ministry plans to participate in the project preparation for a bypass around the central Slovak city of Zvolen, Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák announced. Kaliňák argued that framing the road project as military infrastructure would improve chances of securing European Union funding. However, the minister emphasized that the National Highway Company (NDS), Slovakia's state-owned highway operator, would retain primary control over the project. The move represents an unusual collaboration between the defense and transport sectors on civilian infrastructure development.