CELEX: 52021PC0339
Language: en
Date: 2021-06-21
Title: Proposal for a COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Slovakia

EUROPEAN COMMISSION
            Brussels, 21.6.2021
            COM(2021) 339 final
            2021/0163(NLE)
            Proposal for a
            COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION 
            on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Slovakia
            {SWD(2021) 161 final}
            
               
         
         
            
            
            
               2021/0163 (NLE)
            
            
               Proposal for a
            
            
               COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING DECISION
            
            
               on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Slovakia
            
            
               THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
            
            
               Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, 
                     
            
            
               Having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 February 2021 establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility
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                and in particular Article 20 thereof,
            
            
               Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
            
            
               Whereas:
            
            
               (1)The COVID-19 outbreak has had a disruptive impact on the economy of Slovakia. In 2019, the gross domestic product per capita (GDP per capita) of Slovakia was 55% of the EU average. According to the Commission’s 2021 Spring forecast, the real GDP of Slovakia declined by 4,8% in 2020 and is expected to decline by 0,2% cumulatively in 2020 and 2021. Longer-standing aspects with an impact on medium-term economic performance include in particular the concentration of economic activity in traditional manufacturing with low rates of innovation and value added amid skill gaps; moreover, a high regulatory burden and shortcomings in public administration and the justice system hamper private investments.
            
            
               (2)On 9 July 2019 and on 20 July 2020, the Council addressed recommendations to Slovakia in the context of the European Semester. In particular, the Council recommended to take measures to support the economic recovery while safeguarding long-term fiscal sustainability; to strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system; to improve the quality and inclusiveness of education at all levels and foster skills; to focus economic policy on investment into the digital and green transition and other areas, taking into account regional disparities; to improve the effectiveness and integrity of the justice system, fighting corruption and money laundering, and to ensure quality public services and a favourable business environment. Having assessed progress in the implementation of these country-specific recommendations at the time of submission of the recovery and resilience plan, the Commission finds that substantial progress has been achieved with respect to the recommendations on taking all necessary measures to effectively address the pandemic and on providing adequate income replacement.
            
            
               (3)[The Council recommendation on the economic policy of the euro area recommended to euro area Member States to take action, including through their recovery and resilience plans, to, inter alia, ensure a policy stance which supports the recovery and to further improve convergence, resilience and sustainable and inclusive growth. The Council recommendation also recommended to strengthen national institutional frameworks, to ensure macro-financial stability and to complete EMU and strengthen the international role of the euro.] [If the Council recommendation is not adopted by the time of the CID adoption, the recital will be removed].
            
            
               (4)On 29 April 2021, Slovakia submitted its national recovery and resilience plan to the Commission, in accordance with Article 18(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. That submission followed a consultation process, conducted in accordance with the national legal framework, of local and regional authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, youth organisations and other relevant stakeholders. The national ownership of the recovery and resilience plans is underpinning their successful implementation and lasting impact at national level and credibility at European level. Pursuant to Article 19 of that Regulation, the Commission has assessed the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and coherence of recovery and resilience plan, in accordance with the assessment guidelines of Annex V to that Regulation.
            
            
               (5)The recovery and resilience plans should pursue the general objectives of the Recovery and Resilience Facility established by Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and of the EU Recovery Instrument set up by Council Regulation (EU) 2020/2094
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                in order to support the recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, as well as to promote the Union´s economic, social and territorial cohesion by contributing to the six pillars referred to in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
            
            
               (6)The implementation of the Member States’ recovery and resilience plans will constitute a coordinated effort of investment and reforms across the Union. Through the coordinated and simultaneous implementation of these reforms and investments and the implementation of cross-border projects, these reforms and investments will mutually reinforce each other and generate positive spillovers across the whole Union. Therefore, about one third of the impact of the Facility on Member States’ growth and job creation will come from spillovers from others Member States.
            
            
               Balanced response contributing to the six pillars
            
            
               (7)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (a) and section 2.1 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the recovery and resilience plan represents to a large extent (Rating A) a comprehensive and adequately balanced response to the economic and social situation, thereby contributing appropriately to all six pillars referred to in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, taking the specific challenges and the financial allocation of the Member State concerned into account.
            
         
         
            
               (8)The plan puts forward a balanced set of reforms and investments addressing both the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the main structural socio-economic and environmental challenges affecting Slovakia, pursuing cohesion objectives and contributing towards all of the six pillars referred to in Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. It presents a wide set of measures for an innovative economy, supporting economic growth notably through investing in the twin green and digital transitions, including by investing in education and skills. The overarching objective is to achieve sustainable growth and a forward-looking transformation of the Slovak economy and society, thereby increasing the quality of life. The plan focuses on five key policy areas: green economy, education, science and innovation, health, and public administration and digitalisation. For all five key areas, the plan makes an explicit and coherent explanation of how they contribute to the six pillars. Such an approach contributes to ensuring that each pillar is comprehensively addressed.
            
            
               (9)The green transition and digital transformation of the economy are at the core of the plan’s design. The green reforms and investments included in the plan aim at increasing renewable energy sources and their integration into the grid, improving energy and green performance of buildings, increasing the share of sustainable transport modes and decarbonising industrial processes, thus contributing to the objectives of climate change mitigation and reduction of air pollution. Important reforms and investments are envisaged to increase the resilience of the landscape and ecosystems to climate change with an emphasis on revitalisation of water courses. Digital reforms and investments should help to modernise Slovakia, supporting areas with the largest investment gaps. Those include, in particular, digitalisation of public services and schools, development of digital skills and support to innovation. 
            
            
               (10)The plan presents well-targeted policy actions relevant for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Innovation potential and productivity growth are expected to be boosted through measures to improve the research, development and innovation ecosystem, business environment, the quality and relevance of higher education as well as educational outcomes, including the school curricular reform and better preparation of teachers. Small and medium-sized enterprises should benefit from the strong demand impulse triggered by the investments supported by the plan as well as from the targeted assistance to innovate and digitalise. The plan identifies the right socio-economic challenges for social and territorial cohesion, and includes relevant actions to address them. It aims particularly at strengthening the inclusion in education of children with special educational needs and children with disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, including the Roma population. Cohesion concerns and regional disparities are addressed through the ambitious reform of hospital care, as well as through digitalisation measures for public administration. The plan is also expected to improve health and economic, social and institutional resilience. In the area of healthcare, the plan presents a comprehensive set of reforms and investments aimed at improving the resilience, efficiency, accessibility and quality of the Slovak healthcare system. The investments primarily focus on hospital care, long-term care, mental health and primary care. Investments into early warning systems and infrastructure can be expected to improve crisis response capacity. The pension reform is expected to make Slovakia less vulnerable to sustainability risks. Policies for the next generation are in particular covered by the comprehensive package of measures aiming at improving education at all levels, from early childhood education and care to higher education.  
            
            
               Addressing all or a significant subset of challenges identified in Country Specific Recommendations
            
            
               (11)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (b) and section 2.2 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the recovery and resilience plan is expected to contribute to effectively addressing all or a significant subset of challenges (Rating A) identified in the relevant country-specific recommendations, including fiscal aspects thereof, addressed to the Member State concerned or challenges identified in other relevant documents officially adopted by the Commission in the context of the European Semester.
            
            
               (12)The recommendations related to the immediate fiscal policy response to the pandemic can be considered as falling outside the scope of Slovakia’s RRP, notwithstanding the fact that Slovakia has generally responded adequately and sufficiently to the immediate need to support the economy through fiscal means in 2020 and 2021, in line with the provisions of the General Escape Clause. Moreover, the recommendation to achieve the medium-term budgetary objective in 2020 is no longer relevant, due both to the lapsing of the corresponding budgetary period and the activation in March 2020 of the General Escape Clause of the Stability and Growth Pact in the context of the pandemic crisis.
            
            
               (13)The plan includes an extensive set of mutually reinforcing reforms and investments that contribute to effectively addressing all or a significant subset of the economic and social challenges outlined in the country-specific recommendations addressed to Slovakia by the Council in the European Semester in 2019 and in 2020, notably on inclusive education, public governance and productivity-enhancing investment into the green and digital transition, as well as its contribution to decreasing regional divergences. 
            
            
               (14)The challenge of accelerating the green and digital transition is tackled adequately by the set of measures included in Slovakia’s recovery and resilience plan. Long-standing challenges in the area of education, childcare, health care, as well as research, development and innovation are also addressed with comprehensive measures that are expected to tackle the most serious shortcomings, such as the low quality and inclusiveness of education, fragmented research, development and innovation policy coordination, insufficient public-private cooperation, and weak research, development and innovation performance. Additional measures proposed in the plan to improve the justice system, public procurement and the fight against money laundering have the potential to contribute to effectively addressing many of the underlying challenges. Several reforms are moreover expected to improve the long-term sustainability of public finances.
            
            
               Contribution to growth potential, job creation and economic, social and institutional resilience
            
            
               (15)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (c) and section 2.3 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the recovery and resilience plan is expected to have a high impact (Rating A) on strengthening the growth potential, job creation, and economic, social and institutional resilience of Slovakia, contributing to the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights, including through the promotion of policies for children and youth, and on mitigating the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 crisis, thereby enhancing the economic, social and territorial cohesion and convergence within the Union.
            
            
               (16)Simulations by the Commission show that the plan has the potential to increase the GDP of Slovakia by between 1,3% and 1,8% on average during the period of 2021-2026
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               . The implementation of the recovery and resilience plan is expected to contribute significantly to economic growth and job creation in Slovakia. The investments included in the plan should provide a boost to aggregate demand in the short to medium term, improving the cyclical position of the Slovak economy, and thereby mitigating the adverse economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis. The focus of investments on construction and renovation projects, in full compliance with the DNSH principle, is particularly beneficial in this respect, given how hard the Slovak construction sector has been hit by the pandemic.
            
            
               (17)In the medium to long run, investments together with the planned reforms are expected to help addressing the current challenges to growth potential, and facilitate the country’s transition to a more diversified economic model with stronger focus on higher value-added activities. This should help the Slovak economy to remain competitive, resilient and adapt to the industrial trends of automation and digital change. Implementing the recovery and resilience plan is therefore expected to raise potential output and to have a lasting impact on the economic performance of Slovakia. Most of this long-run effect stems from measures encouraging research, development and innovation activities, such as the governance reform of research and development and innovation, improving both coordination and funding. It also stems from improving human capital and the size and skill composition of the labour force by extending pre-primary education, reforming the school curriculum, and improving the quality and relevance of higher education, aiming to raise productivity in Slovakia.
            
            
               (18)The plan is expected to reduce social inequalities and territorial disparities within the country. Eastern and Central Slovakia tend to perform significantly worse than the western part of the country, in terms of various interconnected labour market and social indicators, such as the share of high skilled workers, long-term and youth unemployment, and enrolment rate of children in pre-school facilities. Challenges concerning inequalities in education are expected to be addressed by the reform of school curricula fostering key competences and digital skills, and establishing the system of educational supportive measures. As students’ educational outcomes are strongly determined by their socio-economic background, reforms targeted at improving the accessibility and quality of early childhood education and care, enhancing the consulting services, curbing segregation and eliminating the two-shift classes at schools are included in the plan. These reforms are expected to reduce early school leaving, in particular among the disadvantaged students, thereby contributing to enhancing social mobility and equality of opportunities. The comprehensive reforms and investments in higher education are expected to improve its quality and relevance by changing the governance, financing, accreditation and scientific evaluation systems. The development of formal long-term care services together with kindergartens should alleviate the disproportionate burden on families, especially on women caring for dependants and enable them to participate in the labour market.  These policies are in line with the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights. 
            
            
               (19)The wider availability of mental health care is in line with the strategy of de-institutionalisation. In addition, the focus on home-based and community-based provision of the long-term care services, reinforcing of palliative care and addressing the fragmented governance of that sector are important steps on the way to promote access to affordable and quality long-term care services. The modernisation of the hospital network should help increase quality and cost-effectiveness of health services, while improving their accessibility in less developed regions as well. This should also be achieved through investments aimed at improving the accessibility of primary care services in underserved regions. Infrastructure investments related to green transition, in particular a buildings renovation programme, should create new job opportunities in the construction sector across Slovakia, including for low-skilled workers.
            
            
               Do no significant harm
            
            
               (20)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (d) and section 2.4 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the recovery and resilience plan is expected to ensure that no measure (Rating A) for the implementation of reforms and investments projects included in the recovery and resilience plan does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council
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                (the principle of ‘do no significant harm’). 
            
            
               (21)Slovakia has conducted a complete ‘do no significant harm’ assessment of all measures included in the plan following the “do no significant harm” technical guidance of the European Commission (2021/C 58/01). The potential harmful environmental impact of all relevant measures is addressed through appropriate assurances and mitigating measures ensured through the monitoring arrangements. These mitigating measures are reflected in milestones and targets applicable to industry decarbonisation, building renovations, including boiler replacement, hydropower, biomass use, RDI investment schemes and financial instruments to support innovation.
            
            
               Contribution to the green transition including biodiversity
            
            
               (22)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (e) and section 2.5 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the recovery and resilience plan contains measures that contribute to a large extent (Rating A) to the green transition, including biodiversity, or to addressing the challenges resulting therefrom. The measures supporting climate objectives account for an amount which represents 43% of the plan’s total allocation calculated in accordance with the methodology of Annex VI to Regulation (EU) 2021/241. In accordance with Article 17 Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the recovery and resilience plan is consistent with the information included in the National Energy and Climate Plan 2030.
            
            
               (23)Reforms and investments in renewable energy sources, aimed notably at improving the access of renewables to the grid, along with an ambitious programme of building renovations based on high energy efficiency standards as well as the industry decarbonisation scheme, are expected to help Slovakia achieve its 2030 decarbonisation objectives and to support the transition to the circular economy. A comprehensive package of reforms and investments in transport should support electro-mobility, public transport of passengers and intermodal transport of goods. This is expected to boost the overall mobility ecosystem, which should benefit the Slovak economy.
            
         
         
            
               (24)Reforms and investments related to landscape planning, nature protection and water management are expected to help address the challenges Slovakia faces with respect to climate adaptation and protection of water sources, nature and biodiversity. 
            
            
               Contribution to the digital transition
            
            
               (25)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (f) and section 2.6 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the recovery and resilience plan contains measures that contribute to a large extent (Rating A) to the digital transition or to addressing the challenges resulting from it. The measures supporting digital objectives account for an amount which represents 21% of the plan’s total allocation calculated in accordance with the methodology of Annex VII to Regulation (EU) 2021/241. 
            
            
               (26)The plan puts forward an ambitious package of measures embracing the digital transformation of the Slovak economy and society. The measures in education put digital skills at their core, combining revised curricula, training of teachers and investments in digital equipment of schools together with digitalisation in higher education. In parallel, the plan includes the development of a digital skills strategy for adults at all ages to ensure their inclusion in the changing society as a result of digitalisation. The plan also introduces measures to create an effective governance model for the digital transformation. This should favour the development of a digital ecosystem and should ultimately benefit the economy at large. Support to digitalisation of companies, with a particular focus on SMEs, should allow them to remain competitive by streamlining production processes and using innovative technologies.
            
            
               (27)The quality and accessibility of e-government solutions should improve thanks to a new digital platform for providing user-centred public services, together with more efficient management of IT resources in the public administration. To complement this development of digital public services, Slovakia aims to strengthen and standardise cybersecurity across all sectors of public administration. Participation in four multi-country digital projects, including the deployment of Digital Innovation Hubs and joining the European High Performance Computing project, also strengthens the digital contribution of the plan.
            
            
               Lasting impact
            
            
               (28)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (g) and section 2.7 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the recovery and resilience plan is expected to have a lasting impact on Slovakia to a large extent (Rating A).
            
            
               (29)Slovakia’s plan encompasses a large set of structural reforms that are expected to have a lasting impact in many policy areas as well as on public administration and institutions. Notably, justice reforms and reforms in the fight against corruption and money laundering are expected to have a lasting impact, and therefore it is important that these reforms and their implementation are in line with EU law requirements on judicial independence. An appropriate involvement of the judiciary, stakeholders and civil society throughout the reform process is particularly important. In addition, digitalisation efforts across a wide range of institutions and public administration will structurally enhance efficiency and improve the quality of public services. A comprehensive reform package across all levels of education should improve the skills base of the population. Reforms in health and social care are expected to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the health care system, which should in turn improve the population’s health status and alleviate disparities in health outcomes across socio-economic groups.
            
            
               (30)Investment measures are expected to support and enhance the positive impact of structural reforms in Slovakia’s recovery and resilience plan. Sizeable investment to modernise the railway system should attract more passengers to this sustainable mode of transport, aiding the green transition and supporting regional cohesion. The green investments into industry, including in energy generation, should contribute to the decarbonisation of that sector and cleaner air across Slovakia. An ambitious energy efficiency programme, combined with a reform of construction waste management allows for renovating the building stock, with a lasting impact on lowering emissions of that key sector and improving its circularity. Healthcare reforms are supported by investment in hospitals and other care facilities. Investment also leverages educational reforms, for example by providing digital equipment, training teachers, making the secondary school and university buildings barrier-free, or by building new kindergartens. Scholarship and development programmes are aimed at improving the access to and internationalisation of higher education. A large investment programme should also inject funding into a reformed research and innovation system, raising Slovakia’s attractiveness for companies and skilled workers alike, and with significant potential to diversify the economy towards higher value-added activities. Lasting impact of the plan can also be enhanced through synergies between the plan and other programmes, including those financed by the Cohesion policy funds, notably by addressing in a substantive manner the deeply rooted territorial challenges and promoting a balanced development.
            
            
               Monitoring and implementation
            
            
               (31)In accordance with Article 19(3) point (h) and section 2.8 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the arrangements proposed in the recovery and resilience plan are adequate (Rating A) to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of the recovery and resilience plan, including the envisaged timetable, milestones and targets, and the related indicators. 
            
            
               (32)Slovakia is setting up a comprehensive implementation system with a leading role of the National Implementation and Coordination Authority responsible for meeting the milestones and targets and requesting payments. For this purpose, the National Implementation and Coordination Authority will be entitled to request information from all entities involved – implementers, intermediaries, beneficiaries and other persons concerned - on the status of implementation of reforms and investments, including the corresponding milestones and targets. The scope and nature of milestones and targets is generally comprehensive and coherent. The timeframe of milestones and targets is reasonable, with reforms frontloaded and providing the basis for investments. The milestones and targets are considered well-designed with robust indicators ensuring proper monitoring and evaluation during the implementation. 
            
            
               (33)Member States should ensure that financial support under the Facility is communicated and acknowledged in line with article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. Technical support may be requested under the Technical Support Instrument to assist Member States in the implementation of their plan.
            
            
               Costing
            
            
               (34)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (i) and section 2.9 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the justification provided in the plan on the amount of the estimated total costs of the recovery and resilience plan is to a medium extent (Rating B) reasonable and plausible, is in line with the principle of cost efficiency and is commensurate to the expected national economic and social impact.
            
            
               (35)Slovakia has provided robust justification, evidence and methodology for most costs that it should incur under the plan. Cost estimates, information and supporting documents have been provided to a relatively high extent. The methodologies used often refer to comparable projects undertaken in Slovakia in the recent past, including under Union funding. Where this was not possible, with a few limited exceptions, reasonable and plausible estimates have often been made with reliable calculations on the basis of information from other Member States or from certified and independent institutions. For various cost estimates, benchmarks are based on available market prices. Slovakia has provided validation of the cost estimates by independent bodies only to a limited extent, although the Value for Money Unit (an integrated part of the Ministry of Finance) has been indicated as independent validating entity for various components. Safeguards to guarantee its independence have been justified.
            
            
               (36)For a limited number of measures, the targets or cost benchmarks are less clear, described in a relatively general manner, or based on little comparable information, or on information the reliability of which is harder to verify. Some cost estimates, often due to the unprecedented nature of the investments (such as in the areas of renewable energy, research, development and innovation, and digitalisation), lack comparable costing benchmarks. At the same time, in view of the lack of comparable precedents and the fact that bottom-up methodologies are explained to a large extent, Slovakia has provided explanations and justifications to a sufficient degree for those measures. 
            
            
               (37)Pending finalisation of the Partnership Agreement and Programme for the Cohesion Policy programming period 2021-2027, the demarcation with other financing sources for projects in similar areas is not always clearly indicated. However, Slovakia has committed to put in place strong safeguards to ensure that double funding is avoided, both at strategic and at project level, for instance for the financing of different costs under the same measure. Finally, the estimated total cost of the recovery and resilience plan is in line with the principle of cost-efficiency and is commensurate to the expected national economic and social impact. 
            
            
               Protection of financial interests of the Union
            
            
               (38)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (j) and section 2.10 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the arrangements proposed in the recovery and resilience plan and the additional measures contained in this Decision are adequate (Rating A) to prevent, detect and correct corruption, fraud and conflicts of interests when using the funds provided under that Regulation, and the arrangements are expected to effectively avoid double funding from that Regulation and other Union programmes. This is without prejudice to the application of other instruments and tools to promote and enforce compliance with EU law, including for preventing, detecting and correcting corruption, fraud and conflicts of interests, and for protecting the Union finances in line with Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2092 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
            
         
         
            
               (39)In general, identification of the actors responsible for controls and audit in Slovakia is well explained and the independence and segregation of functions of the audit authority clearly set out, including how it is enshrined in Slovak legislation. The National Implementation and Coordination Authority is responsible for the preparation and transmission of applications for payment of financial support, the management declaration and the summary of audits. The audit actors, their relationships and their administrative capacity are also explained. Comprehensive information has been made available on measures taken to tackle serious irregularities and who is responsible for those measures. Those responsible will be trained and whistle-blower protection is enshrined in legislation, with the whistle-blowing office expected to be fully operational by September 2021. Management verifications by implementing Ministries/bodies will not only check the absence of serious irregularities but also the fulfilment of milestones and targets. Arrangements and mechanisms to collect, store and make available data on final recipients are explained and the recordkeeping obligation required by Art. 22(2), point (d) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 is bestowed on implementing bodies and beneficiaries. A repository system for monitoring the implementation of the Facility should be put in place and operational by the time of the first payment request. The system should include, as a minimum, the following functionalities: (a) ensure the collection of data and monitoring of the achievement of milestones and targets; and (b) collect, store and ensure access to the data required by Article 22(2) point (d)(i) to (iii) of the Regulation. A milestone is to be included to this end.
            
            
               (40)Measures to detect and avoid double funding are comprehensively included. The National Implementation and Coordination Authority will work to coordinate actors involved in implementing the Facility. It is clear from the plan that the responsible coordinating bodies for the Facility and Cohesion Policy funds will liaise to avoid double funding at the programming and implementing stage. While the arrangements for the checks to avoid double funding at the implementation stage are not very detailed, Slovakia has committed to put in place strong safeguards to ensure that double funding is avoided, both at strategic and at project level. The plan provides extensive information on the administrative capacity of the administration to implement and audit the RRF in Slovakia. It also gives extensive information on the legal mandates of the various bodies carrying out controls on the implementation of the plan. However, much of the legal basis rests on the “Recovery and Resilience Facility Act” which is still a draft. This means that the exact mandate and competence of the coordination body and all other implementing bodies will likely only be known after the adoption of the plan. Recovery and Resilience Facility Act will have entered into force by the time of the first payment request and at that moment not depart in any material way from the description provided in the plan. A milestone is to be included to this end. The fulfilment of this milestone, as well as the milestone referred to in the recital above, is a precondition for any disbursement under the Facility (except for pre-financing).
            
            
               Coherence of the plan
            
            
               (41)In accordance with Article 19(3), point (k) and section 2.11 of Annex V to Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the plan includes to a high extent (Rating A) measures for the implementation of reforms and public investment projects that represent coherent actions. 
            
            
               (42)The Slovak recovery and resilience plan presents a comprehensive package of reforms and investments mutually reinforcing each other with a strong reform drive. The plan is centred on three interconnected pillars of an innovative, sustainable and healthy country and five key policy areas, which are implemented through 18 components. Synergies are ensured in thematic components, such as education components as well as horizontally across a number of components such as when applying energy efficiency requirements for public buildings renovations or digital transition of the public administration. Investments in new information systems and data tools are systematically included. There is an evident balance between reforms and investments in each component. Some reforms are expected to have a cross-cutting impact on the efficiency of spending, such as the revision of public procurement legislation, or improvements to the business environment and the justice system. Reforms are in general concentrated in the first years, such as optimisation of the hospital network and research, development and innovation governance reform, so as to create conditions for effective investment. Complementarities with support under Cohesion policy funds are evident and presented in the components and summarised at the level of the plan to the extent possible at this stage. Demarcation lines are not always fully clear, as both the Partnership Agreement and Programme are still pending finalisation. 
            
