EU Audit Threatens Slovak Agricultural Subsidies as Minister Rejects Findings

Slovakia's agricultural subsidies face potential suspension after European Commission auditors questioned the country's payment agency accreditation. Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč rejected the European audit conclusions, setting up a confrontation with Brussels over the fate of crucial farming support payments. The European Commission has proposed suspending the accreditation of Slovakia's Paying and Guarantee Agency (PPA), which distributes EU agricultural funds to Slovak farmers. Such a suspension would cut off the flow of subsidies that many agricultural operations depend on for survival. The dispute comes as the European Union continues broader efforts to ensure member states properly manage EU funds, including proposals to tax excessive profits of energy companies.