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EC Representative: The quality of life in Slovakia has significantly improved since joining the EU

by AI | 02.May 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The representative of the EC Representation in Slovakia, Radim Dvořák, reminded that the quality of life for Slovaks has increased after joining the EU.

Representative of the EC Representation in Slovakia Radim Dvořák on the fact that the quality of life in Slovakia has increased since joining the EU. PHOTO: TASR

Bratislava – The quality of life in Slovakia has significantly improved since joining the European Union. Financial resources from the EU budget have contributed to economic growth and represent an important source of public investment. This was noted by the acting head of the European Commission (EC) Representation in Slovakia, Radim Dvořák, on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of Slovakia’s accession to the EU, TASR reports.

The EC Representation in Slovakia added that according to a Eurobarometer survey from December last year, 53 percent of Slovaks surveyed trust the Union, while two-thirds of respondents from Slovakia feel connected to the EU.

“For 21 years, we have belonged to Europe, whose pillars are freedom, democracy, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human beings. Membership in the European Union has brought Slovakia not only economic growth and stability but also the assurance that we can face great challenges together,” Dvořák stated. He believes that Slovakia is also co-creating the European future today. “At a time when the world is changing faster than ever before, we realize that unity, cooperation, and the values of the EU are not a given; they are the cornerstone of our European home, in which we have our place, but which we must also take care of,” he added.

The European Commission reminded that from 2004 to 2022, more than 36 billion euros came to Slovakia, and when including the recovery and resilience plan, the amount exceeds 38 billion. The funds went to support hundreds of projects in the areas of regional development, transport, education, science, healthcare, and environmental protection. With European money, schools, kindergartens, and hospitals were built and renovated, squares were restored, scientific parks were constructed, as well as new roads and modernized railways. From the new financial period for 2021 to 2027, Slovakia can obtain an additional 13 billion euros from EU funds.

Slovakia has recorded positive economic growth since joining the EU, with its gross national income increasing on average by seven percent annually. The EC also noted that the Slovak economy has been approaching the average of member countries since 2004. The country’s gross domestic product per capita increased from 59 percent of the average in 2004 to 71 percent in 2022. (May 1)

“For 21 years, we have belonged to Europe, whose pillars are freedom, democracy, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human beings. Membership in the European Union has brought Slovakia not only economic growth and stability but also the assurance that we can face great challenges together.” Radim Dvořák.