            
               Equality
            
            
               (43)The plan contains a series of measures that are expected to address the country’s challenges in the area of gender equality and equal opportunities for all. As regards gender equality, the plan foresees an early warning system for the prevention of early school leaving, which disproportionately affects women from disadvantaged backgrounds. That system includes mentoring and tutoring opportunities. To address the low availability of kindergarten facilities and its impact on women’s participation in the labour market and on children’s later school performance, a legal entitlement to a place in pre-school education facility for children from the age of three should be introduced. The part of the plan dealing with the inclusiveness of education includes reforms and investments to establish a system of educational support measures for students with special educational needs, to modernise the teacher training programmes, to reduce segregation in education and to promote early care services in marginalised Roma communities, as well as to improve access to higher education for disadvantaged students. The situation and needs of people with disabilities are addressed in several parts of the plan, including in relation to the renovation of buildings and their improved accessibility, sustainable transport, digitalisation and social and mental health care. The challenges faced by older people are also addressed, in particular through supporting their digital skills development and improving the quality and accessibility of the long-term, social and healthcare systems. The plan also includes a horizontal mechanism to take gender equality and equal opportunities for all into account in the implementation phase. 
            
            
               Security self-assessment
            
            
               (44)The recovery and resilience plan of Slovakia confirms that a security self-assessment of investments into digital capacities under Regulation (EU) 2021/241 is expected to be an integral part of the implementation stage, as part of the analysis and design in the development of new IT systems. Slovakia intends to fund digital connectivity investments from other sources. 
            
            
               Cross-border and multi-country projects
            
            
               (45)The plan proposes several cross-border projects, mostly to facilitate the digital transition. It should allow small and medium enterprises to benefit from services of the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs. Other projects include inter alia the investment into a high performance computer, to be part of the European High Performance Computing (EuroHPC) project, and a possible contribution to EU quantum communication and blockchain infrastructure, preparing cross-border connections with all neighbouring Member States. The plan includes a measure strengthening the electricity connection with Hungary, allowing for connection of more domestic renewables to the domestic grid. The plan includes support to broader participation of Slovak entities in projects of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, which should encourage companies to deliver highly innovative projects, and researchers and firms to access international consortia, thereby promoting internationalisation.
            
            
               Consultation process
            
            
               (46)The plan includes a summary of the consultation process carried out for its preparation and implementation. The preparations started in summer 2020. The National Integrated Reform Plan, published in October 2020 and prepared with stakeholder involvement, provided an analytical basis for the plan. Since autumn 2020, the preparations reflected upon the consultations of a wider range of stakeholders and general public. The standardised inter-ministerial consultation procedure received nearly 2 500 comments. The authorities made efforts to reflect upon the proposals by the public and stakeholders that often targeted environmental and climate issues. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public events were largely organised online. 
            
            
               (47)For the implementation phase of the plan, a Government Council for the plan is expected to be set up as an advisory body to ensure a structured dialogue with key stakeholders. To ensure ownership by the relevant actors, it is crucial to involve all local authorities and stakeholders concerned, including social partners, throughout the implementation of the investments and reforms included in the plan.
            
            
               Positive assessment
            
            
               (48)Following the positive assessment of the Commission concerning Slovakia’s recovery and resilience plan with the finding that the plan satisfactorily complies with the criteria for assessment set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/241, in accordance with Article 20(2) of that Regulation, this Decision should set out the reforms and investment projects necessary for the implementation of the plan, the relevant milestones, targets and indicators, and the amount made available from the Union for the implementation of the plan in the form of non-repayable financial support.
            
            
               Financial contribution
            
            
               (49)The estimated total cost of the recovery and resilience plan of Slovakia is EUR 6 575 000 000. As the recovery and resilience plan satisfactorily complies with the criteria for assessment set out in Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and, furthermore, as the amount of the estimated total costs of the recovery and resilience plan is higher than the maximum financial contribution available for Slovakia, the financial contribution allocated for Slovakia’s recovery and resilience plan should be equal to the total amount of the financial contribution available for Slovakia.
            
            
               (50)In accordance with Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, the calculation of the maximum financial contribution for Slovakia is to be updated by 30 June 2022. As such, in accordance with Article 23(1) of that Regulation, an amount for Slovakia should be made available now for a legal commitment by 31 December 2022. Where necessary following the updated maximum financial contribution, the Council, on a proposal from the Commission, should amend this Decision to include the updated maximum financial contribution without undue delay.
            
            
               (51)The support to be provided is to be financed from the borrowing by the Commission on behalf of the Union on the basis of Article 5 of Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053
                  5
               . The support should be paid in instalments once Slovakia has satisfactorily fulfilled the relevant milestones and targets identified in relation to the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan.
            
         
         
            
               (52)Slovakia has requested the pre-financing of 13% of the financial contribution. That amount should be made available to Slovakia subject to the entry into force and in accordance with the Financing Agreement provided for in Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241.
            
            
               (53)This Decision should be without prejudice to the outcome of any procedures relating to the award of Union funds under any other Union programme than Regulation (EU) 2021/241 or to procedures relating to distortions of the operation of the internal market that may be undertaken, in particular under Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty. It does not override the requirement for Member States to notify instances of potential State aid to the Commission under Article 108 of the Treaty,       
            
            
               HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
            
            
               Article 1
                  Approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan 
            
            
               The assessment of the recovery and resilience plan of Slovakia on the basis of the criteria provided for by Article 19(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 is approved. The reforms and investment projects under the recovery and resilience plan, the arrangements and timetable for monitoring and implementation of the recovery and resilience plan, including the relevant milestones and targets, the relevant indicators relating to the fulfilment of the envisaged milestones and targets, and the arrangements for providing full access by the Commission to the underlying relevant data are set out in the Annex to this Decision.
            
            
               Article 2
                  Financial contribution
            
            
               1.The Union shall make available to Slovakia a financial contribution in the form of non-repayable support amounting to EUR 6 328 586 359.
                  6
                An amount of EUR 4 642 807 510 shall be available to be legally committed by 31 December 2022. Subject to the update provided for in Article 11(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 calculating an amount for Slovakia equal to or more than this amount, a further amount of EUR 1 685 779 848 shall be available to be legally committed from 1 January 2023 until 31 December 2023. 
            
            
               2.The Union financial contribution shall be made available by the Commission to Slovakia in instalments in accordance with the Annex. An amount of EUR 822 716 227 shall be made available as a pre-financing payment, equal to 13 % of the financial contribution. The pre-financing and instalments may be disbursed by the Commission in one or several tranches. The size of the tranches shall be subject to the availability of funding.
            
            
               3.The pre-financing shall be released subject to the entry into force and in accordance with the Financing Agreement provided for in Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241. Pre-financing shall be cleared by being proportionally deducted against the payment of the instalments.
            
            
               4.The release of instalments in accordance with the Financing Agreement shall be conditional on available funding and a decision by the Commission, taken in accordance with Article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, that Slovakia has satisfactorily fulfilled the relevant milestones and targets identified in relation to the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan. Subject to the entry into force of the legal commitments referred to in paragraph 1, to be eligible for payment, milestones and targets shall be completed no later than 31 August 2026.
            
            
               Article 3
                  Addressee
            
            
               This Decision is addressed to the Slovak Republic.
            
            
            
               Done at Brussels,
            
            
               
                     For the Council
               
               
                     The President
               
            
         
         
            
                  
                     (1)
                  
                        OJ L 57, 18.2.2021, p. 17-75.
               
               
                  
                     (2)
                  
                        Council Regulation (EU) 2020/2094 of 14 December 2020 establishing a European Union Recovery Instrument to support the recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis (OJ L 433I , 22.12.2020, p. 23).
               
               
                  
                     (3)
                  
                        Such simulations reflect the overall impact of NGEU, which also includes funding for ReactEU, and increased funding for Horizon, InvestEU, JTF, Rural Development and RescEU. Such simulation does not include the possible positive impact of structural reforms, which can be substantial.
               
               
                  
                     (4)
                  
                        Regulation (EU) 2020/852 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 June 2020 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment, and amending Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 (OJ L 198, 22.6.2020, p. 13).
               
               
                  
                     (5)
                  
                        OJ L 424, 15.12.2020, p. 1.
               
               
                  
                     (6)
                  
                        This amount corresponds to the financial allocation after deduction of Slovakia’s proportional share of the expenses of Article 6(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, calculated in accordance with the methodology of Article 11 of that Regulation.
               
            
      
    ---documentbreak--- 
      
         
               EUROPEAN COMMISSION
            Brussels, 21.6.2021
            COM(2021) 339 final
            ANNEX
            to the 
            Proposal for a Council Implementing Decision
            on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Slovakia
            {SWD(2021) 161 final}
            
               
         
         
            
               ANNEX
            
            
               SECTION 1: REFORMS AND INVESTMENTS UNDER THE RECOVERY AND RESILIENCE PLAN
            
            
               1. Description of Reforms and Investments
            
            
               COMPONENT 1: Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure
            
            
               The purpose of the ‘renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure’ component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan is to contribute directly to attaining the 2030 climate change targets. According to the Slovak National Energy and Climate Plan, achieving the climate objectives shall require a significant shift towards renewable energy sources in the Slovak energy mix. 
            
            
               In this context, this component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan aims at supporting faster roll-out of renewable investments. In view of this goal, the reforms shall modernise the Slovak electricity market and create an appropriate legislative environment. The law amendments shall particularly improve the access for new market participants, increase certainty and confidence in the state support measures and improve integration of renewables to the Slovak electricity grid. The investment support shall be channelled to increasing the capacities of new renewable sources as well as to the repowering of existing renewable installations, including modernisation of biogas and hydropower-stations. The investments into increasing flexibility of the electricity grid shall include support to new battery storages, including hydrogen-based solutions, as well as to increasing the electricity balancing capacity of hydropower installations. 
            
            
               The component includes two reforms and three investments. 
            
            
               These measures contribute to the green transition and climate neutrality objective, as well as to meeting Slovakia’s National Energy and Climate Plan commitments. The component strengthens the strategic autonomy and security of Slovakia through increasing the share of domestic energy sources, as imports from third countries account for a significant part of its consumption. The investments shall add to the job creation at local level, including for SME sector. 
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The investments and reforms shall contribute to addressing the Country Specific Recommendation conveyed to Slovakia in 2020, on the need to “focus investment on the green digital transitions, in particular on clean and efficient production and use of energy and resources” (Country Specific Recommendation 3/2020).
            
            
               A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
            
               Reform 1: Adapting of the electricity legal framework 
            
            
               The purpose of the reform is to improve the legal framework of the Slovak electricity market by amending Act 251/2012 Coll. on energy and Act 250/2012 Coll. on regulation in network industries in accordance with the requirements of Directive 2019/944. Furthermore, the adapted legal structure shall facilitate the new activities and access of participants to the electricity market (energy communities, aggregator, self-consumer, electricity storage), while increasing overall flexibility of electricity system and improving the possibilities for connecting of new renewables to the Slovak grid. 
            
            
               This reform also foresees (under Milestone 2) a measure aiming at releasing the technical capacities for electricity transmission within the domestic electricity system, facilitated through the increase in capacity of the electricity interconnection profile between Slovakia and Hungary. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022. 
            
            
               Reform 2: The legal framework for the promotion of renewable energy sources 
            
            
               The purpose of the reform is to promote the roll-out of new renewable energy sources. The new law amendments shall create efficient support mechanisms for increasing the share of renewables in transport, electricity and heating sector. The legal framework shall be modified by amending the Acts 309/2009 Coll. on promotion of renewable energy sources and high-efficiency cogeneration and the Act 657/2004 Coll. on thermal energy.
            
            
               The reform shall also include the adoption of a long-term auctioning plan for new renewable sources. This measure shall contribute to better predictability of the overall installed renewable capacity, creating more favourable investment environment for private investors. 
            
            
               Furthermore, the reform shall incorporate the adoption of investment schemes for support of the renewable electricity sources. The Ministry of Economy shall adopt an auction scheme for new renewable energy sources (link to Investment 1, Component 1) and support schemes for investments on repowering (link to Investment 2, Component 1) and increasing flexibility of the electricity system (link to Investment 3, Component 1). The investment policies of the schemes shall strictly adhere to both EU and national environmental legislation as well as to the Do-Not-Significant-Harm Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) of supported activities and companies. Only investments into hydropower that are in line with the EU acquis shall be supported by the Slovak recovery and resilience plan. 
            
         
         
            
               The implementation of reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022.
            
            
               Investment 1: Construction of the new renewable electricity sources 
            
            
               The purpose of the measure is to support the roll out of investments into the new renewable sources of electricity. Of the overall objective to increase the new renewable electricity capacity by 122.4 MW, the support scheme shall deliver at least 120 MW of new capacity induced by the new renewable sources under the measure connected to the grid. The competitive auction mechanism shall be open to a wide range of renewable technologies, with clear project delivery deadlines and rules. No investments to hydropower shall be eligible under Investment 1 (Component 1). The Ministry of Economy shall be responsible for the implementation of the scheme and collecting the information on realised capacity from project promoters.
            
            
               The auction support scheme shall respect the investment policies as set out under the milestone 3 of the Component 1 (Reform 2:  Legal framework for the promotion of renewable energy sources’). 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment is expected to start by 30 June 2021 and shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 2: Modernising the existing renewable electricity sources (repowering)
            
            
               The objective of the measure is to extend the technological lifetime, upgrade and increase the efficiency of existing renewable energy source capacities. The modernization shall concern the transformation of biogas stations and of hydropower plants.  The scheme shall deliver at least 100 MW of modernised renewable capacity for electricity generation (repowering) connected to the grid, supported under the measure. The Ministry of Economy shall be responsible for the implementation of the investment and collecting the information on realised capacity from project promoters.
            
            
               The support for the different types of modernized renewable equipment shall be assessed separately, taking into account the principle of cost-effectiveness. The support schemes shall respect the investment policies as set out under the milestone 3 of the Component 1 (Reform 2: Legal framework for the promotion of renewable energy sources’).
            
            
               The implementation of the investment is expected to start by 1 January 2022 and shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 3: Increasing the flexibility of electricity systems for greater integration of renewables
            
            
               The purpose of the investment is to increase the flexibility of Slovak electricity network. The phasing out of the flexible fossil electricity sources causes a loss of balancing performance, with a negative impact on the system’s ability to integrate variable renewable energy sources. 
            
            
               The investment shall target the support to electricity storages facilities, including hydrogen-based solutions, and to increasing the electricity balancing capacity in hydro-power plants. The support scheme shall deliver at least 68 MW cumulative increase of balancing capacity, induced by the new storage capacities and increase of balancing capacity of existing hydropower plants, connected to the grid. The exact breakdown of 68 MW target shall depend on demand of relevant subjects. The investments into the balancing capacity of the hydropower plants shall not exceed EUR 12 000 000 under the measure. The investments shall be highly complementary to other actions in the component, as it contributes to increasing the free grid capacity for integrating the renewable energy sources. 
            
            
               The support shall be granted under the technologically specific schemes, taking into account the principle of cost-effectiveness. The schemes shall respect the conditions on investment policies as specified under the milestone 3 of the Component 1 (Reform 2:  Legal framework for the promotion of renewable energy sources’).
            
            
               The implementation of the investment is expected to start by 1 January 2022 and shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support.
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators  (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators  (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Unit of measure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Baseline
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Goal
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 – Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure – Reform 1: Adapting  the electricity legal framework
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reform of electricity market
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        Entry into force of legislative  amendments  to the Act on energy and Act on regulation in network industries
                     
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The legal framework shall be modified by amending Act 251/2012 Coll. on energy and Act 250/2012 Coll. on regulation in network industries to transpose the Directive 2019/944. Furthermore, the updated legal framework shall facilitate the new activities and access of participants to the electricity market (energy communities, aggregator, self-consumer, electricity storage), while increasing overall flexibility of the electricity system and improving the possibilities for connecting of new renewable sources to the Slovak grid.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 – Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure – Reform 1: Adapting the electricity legal framework 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Release of restrictions on technical capacities for electricity transmission within the Slovak electricity system 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                     
                        Joint public declaration by   the Ministry of Economy and the Slovak transmission system operator Slovenská elektrizačná prenosová sústava, a.s. 
                     
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        The Slovak Ministry of Economy and the Slovak electricity transmission system operator Slovenská elektrizačná prenosová sústava, a.s. shall declare the release of restrictions on technical capacities for electricity transmission within the Slovak electricity system and an increase of capacity for connecting renewable sources to the grid. The measure shall be facilitated through the increase in net transfer capacity of transmission interconnections with the Republic of Hungary.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 – Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure – Reform 2: The legal framework for promotion of renewable energy sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Framework for supporting the  investments into new renewable sources 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Entry into force of legislative  amendments  to the Act on the promotion of renewable energy sources and high-efficiency cogeneration and to the Act on thermal energy. 
                     
                     
                     
                        Adoption of a long-term auctioning plan by the Ministry of Economy   
                     
                     
                     
                        Adoption of investment schemes by the  Ministry of Economy for the promotion
                     
                     
                        of new sources of electricity from renewable energy sources (defined in Investment 1),  investments to  repowering (defined in Investment 2)  and investments  increasing flexibility of the electricity system 
                     
                     
                        (defined in Investment 3)
                     
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                     
                        The legislative amendments shall create support mechanisms for increasing the share of renewable energy sources in transport, electricity and heating sector. The legal framework shall be modified by amending the Acts 309/2009 Coll. on promotion of renewable energy sources and high-efficiency cogeneration and the Act 657/2004 Coll. on thermal energy. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The Ministry of Economy shall adopt a long-term auctioning plan for new renewable sources, contributing to   better predictability of the increase in capacity of new renewable capacity.
                     
                     
                          
                     
                     
                        The Ministry of Economy shall adopt the new auction scheme for new sources of electricity from renewable energy sources (defined in Investment 1), the support schemes to investments on repowering (defined in Investment 2) and increasing flexibility of the electricity system (defined in Investment 3). The schemes shall detail the eligibility criteria for supported companies, ensuring compliance with the EU and national environmental acquis as well as the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) of supported activities and/or companies, while increasing the new RES capacities as detailed in corresponding targets (for Investments 1, 2 and 3). The biomass projects shall achieve at least 80% GHG emissions saving according to the GHG saving methodology and the relative fossil fuel comparator set out in Annex VI to Directive (EU) 2018/2001. Only investments into hydro-power that are in line with the EU acquis shall be supported.
                     
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 – Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure – Investment 1:  Construction of the new renewable electricity sources
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New renewable energy source capacity  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        MW
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        120
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        Of the overall objective to increase the new renewable electricity capacity by 122.4 MW, the support scheme shall under the measure deliver at least 120 MW of new renewable electricity sources capacity connected to the grid. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The support mechanism shall take the form of auctions for investment support for new sources of electricity from renewable energy sources. The support scheme shall respect the conditions on investment policies as specified under the milestone 3 (‘1 – Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure - Reform 2:  Legal framework for the promotion of renewable energy sources’).
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 – Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure – Investment 2: Modernising the existing renewable electricity sources (repowering)
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reconstructed renewable energy source  capacity
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        MW
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        At least of 100 MW increase in modernised renewable capacity for electricity generation (repowering), induced by connection to the grid of the modernized renewable electricity sources under the measure.
                     
                     
                     
                        The support for the different types of modernized equipment shall be assessed separately, taking into account the principle of cost-effectiveness. The modernization shall concern the transformation of biogas stations and of hydropower plants. The support schemes shall respect the conditions on investment policies as specified under the milestone 3 (‘1 – Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure - Reform 2:  Legal framework for the promotion of renewable energy sources’).
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 – Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure – Investment 3: Increasing flexibility of electricity systems for greater renewables integration 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Cumulative increase in capacity of installations increasing the flexibility of energy systems 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        MW
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        68
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        At least 68 MW increase of new electricity storage facilities, induced by the entry into operation of the new storage capacities under the measure. The scheme shall support the installation of new capacity of battery systems, installation of new capacity of hydrogen cells and an increase in the balancing capacity of the hydropower plants. The exact breakdown of 68 MW target will depend on demand of relevant subjects. The investments into the balancing capacity of the hydropower plants shall not exceed EUR 12 000 000 under the measure.
                     
                     
                     
                        The support shall be granted under the technologically specific schemes, taking into account the principle of cost-effectiveness.  The support schemes shall respect the conditions on investment policies as specified under the milestone 3 (‘1 – Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure - Reform 2:  Legal framework for the promotion of renewable energy sources’).
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
            
               COMPONENT 2: Renovation of buildings
            
            
               According to the Slovak National Energy and Climate Plan and the Long-term renovation Strategy for Buildings, reaching the 2030 and 2050 EU emission reduction objectives requires a significant shift from the implementation of partial to medium (30-60% primary energy savings) and deep (over 60%) renovation of buildings.
            
         
         
            
               This component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan aims at reduction of energy consumption by pursuing a comprehensive renovation of family houses, public historic and listed buildings. It combines measures to improve energy performance of buildings by achieving at least 30% of primary energy savings with measures to foster climate adaptation (such as installing green roofs, water retention system). The component contributes to the climate and environmental objectives, while boosting the recovery and competitiveness of the construction sector by creating more jobs, in particular for SMEs at local level.
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The component includes 3 reforms and 2 investments.  
            
            
               These investments and reforms shall contribute to addressing the Country Specific Recommendations addressed to Slovakia in the past two years, on the need to “focus investment-related policy on energy efficiency” (Country Specific Recommendation 3/2019) and to “focus investment on the green transition” (Country Specific Recommendation 3/2020).  
            
            
            
               A.1.  Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support 
            
            
            
               .Reform 1: The harmonisation of support mechanisms for the renovation of family houses.  
            
            
            
               The objective of the reform is to map, align and bring together different support schemes, to uniform and streamline the renovation process, and to provide incentives to owners for implementing a wider range of renovation measures. Design of the support schemes, criteria and conditions as well as implementation steps shall be outlined in the implementation plan to be published by Slovak Environmental Agency by 30 September 2022. To ensure effective and timely implementation, capacities of the Slovak Environmental Agency shall be strengthened. In the implementation phase, house owners shall be reached out to through a communication campaign and to-be-established regional offices as well as by providing a technical assistance and consultation.  
            
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 September 2022. 
            
            
            
               Investment 1: Improving energy efficiency of family houses.  
            
            
            
               The objective of the investment is to complete the renovation of at least 30 000 single family houses, while achieving on average at least 30% primary energy savings. The investment is targeted to the owners of older family houses. In addition to traditional energy savings measures such as thermal insulation, window replacement, the mechanism shall enable replacing inefficient heat and hot water sources with high efficiency installations or installing new renewable energy devices. Where possible, measures to increase climate resilience of buildings (such as vegetation roofs, rainwater capture) shall apply. To mobilise the comprehensive and green renovation, support schemes shall include a combination of mandatory and optional part. A financial contribution of owners is expected. Energy savings shall be verified primarily through energy performance certificates or other corresponding documents.  
            
            
               Investment measures linked to renovation of buildings shall comply with DNSH requirements, including, the prevention and recycling of construction and demolition waste and the boiler replacement scheme, which shall be a small part of the overall renovation programme.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment is expected to start at the latest by 30 September 2022 and shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 
            
            
            
               Reform 2: Increasing transparency and streamlining decisions of the Monuments Board of the Slovak Republic. 
            
         
         
            
            
               The reform aims at improving quality and efficiency of the decision-making process of the Monuments Board of the Slovak Republic by developing three methodologies to:
            
            
               -classify the monuments endowment,
            
            
               -set objective criteria by which Monuments Board makes decisions and
            
            
               -quantify the costs associated with the interventions of the Monuments Board
            
            
               In addition, the objective is to reform the mapping of state-owned monuments by assessing their technical, construction and energy-related aspects. The mapping shall result in issuing at least 1000 construction passports of relevant state-owned monument buildings. The reform shall facilitate investment decisions on renovation with a view to preserving the monumental value as well as improving energy efficiency, where applicable.  
            
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2023. 
            
            
            
               Investment 2: Renovation of historical and listed public buildings.  
            
            
            
               Historical and listed public buildings are among the worst energy performing buildings and require a tailored-made approach to preserve and protect their cultural value and heritage. The objective of the investment is to improve the energy performance and structural conditions of the historical and listed public buildings while protecting its historical and cultural values and improving accessibility of the buildings. Of the overall objective is to renovate 130 000 m2, at least 117 000 m2 floor areas of historical and listed public buildings are renovated, while achieving on average at least 30% of primary energy savings. The investment is expected to result in renovation of around 100 buildings and shall be accompanied by an information campaign. Energy savings shall be monitored and verified through energy performance certificates.  
            
            
               Investment measures linked to renovation of buildings shall comply with DNSH requirements, including the prevention and recycling of construction and demolition waste and the boiler replacement scheme, which shall be a small part of the overall renovation programme.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 
            
            
            
               Reform 3: The management of construction and demolition waste.  
            
            
            
               The reform addresses the very low recycling rate of Slovakia and is centred on the revision of waste management legislation to increase the potential of the circular economy in the construction and demolition waste. The Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic shall table the waste legislation amendment, which shall require that at least 70% of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste generated on construction is prepared for re-use or sent for recycling. In addition, the reform shall introduce a mandatory selective demolition, quality standards for recycling from construction and demolition waste, mandatory green public procurement for the contracting of construction works, simplify the rules and improve data collection systems for construction waste. Once in force, the legislation shall ensure “do-no-significant harm” compliance with the requirement of the 70% recycling and reusing of non- hazardous demolition and construction waste to apply to renovation and construction of buildings financed under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. .  
            
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2022.   
            
         
         
            
            
                
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support.
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators     (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators     (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Unit of measure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Baseline 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Goal
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        2 – Renovation of buildings – Reform 1: The harmonisation of support mechanisms for the renovation of family houses  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Implementation plan to mobilize green renovation of family houses 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the implementation plan by the Ministry of Environment 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The implementation plan shall map different support schemes and harmonise them. It shall detail preparation for the start-up of the scheme, timetable and its administration as well as the monitoring of the reconstruction and verification of energy savings primarily by energy performance certificates, or other corresponding documents. The schemes shall be designed to incentivize on an average at least 30% primary energy savings and comply with “Do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) requirements. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        2 – Renovation of buildings – Reform 1:  Improving the energy efficiency of family houses 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Launch of the support schemes to mobilise energy savings and green renovation 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Launch of the support schemes to mobilise energy savings and green renovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The schemes to mobilise energy savings and green renovation shall be designed and launched in line with the measures and schedule adopted by implementation plan. Respective calls will be published by the Slovak Environmental Agency at a website.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        2 – Renovation of buildings – Investment 1: Improving the energy efficiency of family houses 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of renovated family houses achieving on average at least 30 % primary energy savings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        18000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        18 000 single family houses shall be renovated in line with the requirements of the support schemes including the compliance with the DNSH principle and  to provide incentives for achieving on an average at least 30% primary energy savings and additional complementary measures. A list of possible measures includes: insulation, replacement of windows, restoration of roof, rainwater retention, boiler replacement or removal of asbestos cover, or other measures in line with the text of the component.  Energy savings of the renovated houses shall be verified primarily through the energy performance certificate, or other corresponding documents. RRF financed investments shall not provide the support of biomass boilers.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        2 – Renovation of buildings – Investment 1: Improving the energy efficiency of family houses 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of renovated family houses achieving on average at least 30 % primary energy savings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        18 000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        30 0000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        In total 30 000 single family houses shall be renovated in line with the requirements of the schemes including the compliance with the DNSH principle and to provide incentives for achieving o an average at least 30% primary energy savings and additional complementary measures. A list of possible measures includes:  as insulation, replacement of windows, restoration of roof, rainwater retention, boiler replacement or removal of asbestos cover, or other measures in line with the text of the component and the costing provided. Energy savings of the renovated houses shall be verified primarily through the energy performance certificate, or other corresponding documents. RRF financed investments shall not provide the support of biomass boilers.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                     
                        2. Renovation of buildings – Reform 2:  Increasing transparency and streamlining decisions of the Monuments Board of the Slovak Republic
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Methodologies for the decision-making process of the Monuments Board of the Slovak Republic 
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Publication of methodologies by the Monuments Board
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Development and adoption of the three methodologies to classify monument buildings in order to increase the transparency, public acceptance and speed up the decision-making processes of the Monuments Board of the Slovak Republic. Based on standardised methodologies, at least 1000 construction passports shall be issued by the Monument Board to provide diagnoses of the technical as well as energy aspects of the relevant state-owned monuments to facilitate renovation decisions. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         2- Renovation of buildings – Investment 2:  Renovation of public historical and listed  buildings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Overall area (m2) of renovated  public historical and listed  buildings achieving at least 30 % of the primary energy savings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Area (m2)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        60 000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective is to renovate 66 000m2, at least 60 000 m2 of historic and listed public buildings, are renovated in line with the requirements of the open call, which shall define conditions to achieve on an average at least 30% primary energy savings, compliance with DNSH principles and incentivize implementation of other complementary measures (such as rainwater retention, removal of asbestos, accessibility of buildings).. Energy savings shall be monitored and verified for renovated buildings through energy performance certificates.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        2- Renovation of buildings – Investment 2:  Renovation of public historical and listed  buildings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Overall area (m2) of renovated  public historical and listed  buildings
                     
                     
                        achieving at least 30 % of the primary energy savings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Area (m2)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        60 000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        117000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective is to renovate 130 000m2, at least 117 000 m2 of historic and listed public buildings, are renovated in line with the requirements of the open call, which shall define conditions to achieve on average at least 30% primary energy savings, compliance with DNSH principles and incentivize implementation of other complementary measures (such as rainwater retention, removal of asbestos, accessibility of buildings). Energy savings shall be monitored and verified for renovated buildings through energy performance certificates.
                     
                     
                          
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        2 – Renovation of building  – Reform 3: The management of construction and demolition  waste
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendment to the Waste Act 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of  the legislative amendment to the Waste Act  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The revised waste legislation by the Ministry of Environment shall increase the potential of the circular economy in the construction and demolition waste and construction sector, leading to at least 70% of the non-hazardous construction and demolition waste to be recycled and reused.  It shall include mandatory green public procurement for construction investments within the state administration, increase the statutory fees for the landfilling and simplify the rules for the use of construction and demolition waste.
                     
                  
               
            
            
            
            
            
                  COMPONENT 3: Sustainable transport
            
            
               The component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan aims at increasing the share of environmentally friendly forms of transport, through measures and smart solutions based on data analysis, to increase the number of passengers travelling by rail and public passenger transport, the volume of goods transported in environmentally friendly intermodal transport, as well as to support the development of alternative propulsion infrastructure, thereby reducing CO2 emissions in transport and improving air quality. Smart and digital investments shall support faster, more reliable and more efficient rail and clean public passenger transport, motivating passengers to switch from cars and other carbon-based means of transport. The component shall allow a wider use of alternative propulsions for sustainable, environmentally friendly, affordable and smart transport, while also promoting the use of smart grids. It shall contribute to the competitiveness of the economy by creating need market conditions for the suppliers of transport machinery. 
            
            
               The component includes four reforms and four investments.
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               Reforms and investment under the component address directly the Council Recommendation on the 2020 National Reform Programme of Slovakia and the Council opinion on the 2020 Stability Programme of Slovakia, according to which Slovakia "shall implement ready public investment projects as soon as possible and support private sector investment to support economic recovery. Focus investment on the green and digital transitions, in particular on clean and efficient production and use of energy and resources, sustainable public transport and waste management.” 
            
            
               The component includes four reforms and four investments.
            
            
               A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
            
                
            
            
               Reform 1 on the preparation of transport investment projects.
            
            
               The reform aims at improving the management of investments and increasing their economic benefits. This shall be achieved through the following measures:
            
         
         
            
               ·the establishment by 30 June 2021 of an investment plan for railway infrastructure projects prioritising projects according to their value for money; 
            
            
               ·amendments, by 31 March 2023 to the Railways Act and related legislation simplifying and streamlining the legislative and technical requirements for transport infrastructure parameters;
            
            
               ·the publication by 31 December 2021 of a methodology determining how to identify projects with the highest value for money possible and contribute to the objective of passenger modal shift from individual road transport to cycling. 
            
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.   
            
            
            
            
               Reform 2 on public passenger transport.
            
            
               The reform aims at improving the provision of passenger transport. A new transport service plan, followed by the optimisation of rail passenger transport, shall form a major part of the comprehensive reform of public transport. The reform shall be supported by new legislation defining rules, responsibilities and obligations in the coordination, ordering and financing of regional bus and train services. The legislation shall define a national authority to coordinate, in cooperation with regional integrators, the creation of a national integrated transport system with a unified fare, as well as to coordinate the preparation and implementation of public procurement procedures for both public passenger rail services and vehicles purchased with the support of EU funds for the operation of these routes in previous periods. The frequency of rail transport on the lines with the highest potential for transferring traffic from cars to trains shall be increased, allowing for better coordination of regional public bus and train services. The following specific measures shall underpin this reform: 
            
            
               ·By 31 March 2023 a new law shall create public passenger transport standards and streamline the public service order, which is currently fragmented and insufficiently coordinated between the State, counties, cities and municipalities.
            
            
               ·By 31 December 2023 optimised rail transport graphics shall be published; 
            
            
               ·By 31 December 2026 an integrated transport system is created, allowing multi-modal public passenger transport to travel on a single ticket. It shall be operational in at least 6 counties.
            
            
            
               The last milestone related to the implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 
            
            
            
               Reform 3 on intermodal freight transport.
            
            
               The reform shall support increased inter-modality through procurement, the coordination of logistics and promoting the launch of new intermodal routes. The objective of this reform is to shift 30 % of road transport over 300 km to rail or waterborne by 2030 and over 50 % to 2050 (compared to 2005). It shall do so notably by promoting the interest of carriers in shifting road freight to rail/intermodal transport, as well as preventing further modal shift of rail transport. The preparation and approval of a Concept of intermodal transport development, including the proposal for necessary legislative changes, shall make it possible to adopt measures for the systemic development of environmentally friendly freight transport modes. Support shall be aimed at removing technical problems in the transition to intermodal transport and making it more attractive. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform is expected to start by 31 December 2021 and shall be completed by 31 December 2022.
            
            
               Reform 4 on the introduction of new policies for the long-term promotion of alternative fuels in the transport sector.
            
            
               The reform shall be supported through the entry into force, by 31 December 2022 of new legislative measures shall reform distribution tariffs, simplify and accelerate the process of constructing alternative propulsion infrastructure. They shall also introduce a ‘Recharging Point Rights’ and a stable, predictable multi-annual framework to support the construction of relevant alternative propulsion infrastructure.
            
         
         
            
               Investment 1 on the development of low-carbon transport infrastructure.
            
            
               The investment shall support decarbonisation by electrification of railway lines, upgrading railway lines, by constructing or modernising tram and trolleybus lines, and constructing cycling infrastructure. A "redesign of the European Timetabling Process – TTR" shall take place and a new security system based on digital technologies shall be introduced to enable the automation of rail traffic management. The investment shall be based on Reform 1.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
            
               Investment 2 promoting clean passenger transport.
            
            
               The investment shall do so by increasing the attractiveness of rail passenger transport and downstream suburban and urban transport. In densely populated peri-urban areas and on major transport corridors between major cities and metropolitan areas, the supply of connections shall be increased. New or upgraded rolling stock shall be put into operation. Investments shall be carried out in the form of dedicated subsidies on a non-discriminatory basis using tools for analysing traffic data and data. The investment is supported by Reform 2. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
               Investment 3 on the development of intermodal freight transport.
            
            
               The investment shall support the purchase of intermodal transport units and loading facilities involving private capital and the launch of new intermodal routes on selected routes. In order to increase the volume of transport in more environmentally friendly intermodal transport, the State shall encourage the purchase of intermodal transport units and loading facilities involving private capital. At the same time, the State shall provide support for the launch of new intermodal routes on selected routes. The envisaged State aid schemes foresee (subject to their approval by the European Commission) only partial funding from the mechanism and the selection of companies that shall receive support following public calls with clearly defined non-discriminatory rules.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
            
               Investment 4 on the support for the construction of alternative propulsion infrastructure.
            
            
               The investment shall focus on recharging points for electric cars and hydrogen refuelling points. A financial mechanism of aid schemes for the construction of recharging points for electric cars and hydrogen refuelling points shall be established. The system shall ensure the construction of the skeletal infrastructure of ultra-fast-absorbing points, the available charging infrastructure at the level of all districts of the Slovak Republic, thereby encouraging the faster development of alternative-fuel passenger and freight transport, leading to the modernisation of the vehicle fleet in order to reduce overall emissions in road transport. This investment is supported by Reform 3.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support 
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators   (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators   (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        unit of measure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Baseline
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Goal
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3– Sustainable Transport – Reform 1: Reform of the preparation of transport investment projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Investment plan for railway infrastructure projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of the implementation plan 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Ministry of Transport and Construction, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, shall prepare and publish an investment plan for railway infrastructure projects containing the methodology, priorities and timetable for the construction of the infrastructure. A published investment plan for railway infrastructure projects prioritising projects according to their value for money shall ensure the long-term stability of their preparation and implementation of railway infrastructure projects.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 – Sustainable Transport – Reform 1: Reform of the preparation of transport investment projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                          Methodology for selecting, preparing and implementing projects for cycling
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of the methodology
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The methodology shall determine how to identify projects with the highest value for money possible and contribute to the objective of passenger modal shift from individual road transport to cycling. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 – Sustainable Transport – Reform 1: Reform of the preparation of transport investment projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendment to the Railways Act and related legislation on transport infrastructure parameters
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force  of an amendment to the Railway Act by the National Council of the SR and 
                     
                     
                        adoption of an amendment to the Decree No. 350/2010 Coll.. on the construction and technical order of railway lines by the Ministry of Transport and Construction]  and entry into force of the  legislation 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The legislative amendments shall  simplify and streamline the legislative and technical requirements for transport infrastructure parameters, in line with good practice in other EU countries and European legislation, which shall create conditions to accelerate the pace of preparation of railway infrastructure upgrades, reduce the cost per kilometre of modernised line and enable faster and safer railways to be built earlier. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 – Sustainable Transport – Reform 2: Public passenger transport reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New law on public passenger transport
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the Act on Public Passenger Transport by the National Council of the Slovak Republic  and entry into force  of legislation to effectively coordinate, integrate and manage public transport
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The law shall  standardise public passenger transport standards and to streamline the public service order, which is currently fragmented and insufficiently coordinated between the State, counties, cities and municipalities. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 – Sustainable Transport – Reform 2: Public passenger transport reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Implementation of optimised rail transport timetable
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of an optimised rail transport timetable 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Ministry of Transport and Construction shall implement the ordering of rail passenger transport services according to the finalised Transport Service plan by 31 December  2023.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3– Sustainable Transport – Reform 2: Public passenger transport reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of counties in which tariff integration is in place allowing for travelling by multiple modes of public transport or by carriers per ticket
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The qualitative indicator refers to the number of counties in which an integrated transport system is created, allowing multi-modal public passenger transport to travel on a single ticket.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 – Sustainable transport – Investment 1: Development of low-carbon transport infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Length of new cycling infrastructure (km)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        200
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The qualitative indicator refers to the length of newly built cycling infrastructure (in km). The target includes cycling paths and bicycle parking spaces. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 – Sustainable transport – Investment 1: Development of low-carbon transport infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Length of clean passenger rail infrastructure reconstructed or upgraded (in km weighted)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        69
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The qualitative indicator refers to the length of the reconstructed or upgraded railway infrastructure from the sources of the recovery and resilience   plan, using weighting factors for the different types and ranges of projects (not containing dispatching/security installations which are counted separately under Objective 3: length of sections of lines dispatched).
                     
                     
                         Of the overall objective to reconstruct or upgrade 77 km of rail infrastructure, at least 69 km is upgraded or reconstructed.   Investments shall include the following elements:  fully upgraded double track on the rail corridor with an increase to 160 km/h; one or two track reconstructed line (renewal of upper/bottom or traction line/equipment; single track newly electrified and partially upgraded railway line; fully upgraded double track tram line including accessories; one-stop newly built trolleybus line including the power supply.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 – Sustainable transport – Investment 1: Development of low-carbon transport infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Length of sections of railway lines dispatched (km)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The qualitative indicator refers to the length of railway lines (in km) on which dispatching/digital safety devices have entered into operation.  . Of the overall objective to dispatch 111 km of railway lines, at least 100 are dispatched.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 – Sustainable transport – Investment 2: Promoting clean passenger transport
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of clean passenger rolling stock procured (weighted)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The qualitative indicator reflects the number of clean public passenger rolling stock procured. The rolling stock shall include closed electric or hydrogen train units; multi-system electric locomotives; trams. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3- Sustainable transport -  reform 3: Intermodal freight transport reform 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Concept and calls for new support schemes
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for new support schemes on the basis of concept of intermodal transport development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A Concept of intermodal transport development  shall be approved by the Slovak Government by  31 December of 2021  This  shall include proposals for  the legislative changes necessary to adopt measures for the systemic development of environmentally friendly freight transport modes. Support shall be aimed at removing technical problems in the transition to intermodal transport and making it more attractive. On that basis by 31 December 2022 calls for new support schemes shall be launched that shall help to improve the availability of intermodal transport on a non-discriminatory basis, paving the way for its development in all regions of Slovakia. The call shall be approved by the Ministry of Transport and Construction.  
                     
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 – Sustainable transport – Investment 3: Development of intermodal freight transport
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Number of intermodal transport units procured in Twenty-foot Equivalent Units  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The number of intermodal transport units of IPUs (handling semi-trailers, swap bodies, containers) procured. Intermodal transport units shall be expressed in TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit 20' (6,1 m); Basic container size ISO 1C – 20' x 8' x 8' (mach).  
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3– Sustainable Transport – Reform 4: Introduction of new policies for the long-term promotion of alternative fuels in the transport sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        a new package of measures to promote alternative propulsions
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of  resolution  to promote alternative propulsions
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The measures shall speed up the development of alternative propulsions in transport. These shall include a reform of distribution tariffs, measures to simplify and accelerate the process of constructing alternative propulsion infrastructure, the introduction of a ‘Recharging Point Rights’ and  the introduction of a stable, predictable multi-annual framework to support the construction of relevant alternative propulsion infrastructure. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 – Sustainable transport – Investment 4: Supporting the development of infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of recharging points or hydrogen refuelling points in operation.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3029
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Total number of public recharging points or hydrogen refuelling points in operation.  Of the overall objective to put in operation 3332 of recharging points, at least 3029 are put in operation.  
                     
                     
                  
               
               COMPONENT 4: Decarbonisation of industry
            
         
         
            
               Reducing the greenhouse gas emissions in Slovakia and the fulfilment of national targets, as set out in the 2021-2030 Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan, require also an accelerated action by the industry. Slovakia is a heavily industrialized economy, with energy and industrial processes contribution to overall greenhouse gas emissions of just above 70%. Slovakia ranks among the Member States with the highest average air concentrations of dust particles in the EU, largely due to aging industrial technologies and burning of solid fuels in households. 
            
            
               In this context, the component 4 of the Slovak reform and resilience plan proposes the development and operation of a decarbonisation scheme for the industrial sector. The measures shall lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions in enterprises, reduced energy losses a higher uptake of innovative environmental technologies in industrial production. The component embeds the reform commitment by the Slovak government to transit away from coal in the Upper Nitra region. It also includes commitment to end support for the production of electricity from indigenous coal and the closure of Nováky lignite power plant. The investment in the equipment of the Slovak Environmental Inspectorate shall strengthen the monitoring capacity of decarbonisation efforts by this institution. 
            
            
               The component includes two reforms and one principal and one complementary investment. 
            
            
               These reforms and investments shall contribute to the green transition objective and to climate target. The decarbonisation shall have lasting impact on environment and air quality in Slovakia. The investments shall strengthen competitiveness of Slovak industry and securing jobs at the local level. The transformation of the Upper Nitra region boasts a strong cohesion element, particularly in supporting the region in its transition away from coal. 
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The measures shall contribute to addressing the Country Specific Recommendation conveyed to Slovakia in 2020, on the need to “focus investment on the green digital transitions, in particular on clean and efficient production and use of energy and resources” (Country Specific Recommendation 3/2020).
            
            
            
               A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
            
               Reform 1: The termination of coal-based electricity production at Nováky power plant and transformation of the Upper Nitra region
            
            
               This reform embeds the commitment of the Slovak government to progress with transition away from coal in the Upper Nitra region. The regional Nováky power plant has the third highest CO2 emissions among the Slovak EU’s Emission Trading Scheme installations. 
            
            
               The purpose of this measure is, for the Nováky lignite power plant, to end the support for production of electricity and to terminate the electricity generation from lignite. This shall deliver positive effects on environment and a price reduction for final electricity consumers. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2023.
            
            
               Reform 2: Adoption of the competitive scheme for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in industry
            
            
               The Slovak authorities shall launch a competitive decarbonisation scheme open to all industrial sectors. The decarbonisation scheme shall support the uptake of the best currently available technologies in industrial processes. The support shall target low carbon processes and technologies in industry and the adoption of energy efficiency measures.
            
            
               Slovakia shall ensure that the strict requirements on compliance with environmental legislation, both at national and EU level, shall be ensured. This shall include the compliance of supported activities and companies with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01). 
            
            
               The support to installations under the EU’s Emission Trading Scheme shall reduce their emissions substantially below the benchmark relevant to the project bid. The ‘substantially below benchmark’ condition shall be part of selection criteria for the procurement.
            
            
               The quantity of greenhouse gases emitted (in CO2 equivalent units, weighted average) of the enterprises supported by the scheme shall decrease by at least 30% as compared to the counterfactual scenario.
            
            
               The Slovak authorities shall provide  either data  on decarbonisation for projects under the  scheme (to be made available by 30 June 2026 at the latest) or demonstrate that  the greenhouse gas emission savings will be delivered based on assumed parameters of supported technologies under the measure (based on certificates by producers) or the combination of both approaches.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022.
            
            
               Investment 1: The operation of the industry decarbonisation scheme 
            
         
         
            
               The purpose of the measure is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions through project support to industrial enterprises. The auction scheme shall respect the conditions on investment policies as specified in the Reform 2 (‘Adoption of the competitive scheme for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in industry’). 
            
            
               Of the overall objective to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by 1 369 917 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, the decarbonisation scheme shall deliver the reduction of at least 1 232 926 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, additional to the counterfactual scenario presented to the Commission. The emission reduction shall be observed either on the basis of data collection for projects under the decarbonisation scheme or demonstrated on the basis of parameters of supported technologies based on certificates by producers or the combination of both approaches. The Slovak authorities shall provide the data and the necessary technical documentation to the Commission on fulfilment of the decarbonisation target by 30 June 2026 at the latest.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 
            
            
            
               Investment 2: Supporting the functioning of the Slovak Environmental Inspectorate linked to decarbonisation 
            
            
               The purpose of the measure is to support investments into the equipment of Slovak Environmental Inspectorate, strengthening the monitoring capacity of this institution in the decarbonisation process. Currently, the lack of equipment does not allow to carry out the necessary activities in view of the expected increase of the Inspectorate’s workload.
            
            
               The investments shall help to modernise the equipment as well as facilities of the institution. This shall allow for streamlining of the operational activities of the inspectorate, including for the on-the-ground missions. The inspectorate vehicles should be equipped with office and measuring technology, in particular for inspection on air protection, water protection and waste management. The investments shall also deliver improvements in the building premises of the inspectorate.
            
            
               The implementation of the investments is expected to start by 1 January 2022 and shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support 
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators  (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators  (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        unit of measure 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Baseline
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        goal 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4 – Decarbonisation of industry – Reform 1:The termination of 
                     
                     
                        coal-based electricity production at Nováky power plant and transformation of the Upper Nitra region
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Transition away from coal at the Upper Nitra region
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Cessation of the lignite electricity generation at  the Nováky Power Plant
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        In the framework of transformation of the Upper Nitra region for the Nováky power plant:
                     
                     
                        ·The Slovak authorities shall terminate the support to lignite electricity generation.
                     
                     
                        ·The lignite electricity generation shall be discontinued
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        4 – Decarbonisation of industry – Reform 2: The competitive scheme for greenhouse gas emissions reduction in industry
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the industrial decarbonisation
                     
                     
                        scheme
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the scheme on industrial decarbonisation by the Ministry of Environment  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the industrial decarbonisation scheme delivering efficient results by the Ministry of Environment. The competitive decarbonisation scheme shall be rolled out through a non-discriminatory, transparent and open bidding process, open to all industrial sectors. The support shall target the low carbon processes and technologies in industry and adoption of energy efficiency measures.
                     
                     
                        The investment policy of the scheme shall include at least the following eligibility and project selection criteria:
                     
                     
                        ·the objective of the lowest price per tonne of the greenhouse gas saved;
                     
                     
                        ·ensuring compliance with the EU acquis and national environmental laws as well as the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) of supported activities and companies and specifying decarbonisation targets. 
                     
                     
                        ·supporting only best available technology compliant projects;
                     
                     
                        ·supported EU Emission Trading Scheme installations  shall reduce their emissions substantially below the benchmark relevant to the project bid. The ‘substantially below benchmark’ condition shall be part of selection criteria for the procurement. 
                     
                     
                        ·no fossil fuels shall be supported
                     
                     
                        ·the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted (in CO2 equivalent units, weighted average) of the enterprises supported by the scheme shall decrease by at least 30%
                     
                     
                     
                        The Slovak authorities shall provide assurances on timely data delivery for all supported projects by 30 June 2026 at the latest or they shall demonstrate that greenhouse gas emissions savings are to be delivered based on assumed parameters of supported technologies (based on certificates by producers) or the combination of both approaches. The preliminary quantification of greenhouse gas emissions reductions by the decarbonisation projects may be based on technical documents stating key parameters, consumption of energy and input materials of supported technologies.
                     
                     
                        The Slovak authorities shall share with the Commission the baseline scenarios as well as the projected impact of the supported technologies, following the selection of the projects.
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        4 – Decarbonisation of industry – Investment 1:  The operation of the industry decarbonisation scheme
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion of implementation of the industry decarbonisation projects co-financed by the RRF
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Adoption of a list of completed decarbonisation projects by the Ministry of Environment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Ministry of Environment shall adopt a list of completed projects supported through the decarbonisation scheme, which shall constitute a basis for measuring the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions under measure. The emission reduction shall be observed either on the basis of data collection for projects under the decarbonisation scheme or demonstrated through assumed parameters of supported technologies under the measure based on certificates by producers or the combination of both approaches Of the overall objective to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by 1 369 917   tonnes of CO2 equivalent, the decarbonisation scheme shall deliver at least the reduction of 1 232 926   tonnes of CO2 equivalent. 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                     
                     
                        4
                     
                     
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4 – Decarbonisation of industry –  Investment 2: Ensuring the functioning of the Slovak Inspectorate of the Environment linked to decarbonisation 
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Capacity increasing investments for the Slovak Inspectorate of the Environment 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion of the RRF investment activities by the Slovak Inspectorate of the Environment 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The investments shall modernize the equipment as well as facilities of the Slovak Inspectorate of the Environment. The new inspectorate vehicles shall be equipped with office and measuring technology, in particular for inspection of air protection, water protection and waste management. The investments shall deliver improvements to the building premises of the Inspectorate.
                     
                  
               
            
            
            
               COMPONENT 5: Adaptation to climate change
            
            
               Component 5 ‘Adaptation to climate change’ of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan aims at increasing the resilience of both ecosystems and human settlements to the negative effects of climate change through reforms of the water management system, land management, nature protection and biodiversity, the implementation of green elements in the landscape and investments in waterproofing, and the development of green infrastructure, including planting. 
            
            
               The component includes two reforms and one investment.
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The objectives of this component are consistent with and forms part of the National Strategy for Environment Policy to 2030, the Strategy for the adaptation of the Slovak Republic to climate change, the Vision and Development Strategy of Slovakia to 2030 – the long-term sustainable development strategy of the Slovak Republic – Slovakia 2030, as well as the strategies and long-term objectives of the European Union, in particular the European Green Deal. 
            
            
                
            
            
               A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
         
         
            
               Reform 1 on landscape planning.
            
            
               The reform shall provide a basis for safeguarding landscape structures, ecological stability and biodiversity in land-use planning documentation and subsequent approval processes for the authorisation of buildings and activities. Together with the subsequent methodological documents and maps, the act shall provide the technical basis for land-use planning documentation and subsequent approval processes for the authorisation of buildings and activities. This shall have a significant impact on the maintenance of landscape structures, ecological stability and the protection of biodiversity. Their loss would undermine the capacity of adaptation to climate change.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022. 
            
            
               Reform 2 on nature protection and water management.
            
            
               The reform shall aim at improving the status of habitats in protected areas that shall guarantee their long-term increasing contribution to landscape protection against climate change and their own resilience to the adverse effects of climate change. By 31 December 2023, an amended Nature and Landscape Protection Act and water legislation shall enter into force. This legislation shall strengthen the institutional protection of nature, it shall minimise conflicts of competence within protected areas, simplify the protection system, integrate the networks of protected areas (national, European and international) and create the conditions for the zoning of national parks. The result shall be a modern system with the primary objective of protecting nature and biodiversity in the territories concerned, ensuring a stable long-term contribution of ecosystems to climate change adaptation and mitigation. At the same time, the reform shall allow watercourses to be revitalised and shall create room for ecological management, restoration of river space and progressive flood protection taking into account nature protection and water retention in the countryside. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2023. 
            
            
            
               Investment 1 on the adaptation of regions to climate change with an emphasis on nature conservation and biodiversity development.
            
            
               The investment aims at ensuring the long-term sustainable contribution of ecosystems to climate change adaptation and mitigation (flood mitigation, drought prevention) by protecting ecosystems. The realignment of property shall make it possible to cover new areas by the highest degree of protection, which shall increase the resilience of ecosystems. Limiting logging and developing nature conservation shall make it possible to prevent floods and droughts, transform regions from intensive use of natural resources to soft tourism, with higher added value, while reinforcing ecosystem services. Revitalised watercourses, including wetlands, shall ensure water retention in the countryside and its gradual release. They shall become important elements of the landscape, supporting the conservation of biodiversity and the restoration of habitats. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators   (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators   (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Measurement unit
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Background
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5 – Adaptation to climate change – Reform 1: Land planning reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        the Land Planning reform 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        entry into force   of the Land Planning Act by the Parliament
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        By 31 December 2022 the Ministry of the Environment shall prepare an act which will then be approved by the National Council of the Slovak Republic. The act shall be accompanied  by 31 December 2022 by the development  a methodology for assessing the value of landscape and ecosystems  which shall aim at ensuring that climate adaptation considerations are factored in territorial decision-making and building proceedings, promoting the implementation of nature-based flood prevention measures and measures to prevent drought and biodiversity loss.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5 – Adapting to climate change – Reform 2: Reforming nature conservation and water management in the countryside
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                          More effective application of nature protection measures  in landscapes in protected areas and the revitalization of watercourses
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Entry into force of the amended  Nature and Landscape Protection Act and water legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        . The Ministry of the Environment shall prepare an amendment to the Nature Protection Act, which shall come into force in January 2022 This shall be followed by the development of a proposal for a new model for the functioning of protected areas (by 31 December 2022).The water management reform in the country shall pave the way for the revitalization of watercourses, thus increasing flood protection in the country. The Ministry of the Environment shall draw up a new water policy concept by 31 December 2022 and amend the Water Act by 31 December 2023 setting up technical standards which shall allow watercourses to be revitalised in a way that shall maximize water retention in the country, slowing off water outflows and restoring groundwater reserves..
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5 – Adapting to climate change – Investment 1: Adapting regions to climate change, focusing on nature conservation and biodiversity development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Rehabilitation of watercourses ( in Km of rehabilitated watercourses)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        52
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Km of rehabilitated watercourses. Of the overall objective to rehabilitate 57 Km of watercourses, at least 52 Km are rehabilitated.
                     
                     
                        The revitalization group shall prepare priorities and identify precise sections to restore flows. Based on the technical documentation, the applicant shall submit projects on an rolling  basis  starting by 30 June 2022 and ending by 31 December 2023.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5 – Adapting to climate change – Investment 1: Adapting regions to climate change, focusing on nature conservation and biodiversity development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Rehabilitation  of watercourses
                     
                     
                        ( in Km of rehabilitated watercourses)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Km of rehabilitated watercourses
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        52
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        90
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Km of rehabilitated watercourses.  Of the overall objective to rehabilitate 97 Km of watercourses, at least 90 Km are rehabilitated.
                     
                     
                        The revitalization group shall prepare priorities and identify precise sections to restore flows. Based on the technical documentation, the applicant shall submit projects on a rolling g basis  starting by 30 June 2023 and ending by 31 December 2025   
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Adapting to climate change – Investment 1: Adapting regions to climate change, focusing on nature conservation and biodiversity development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Property settlement with private landowners (in Area of land settled in ha)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                          Of the overall objective is to reach property settlements for an area of 14750 ha, property settlements are reached for at least 14000 ha.  
                     
                     
                        By 30 June 2022, a working group at the Ministry of the Environment and the ŠOP SR shall draw up a methodology for determining the value and price of land. Calls for land purchase in protected areas, primarily in national parks, shall  be launched on the basis of the area/territories on a rolling  basis  starting by 31 March 2023 and ending by 30 June 2023 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Adapting to climate change – Investment 1: Adapting regions to climate change, focusing on nature conservation and biodiversity development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Property settlement with private landowners  (in Area of land settled in ha)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        27000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                          Of the overall objective is to reach property settlements for an area of 29509 ha, property settlements are reached for at least 27000 ha.  
                     
                     
                        By 30 September 2022 a working group at the Ministry of the Environment and the ŠOP SR shall  draw up a methodology for determining the value and price of land. Calls for land purchase  in protected areas, primarily in national parks, shall be launched on the basis of the area/territories on a rolling basis  starting by 30 June 2022 and ending by 30 December  2025.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Adapting to climate change – Investment 1: Adapting regions to climate change, focusing on nature conservation and biodiversity development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        List of selected projects for the regions of Muránska Planina and Polonina
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Steering Board shall select projects for two regions of Muránska Planina and Polonina  in accordance with the DNSH principle on the basis of an open discussion with relevant local actors.
                     
                  
               
               COMPONENT 6: Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education 
            
            
               The objective of the Component is to improve accessibility and inclusiveness of mainstream pre-school and school education in Slovakia. The Component will improve access to pre-primary education by ensuring that children aged 5 years old shall have place in the pre-school system and by introducing the legal entitlement to pre-primary education for 4- and 3-year olds. The Component is to reform the financing system for pre-school education and to introduce the system of inclusive educational support measures. The component may contribute to reduce the early-school leaving by fostering the school counselling and advisory system at lower secondary level, and to improve the inclusion also of Roma children by curbing segregation at schools. The component shall level off the deficiencies in the educational outcomes due to the pandemic and help children with special educational needs by more targeted support measures.
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The Component shall contribute to addressing the Country Specific Recommendations addressed to Slovakia in the past two years, on the need to improve the quality and inclusiveness of education at all levels and foster skills. Enhance access to affordable and quality childcare and long-term care. Promote integration of disadvantaged groups, in particular Roma. (Country Specific Recommendation 2/2019).
            
            
               A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
            
               Reform 1: Providing conditions for the implementation of compulsory pre-primary education for children from the age of 5 and introducing a legal entitlement to a place in kindergarten or other pre-primary education providers from the age of 3. The reform shall introduce the amendments to the relevant legislative provisions that introduce the legal entitlement for children age of three to be admitted to a kindergarten or other establishment providing pre-primary education. The reform is expected to change prescriptive funding for kindergartens based on the real staff and operational costs of the facility concerned. Teaching staff and specialist staff shall be obliged to upgrade the skills to a higher education degree in the teaching programme for early and pre-primary education. The reform also includes measures to increase the capacity of kindergartens so that every child between the age of three years and entering compulsory education is allowed to participate in pre-primary education by 1 September 2025.  The objective is to provide at least 12 352 places in the facilities while achieving on average at least 30% of primary energy savings in the renovated premises.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
         
         
            
               Reform 2: The definition of the concept of special educational needs of children and pupils and the development of a model for eligible support measures in education, including their funding system. The reform shall change the definition of special educational needs of pupils by a new definition of a child or pupil experiencing obstacles to access to education, education and learning, who need the provision and application of support measures to fulfil their educational potential. A vertical model of support shall be created by introducing new of eligible support measures for all children. In order to implement the reform, teachers shall be provided with teaching and methodological materials through further training programmes. 10 000 teachers and specialist staff will participate on trainings and other information activities under this reform.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Reform 3: Reforming the system of counselling and prevention and ensuring systematic data collection in the field of mental health promotion for children, pupils and students. The objective of the reform is to shift the newly-created Advisory and Prevention Centres (CPP) to operate closer to schools. By amending respective legal acts, these centres shall provide professional activities without defining health disadvantage, as it is currently the case, which causes discrimination. A change in the advisory system shall be accompanied by further support measures such as: change in funding setting up on the basis of the professional activities.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.
            
            
               Reform 4: Implementation of tools to prevent early school leaving and adapt F-type study programme. The reform consists of changes to the relevant legislative provisions aimed at increasing the possibility for young people, without completing lower-secondary education, to achieve a higher level of education by providing for the possibility of completing lower secondary education in secondary vocational schools (NSOV) in a two- and three-year combined programme. Legislative amendments shall optimise F-type study programmes as well, by extending the obligation to determine secondary school performance plans to lower secondary vocational education disciplines.  On the basis of the labour market offer, the content of the F-type study programmes shall then be adjusted. It is expected that at least 30% of lower secondary vocational schools (NSOV) shall align to the labour market offer by 30 June 2025.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform is expected to start by 31 March 2023 and shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
               Reform 5: Promoting school desegregation. The main objective of the reform is to introduce a legal definition of segregation that is expected to apply in every school in Slovakia. The desegregation of in schools shall be implemented by developing the methodological guidelines for the various educational actors (such as creators, schools and school facilities, directors and teachers) for the prevention and elimination of segregated education. The adopted methodology shall be applied in every school. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Reform 6: Compensatory measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic in education for primary and secondary school pupils. The reform establishes a tuition programme mainly for pupils at risk of failure the school exams due to limited opportunities to participate in education during the pandemic. It shall focus in particular on subjects from so-called “main educational fields”. The selection of pupils, at risk of school failure, as well as communication with pupils’ legal representatives shall be provided by the school. 
            
            
               In order to address the problem of the lack of comprehensive data on the course of distance learning, Ministry of Education shall launch a call for carrying out extensive pedagogical research to analyse the impact of the pandemic on education and their implications for education policies.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform is expected to start by 30 September 2021 and shall be completed by 31 December 2024.
            
            
               Investment 1: Removing barriers in school buildings. The objective is to remove physical, information and technological barriers in the school in 252 large secondary schools to enable disadvantaged children to carry out education in the pleasant environment. The investment shall be preceded by: 1) complex analysis in order to map the needs for debarierization and providing the manual. The manual shall define standards for removing barriers to meet the real needs of children, pupils and students with health disadvantages and to respect the principles of universal design. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment is expected to start by 31 March 2022 and shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring  implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators   (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators   (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Measurement unit
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Background
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education – Reform 1:1.Ensuring conditions for the implementation of compulsory pre-primary education for children aged of five and introducing a legal entitlement to a place in kindergarten or other pre-primary education providers from the age of three
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Introduction of legal changes of a  compulsory pre-primary education for children aged of five and introduction a legal entitlement to a place in kindergarten or other pre-primary education providers from the age of three.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption  by the Parliament of Act No 597/2003, Act No 596/2003, Act No 245/2008, Act No 138/2019, amendment of Government Regulation No 668/2004 Coll., Government Regulation No 630/2008 Coll., amendment of Decree No 1/2020.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The relevant provisions of Act No 597/2003 on the financing of primary schools, secondary schools and school facilities, Act No 596/2003 on State Administration in Education and School Self-Government and the re-evaluation of the formula in Government Regulation No 668/2004 shall be amended, including an amendment to Government Regulation No 630/2008 Coll. A differentiated and transparent system of funding for pre-primary education shall be set up to ensure stability, resilience and the ring-fencing of funds allocated to education. The effectiveness of the legislative changes introduced as at 1.1.2023.Act No 245/2008 shall introduce a universal legal entitlement to a place in kindergarten or other pre-primary education providers for children from four years of age and subsequently from the age of three.
                     
                     
                        The legislation shall be adopted by 31 December  2022, with effect from 1.1.2024, and 1.1.2025 and shall provide the sufficient places in kindergarten or other pre-primary education providers for all children from the age of 4 (from 09/2024) and subsequently from the age of three (from 09/2025). 
                     
                     
                        The amendment to Act No 138/2019 on pedagogical and professional employees and the amendment to Decree No 1/2020 Coll. on qualification requirements for teaching staff and specialist staff shall introduce the condition that pedagogical staff in kindergartens or other pre-primary education providers as a teacher have a higher education degree in the teaching programme for early and pre-primary education. 
                     
                     
                        The amendment shall be adopted by 31 December 2022 at the latest, with a date of application from 1.1.2029. The teachers with pedagogical experience at kindergarten for 10 years or more shall be recognised as fulfilling a defined qualification requirement. For teachers with work experience of less than 10 years, including on-coming full secondary vocational education graduates, a condition shall be laid down for entering the relevant university course by 1.1.2029.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Reform 1:1.Ensuring conditions for the implementation of compulsory pre-primary education for children aged of five  and introducing a legal entitlement to a place in kindergarten or other pre-primary education providers from the age of three
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Enrollment rate in pre-primary schools for children aged five years
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        88
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        95
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        For children who are 5 years old, pre-primary education shall be compulsory. Under the amendment to the School Act, they shall receive pre-primary education:(i) in kindergarten/special kindergarten included in the Slovak network of schools and schools, (ii) in individual education, e.g. at the request of a legal representative at home, or (iii) at the establishment of a registered pre-primary education provider.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Reform 1:1.Ensuring conditions for the implementation of compulsory pre-primary education for children from the age of 5 and introducing a legal entitlement to a place in kindergarten or other pre-primary education providers from the age of 3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of newly built capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 352
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The completion of the capacity of kindergartens shall create the conditions for claiming a legal entitlement to pre-primary education for children from four and then from the age of three. The target (12 352) is the estimated number of newly built facilities.  
                     
                     
                        Buildings subjected to renovation shall contribute to the green transitions by achieving at least 30% of primary energy savings.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Reform 2:Definition of the concept of special educational needs of children and pupils and development of a model for eligible support measures in education and education, including their funding system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the law on redefinition of  the concept of special educational needs and the preparation of accompanying methodological material for teaching staff, specialist staff and school leaders.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the Parliament of the amendment to Act No 245/2008 Coll., Act No 597/2003 Coll.;
                     
                     
                        Amendment of Government Regulation No 630/2008 and Adoption  by the government development of methodological material on the vertical model of support measures, didactic and methodological material for teaching Slovak as a second language and the introduction of support for children with different mother tongues in education
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendment to Act No 245/2008 on education (together with a separate new Decree) and the amendment to Act No 597/2003 on the financing of primary schools, secondary schools and educational establishments define children and pupils experiencing obstacles to access to education and their entitlement to education support through specific support measures. 
                     
                     
                     
                        Slovak Government Regulation No 630/2008 shall be adapted, which takes into account different specificities when calculating the normative contribution by means of coefficients. 
                     
                     
                        The reform requires the preparation of accompanying methodological material. At the same time, methodological sheets for teachers and worksheets for pupils, aimed at developing the language competences of children and pupils with different mother tongues than the school’s language of instruction, shall be developed for different levels of language competences and different age groups.
                     
                     
                        Methodological and didactic materials shall be published on a separate web portal and shall be freely accessible to all relevant educational actors.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Reform 2:Definition of the concept of special educational needs of children and pupils and development of a model for eligible support measures in education and education, including their funding system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force the redefinition of the concept of special educational needs
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force  of the amendment to Act No 245/2008 Coll., Act No 597/2003 Coll.;
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendment to Act No 245/2008 on education (together with a separate new Decree) define children and pupils experiencing obstacles to access to education and their entitlement to education support through specific support measures shall enter into force by 31 March 2023.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6– Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Reform 2:Definition of the concept of special educational needs of children and pupils and development of a model for eligible support measures in education and education, including their funding system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of trained teachers and specialized staff
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10000 teachers and specialized staff trained under programmes for professional development, further training and information activities which shall aim at presenting a new model of eligible educational support measures, diagnosing the level of language skills of children and pupils and providing support for children and pupils with language barriers in accessing education. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Reform 3:Reforming the system of counselling and prevention and ensuring systemic data collection in the field of mental health promotion for children, pupils and students
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the legislation that create the   comprehensive system of counselling
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendment to Act No. 245/2008 Coll. and separate Decrees, probable amendment and Government Regulation No 630/2008 Coll.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendment to Act No 245/2008 on education and training (together with a separate new decree) shall replace the current concept of an advisory system with an interconnected system focusing on accessibility, complexity and compliance with content and performance standards.
                     
                     
                        A comprehensive system of counselling and prevention shall consist of the newly created Advisory and Prevention Centres (CPP), which shall provide professional activities without defining a focus on target groups according to health disadvantage, as is currently the case, i.e. so that the possibility of visiting the centre of counselling and prevention is not determined on the basis of the child’s health disadvantage. Professional activities shall be provided in close cooperation between support teams in schools and schools, including a multidisciplinary team.
                     
                     
                        This create conditions for intensive, timely and high-quality support, assistance and intervention for children, pupils, students, legal representatives, institutional representatives and other counterparts. The change in funding shall consist of setting the contribution on the basis of the professional activities carried out. In the context of the change in funding, Government Regulation No 630/2008 laying down the details of the breakdown of funds from the state budget for schools and educational establishments may also need to be amended.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education – Reform 4:Implementation of tools to prevent early school leaving and adapt F-type study programmes
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislative amendments aimed at:• Extension of the possibility to acquire lower secondary education in lower secondary vocational education (VET) optimisation of NSOV programmes  in response to labour market needs and the offer of NSOV programmes in relation to the educational needs of the target group of pupils
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force  of the amendment to Act No 245/2008, Act No 61/2015 and modification of Decree No 292/2019.Z. z.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendment to Act No 245/2008 on education and training (School Act) shall  provide for the possibility of completing lower secondary education in lower secondary vocational education (NSOV) in a two- and three-year combined programme (depending on the year in which the pupil completed the primary school) by means of a comitology examination. The aim is to remove the so-called “dead ends” within the education system and to enable NSOV pupils to complete the lower-secondary education as part of one programme that is more efficient. There is a greater coverage of the system in relation to vulnerable groups. The education offer shall be adapted to labour market needs. 
                     
                     
                        The amendment to Act No 61/2015 on vocational education and training shall extend the obligation to determine secondary school performance plans to lower secondary vocational education. 
                     
                     
                        Decree No 292/2019 shall be amended which shall set up the performance planning system for F-type study programme by defining specific criteria. These shall take into account the specificities of F-type study programme, such as criteria at school level (benefits, attendance, rate of completion of primary school) and at trade union level – labour market outcomes of “F graduates”. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Reform 4:Implementation of tools to prevent early school leaving and adapt F-type study programmes
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Share of lower secondary vocational education (NSOV) programmes optimised in response to labour market needs 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        30 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The optimisation process shall be based on the results of the process of planning the performance of F-type study programme, which shall operate under a special regime compared to the classical performance plan. 
                     
                     
                        On the basis of the labour market offer, the content of the F-type study programme shall then be adjusted or assessed and possibly removed from the education system.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Reform 5:Supporting school desegregation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of legislative amendments  that introduce of  the definition of segregation at schools in the legislation and the development of methodological material for the implementation of desegregation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Adoption by the Parliament of an amendment to Act No 245/2008 or to Act No 365/2004 and the creation and approval by the Ministry of Education of methodological material
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Amendments to the legislation shall concern the Anti-discrimination Act (No 365/2004 Coll.) or the School Act (No 245/2008 Coll.) and other legislation related to the financing and management of schools. The definition of segregation clearly determines what acts and omissions are considered to be segregation in order to avoid different interpretations in interpretation. 
                     
                     
                        The methodological materials shall provide guidance on preventing and eliminating segregated education for the various educational actors (such as creators, schools and school facilities, directors and teachers) in practice.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Reform 5:Supporting school desegregation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force the legislative definition of segregation at schools 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Entry into force an amendment to Act No 245/2008 or to Act No 365/2004 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The act of law shall enter into force on 1/9/2025. 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Reform 5:Supporting school desegregation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Percentage of schools that apply desegregation standards coming from the adopted methodology
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         %
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The methodology shall be based on the approved law entered into force by Q3 2025.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Reform 6:Compensatory measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic in education for primary and secondary school pupils
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of pupils taking part in tuition programmes
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12000 pupils taking part in tuition programmes. As a priority, the tuition scheme shall target those pupils who were not able to fully participate in education during the period of interrupted attendance education in schools in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 school years and are therefore directly at risk of school failure. Tuition shall take place in individual or group form (in small groups up to five pupils) in the afternoon. It shall focus in particular on subjects from so-called “main educational fields”. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Investment 1: Removing barriers  of school buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of the definition of debarrierisation standard, creation of a debarrierisation manual and mapping of school needs at all levels of education
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Approval by the Ministry of Education of debarrierisation standards, debarrierisation manual and publication of the results of the mapping of needs on the MoE website
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The manual defines debarrierisation standards to meet the real needs of children, pupils and students with health disadvantages and to respect the principles of universal design. It shall be based on a holistic approach that ensures full participation in school life (i.e. defining standards that create an inclusive space throughout the school and do not only focus on removing the biggest barriers e.g. in school entry).In addition to spatial standards (e.g. technical specification for construction works), the manual also defines standards for the debarrierisation of school buildings (such as the cooperation of the school with experts and the community) 
                     
                     
                         The Ministry of Education together with Institute for Research on Inclusive Education in Brno shall prepare an analysis of the state of play of debarrierisation in schools in relation to the established standards and, based on it, shall prioritise individual schools for debarrierisation.. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 – Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education– Investment 1:Removing barriers  of school buildings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Elimination of  architectural barriers of larger secondary schools
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        252
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The quantitative indicator determines the number of debarred larger secondary schools. 
                     
                  
               
            
         
         
            
               COMPONENT 7: EDUCATION FOR THE 21.CENTURY
            
            
               This component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan shall introduce curricular reform of primary and lower secondary schools creating new learning content organised in multi-annual cycles. The aim is to develop pupils’ critical thinking and soft skills as problem-solving, handling information, working in a team, narrative and asking questions, taking initiative and responsibility, creating and implementing personal projects. This shall require the provision of textbooks necessary to renew the current stock and a change in teachers’ skills to apply these changes in everyday practice. At the same time, the component shall strengthen the quality of skills of teaching and professional staff and motivate them for lifelong professional development. The focus shall also be on inclusive education and the acquisition of digital skills. 
            
            
               The component includes two reforms and two investments.
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The Component shall contribute to addressing the Country Specific Recommendation addressed to Slovakia on the need to strengthen digital skills and ensure equal access to quality education. (Country Specific Recommendation 2/2020). Improve the quality and inclusiveness of education at all levels and foster skills (Country Specific Recommendation 2/2019).
            
            
            
               A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
            
               Reform 1: Reform of the content and form of education (curricular and textbook reform). The objective of the reform is to create new learning curricula.  Instead of delivering ready-made information, teachers shall create situations in which pupils may interpret the information in confrontation with real life. The reform commence by introduction of the curricula in primary and lower-secondary level of education (on voluntary basis) as of the school year 2023 and end by obligation to adopt the new curriculum in all primary schools in 2026. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be supported by creation of the 40 regional centers that bring support for schools in mentoring, counselling and consultation activities. The centers may comprise of teachers, school directors, professionals of adult education, third sector experts and experts from faculties preparing teachers in the region.
            
            
               The reform requires the provision of new textbooks. The preparation of textbooks shall be supported through the work of the experts. The approval of textbooks, based on professional and educational quality, shall be ensured by a uniform clause granted by the Ministry of Education. Strict and transparent peer review criteria shall be put in place. Schools shall receive an allowance to buy textbooks according to their preferences and requirements from the list of textbooks approved by the Ministry. 
            
            
               The reform shall envisage the creation of an e-Test 2.0 e-testing platform that shall make the digitalization of the education process more efficient and thus enable the central testing of pupils. The measurable effect of this reform may be the final examination of the upper secondary school carried out on-line in every school by 31 December 2025. 
            
            
               
                  The last milestone of this reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
               
            
            
               Reform 2: Preparing and developing teachers for new content and forms of teaching (change in higher education training) and strengthening the professional development of teachers). The objective of this reform is to strengthen the quality of skills of teaching and professional staff and motivate them for lifelong professional development. A financial allowance shall be introduced to upgrade the teacher’s skills. The focus shall be made on the new curricula, inclusive education and the acquisition of digital skills. By the end of 2023 at least 60% of teachers of the primary and lower secondary education shall be trained. The respective legislative amendments shall regulate the competences and the range of teaching providers. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Investment 1: Digital infrastructure in schools. The objective of this investment is to increase in the number percentage of schools with full digital entry from 30% to at least 90% (according to defined ICT standards built on the “highly equipped and connected classroom” (HECC)). To ensure transparency and value for money when purchasing digital equipment for schools, procurement shall be centrally coordinated. The investment envisages maximising the life cycle of digital equipment in order to reduce negative environmental impacts. Investment is divided into the main areas: 
            
            
               ·inclusion: the investment shall cover the software or hardware of the compensatory aids for disadvantaged pupils. 
            
            
               ·skills for the digital transformation: The investment shall cover one IT classroom in proportion to 300 students.
            
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.
            
            
               Investment 2: Completion of the school infrastructure. The first part of the investment aims to eliminate all the two-shift schools in Slovakia that may contribute to better integration for pupils from disadvantage backgrounds. The investments may take the form of expanding existing capacities, renovating and building new premise in 49 schools that currently pursue the two-shifts classes. Renovation of building shall be subject to achieving on average at least 30% of primary energy savings. 
            
         
         
            
               The second part of investment targets schools with enrolment of children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds where it shall establish the new libraries or renovate the existing ones and turn them into modern education centers in schools. School libraries shall provide a space for teaching subjects, research and group work, writing homework, carrying out projects or spending leisure time. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators  (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators  (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        unit of measure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Baseline
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Goal
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 – Education for the 21st century – Reform 1:Education content and form reform – Curricular and textbook reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Approval of the final version of the new curriculum  for all primary and lower-secondary schools organized in the multiannual education cycles
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        Approval of the new state primary and lower-secondary education programme by the Minister of Education. 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        An integrated curriculum for primary and lower-secondary schools shall be  implemented within cycles. Cycles shall define basic learning objectives for areas rather than detailed content, thus creating flexibility to develop curricula at school level. The implementation phase shall start from September 2023 with an obligation to transfer all primary schools to a new curriculum by 09/2026.
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 – Education for the 21st century – Reform 1:Education content and form reform – Curricular and textbook reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Creation of a network of regional centres of support
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        40
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Regional centres of curricular management and support for schools to implement changes shall be developed at regional level through mentoring, counselling and consultation activities. In total, there shall be 40 centres (one centre for two counties) with a team of teachers, school directors, other specialist of youth and adult education, third sector experts and experts from faculties preparing teachers in the region.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 – Education for the 21st century – Reform 1:Education content and form reform – Curricular and textbook reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Primary schools that implement the new curriculum (in percentage) 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        %
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        30
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 30% of  public primary schools that implement the new curriculum
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 – Education for the 21st century – Reform 1:Education content and form reform – Curricular and textbook reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of an on-line matura (final exam for graduates from upper secondary school]
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        %
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        23
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Share of matura (final exam for graduates from upper secondary school] taken on internet.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 – Education for the 21st century – Reform 2:Preparing and developing teachers for new content and form of teaching
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force the legislative changes to strengthen the quality of skills of teaching and professional staff and motivate them for lifelong professional development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force the amendments to Act No 138/2019 on pedagogical and professional employees, Act No 597/2003 Coll., Act No 131/2002 on higher education, 
                     
                     
                        and the Decrees No 244/2019 and No 1/2020 of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic on the system of study unions of the Slovak Republic.  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The legislative changes shall bring: 
                     
                     
                        ·Introduction of the new study programmes preparing future teachers, 
                     
                     
                        ·a grant programme for universities to support the emergence of new teaching curricula. This includes funding for changes in programmes that support the introduction of inclusive education, the education of pupils with different mother tongues and the development of digital competences among teaching students.
                     
                     
                        ·An allowance to motivate teaching and professional staff to pursue lifelong professional development;
                     
                     
                        · Regulation of the competences and the range of providers of attestation, functional and qualification education in the education sector.
                     
                     
                        ·new model of accreditation of professional development training programmes. 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 – Education for the 21st century – Reform 2:Preparing and developing teachers for new content and form of teaching
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Percentage of teachers trained, especially in preparation for the new curriculum, inclusive education and digital skills
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         %
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         60
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        By the 31 of December 2023 at least 60% of teachers shall be trained. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 – Education for the 21st century – Investment 1:Digital infrastructure in schools
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Increase in the percentage of schools with basic level of digital equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        30
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        90
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 – Education for the 21st century – Investment 2:Completion of school infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Elimination of the double-shift schools 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        49
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The objective is to eliminate the current two-shift operation in 49 schools. There shall be a specific call for double shifts schools to build new premises or make reconstructions of the premises which are not fit to serve pupils.
                     
                     
                        Buildings subjected to renovation shall contribute to the green transitions by achieving at least 30% of primary energy savings, to be monitored by energy saving certificates.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 – Education for the 21st century – Investment 2:Completion of school infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         the number of schools with their own library as an educational centre or with a modernised library
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        200
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The objective is to transform of school libraries for educational centres in  schools attended by more than 15 pupils from weak socio-economic background to promote reading literacy is a priority and shall be achieved through the renovation of buildings or building the new ones. For this, there shall be a specific call. This shall ensure access to books for pupils – 87 % of pupils from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and a total of 28 % of pupils who do not currently have it. 
                     
                     
                        Of the overall objective is to establish or renovate 211, at least 200 libraries are built or renovated.
                     
                     
                        Buildings subjected to renovation shall contribute to the green transitions by achieving at least 30% of primary energy savings to be monitored by energy saving certificates.
                     
                  
               
               COMPONENT 8: Improving the performance of Slovak universities
            
            
               The key objective of this component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan is to improve the quality of performance of Slovak higher education institutions (HEIs).The new form of financing of professional bachelor programmes and short tertiary programmes shall be introduced to better fit the study programmes to the labour market needs. In order to improve the quality of science, a systemic performance evaluation shall be established that support the new accreditation system. The component shall enhance the reform of the universities management by conferring more power to the rector and the board, as well as setting up a scheme that incentivise the mergers of the HEI to reduce administrative costs and create the effect of the positive spill-over in knowledge diffusion among the entities. 
            
            
               The component includes five reforms and one investment.
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The Component shall contribute to addressing the Country Specific Recommendations addressed to Slovakia in the past two years, on the need to Improve the quality and inclusiveness of education at all levels and foster skills. (Country Specific Recommendation 2/2019) as well as to ensure equal access to quality education. (Country Specific Recommendation 2/2020).
            
            
               There is some strong connection to other components especially the ones related to research and innovation (Component 9 and 17), re-skilling and meeting the labour market needs (Component 10).
            
            
               A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
            
               Reform 1: Change in the funding of universities by introduction of performance contracts. A new instrument – performance contracts – shall be introduced to the legal system in order to support the profiling and diversification of universities based on their specific strengths and potential for development. Performance contracts are to be signed by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic (MŠVVaŠ SR) with public universities. On the basis of the agreement of with universities, objectives shall be set which shall be monitored using the U-Multirank approach (unified methodology to carry out the performance evaluation) and shall be based on a long-term objective in the field of universities and country needs. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform is expected to start by 31 December 2022 and shall be completed by 31 December 2023.
            
            
               Reform 2: Introduction of a system of periodic scientific performance evaluation. The objective of the reform is to introduce a system of periodic evaluation of the scientific performance of universities. The Ministry prepares, in cooperation with stakeholders, a methodology for assessing scientific performance and introduces it into the legal system. The performance evaluation shall be organized by the ministry, either directly or through an autonomous institution, so that the assessment is based on the principles of independence and transparency. The assessment panel shall consist of domestic and foreign excellent researchers. The evaluation shall be based on high quality assessment systems from abroad, with the British Research Excellence Framework (REF) as the main inspiration and using specific parametric settings adapted to the situation of the Slovak institutions to assess the quality of output within the field.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022. 
            
            
               Reform 3: A new approach to accreditation of higher education. The objective of the reform is to set out the new standards and criteria for the accreditation of curricula that tighten the conditions for guaranteeing and delivering study programmes, improve their quality and introduce long-term quality monitoring processes. A new system shall require that universities involve students, external stakeholders (in particular employers) in the design, monitoring and adjustment of curricula, and that universities closely monitor student progress and needs, graduate uptake and overall student satisfaction. The Slovak Accreditation Agency for Higher Education (SAAVŠ) shall have external supervision of the implementation of these rules. By default, the SAAVŠ shall use the foreign assessors and practitioners in the assessment of university programmes. It is expected that at least 90% of universities apply to check the compliance of internal quality systems and study programmes with accreditation standards. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022. 
            
            
               Reform 4: Reform of the governance of universities. The reform via the amendment to the Higher Education Act shall increase the power of rector and the Board of Directors so that it better reflect responsibility and allow greater flexibility within the higher education institution. The reform shall also remove restrictions on the appointment of lecturers and professors (the current requirement for an additional habilitation or inaugural procedure and the degrees of lecturer and professor), thus promoting the openness of the academic environment to both professional and foreign candidates. The recruitment of university management posts (rector, dean of faculty) shall be professionalized and shall take the form of open competitions or public hearings. In addition, the experts shall be able to participate in open competitions for tenures. The Higher Education Act shall remove the condition that staff in positions of professor and lecturer must have a scientific/pedagogical degree.  
            
         
         
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2021.
            
            
               Reform 5: Concentration of excellent educational and research capacities. The objective of the reform is to promote the bringing together of universities into larger units. There are over 30 universities in Slovak with a fragmented research capacities and insufficient cooperation with business. The Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic (MŠVVaŠ SR) shall approve a road map for two large units of higher education institutions and subsequently for the next group of universities. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform is expected to start by 31 December 2021 and shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 1: Investment support for the strategic development of universities. 
            
            
               Investments shall underpinned primarily reform 5 targeted at mergers of universities’ excellence potential. The investments may be channeled through two different schemes. The first one that support projects for the development of research, education and accommodation infrastructure with high added value for excellent research such as: upgrading existing or new spaces for the concentration of excellent research and doctoral studies, including foreign researchers, upgrading existing or new spaces for practical teaching in professional bachelor courses, removing the barriers and digitization. The second scheme shall support project management based on the approved roadmap. The scope of investments shall be determined in the plan linked to the process of bringing together university units. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators   (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators   (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        unit of measure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Baseline
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Goal 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 – Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions – Reform 1:Change in funding for universities, including the introduction of performance contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of performance contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Conclusion of the overarching agreement of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic (MŠVVaŠ SR) with universities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Performance contracts shall support the profiling and diversification of universities based on their strengths, their potential for development, the reduction in the number of curricula, as well as the concentration of resources. Among other things, the aim is to increase the share of professionally oriented bachelor’s programmes of public higher education from 4 % to 10 % to Q4 2024
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 – Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions – Reform 1:Change in funding for universities, including the introduction of performance contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Performance contracts signed with public universities (in percentage) 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        N/a
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        90
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 90% of performance contracts signed. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 – Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions – Reform 2:Introduction of a system of periodic scientific performance evaluation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Definition of the system of periodic evaluation of scientific performance introduced in the Law No 172/2005
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the Law No 172/2005 for the evaluation of scientific performance and methodology for periodic scientific performance evaluation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A system of periodic evaluation of the scientific performance of universities, with the participation of international evaluators, shall be set up to ensure the diversification of universities with regard to the quality of their scientific performance in individual fields and the identification of excellent research teams in individual universities. 
                     
                     
                        The evaluation shall thus be one-size-fits-all for universities, but also for other research institutions (SAV, other non-business and private research institutions).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 – Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions – Reform 2:Introduction of a system of periodic scientific performance evaluation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of  Performed evaluations 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The target refers to the all public universities. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 – Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions – Reform 3:A new approach to accreditation of higher education
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Percentage of universities apply to check the compliance of internal quality systems and study programmes with standards
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        90
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 90% of universities have applied for a verification of the compliance of their internal quality systems and study programmes with new accreditation standards. 
                     
                     
                        The new accreditation standards shall tighten standards and conditions for the guarantee and delivery of study programmes. Five academics with high-quality scientific outputs are needed for accreditation, as well as the implementation of a student-centred quality education system. 
                     
                     
                        Foreign assessors shall also be routinely involved in assessing compliance with accreditation standards for quality of education. Stricter rules shall lead to a reduction in the number of study programmes, greater diversification and profiling and greater student orientation, as universities shall concentrate on programmes where they may deliver the highest quality of education.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 – Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions – Reform 4:Reform of the management of universities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The reform of the management system of higher education institutions
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendment to Act No 131/2002 on higher education, 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendment to Act No 131/2002 on higher education shall reform the management system of universities. The amendment to the Law on Higher Education shall strengthen the competences of the Rector and the Board of Directors, the composition of which shall be reformed, the method of electing the rector shall be changed, the mechanism of functional posts shall be opened up and the requirements for the internal organisation of academia shall be simplified, ensuring school autonomy and freedom of science. 
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        The strengthening of the competences of the Board of Directors shall address issues of strategic governance of the University, while the participation of State representatives shall be limited in such a way that the central government shall not be able to take control of the Board of Directors. Academic freedom shall in no way be affected.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 – Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions – Reform 5:Concentration of excellent educational and research capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Start
                     
                     
                        bringing together of universities into larger units
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        An approved by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic (MŠVVaŠ SR) bundling road map for at least 2 university units.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        An approved bundling road map for at least 2 university units. The Road Map shall develop the timetable and the various steps leading to the linkage of higher education institutions. The blending process itself shall be supported by investments from the Recovery Fund Facility, as well as performance contracts due to direct transaction costs (such us the unification of IT systems), also to build new infrastructure capacities (such as removing duplications and unifying the sites concerned shall not simply be able to relocate workplaces and new capacities shall need to be built).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 – Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions – Reform 5:Concentration of excellent educational and research capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        The completion of the process of merging research units
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Formal connection process completed for at least 2 units of higher education. [COM: SK to provide 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Formal connection process completed for at least 2 units of higher education confirmed by the new statute for joint universities. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 – Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions –Investment1: support for the strategic development of universities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        at least 2 calls concluded for supporting  the strategic development of universities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Award of the contracts following the calls 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2 calls to support the strategic development of universities as described in the reform 5 shall provide :
                     
                     
                        a) The sub-programme for university development shall support infrastructure projects for the development of research, education and accommodation infrastructure with high added value for excellent research and internationalisation: for example, upgrading existing or new spaces for the concentration of excellent research and doctoral studies, including foreign researchers, upgrading existing or new spaces for practical teaching in professional bachelor courses, upgrading existing or new premises for indoor facilities, debarrierisation and modern digitisation of buildings
                     
                     
                        b) The programme for university development shall support project management and induced investment by bringing together universities. Once the Roadmap has been approved, and depending on its feasibility and ambition, as well as justifying the necessary investments and ensuring their continued sustainability, it shall include an investment plan linked to the process of bringing together university units.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 – Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions – Investment1: support for the strategic development of universities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        reconstructed university area and dormitory  with primary energy savings of more than 30 % (in m2)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        262647
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The objective is 291830m2 but at least 262647 m2 university area shall be reconstructed including dormitories in universities, with primary energy savings of more than 30 % to be monitored by energy saving certificates.
                     
                  
               
            
               COMPONENT 9: More efficient management and strengthening of R & D & I funding
            
            
               This component of the Slovak recovery and resilient plan addresses important structural bottlenecks in the Slovak research, development and innovation (RDI) ecosystem, such as fragmentation of the RDI governance, insufficient private-academia cooperation, internationalisation and RDI funding. The longer term objective is to stimulate private participation in RDI through an increase in private RD expenditure.  
            
            
               The component aims at strengthening RDI performance and innovation potential, which are a necessary prerequisite for competitive and sustainable economic growth. The proposed measures are focused on enhancing the RDI governance, overarching coordination, impact and effectiveness of RDI investment as well as fostering public-private cooperation and private investment. The measures support research excellence and internationalisation, as well as the attraction and retention of talent in science and innovation. The objective of investment schemes is to generate new RDI projects in key sector of the economy with transformative potential to support the creation of higher added value jobs and to stimulate the growth of the innovation ecosystem at the national and regional level. 
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The component is composed of 2 reforms and 7 investments, which are closely interlinked. The RDI reforms are designed to be a prerequisite for efficient and effective absorption of investment.
            
            
               All investment schemes shall comply with DNSH principles requiring technology neutral investment at the level of applications and excluding potentially damaging areas such as fossil fuels, including downstream use. Launch of all competitive calls for proposals shall include eligibility criteria that ensure that selected projects comply with the DNSH principles through the use of an exclusion list and the requirement of compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation. 
            
            
               The investments and reforms shall contribute to the Country Specific Recommendations addressed to Slovakia in the past two years, on the need to “focus investment-related policy on research and innovation” (Country Specific Recommendations 2/2019), to “focus investment on the green and digital transition” (Country Specific Recommendation3/2020) and to “enhance coordination and policy making” (Country Specific Recommendations 4/2020).
            
            
                A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
            
               Reform 1: Reform of governance, evaluation and support in science, research and innovation.
            
         
         
            
               The reform focuses on the amendment of the RDI relevant legislation, which shall enhance the RDI governance structure, strengthen and professionalise inter-ministerial coordination of RDI policies. The new governance structure shall be made up of the Slovak Government, the Government Council for Science, Technology and Innovation and the Secretariat created under the Government Office. The reform shall be based on 5 pillars: i) strong over-government strategy and coordination, ii) effective cross-cutting standards for support instruments, iii) consolidation of grant agencies and building up their expertise, iv) application of principles of good governance and efficiency and v) unified system of institutional assessment and institutional RDI funding. The revision of the legislation (Act No 172/2005) shall be proposed by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport and shall enter into force by 31 March 2022. The reform includes the adoption of a new National Strategy for RDI to provide a strategic policy direction, objectives and tools to apply to all types of public support, including national and EU funds in a consistent and complementary way. The government shall adopt the Strategy by 30 September 2022. In order to minimise inefficiencies, the principles of good governance and efficient funding shall be translated into a methodology to apply ex-ante into RDI investments. The new RDI strategy and measures shall take into account the revised Smart Specialisation Strategy to foster thematic concentration as well as recommendations of recent studies such as OECD to improve RDI investment implementation and “lessons learnt” from the Cohesion policy programming periods. The evaluation process shall be reformed to increase the use of panel and foreign evaluators and administrative processes shall be streamlined.
            
            
                The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 September 2022.
            
            
                Reform 2: Reform of the organisation and funding of research institutions, in particular the Slovak Academy of Science.  
            
            
               The reform aims at completing the transformation of the Slovak Academy of Science (SAS) into a public organisation to enable stimulating multi-source funding and cooperation with the private sector. The reform shall be enabled by a revision of the two legislative acts (Act No 133/2002 on SAS and Act No 243/2017 on the public research institutions) proposed by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport. It shall allow the SAS entering into business and property relations related to RDI with full protection of intellectual property rights and financial gains. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2021. 
            
            
               Investment 1: Promoting international cooperation and participation in Horizon Europe and EIT projects. 
            
            
               Participation in international cooperation, such as EU RI framework programmes is very low and Slovakia is currently on the 24th place in the EU regarding EU funding received from Horizon 2020. The objective of the investment is to enable greater participation of Slovak institutions, researchers and companies in cutting-edge projects of the European Research Area (ERA). At least three calls for projects shall be launched for the following schemes: 
            
            
               ·Projects awarded by the “Seal of Excellence”/threshold projects (such as Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships, Teaming, European Research Council scheme with evaluation A in the second round). 
            
            
               ·Projects participating in the European Innovation Council scheme with the “Seal of Excellence” award from the Bratislava region. 
            
            
               ·“Matching grants to research institutions or companies to resources generated under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe. 
            
            
               ·Grant support for the preparation of Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe applications. 
            
            
               The overall approach is to support high quality projects, which receive a very high score in ERA programmes, but are left with no funding. The investment is expected to result in at least 48 applications and participating projects in Horizon Europe programmes. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment  shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 2: Supporting cooperation between companies, academia and R & D organisations. 
            
            
               The investment aims to mobilise private participation in RDI and increase the share of innovative businesses, especially in the area of digital innovation. It shall support a wider role of the private sector, capacity building as well as networking with research organisations. At least five calls shall be launched for the following schemes:  
            
            
               ·“Matching grants” to research institutions to leverage resources raised from the private sector in the framework of research collaboration. This scheme shall encourage academic and research organisations to seek more private partnerships. 
            
            
               ·Traineeships of doctoral students and staff between enterprises and academic research organisations, including joint leadership of doctoral candidates. 
            
            
               ·”Voucher” support schemes – to facilitate the transfer of knowledge, technologies and innovation and to enhance the cooperation with business sector. Three types of the voucher schemes are proposed: i) innovation voucher – to stimulate SMEs cooperation with research organisations, or with municipalities, ii) digital voucher – to stimulate the digitalisation of services and processes for SMEs and enterprises and iii) patent voucher – to promote the protection of intellectual property rights. 
            
            
               ·The measure of creating at least two “transformative and innovative consortia” shall aim to generate new RDI projects in key sectors of the economy with the greatest innovation potential (such as smart mobility, green technologies), primarily in Košice and Bratislava regions. 
            
            
               Of the overall objective is to support 5 900 projects, at least 5 500 cooperation projects between companies, academia and RD organisation as well as vouchers are supported. 
            
         
         
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 3: Excellent science. 
            
            
               The rate of internationalisation of the research environment is very low, only 2% of university academic staff come from abroad. The investment aims to create an internationally competitive environment for the best scientists, both in terms of salaries and the availability of attractive research schemes. At least 6 calls shall be launched for the following schemes:
            
            
               ·Scholarships for excellent researchers at different career stages R1 – R4 (First stage researchers, Recognised researchers, Established researchers, Leading researchers). 
            
            
               ·“Early stage” research grants. The scheme is designed to give the opportunity to young researchers to kick-start research in their own field.  
            
            
               ·Capital “booster” shall complement the existing schemes to finance capital expenditure of research projects. 
            
            
               ·Dedicated calls for large research projects shall support excellent teams in strategically defined RDI areas and enhance RDI human capital. It is expected that at least 15 high-quality research projects are selected and completed. 
            
            
               Of the overall objective is to support 1060 excellent researchers, at least 1000 excellent researchers are supported under different schemes.  
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 March 2026.
            
            
               Investment 4: Research and innovation to decarbonise the economy.
            
            
               The investment scheme aims at improving synergies in RDI topics between national and EU level.  Thematic calls shall be launched to support the green transition as well as resilience and adaptation to climate change in line with topics expected in the thematic priorities of Horizon Europe, such as carbon free energy, electrification, hydrogen, battery technologies and alternative fuels, low emission industrial processes  and materials and bio-economy. The focus shall be on entire research and innovation cycle (Technology readiness level 1-9) with highest allocation directed to demonstration projects and more advanced technology readiness levels (TRL). Of the overall objective is to complete 30 projects, at least 27 projects are completed under the calls by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 
            
            
               Investment 5: Research and innovation for the digitalisation of the economy. 
            
            
               The investment aims at supporting the transition to the digital economy. Thematic calls to be launched in 2022 shall be channelled towards topics that are expected in the thematic priorities of Horizon Europe, such as key digital and industrial technologies, internet of things, artificial intelligence and robotics and cover the whole research and innovation cycle (Technology readiness levels 1-9). Of the overall objective is to complete 155 projects, at least 140 projects are completed under the calls by 30 June 2026.
            
            
                The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 
            
            
               Investment 6: Financial instruments to support innovation. 
            
            
               The investment intends to considerably increase the share of innovative businesses especially for digital and green innovations and invest in companies with significant technological and innovative potential. The capital investment shall cover an early stage (seed phase) as well as the growth phase (such as venture capital funds) of the companies´ life cycle and shall be implemented through financial intermediaries. To increase the incentives for SMEs to enter green and digital projects, it is proposed to set up a repayable form of financing using loan products. Green and digital loans shall allow the loan/credit product to be combined with grant funding. 
            
            
               To comply with the “Do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01)), investment strategies outlining the use of financial instruments shall require the application of the Commission technical guidance on sustainability proofing for the InvestEU, and/or apply the exclusion list  and require compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation. The investment strategy, including “Do no significant harm” requirements shall be properly reflected in a contractual agreement between Slovak authorities and the implementing partners/financial intermediaries. 
            
            
               Of the overall objective is to support 165 companies, at least 150 companies are supported by financial instruments in the form of capital inputs and micro-loans by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
         
         
            
               Investment 7: RD grant IT system. 
            
            
               The objective of the investment closely linked to the Reform 1 - is to create a unified IT system to speed up the evaluation of grant calls. The IT system shall have the following features: i) a module linking the register of higher education staff with staff in RDI and other sectors, ii) a module registering RD organisations, iii) modularity of the system for flexible use of different evaluation systems, iv) a module to link the publication output register for both project evaluation and project results´ reporting, and v) interactions with the Cohesion Policy system – “ESIF ITMS” module and vi) modularity allowing variable call setting (such as  VEGA projects). 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 March 2023.
            
            
                 
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators    (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators    (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Unit of measure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Baseline
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Goal
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 – More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Reform 1: Reform of governance, evaluation and support in science, research and innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reform of the governance and support for research, development and innovation.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the Amendment to Law 172/2005
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendment to the Act shall strengthen the coordinating role of the new governance structure for research, development and innovation (such as defining the role of the Slovak Government’s Council for Science, Technology and Innovation and its Secretariat placed under the Government Office). The law shall regulate different types of public support to ensure coordination and consistency of public interventions. It shall allow the gradual integration of processes and expert evaluation of RD projects, the simplification and standardisation of RD project evaluation processes by agencies
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 – More efficient governance and strengthening RDI funding – Reform 1: Reform of governance, evaluation and support in science, research and innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Design of the National overarching RDI Strategy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the National RDI Strategy by the government 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Government shall approve the National Strategy for the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) to become an overarching document for all public funding of RDI by 2030. It shall reflect on past experiences and offer the horizontal framework to integrate existing strategies (such as Smart Specialisation Strategy). It shall provide a strategic framework and direction for RDI policy, define objectives and measures to achieve them.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 – More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Reform 2: Reform of the organisation and funding of non-business research institutions, in particular the Slovak Academy of Sciences
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Reform of the Slovak Academy of Science (SaS) 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of an amendment to Act No 133/2002 on SAS  and an amendment to Act No 243/2017 on the public research institution 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of amendments to the Acts, which shall transform the Slovak Academy of Science (SAS) into a public institution allowing multi-source financing, including from the private sector while ensuring full protection of intellectual property and financial profitability. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        19– More efficient governance and strengthening RDI funding – Investment 1: Promoting international cooperation and participation in Horizon Europe and EIT projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for projects to support the participation of Slovak actors in Horizon Europe 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for projects to support the participation of Slovak actors in Horizon Europe 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At  least  three  calls for projects shall be launched to support the participation of Slovak actors in Horizon Europe programmes under the following schemes: 
                     
                     
                        • Scheme to support the preparation of applications for Horizon Europe
                     
                     
                        • Scheme to support projects that have obtained a Seal of excellence or a high score
                     
                     
                        • "Matching grants" for successful projects in H2020/Horizon Europe
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9 – More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 1: Promoting international cooperation and participation in Horizon Europe and EIT projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Financial support for applications and participating projects in Horizon Europe programmes,  under calls funded by the RRF 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Amounts (EUR millions) 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        43
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective  is to paid EUR 46 300 000,  at least EUR 43 000 000 , is paid to projects selected under the calls aiming at increasing participation in the Horizon Europe programmes.
                     
                     
                        The investment is expected to result in:
                     
                     
                        • at least 48 applications and participating projects in Horizon Europe programmes 
                     
                     
                        • at least 1600 grants  to support  preparation of project applications  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9 More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 2: Support for cooperation between firms, academia and RD organisations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch  of calls for projects to support cooperation between companies, academia and R & D organisations and vouchers 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for projects support cooperation between firms, academia and R & D organisations and vouchers  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least five  calls for projects shall be launched in compliance with the DNSH principle to support cooperation between companies, academia and RD organisations and to support vouchers schemes:
                     
                     
                        • “Matching” grants to research institutions to leverage resources from the private sector in the framework of research collaboration.
                     
                     
                        • PhD students’ traineeships and staff between businesses and academic research organisations
                     
                     
                        • establishing "transformative and innovative" consortia
                     
                     
                        • Voucher support schemes, which include innovation vouchers, digital vouchers and patent vouchers
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9  More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 2: Support for cooperation between firms, academia and RD organisations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Number of  collaborative projects  and vouchers supported
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2660
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective is to support 2950 projects, at least 2 660 cooperation projects between companies, academia and RD organisations and vouchers, are supported.
                     
                     
                        The investment is expected to result in : 
                     
                     
                        • Establishing at least 2 “transformative and innovative” consortia 
                     
                     
                        • 2 000 collaborative projects supported under matching grants  
                     
                     
                        • 50 supported (temporary) traineeships between enterprises and academic research organisations 
                     
                     
                        •  500 innovative and patent vouches and 400 digital vouches are delivered 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9  More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 2: Support for cooperation between firms, academia and RD organisations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of collaborative projects and vouchers  supported
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of projects 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2600
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5500
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of  the overall objective is to support  5 900 projects, at  least 5 500 cooperation projects between companies, academia and RD organisations and vouchers, are supported:
                     
                     
                        The investment is expected to result in : 
                     
                     
                        • at least 2 “transformative and innovative” consortia are operational  
                     
                     
                        •  4 000 collaborative projects supported under matching grants  
                     
                     
                        • 100 supported traineeships between enterprises and academic research organisations 
                     
                     
                        • 500 innovative, 500 patent and 800 digital vouches are delivered and completed  
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9  More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 3: Excellent science
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls to support  excellent researchers
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for projects to support excellent researchers 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A t least six calls for projects shall be launched to support excellent researchers in compliance with the DNSH principle under the following  schemes:
                     
                     
                        • scholarships for excellent PhD programmes
                     
                     
                        • Post-doctoral scholarships
                     
                     
                        • Senior research fellowship
                     
                     
                        •
                     
                     
                        • Large projects for excellent researchers
                     
                     
                        • “Early stage” research grants
                     
                     
                        • Capital booster for existing RD  support schemes
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 3: Excellent science
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Number of excellent researchers supported
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of researchers
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        650
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective is to support 715 researchers, at least 650 excellent researchers, are supported under the calls. 
                     
                     
                        The investment is expected to result in: 
                     
                     
                        • Selection of 15 large grants to excellent researcher teams 
                     
                     
                        Support of: 
                     
                     
                        •  425 fellowships for researchers at different career stages (R1-R4)
                     
                     
                        • 200 “Early stage” research grants for young researchers
                     
                     
                        • 90 projects under capital booster 
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 3: Excellent science
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of excellent researchers supported 
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of researchers 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        650
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective is to support  1060 researchers,  at least 1000 excellent researchers, are supported under the calls
                     
                     
                        The investment is expected to result in: 
                     
                     
                        • 425 fellowships for researchers at different career stages (R1-R4)
                     
                     
                        • 500 “Early stage” research grants for young researchers
                     
                     
                        • 120 projects under capital booster
                     
                     
                        • 15 large grants to excellent researchers are implemented  
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 4: Research and innovation to decarbonise the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for thematic demand-driven projects addressing the challenges of green transition
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for thematic demand-driven projects addressing the challenges of green transition 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         At least two calls for thematic demand-driven projects shall be launched in compliance with the DNSH principle addressing the challenges of green transition, de-carbonisation as well as resilience and adaptation to climate change. 
                     
                     
                        Support shall be  directed towards topics that are foreseen in the thematic priorities of Horizon Europe, such as
                     
                     
                        • Carbon-free energy
                     
                     
                        • electrification
                     
                     
                        • Hydrogen, battery technologies and alternative fuels
                     
                     
                        • Low-emission industrial processes and materials
                     
                     
                        • Bio-economy, sustainable agriculture and forestry.
                     
                     
                        Calls for projects shall cover the whole research and innovation cycle (technology readiness levels1-9)
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9  More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 4: Research and innovation to decarbonise the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of selected projects addressing the challenges of the green transition 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        27
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective is to select 30 projects, at least 27 projects, are selected under the calls  addressing the challenges of the green transition and de-carbonisation
                     
                     
                        Projects shall be approved in different phases of technology readiness levels (TRL -1-9)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 4: Research and innovation to decarbonise the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of projects addressing the challenges of the green transition, which are completed
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        27
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective is to complete 30 projects, at least 27 projects, selected under the calls, are completed.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9  More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 5: Research and innovation for the digitalisation of the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for thematic demand-driven projects addressing the challenges of digital transition
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for thematic demand-driven  projects addressing the challenges of digital transition 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least two calls for thematic demand-driven projects shall be launched in compliance with the DNSH principle addressing the challenges of digital transformation and helping meet the EC’s ambitions for digital autonomy.
                     
                     
                        Support shall be directed towards topics in line with the thematic priorities of Horizon Europe, such as: 
                     
                     
                        • Key digital technologies (such as cybersecurity; quantum technologies for cybersecurity, sensors and the Internet of Things; microelectronics and electronic components and cloud solutions)
                     
                     
                        • Artificial intelligence and robotics 
                     
                     
                        Calls for projects shall cover the whole research and innovation cycle (technology readiness level 1-9). 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9  More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 5: Research and innovation for the digitalisation of the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of RDI projects selected under the calls addressing the challenges of digital transformation.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        140
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective is to select 155 projects, at least 140 projects are selected under the calls  for thematic demand-driven projects addressing digital transformation challenges  in different technology readiness  levels (TRL -1-9)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        17
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9 More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 5: Research and innovation for the digitalisation of the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of RDI projects addressing the challenges of digital transformation, which are completed
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        140
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective is to complete 155 projects, at least 140 projects, selected under the calls , are  completed
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        18
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9  More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 6: Financial instruments to support innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch and implementation of financial instruments to support innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of the investment phase of financial instruments to support innovation in line with the investment strategy 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least two financial instruments shall be launched in the investment phase in line with an investment strategy/contractual agreement, which comply with “Do no significant harm” Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01) principles requiring sustainability proofing,  exclusion criteria of the investment and compliance with the relevant EU and national environmental legislation.. 
                     
                     
                        DNSH aspects shall be properly reflected in the contractual agreement between Slovak authorities and the implementing partners/financial intermediaries.
                     
                     
                        The financial instruments shall support innovation in enterprises and include the following schemes: 
                     
                     
                        •Capital input early in business lifecycle 
                     
                     
                        • Capital input to growth stage companies
                     
                     
                        • micro-loans covering “green” and “digital” loans
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        19
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9 More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 6: Financial instruments to support innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of companies supported through financial instruments 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                          
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of companies
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        150
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective is to support 165 companies, at least 150 companies, are supported by financial instruments in the form of capital inputs and micro-loans
                     
                     
                        It is estimated that 40 companies benefit from a capital injection and 125 companies from  ‘green’ or ‘digital’ loans
                     
                  
               
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        9 More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding – Investment 7: It support a single RD grant system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Design of the new RD  information system to evaluate grant schemes
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        First grant calls  implemented in the new RD grant evaluation information system 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A new information system for the evaluation of RD grants is operational and shall be tested by the first calls.  
                     
                     
                        The IT system is expected to have the following specific features:
                     
                     
                        •  a module linking  the register of higher education staff with staff in RDI and other sectors,
                     
                     
                        • a module registering RD organisations, 
                     
                     
                        •  modularity of the system for flexible use of the different evaluation systems,
                     
                     
                        • a module linking the publication output register for both project evaluation and project results´ reporting,
                     
                     
                        • interactions with the Cohesion Policy IT system  and
                     
                     
                        •  modularity allowing variable call  settings
                     
                     
                  
               
            
               COMPONENT 10: Attracting and retaining talents
            
            
               The objective of this component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan is to develop effective policies to promote student and labour mobility, actively motivate highly qualified foreign experts (including Slovak nationals), students and entrepreneurs to establish themselves in Slovakia. The aim of these measures is the need to attract and retain human capital essential for Slovakia’s economic development. The authorities’ ambition is to increase, over a five-year horizon, the share of highly skilled foreign nationals in the workforce from 0.5% to 1% and to level the balance of outgoing and incoming students to Slovak higher education institutions.
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               Measures in this component shall contribute to addressing Country-Specific Recommendations to Slovakia, in particular as regards “improving the quality and inclusiveness of education at all levels and promoting skills” and “promoting the integration of disadvantaged groups” (Country-Specific Recommendation 2, 2019), as well as “resilience of the health system in the areas of health workforce” (Country-Specific Recommendation 1, 2020). 
            
            
            
               A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
               Reform 1: Reform of residence and labour legislation
            
            
               Applicable work and residence permit procedures in Slovakia are in general demanding for both the worker and the company and tend to be lengthy. The aim of this reform is to shorten and significantly simplify these procedures for highly qualified third-country nationals, including their family members. 
            
            
               The reform shall use the existing fast-track scheme for national visa (D) in the interest of the country, opening it up to a new category of highly qualified third-country nationals seeking employment. This category of workers shall be exempted from the need to prove having a guaranteed job before entering the country and shall be allowed to start working on a national visa (D) immediately after finding a job. Compatibility with the revision of the Blue Card Directive shall be ensured. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2022.
            
            
               Reform 2: Simplification of the regime for the recognition of qualifications and professional qualifications for the exercise of regulated professions
            
         
         
            
               This reform shall simplify the recognition of educational qualifications by foreign workers, in order to facilitate their establishment in Slovakia. 
            
            
               For countries with a bilateral agreement in recognition of qualifications, applicants shall be exempt from providing an attestation of the university’s accreditation to provide the relevant education. In addition, the capacity of the Centre for Recognition of Educational Recognition shall be strengthened to speed up the qualifications recognition process for all countries.
            
            
               For qualifications of doctors the reform shall:
            
            
               -reduce the time limits for the recognition of diplomas listed in Annex 3 to the Healthcare Providers Act from three months to one month. Automatic recognition of coordinated specialisations at EU level of doctors and dentists;
            
            
               -reduce the time limits for the recognition of diplomas not listed in Annex 3 to the Act on healthcare providers issued by competent authorities under the legislation of the Member States from three months to two months;
            
            
               -reduce the time limits for the recognition of diplomas issued by competent authorities under the laws of third countries from three months to two months. Adjust the time limits for the recognition of diplomas issued in another country from four months to two months;
            
            
               -extend the institution of temporary traineeships beyond the current crisis period, by amending Article 30a of the Healthcare Providers Act.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2022.
            
            
               Investment 1: Support tools and assistance for returnees, highly qualified third-country workers and their family members and foreign higher education students studying in Slovakia
            
            
               This investment aims at helping integration of highly skilled workers, returnees from abroad and their family members. 
            
            
               The investment shall support integration programmes for target groups of foreign students, highly skilled workers and their family members and returnees from abroad, including through project funding. A legal framework shall be created for “one-stop shops” (centres providing comprehensive advice and services facilitating establishment in Slovakia and starting a career), followed by the establishment of three such centres. The language skills of public sector staff (in particular first contact personnel) and their capacity building in integration counselling for foreigners shall be strengthened through training.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 March 2025.
            
            
               Investment 2: Strengthening relations with the diaspora, supporting citizens’ initiatives
            
            
               The aim of this measure is to strengthen relations with Slovaks abroad, including members of the new diaspora, to increase the likelihood of their return home, and to use their know-how to modernise Slovakia. The objective is not to hinder the movement of highly skilled workers, but rather to promote “brain circulation”.
            
            
               The investment shall support the promotion of career opportunities in Slovakia, including through digital platforms containing information relevant for returning home. It shall also support the activities of non-governmental initiatives with experience in this field and partnerships between governmental and non-governmental initiatives.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 March 2026.
            
            
               Investment 3: Scholarships for domestic and foreign talented students
            
            
               The scholarship scheme shall financially support talented students in three groups:
            
            
               (a)the most talented Slovak high school graduates – measured by their high-school graduation grade, emphasising specialisations with higher proportion to leave Slovakia (mathematics, foreign languages);
            
            
               (b)the most talented students from abroad – measured by standardised international tests;
            
         
         
            
               (c)above-average students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds or belonging to specific disadvantaged groups (such as orphans, children in centres for children and families, or the so-called first generation university students) – measured by their high-school graduation grade.
            
            
               The scheme shall provide scholarship for selected students during the first three years of the bachelor’s degree. A financial incentive for universities receiving the students shall be paid, which they may use to support excellent students in the second cycle level or for integration and career development programmes for excellent domestic or foreign students. 
            
            
               The scheme shall be operational in the period 2022 to 2027 (i.e. scholarships running until 2029). The recovery and resilience plan shall support students entering between 2022 and 2024, while other financial sources shall be used to extent the provision of such support at least until the end of 2027. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.
            
            
               Investment 4: Promoting internationalisation in the academic environment
            
            
               The objective of this investment is to support the internationalisation of universities and research institutions in Slovakia. 
            
            
               The Government shall adopt a strategy for the internationalisation of universities, which shall include support to joint university programs, measures to attract foreign students and academics and implement the principles of the Human Resources Strategy for Research (HRS4R). 
            
            
               The investment shall support: 
            
            
               -systemic measures such as quality audits and support schemes for university development based on audit results;
            
            
               -support to student mobility programs (CEEPUS fellowships, scholarships on the basis of bilateral agreements, Slovak National Fellowship Programme); 
            
            
               -promotion of Slovak higher education and science abroad and supporting international networking of Slovak universities.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 March 2026.
            
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators  (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators  (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Unit of measure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Baseline
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Goal
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 – Attracting and retaining talents - Reform 1: Reform of residence and labour legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Scheme defining a new category of applicants for national visa (D).
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the scheme through a Government Resolution and entry into force.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of a scheme defining the category of applicants for national visa (D) in the interest of the Slovak Republic The new visa category that covers highly qualified third-country nationals seeking employment exempted from the need to prove a guaranteed job before entering Slovakia shall be introduced. The persons shall be able to start working on a national visa (D) immediately. The measure shall concern categories such as graduates from world-leading universities (regardless of the field); third-level graduates of the world’s leading universities and research institutions (regardless of the field); other selected groups according to Slovakia’s economic interests (e.g. IT experts, experts in high value-added sectors, doctors).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 – Attracting and retaining talents - Reform 1: Reform of residence and labour legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Facilitation of the return to the country and increase of the attractiveness of the country for foreigners with family ties
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption by the Parliament and entry into force 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        Amendment to Act No 40/1993 on Slovak citizenship that shall facilitate the return to the country and increase the country’s attractiveness for foreigners with family ties to Slovakia. The amendment shall introduce a simplified regime for obtaining citizenship by removing the requirement of a minimum period of residence in Slovakia.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 – Attracting and retaining talents - Reform 2: Simplification of the regime for the recognition of qualifications and professional qualifications for the exercise of regulated professions
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Simplification of the recognition of educational and professional qualifications 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption by the Parliament and entry into force 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendment to Act No 422/2015 on the recognition of evidence of education and the recognition of professional qualifications shall allow:
                     
                     
                        • Facilitating the recognition of diplomas/training documents for countries with which Slovakia has bilateral agreements in the field of recognition of diplomas/training documents, by reducing the required documents from the applicant (e.g. university certificates of competence to provide the relevant education);
                     
                     
                        • Strengthening the competences of the Centre for Recognition of Qualifications (SUDV) for the recognition of documents for the validation of higher education attainment also for countries outside the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) without a bilateral agreement, which shall significantly speed up and simplify the process compared to the current situation where the only eligible institutions are universities to facilitate the recognition of diplomas/documents for countries with which Slovakia has bilateral agreements on the recognition of diplomas/training documents.
                     
                     
                     
                        The amendment to Act No 578/2004 on healthcare providers, health professionals, professional organisations in the health sector shall allow:
                     
                     
                        • shortening the time limit for the recognition of further training documents for highly qualified health professionals;
                     
                     
                        • Extension of the temporary traineeship for doctors beyond the pandemic
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 – Attracting and retaining talents - Investment 1: Support tools and assistance for returnees, highly qualified third-country workers and their family members and foreign higher education students studying in Slovakia
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of one-stop shops for integration in Slovakia
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Fully functioning centres (one-stop shops) providing comprehensive advice and services facilitating establishment in Slovakia 
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 – Attracting and retaining talents - Investment 1: Support tools and assistance for returnees, highly qualified third-country workers and their family members and foreign higher education students studying in Slovakia
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of foreigners using the IOM Migration Information Centre services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        During the period 2022-2024, of the overall objective of 7500 beneficiaries, at least 7000 beneficiaries shall be provided services of the IOM Migration Information Centre for their integration into the labour market and society (advice, language courses, promotion of socio-cultural orientation). This includes foreign students, highly qualified workers, family members and foreigners belonging to the selected groups defined in the Resolution in Reform 1, taking into account the economic interests of the Slovak Republic. 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 – Attracting and retaining talents - Investment 2: Strengthening relations with the diaspora, supporting citizens’ initiatives
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of supported events strengthening relations with the diaspora
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        200
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The programme shall support 200 social events with the aim of strengthening relations with Slovaks abroad. Supported events shall aim to increase the impact of other reforms and cross-component investments, such as:
                     
                     
                        • Promote the effect of the amendment to the Act on the Residence of Foreigners, which shall facilitate return and increase the country’s attractiveness for foreigners with family ties to Slovakia.
                     
                     
                        • Support investment 4 i.e. two-way student mobility and internationalisation of academia
                     
                     
                        • Support the impact of investments in other components, e.g. R & D & I investments, by fostering cooperation between domestic European and other research institutions where the Slovak diaspora is active, as well as through increased awareness of career opportunities in Slovakia.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 – Attracting and retaining talents - Investment 3: Scholarships for domestic and foreign talented students
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of awarded scholarships for talented students.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4500
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective of 4800 motivational scholarships, award at least 4500 motivational scholarships for most talented domestic students, top talents from abroad, and talented socially disadvantaged students. 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 – Attracting and retaining talents - Investment 4: Promoting internationalisation in the academic environment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Strategy for internationalisation of universities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Government adoption of the strategy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of an internationalisation strategy for universities, aiming at proposing measures to support the preparation of joint study programmes, attracting foreign students and academics, or implementing systemic institutional changes in Slovak universities.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 – Attracting and retaining talents - Investment 4: Promoting internationalisation in the academic environment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of projects supported to promote or develop the internationalisation of universities and research institutions
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        28
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective of 31 projects, support at least 28 projects to promote or develop internationalisation of universities and research institutes,  through:
                     
                     
                        - implementation of institutional strategies of internationalization at the level of universities (such as preparing new programmes in foreign languages, improving the preparedness of domestic higher education teachers/doctoral students to operate in an international setting); 
                     
                     
                        - increasing the funding rate for fellowship programmes;
                     
                     
                        - support to university participation in foreign fairs and student recruitment events;
                     
                     
                        - promotion of Slovakia at international events. 
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 – Attracting and retaining talents - Investment 4: Promoting internationalisation in the academic environment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Supported person-months for foreign mobility scholarship programmes 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Person-months supported 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9976
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 600
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Cumulative increase in the number of supported mobility projects in CEEPUS fellowships, scholarships provided on the basis of bilateral contracts and in the Slovak National Fellowship Programme from an annual number of 2494 to 4440 person-months for the years 2022 to 2025
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
            
               COMPONENT 11: Modern and accessible healthcare
            
            
               The objective of this component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan is to create a modern, accessible and efficient hospital network that provides quality healthcare, an attractive environment for staff, efficient processes and healthy management. The aim is also to increase the availability of emergency health services, building on the needs of the new hospital network, and to strengthen primary care, which is intended to be an essential integration point for patient care. 
            
            
               The component includes five reforms and five investments.
            
         
         
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The component addresses the Country Specific Recommendation 1 from 2020 that refers to the strengthening of the resilience of the health system in the areas of health workforce, critical medical products and infrastructure; and the improvement of primary care provision and coordination between types of care.
            
            
               A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
            
               Reform 1: Optimisation of the hospital network
            
            
               The objective of the reform is to improve the quality and efficiency of inpatient healthcare through the definition of the typology and hierarchy of inpatient care, as well as the definition of minimum conditions for the provision of medical services. 
            
            
               The reform shall define profiles of hospitals. A profile means a set of compulsory services and other requirements a provider at a certain level must comply with. After changing the profile, certain hospital shall be obliged to cover several services grouped under the certain profile. Some shall broaden the scope of activity, others are expected to transform acute beds’ departments into long-term care departments.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Reform 2: Reform of the preparation of health investment projects
            
            
               The Ministry of Health in a close cooperation with the Ministry of Finance shall adopt the plan for all health investment projects. The plan shall be accompanied with the methodology for evaluating health investments, which shall determine decision-making criteria based on financial, medical, societal and socio-economic benefits.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2022. 
            
            
               Reform 3: Centralisation of the management of the largest hospitals
            
            
               The reform shall introduce the central hospital management system for the 19 state-own hospital that includes: 1) central controlling, budgeting, performance planning and monitoring; 2) processes for central purchasing of medicinal products, medical materials, equipment; 3) centralisation of support services such as accounting; 4) human resources management. The reform shall start with the establishment of a central hospital management body and shall be followed by pilot project that comprise of the 19 hospitals. The pilot shall end with an evaluation, triggering the possibility of the subsequent deployment of standards for all hospitals in the network. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall start by 31 December 2023 and shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
               Reform 4: Optimising the acute healthcare network and the new definition of emergency healthcare
            
            
               The reform shall address the legal changes needed to increase the universal availability of ambulances within 15 minutes for the required more than 90 % of the country’s population. The amendment of the law provides for the fair geographical distribution of ambulance stations. The acute network shall be based on the demand for interventions according to diagnosis and regions, the geographical distribution of ambulance stations, taking into account the road network and infrastructure, the availability of suitable types of hospital facilities, while using mathematical modelling and simulations from real data (such as p-median model). 
            
            
               The new definition of emergency healthcare shall be introduced to identify the number of authorised users of ambulance services and how to respond to the demand of these users. 
            
            
               The implementation of this reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.
            
            
               Reform 5: Reform of primary care provision for adults, children and youth
            
            
               The objective of the reform is to ensure access to primary care services in those regions that suffer from a deficit of practising general practitioners (GPs) and paediatricians. The appropriate legislation shall define the requirements for the optimal number and location of GPs and paediatricians over maximum distance (optimal number of the medical doctors defined by the county population and age structure) and to introduce zoning criteria and the process of annual evaluation. The purpose of the zoning is to classify territories according to the severity of the identified GP shortages. This detailed map of gaps in primary care provision allow for better targeting of remedial action, including the modulation of incentives for doctors to open new practices in underserved areas. These should then have access to support for general medicine, in particular in the form of financial grants for setting up and equipping GP practices or compensatory payments when opening a new practice in the underserved areas (related to Investment 1). 
            
            
               The implementation of this reform shall be completed by 30 June 2022.
            
         
         
            
               Investment 1:Support the opening of new primary care practices in underserved areas 
            
            
               Of the overall objective is to create 170 outpatient practices  - the support  shall be made for  the creation of at least 153 new practices for general practitioners for adult and paediatrics in the form of a subsidy to offset the cost of the outpatient practice’s in the first year of operation. The financial support shall be provided for doctors who decide to carry out primary care services in the areas with a shortage of doctors to compensate for the risk and initial investment during the first year, when financial resources from the insurance are insufficient due to low numbers of registered patients. The financial support shall be temporary, lasting one year and should gradually decrease as the number of registered patients is expected to rise. Newly created practices shall be afterwards self-sufficient and funded as all others from public insurance funds. 
            
            
               The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Investment 2: New hospital network – construction, reconstruction and equipment
            
            
               The objective of the investment is to upgrade the current infrastructure and to build the new one to be compatible with the requirements of modern health systems and contribute to the hospital network. The plan to optimise the hospital network resulting from Reform 1 of this component, Optimisation of the hospital network, shall be the basis for this investment. 
            
            
               The investments start with a call for tenders specifying requirements for providing hospital beds, according the do not significant harm principle (DNSH). This means that building shall meet high energy efficiency requirements for the new hospitals and obtain certificate Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). For the renovated building 30% of primary energy savings is to be achieved. From the overall objective of 2 666 hospital beds, at least 2 400 hospital beds shall be created or renovated. In order to facilitate the preparation and implementation of these projects, the special Agency shall be established. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Investment 3: Digitalisation in health
            
            
               The investment shall support the implementation of the Reform 3 of this component - Centralisation of the management of the largest hospitals. The centralisation of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (for the shared serviced centre) shall be carried out in the pilot project of 19 hospitals under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. It is assumed that these hospitals shall remain in the hospital network after the completion of the hospital network. The preparation of the systems shall take into account the integration into the planned central hospital information system. 
            
            
               The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Investment 4: Construction and rehabilitation of ambulance stations
            
            
               The objective of the investment is to implement the Reform 1 of this component: Optimisation of the hospital network and Reform 4 of this component, Optimising the acute healthcare network and the new definition of emergency healthcare, ensuring the implementation of station transfer according to the new acute care network and requirements for the new hospital network. Part of the transferred stations shall be ensured by reconstructing suitable premises, other part shall need to be re-built with the corresponding equipment. The investment shall address the construction or reconstruction of 55 small-scale ambulance stations. 
            
            
               The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
               Investment 5: Renewal of the ambulance fleet
            
            
                The purchase and equipment of ambulance vehicles for ambulance services is expected to meet high quality and safety requirements for the provision of emergency medical care in the field as well as other necessary operational vehicles – desktop, field and mass transport vehicles for mass-disabled persons and exercises shall be ensured. Purchase of the 197 vehicles shall be fully in line with the DNSH principle. 
            
            
               The implementation of this investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024.
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators  (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators  (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        unit of measure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Baseline
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Goal
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Reform 1 Optimization of the Hospital Network (UN)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of the hospital network 
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Legislative amendment enter into force 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        Legislative amendments to laws and related legal acts (laws included: 576/2004, 577/2004, 578/2004, 579/2004, 581/2004) introducing the optimization of hospital network shall define hierarchy of inpatient care providers depending on complexity of care provided, scope of services and time accessibility. 
                     
                     
                     
                        There will be 5 levels of inpatient care providers. The law shall set compulsory services that providers are obliged to provide at each level. Furthermore it shall define quality indicators, requirements for technical equipment, personnel capacities, waiting times for certain services. 
                     
                     
                          
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Reform 1 Optimization of the Hospital Network (UN)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Share of the reprofiled hospitals (authorised within the scope of general and specialised hospitals) under the new hospital network
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        %
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        40
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        There shall be a transition period during which hospitals and health insurance companies shall be required to comply with newly defined rules.
                     
                     
                        40 % of current hospitals (hospitals authorized within the scope of general and specialised hospitals) shall be reprofiled according to the new reform.   
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Reform 2 Reform of the preparation of health investment plans
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A prioritised investment plan according to the investment evaluation methodology adopted by the Ministry of Health 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        prioritised investment plan published on the website of the Ministry of Health  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        The plan shall comprise of all the investments to be financed from the Recovery and Resilience Plan and the EU Structural Funds and shall start preparing these projects as a matter of priority for implementation (linked to Investments 1, 2 and 3).
                     
                     
                        A methodology for evaluating health investments shall be developed, which will determine decision-making criteria based on financial, medical but also indirect benefits, including societal and socio-economic benefits. A model for decision-making on the economic efficiency of an investment in the health sector shall be set, taking into account not only the direct financial benefits of the investment but all indirect (e.g. greater patient comfort). 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Reform 3 Centralization of the management of the largest hospitals
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of a central hospital management body from an organisational, operational and economic point of view
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Central Hospital Management Authority approved by the Ministry of Health and fully operational
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        This authority shall effectively provide the governing structure for the 19 hospitals that shall consist of the hospital network being in the pilot phase (see target below). This means that it would: manage, guide and evaluate hospitals’ planning and performance such as financial controlling, compliance control, HR, quality and risk management with a link to clinical processes. It shall also make the recommendations for optimization of expenditures and inventories of medicines and medical devices. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Reform 3 Centralization of the management of the largest hospitals
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of hospitals involved in central management system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        19
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        Central management system shall embrace 19 state controlled hospitals in the piloting phase. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Reform 4 Optimisation of the acute healthcare network and new definition of emergency healthcare
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Amendment to the law on Optimal ambulance network and new definition of emergency healthcare
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The legislation on the new optimal ambulance network enters into force. 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The legislative amendments shall introduce a new network of ambulance stations and a new definition of emergency medical care. The new network shall guarantee the availability of emergency services within 15 minutes for 90 % of the population. It shall be geographically and procedurally linked to the new UN hospital network  The new definition of emergency care shall determine the number of authorized users of ambulance services and how to respond to the request of those users.  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Reform 5 Reform of primary care provision for adults, children and youth
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         The new law on the establishment of the network of general care providers and the introduction of zoning
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force the act of law 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The new legislation shall  set out rules for the primary care network to determine the number and distribution of general practitioners on the basis of:  -         Availability (maximum travel time per doctor);
                     
                     
                        -capacity needs (the number of general practitioners of adults and children needed, based on the size and age structure of the population).     
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Investment 1 Supporting the opening of new primary care 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of the primary care outpatient clinics supported by a pilot programme 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        153
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The overall objective is to create 170 outpatient practice - the support  shall be made for  the creation of at least 153 new outpatient clinics for general practitioners for adult and paediatrics in the form of a subsidy to offset the cost of the outpatient practices during the first year of operation.   
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Investment 2 New hospital network – construction, reconstruction and equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Call for tender for the construction and reconstruction of hospitals
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        Notification of award of tender to the projects, compliant with eligibility/selection criteria 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Notification of the award of all public contracts for the overall objective 2,666 new hospital beds, of which at least 2400 beds shall be made available, broken down:
                     
                     
                        1. at least  870 beds in completely new hospitals at full fitness out* level in buildings meeting the energy efficiency requirements of the 25ter intervention field certified BREEAM (the objective is 968 beds) 
                     
                     
                        2. at least 1 035 beds in completely new hospitals at “gross construction” level** in buildings meeting the energy efficiency requirements of intervention field 25ter certified BREEAM (the objective is 1 150 beds)
                     
                     
                        3. At least 495 beds in hospitals after major renovation to full fitness out*** in buildings meeting the energy efficiency requirements of intervention field 26bis (objective is 548 beds)  
                     
                     
                        *Full fit out – a completely new hospital with material equipment ready to receive patients.  **Gross construction – foundations, construction, piping, insulation, drainage, outdoor plumbing, without machinery, central heating, wiring, floors, finishing and equipment.  *** Extensive renovation to full fitness out-reconstruction of a large part of buildings, insulation, roofs, windows, doors, lighting, replacement of technological equipment (heating, wiring, electricity, lifts). The reconstruction shall reorganise the hospital’s internal processes and rehabilitate technical equipment. The reconstruction of building shall be subjected to the primary energy savings of more than 30 % to be monitored by energy saving certificates.  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Investment 2 New hospital network – construction, reconstruction and equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                     
                        Beds made available in upgraded hospitals
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2400 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Beds made available in upgraded hospitals with a capacity of at least 2 400 beds broken down  1. Minimum 870 beds in completely new hospitals at full fitness out* level in buildings meeting the energy efficiency requirements of the 25ter intervention field certified BREEAM  2. Minimum 1 035 beds in completely new hospitals at “gross construction” level in buildings meeting the energy efficiency requirements of intervention field 25ter certified BREEAM  3. At least 495 beds in hospitals after major renovation to full fitness out in buildings meeting the energy efficiency requirements of intervention field 26bis (at least 30 % energy savings compared to current status). 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Investment 3 Digitalisation in health
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of hospitals connected to the Central ERP system 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        19
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        19 public hospitals shall be connected to the central ERP system that allow for centralization of controlling and other processes in hospitals. 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Investment 3 Digitalisation in health
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Navigation system for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in 3 cardiovascular disease institutions
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The target is to equip 3 institutes of cardiovascular diseases with the navigation system for the treatment of atrial fibrillation which will reduce the time spent on the atrial fibrillation surgery by 65%.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible health care – Investment 4 Construction and rehabilitation of ambulance stations (Ambulance Services)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of ambulance station  constructed or reconstructed
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        55
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The aim is to build or reconstruct the locations of the ambulance stations that shall be located in the new network of the ambulance services.   — The constructed settlements shall be located in buildings meeting the energy efficiency requirements of intervention field 26bis (at least 30 % energy savings compared to current status).  —New settlements shall be housed in buildings which, in accordance with the regulation in force from 1.1.2021, must comply with energy efficiency class A0.
                     
                     
                        Fair geographical distribution shall be based on an mathematical simulation model that shall aim to propose a network where: (1) 90 percent of population accessible within 15 minutes from dispatch (2) 80 percent of patients with first quintet hour diagnosis shall be should be reached within 8 minutes from dispatch (3) through relocation of stations response time shall be shorter than current situation  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Investment 5 Renewal of the ambulance fleet
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Purchase of vehicles 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        197
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        158 ambulances, 9 vehicles for collective transport of persons and 30 rendez-vous vehicles shall be purchased and delivered according to the DNSH principle. 
                     
                     
                        For Rendez-vous vehicles, selected vehicle types are zero-emission (electric/hydrogen/fuel cells) or low emissions below 50 g CO2/km (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) shall be chosen. For the rest the procedure of purchasing is as follows:  at first - diesel, then the hybrid or electrical – the best available technology in the vehicle category shall be applied.
                     
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
         
         
            
            
            
               COMPONENT 12: Human, modern and accessible mental health care
            
            
               The objective of the component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan is to foster systemic improvements in mental health care in Slovakia, underpinned by cooperation across different sectors of public administration and professional organisations. The measures aim to modernise psychiatric and psychological socio-medical care, to promote mental health and the prevention of psychological disorders in the general population, to strengthen socio-medical care and to increase its accessibility.
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               Measures in this component shall contribute to addressing Country-Specific Recommendations to Slovakia, in particular as regards resilience of the health care system and coordination between types of care (Country-Specific Recommendation 1, 2020) and long-term care (Country-Specific Recommendation 2, 2019).
            
            
            
               A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
            
               Reform 1: Coordinated inter-ministerial cooperation and regulation
            
            
               This reform aims at coordinating mental health policy and improving cooperation across different sectors of public administration. This shall be achieved by: 
            
            
               -establishing an inter-departmental coordination body in charge of mental health. The Council of the Government for Mental Health was to be established on 24 February 2021. The reform includes the operationalisation of its governance. One of the Council’s first tasks shall be to coordinate the drafting of the National Mental Health Programme 2022-2030, which shall be submitted to the Government for approval by 31 December 2022. 
            
            
               -establishing a professional organisation for psychologists, with the primary objective to increase professionalism and ensure regulation in education, disciplinary supervision and the provision of legal assistance for these professions, regardless of the sector in which they are carried out.
            
            
               In order to better target this reform and the investments in this component, the first epidemiological study in the field of mental disorders shall be prepared by 31 December 2022. This study shall provide a mapping of the current epidemiologic situation of mental disorders in Slovakia. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
               Reform 2: Development of acutely underestimated capacity areas in mental health care
            
            
               This reform aims at developing accessible socio-medical mental health care with an emphasis on increasing the extent of community care. This shall be achieved by prioritising mapping of acutely scarce services in Slovakia and developing a strategy for their priority development.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform  shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
            
               Reform 3: Modernisation of diagnostic methods and treatments
            
            
               The aim of this reform is to ensure a comprehensive modernisation of the standard diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and to ensure their application in practice. Working groups shall be set up to review international psychodiagnostic methods for different age groups and different applications and put forward recommendations for adaptation of national methods. A working group shall be set up to identify specific institutional psychiatric facilities where humanisation and replacement of enclosure beds shall be implemented.
            
         
         
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
               Investment 1: Project management and project preparation of investments
            
            
               An implementing unit shall be set up to manage investment projects under the recovery and resilience plan, covering medical, procedural and IT design of these healthcare facilities. The entity shall coordinate design and engineering activities, central selection of contractor, co-operate in the organisation of construction and control activities in order to generate economies of scale and time savings.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 2: Creation of detention facilities
            
            
               The aim is to provide adequate care for a small group of psychiatric patients who committed serious criminal offences. The establishment of detention facilities is not part of the deinstitutionalisation process, but is a necessary and complementary safety and healthcare measure for a small group of patients.
            
            
               Two detention facilities shall be set up with a capacity of 75 beds each, one being already under construction.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Investment 3: Building psycho-social centres
            
            
               The objective of this measure is to ensure adequate care for long-term patients in their home environment by mobile teams, thereby limiting placement in institutional facilities or improving the quality of life in these facilities. The measure shall prevent the need of or reduce the duration of hospitalisation. The measure shall focus on adults and paediatric patients with limited social adaptation.
            
            
               The centres shall provide health and social services through a multidisciplinary team (psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, social worker, special and therapeutic educator). A total of 38 centres shall be established. In the case of building renovations, the minimum objective is to achieve an average primary energy saving of 30%.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Investment 4: Completing the psychiatric stationary network
            
            
               The aim of this investment is to complete the network of psychiatric stationary facilities, providing daily psychiatric care as an intermediate step between institutional and out-patient psychiatric care. 
            
            
               A total of 15 stationary facilities shall be constructed. In the case of building renovations, the minimum objective is to achieve an average primary energy saving of 30%.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Investment 5: Establishment of specialised centres for autism spectrum disorders 
            
            
               The aim is to increase the availability of specialised care facilities for autism spectrum disorders to ensure adequate treatment for this condition. A total of 3 new diagnostic-intervention centres for people with autism spectrum disorders shall be established. Staff shall be trained in the most recent diagnostic and intervention methods for this condition. In the case of building renovations, the minimum objective is to achieve an average primary energy saving of 30%.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Investment 6: Establishment of a repository of psychodiagnostic methods
            
         
         
            
               The aim is to produce an up-to-date repository of psychodiagnostic methods available to professionals and psychological care facilities. Currently available methods shall be reviewed and updated. Missing methods shall be complemented by acquiring and translating foreign-language methods. The repository shall be under administration of the competent professional organisation (Slovak Association of Psychologists) and shall include a digital version accessible online.
            
            
               In order to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis through a national mental health promotion line providing psychological support by phone and online shall be operated during the pandemic.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
               Investment 7: Humanisation of institutional psychiatric care 
            
            
               The investment’s objective is a renovation of institutional psychiatric facilities to improve the conditions for hospitalization. This shall be achieved by reducing the number of patients per room with independent sanitary facilities. The overall patient capacity shall remain unchanged. Another measure shall be the replacement of enclosure beds by secured isolation rooms. 
            
            
               A total capacity for 244 patients shall be subject to renovation. In the case of building renovations, the minimum objective is to achieve an average primary energy saving of 30%.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Investment 8: Training in mental health for staff
            
            
               The aim of this investment is to increase the number of professional staff with modern education, making it possible to increase the availability and quality of care provided. The objective shall be achieved by updating curricula to the requirements of modern practices and introducing new types of care. Legislative barriers to the recognition of foreign qualifications shall be removed and clinical training of the health sector shall be made available for mental health professionals from all sectors. Retraining in mental health shall be provided to health sector workers as well as professionals outside of the health care sector.
            
            
               A total of at least 900 health care sector workers shall be retrained in different types of programmes in mental health.
            
            
               The implementation of this measure shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators  (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators  (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Unit of measure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Baseline
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Goal
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Reform 1: Coordinated inter-ministerial cooperation and regulation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of two coordination entities for mental health
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Full operationalisation of the entities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Two coordination entities shall be established: 
                     
                     
                        1.Council of the Government for Mental Health; 
                     
                     
                        2.The Association of psychologists 
                     
                     
                     
                        The Council shall coordinate policies across competent ministries in the area of mental health. It shall produce the National Mental Health Programme and Action Plan, which shall be approved by the Slovak Government
                     
                     
                     
                        The Association shall be a registered professional organization of psychologist in all functional sectors (i.e. not only limited to health care sector). It shall operate a digital registry of professional psychologists working in the fields of health, education, social affairs, justice, home affairs, defence and others.  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Investment 1: Project management and project preparation of investments
                     
                     
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Investment 2: Creation of detention facilities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Patient capacity of detention facilities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        150
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into use of new detention facilities with a capacity for 150 psychiatric patients.    
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Reform 2: Development of acutely underestimated capacity areas in mental health care 
                     
                     
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Investment 1: Project management and project preparation of investments
                     
                     
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Investment 3: Building psycho-social centres; 
                     
                     
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Investment 4: Completing the psychiatric stationary network;
                     
                     
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Investment 5: Establishment of specialised centres for autism spectrum disorders 
                     
                     
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of created community-based mental health care centres
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        56
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into use of 56 community-based health and social care centres: psycho-social centres, day-time stationary facilities and facilities for autistic type disorders.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Reform 3: Modernisation of diagnostic methods and treatments
                     
                     
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Investment 6: Establishment of a repository of psychodiagnostic methods
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of registered and standardised psychodiagnostic methods
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        112
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishing a digital register of phsychodiagnostic methods. 
                     
                     
                        Of the overall objective of 125 new and updated standardised methods, standardisation shall be provided for 112 methods, to be selected by an expert group. 
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Reform 3: Modernisation of diagnostic methods and treatments
                     
                     
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Investment 1: Project management and project preparation of investments
                     
                     
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Investment 7: Humanisation of institutional psychiatric care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Patient capacity in converted rooms in institutional psychiatric care.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        244
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completed reconstruction of rooms in 2-bed rooms in institutional psychiatric care with sanitary facilities and replacement of enclosure beds with isolation rooms.
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 – Human, modern and accessible mental health care - Investment 8: Training in mental health for staff
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of health sector workers trained in mental health 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        900
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective of providing training in mental health to 1000 workers, short-term or long-term certified training in mental health shall be completed for 900 health workers. 
                     
                     
                  
               
               COMPONENT 13: Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care
            
            
               Slovakia’s long-term care system is not ready for the expected rapid ageing of the population. The proportion of the population older than 65 years of age shall increase from the current 16% to over 24% by 2040. Access to quality and affordable long-term care is insufficient, due to general underfunding of community and home-based care services, fragmented governance, and the lack of systemic coordination of social and healthcare services. There is no comprehensive, adequate strategy encompassing both social and health care aspects. The assessment of long-term care needs for persons with disabilities is also incoherent. Supervision of social care is inefficient and particularly insufficient as regards home-based care. Moreover, the financing system is fragmented and favours institutionalised care amid a lack of support for home-based and community-based services. For this reason, proper long-term and palliative care services are lacking, particularly in home-based and community-based care settings.
            
            
               This component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan shall prepare Slovakia for a rapidly ageing population by ensuring high-quality, accessible and comprehensive support for people in need of long-term and palliative care. The provision of such care shall also increase the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society, as well as their level of social protection. The regulatory reforms aim at a more coherent and better coordinated care system linking social and health care, an improved funding scheme centred around people’s needs and providing better incentives for community-based care, a more coherent assessment of care needs for persons with disabilities, and improved supervision of social care. Investments shall result in additional long-term care, palliative care and after-care service capacities, in particular in the provision of home-based and community-based care.
            
         
         
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The component shall contribute to addressing Country Specific Recommendation no 2 from 2019, enhancing access to affordable and quality long-term care, and to addressing Country Specific Recommendation  no 1 from 2020, improving coordination between types of care. It shall also make a contribution to safeguarding the long-term sustainability of public finances, in particular of the health care system, as recommended in Country Specific Recommendation no 1 from 2019.
            
            
                
            
            
               Reform 1: Integration and financing of long-term social and health care
            
            
               This reform aims at overhauling the structures of long-term social and health care to ensure better coordination between types of care and to make financing more effective. In particular, it shall establish a coherent framework comprising both social and health care. The main change to the funding system concerns the introduction of a personal budget for persons with care needs rather than the current fragmented financing of care providers. The reformed funding scheme shall also enhance efforts to de-institutionalise care by improving incentives for home-based and community-based care. 
            
            
               The new law on long-term and palliative care shall enter into force by 31 March 2023, and new legislation on the financing of social services shall enter into force by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Reform 2: Assessment of care needs
            
            
               The assessment of long-term care needs for persons with disabilities is incoherent amid a fragmented system. While not the case for the provision of social services, the recognition of severe disabilities is a precondition for the granting of personal assistance and care allowance.
            
            
               This reform shall improve and streamline the way persons with severe disabilities are recognised. It shall introduce a unified framework and assessment system for personal assistance and care to persons with severe disabilities. The main assessment shall be carried out by labour, social and family offices and according to a uniform methodology based on the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, assessing a wide range of needs. To reduce administrative burden and as part of digitalisation efforts, assessors shall use the e-health system. Assessors across the 46 branch offices shall receive the equipment necessary to carry out their work.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2024.
            
            
            
               Reform 3: Consolidation of the supervision of social care and provision of necessary infrastructure
            
            
               The system of supervision of social care provision is fragmented and inefficient. Supervision and control are currently carried out by different authorities at national and regional level without a clear allocation of competences. Capacities for supervision are insufficient. Informal care and personal assistance, particularly home-based care provided by family members, are not covered.
            
            
               This reform shall consolidate the supervision of social care. A unified supervisory authority shall be established. It shall  oversee the provision of social services and their quality, the quality and scope of assistance for persons receiving a personal budget for care needs, and the provision of healthcare in social services (together with the Healthcare Supervisory Authority). The quality of care shall be assessed according to a methodology developed in line with the WHO’s Quality Rights Toolkit. The measure shall also provide the necessary infrastructure for the new system of supervision, composed of the headquarters and eight regional branches, including buildings, vehicles, and IT equipment.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2024.
            
            
               Investment 1: Enhancing community-based social care capacities
            
            
               In Slovakia, the provision of formal social services is skewed towards residential services of an institutional nature, dominated by large-scale care facilities rather than smaller community-based facilities. Outpatient care services are lacking.
            
            
               Based on reform 1 of component 13 Integration and financing of long-term social and health care, this investment shall expand the capacity of community-based care and outpatient facilities, allowing patients to be transferred from large-scale facilities to smaller community-type facilities, providing additional capacity to new beneficiaries, and reducing the burden on informal carers. Specifically, by constructing new buildings and by renovating existing buildings, at least 1400 new places shall be created in community-based facilities and low-capacity health-social care facilities combined. Moreover, at least 2580 places shall be created in new, low-capacity outpatient facilities with an average capacity of 20 places by constructing new buildings or renovating existing buildings.
            
            
               In the case of building renovations, the minimum objective is to achieve an average primary energy saving of 30%.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
         
         
            
               Investment 2: Extension and renewal of after-care and nursing capacities
            
            
               There is a lack of legislative clarity and capacity for after-care of patients after hospitalisation to ensure the best possible rehabilitation. This lack contributes to unnecessary and inefficient re- hospitalisation that are overburdening hospitals. Capacities for home-based nursing are also lacking.
            
            
               This investment shall strengthens care capacities to ensure good after-care for persons in need after they are released from the hospital, and to expand home-based nursing capacities. Specifically, at least 650 new after-care beds shall be created, utilising freed up capacities of chronic and acute care following the optimisation of the hospital network as outlined in component 11 of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan. In addition, at least 91 home nursing providers shall receive support. This comprises establishing at least 11 new home nursing providers and fully equipping at least 80 existing ones. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 3: Enhancing and restoring palliative care capacities 
            
            
               The network of palliative services for patients with a terminal illness is insufficient and does not meet international recommendations. There is less than half of the number of recommended ambulant hospices available and their quality of care is compromised by their set-up, while being the preferred type of hospice service for the majority of patients. In addition, there are significant regional differences in the availability of services. Palliative care departments are established in only three of the eight  regions. 
            
            
               Based on reform 1 of component 13 Integration and financing of long-term social and health care, this investment shall expand and improve capacities for palliative care, amid a lack of such services, in line with the strategy of de-institutionalisation, privileging home-based and community-based care. The investment shall comprise:
            
            
               ·Creating at least 270 new palliative care beds in low-capacity hospices, with an average capacity of 20 beds for each hospice, in underserved areas by constructing new hospices and renovating existing ones. Palliative departments and care beds in hospitals shall be created by reconstructing existing beds freed up by the reorganisation of the hospital network.
            
            
               ·Extending and renewing ambulant palliative care by setting up at least 20 new ambulant hospices and by renewing at least 6 existing ones. This comprises providing necessary physical and technical equipment. By basing newly established ambulant palliative care in hospices or palliative departments, the quality of their care shall improve.
            
            
               In the case of building renovations, the minimum objective is to achieve an average primary energy saving of 30%.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 September 2025.
            
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators   (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators   (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Measurement unit
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Background
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care - Reform 1: Available and quality long-term socio-health care – Reform of integration and financing of long-term social and health care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New legislative framework for long-term health and palliative care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of a new law on long-term and palliative care and of the regulation of financing of palliative and nursing care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The first phase of the implementation of the reform consists of regulating the reimbursement by health insurance companies of nursing care in social services facilities, the arrangements for the contract of nursing care by insurance companies and the adjustment of reimbursements by health insurance companies for palliative and outpatient and inpatient care. The adoption of this legislative amendment is foreseen by Q1 2022. 
                     
                     
                        The next phase of implementation consists of the development and approval of new legislation. A new health law shall define the scope of long-term health and palliative care and define follow-up care and its linkage with other types of care. This law shall be adopted by Q1 2023. The legislative amendments shall regulate the areas currently defined by Act No 576/2004 on health care and services related to the provision of healthcare
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care – Reform 1:Available and quality long-term socio-health care – Reform of integration and financing of long-term social and health care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of the concept of financing social services for public debate
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Published concept on the financing of social services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        As a result of the first phase of the preparation of the reform of the financing of social services, a new concept for the financing of social services shall be proposed by the government for stakeholder consultation.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care - Reform 1: Available and quality long-term socio-health care – Reform of integration and financing of long-term social and health care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The new financing system of social services – introduction of a personal budget
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the act on the financing of social services
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislation on social services which shall introduce a new financing system based on a personal budget for the deprived person. The reform shall abolish a large number of different contributions and create space for targeted and comprehensive support for people in need of long-term care. The reform of funding shall support the emergence and development of services in the community.  The legislative amendments shall regulate the areas currently defined in particular by Act No 448/2008 on social services and Act No 447/2008 Coll. on cash allowances to compensate for severe disability.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care - Reform 2: Available and high-quality long-term socio-health care – Assessment of care needs
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Unification of the assessment system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the act on social services and amending Act 447/2008 on compensation of severely disabled persons
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislation on social services which shall bring together the assessment work carried out so far by various bodies and, at the same time, amend Act No 447/2008 on compensation of severely disabled persons. 
                     
                     
                        The reform of the assessment work shall remove inefficiencies and red tape for medical assessors and assessors. New uniform criteria for sub-dependency shall be defined to make the assessment more transparent. The assessment work shall be digitised – medical assessors will use the e-health system. To ensure efficient implementation of the reform, the financial resources under this reform shall be used to provide computer and office equipment for 200 assessment staff and a vehicle for each of the 46 branches. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care - Reform 3:  Reforming the supervision of social care and providing infrastructure for its implementation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reform of the supervision of social care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the act on the supervision of social care
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of a law in the area of social care supervision which shall unify the powers of supervision and;   —Create the legislative basis for the functioning of the new social welfare supervisory/inspection;   — Define new conditions for quality of care in social services and households;   — Extend the area of supervision to include the supervision of informal home care. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care - Reform 3:  Reforming the supervision of social care and providing infrastructure for its implementation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of a unified supervisory system with headquarter and 8 branches 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion of the necessary infrastructure for the functioning of the supervisory body – headquarter and 8 regional branches. Costs include buildings, cars, computer equipment and other prerequisites.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care – Investment 1: Enhancement of community-based social care capacities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Enhancement of the capacities of community-based residential services and health-social low-capacity facilities (indicator: minimum number of places created)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        210
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 210 new places shall be created in community-based facilities and low-capacity health-social care facilities combined, by constructing new buildings and by renovating existing buildings.  Community-based facilities mainly refer to family housing facilities with a capacity of up to 12 places each. Health-social care facilities shall have a capacity of up to 30 places each.
                     
                     
                        The facilities will be built/reconstructed in accordance with the principles of universal design and will be low-capacity, thus fulfilling the conditions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care – Investment 1: Enhancement of community-based social care capacities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Enhancement of the capacities of community-based residential services and health-social low-capacity facilities (indicator: minimum number of places created)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1400
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective to create 1480 places in community-based facilities (of which 1000 places) and low-capacity health-social care facilities (of which 480 places) combined, at least 1400 new places shall be created, by constructing new buildings and by renovating existing buildings.  Community-based facilities mainly refer to family housing facilities with a capacity of up to 12 places each. Health-social care facilities shall have a capacity of up to 30 places each.
                     
                     
                        The facilities will be built/reconstructed in accordance with the principles of universal design and will be low-capacity, thus fulfilling the conditions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care – Investment 1: Enhancement of community-based social care capacities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Expansion of outpatient service capacities (indicator: minimum number of places created)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        387
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        387 places for outpatient services in new outpatient facilities (e.g. daily stationary, rehabilitation centre) shall be created with an average capacity of 20 places through the construction of new buildings or the renovation of existing buildings. These facilities shall partly serve as respite care for informal carers. The facilities shall be built/reconstructed in accordance with the principles of universal design and shall be low-capacity, thus fulfilling the terms of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care – Investment 1: Enhancement of community-based social care capacities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Expansion of outpatient service capacities (indicator: minimum number of places created)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2580
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective to create 2585 places for outpatient services in new outpatient facilities (e.g. daily stationary, rehabilitation centre) with an average capacity of 20 places, at least 2580 places shall be created through the construction of new buildings or the renovation of existing buildings. These facilities shall partly serve as respite care for informal carers. The facilities shall be built/reconstructed in accordance with the principles of universal design and shall be low-capacity, thus fulfilling the terms of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care – Investment 2: Extension and restoration of after-care and nursing capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Extension and renewal of home nursing providers (indicator: number of providers supported)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        91
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Investment in the physical and technical equipment of 91 new and existing home nursing agencies. It will support the establishment of at least 11 new ones and the re-equipment of at least 80 existing home nursing agencies.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care – Investment 2: Extension and restoration of after-care and nursing capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Creation of post-care beds by reconstructing existing acute and chronic beds (indicator: minimum number of aftercare beds reconstructed)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        650
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 650 after-care beds shall be created by utilizing freed up capacities of chronic and acute care following the optimisation of the hospital network. After-care beds will serve to treat patients after hospitalisation in acute beds. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care – Investment 3: Extension and restoration of palliative care capacities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Expansion and renewal of residential palliative care capacities (indicator: number of bed places created and restored)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        270
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        This investment comprises the creation of at least 270 beds by construction of new hospices (20 beds on average) and reconstruction of existing hospices. Hospices will be used for long-term palliative care for patients whose condition or family situation does not allow for palliative treatment at home.  The beds of palliative compartments shall be created by reconstructing existing beds. Some of them result from the reprofiling of the long-term sick compartments, part of which results from acute beds released by network optimisation. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 – accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care – Investment 3: Extension and restoration of palliative care capacities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Extension and renewal of the mobile hospices network (indicator: number of new and rebuilt providers)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        26
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        As part of this investment in the physical and technical equipment of new and existing mobile hospices, at least 20 new mobile hospices and at least 6 existing ones will be supported.
                     
                  
               
               COMPONENT 14: Improve the business environment
            
            
               Slovakia’s business environment has slowly been losing ground. Frequent changes to the legislative environment and high regulatory burden entail costs for businesses, costly and lengthy insolvency procedures hinder resource reallocation, and an opaque public procurement framework slows down investment and leads to sub-optimal procurement. 
            
            
               This component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan aims at making various improvements to the business environment. The measures aim at reducing administrative burden to businesses, upgrading and digitalising the insolvency framework, and improving public procurement procedures. 
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
         
         
            
               The component thereby contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 4 of 2020 to ensure a favourable business environment as well as to Country Specific Recommendation 3 of 2019 by addressing public procurement challenges.
            
            
                Reform 1: Reducing regulatory burden for businesses
            
            
               A heavy administrative and regulatory burden negatively affects investment and innovation, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Despite government efforts, administrative burden is not being reduced enough and the Slovak business environment is slowly losing ground in international comparisons.
            
            
               This reform shall reduce the administrative burden to businesses by introducing the following tools: the ex ante evaluation of planned transposition legislation to prevent unjustified gold plating; the ex post evaluation of the effectiveness and justification of already introduced regulation; the 1-in-2-out rule that ensures new legislation does not increase administrative cost for businesses; and packages of individual measures based on stakeholder consultations that are suited to simplify administrative requirements to businesses. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed  by 31 December 2024. 
            
            
               Reform 2: Harmonising and digitalising insolvency procedures 
            
            
               Slovakia’s insolvency proceedings are lengthy and costly. Proper early warning mechanisms are lacking, there are no specialised courts for dealing with insolvency procedures, and the lack of a fully digitalised workflow slows down processes.
            
            
               This reform shall establish unified and digitalised insolvency and restructuring procedures that improve their transparency, time and cost. It shall put in place an improved and harmonised insolvency framework, including early warning tools and insolvency specialisation in business courts. 
            
            
               The legislation concerning early warning mechanisms shall enter into force by 31 January 2022. The respective legislative amendments of Act No 7/2005 on bankruptcy and restructuring, Act No 328/1991 on bankruptcy and composition, Act No 7/2005 on bankruptcy and restructuring and Act No 8/2005 on trustees, Act No 757/2004 on courts and Act No 371/2004 on the seats and districts of the courts of the Slovak Republic shall enter into force by 31 March 2023. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.
            
            
                Reform 3: Public procurement procedures
            
            
               The complexity and length of the public procurement verification procedures remains a blocking factor for potential beneficiaries. In addition, there is scope to increase the use of quality related and lifecycle cost criteria. At the same time, proper safeguards need to be ensured. In the context of distrust towards public institutions, public buyers need to make more effort to regain confidence from businesses, media and the public at large. Benefits of professionalization efforts so far are only emerging slowly.
            
            
               The reform of public procurement shall simplify and accelerate procedures while ensuring proper safeguards. It also aims at improving control by digitalising and automating award and evaluation of contracts, and price collection and analysis. The legislative reform shall regulate both above-limit and below-limit public procedures as well as those with low value. Public procurement procedures shall be simplified and shortened, control procedures improved, and transparency increased in particular by setting up a single, public electronic platform for the entire procurement process, including for below-threshold and low-value contracts. All changes, particularly as proper safeguards such as transparency requirements, review procedures and the separation of tasks and competences are concerned, shall fully comply with EU law. In order to improve the use of quality criteria, rules for green public procurement are expected to be strengthened. It is expected that a further strengthening of the use of quality criteria shall be achieved through non-regulatory means. The measure shall enhance further professionalisation of public procurement by building capacities of the Public Procurement Office. Specifically, the provision of trainings in various formats to improve the application of –reformed- public procurement procedures shall take place.
            
            
               The reform of the Public Procurement Act shall enter into force by 31 March 2022. The single electronic platform shall be operational by 30 June 2023.
            
            
               Investment 1: Capacities for reforms to reduce regulatory burden 
            
            
               The swift implementation of reforms to reduce administrative burden requires temporary capacities, in particular lawyers and analysts, in the responsible public bodies.
            
            
               This investment therefore envisages temporary project teams to design and carry out reform 1. It shall comprise legal experts and analysts. The ex ante and ex post evaluations and the application of the 1-in-2-out rule shall be carried out. Online reporting of the compliance check of the 1-in-2-out principle (virtual account) shall confirm that the rule is put into practice. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2025.
            
            
               Investment 2: Digitalisation of insolvency processes
            
            
               The lack of a comprehensive digital system is one of the key reasons for the backlog of insolvency proceedings. The current insolvency register works essentially as a publishing platform, but does not allow for digital case handling across actors involved. This contributes to lengthy procedures with negative implications for the business environment and for efficient resource reallocation.
            
         
         
            
               The investment shall fully digitalise insolvency procedures in order to shorten them and reduce the cost for entrepreneurs. This shall comprise digitalising liquidation, bankruptcy, restructuring and debt discharge, including pre-insolvency proceedings. Various actors shall be connected to it, such as courts, creditors, and the public.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2024. 
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators   (for milestones)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators   (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Measurement unit
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Background
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 – Improve the business environment -  Reform 1:Reducing the regulatory burden on business
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        introduction of the new regulatory burden reduction tools:—Implementation of the “1in-2out” rule – Introduction of ex-post evaluation of existing regulations (legislative and non-legislative materials) – Introduction of protection against unjustified goldplating
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Entry into force of resolutions updating the Unified Methodology for the Assessment of Selected Impacts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of government resolutions updating the Unified Methodology for the Assessment of Selected Impacts and introducing new tools to reduce regulatory burden:—Introduction of the “1-in-2out” rule into 1Q/2022—Introduction of ex-post evaluation of existing regulations (legislative materials up to 1Q/2022 and non-legislative materials up to 1Q/2023) as regards their effectiveness and justification – Introduction of protection against unjustified goldplating by 4Q/2022 – Investment implementation to implement measures to reduce the regulatory burden on business.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 – Improve the business environment -  Investment 1:Reducing the regulatory burden on business
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1in-2out rule, ex ante evaluation to prevent goldplating and ex post evaluations of existing regulation 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Evaluations carried out by the Ministry of Economy 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Online reporting of the compliance check of the 1-in-2-out principle (virtual account) shall confirm that the rule is put into practice: Control of submitted legislative materials (500 per year) / Preparation of trainings for submitters of legislative and non-legislative materials (1 per year) / Number of consultations provided for submitters (100 per year) / Number of virtual account updates on MH SR website (12 per year) -  Q4 / 2024
                     
                     
                        Regular ex-post evaluation of the effectiveness and justification of existing regulations: Review of submitted legislative materials (50 in 2022, 100 in the following years). Training for submitters of legislative materials (once a year) and to provide consultations.  A mechanism will be developed to control the application of the principle of ex-post evaluation  - Q4 / 2024
                     
                     
                        Implementation of protection against unjustified goldplating: Control of submitted evaluations of legislative materials (40 per year) / Trainings for submitters of legislative materials (1x per year) / Number of consultations (30 per year) / A mechanism for monitoring the application of the principle of protection against unjustified goldplating will be developed. - Q2 / 2025.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 – Improve the business environment -  Reform 1: Reducing regulatory burden on business
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the administrative burden on entrepreneurs
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of 3 packages with 300 measures to reduce administrative burden
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of  three packages reducing administrative burden for businesses, each containing at least 100 measures, and leading to savings for entrepreneurs. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 – Improve the business environment -  Reform 2:Reform of the insolvency framework – adaptation of legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reform of the insolvency framework 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Entry into force of a set of laws governing insolvency proceedings.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of laws which shall establish the legal framework for the unification and full digitalisation of the liquidation, bankruptcy, restructuring and discharge of debt and, where appropriate, the resolution of impending bankruptcy, as well as the modification of the legal and procedural frameworks for the digitalisation of forced liquidation processes. It includes the introduction of early warning tools and creates an insolvency specialisation at the level of business courts. 
                     
                     
                        The government and parliament approve a set of laws:—A new law on non-public financial restructuring and public preventive restructuring;—Amendment to Act No 7/2005 on Bankruptcy and Restructuring, – Amendment to Act No 8/2005 on Administrators, – Amendment to Act No 328/1991 on bankruptcy and arrangement;—Amendment to Act No 757/2004 on Courts;—Amendment to Act No 371/2004 on the seats and districts of the courts of the Slovak Republic.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 – Improve the business environment -  Investment 2:Digitalisation of insolvency processes
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A single, fully digitised insolvency process is fully operational.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % of insolvency procedures done via unified digital process
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The single fully digitised insolvency process has been tested and launched and is used in all insolvency proceedings. Entry into operation of a public administration information system (technical framework) focusing on insolvency law and exit processes with multi-user modules (custodians, creditors, courts, the public, realisation of assets) and further functionalities for early warning of impending insolvency, discharge of debt of natural persons, cross-border exchange of information, provision of statistical and analytical data and disclosure of information.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 – Improve the business environment -  Reform 3: Reform of public procurement – adaptation of legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reform of  the Public Procurement Procedures Act 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the revised Act on Public Procurement Procedures by Parliament
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        An amendment to the Public Procurement Procedures Act approved by the Government and the Parliament and entered into force will ensure:
                     
                     
                        — Accelerating and simplifying the procurement procedure.
                     
                     
                        — Accelerating the process also with a view to exercising the rights of the candidates, tenderers, participants and other persons concerned.
                     
                     
                        —Improving control of public procurement by automating the award and evaluation of contracts and ensuring efficient collection and analysis of price data.
                     
                     
                        — Ensure proper safeguards, in particular as regards transparency and any proposed amendments will be in line with both the relevant Directives of the European Parliament and of the Council as well as the rules laid down in the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 – Improve the business environment -  Reform 3: Reform of public procurement – digitalisation of public procurement processes
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitalisation of public procurement processes through a single electronic platform.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The single electronic platform is fully operational as regards the 7 new functionalities. 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitalisation of public procurement processes shall be tested and fully operational, including interoperability with the information system of the Central reference data management (IS CSRÚ) pursuant to Act No 305/2013 Coll. allowing for automatic completion of contracting entity data, the extension of the scope to all goods and services, and the monitoring of price evolution of goods and services. The system for price evolution of goods and services are expected to be filled gradually. Features:
                     
                     
                        —Submission of below-threshold works, supplies and services not only those normally available on the market;
                     
                     
                        — Award of a contract with a criterion other than price;
                     
                     
                        —Market research for low value contracts;
                     
                     
                        — Publication of low value contracts;
                     
                     
                        — Creating a price monitoring functionality;
                     
                     
                        — Creation of the functionality for automated ranking of tenders;
                     
                     
                        —Integration with the information system of the Central reference data management (IS CSRÚ) pursuant to Act No 305/2013 Coll.
                     
                  
               
               COMPONENT 15: Judicial reform
            
            
               In Slovakia, specific concerns on the overall integrity of its justice system were raised, and trust in the judiciary ranks poorly compared to other EU countries. Corruption continues to pose a challenge and corruption perceptions remain problematic. 
            
            
               This component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan aims at further increasing the efficiency, integrity and independence of the justice system as well as at fighting corruption. The aim of the reform of the judicial map is to introduce the specialisation of judges and thus create scope for better and faster court decisions. The investments connected to the reform of the judicial map have two overarching aims. The first aim is to upgrade existing premises and construct or procure new premises for key courts in the new judicial map. The second aim is to invest in analytical capacities, digital technologies and the electronicisation of judicial processes, in order to contribute to better quality and faster services and increased procedural transparency, and to reduce the scope for corrupt practices.
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The component contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation  2019.4 and Country Specific Recommendation 2020.4, namely to improve the effectiveness and to address integrity concerns in the justice system, as well as to increase efforts to detect and to prosecute corruption, and ensure effective supervision and enforcement of the anti-money laundering framework.
            
            
            
               Reform 1: Reorganising the judicial map
            
            
               The fragmentation of Slovakia’s judicial system undermines its effectiveness. Judges are unable to specialise to a sufficient degree, hampering efficiency and quality of court decisions. Moreover, the system’s heterogeneity results in a lack of transparency. 
            
            
               This reform therefore shall improve the efficiency and quality of the judiciary. To this end, it shall reorganise the system of courts by streamlining it and thereby allowing for a greater specialisation of judges in criminal, civil, commercial and family justice, paving the way for better and faster court decisions. It shall comprise a new network of first instance administrative and ordinary courts (including municipal courts), appeal courts, and a Supreme Administrative Court. 
            
            
               The main legislation implementing the reform of the judicial map shall enter into force by 31 December 2021. The transition of the judiciary system to a smaller number of courts and with specialised judges shall be completed by 31 March 2023.
            
            
            
               Reform 2: Fighting corruption and strengthening the integrity and independence of the judiciary
            
            
               The high level of perceived corruption is coupled with a lack of trust in the judiciary. A particular concern is the lack of means to prosecute corruption and money laundering.
            
            
               This reform entails a package of legislative changes aimed at improving judicial integrity and independence, and fighting corruption and money laundering more effectively. This reform shall be implemented in compliance with Article 19 TEU to ensure effective judicial protection.
            
         
         
            
               To strengthen judicial integrity and independence:
            
            
               ·The Supreme Administrative Court shall be established with the power to act as a disciplinary court for judges, prosecutors, bailiffs, notaries and administrators (linked to reform 1).
            
            
               ·The Judicial Council shall receive more competences in the verification of assets and judicial expertise of judges. Moreover, a regional principle shall be introduced to the election to the Judicial Council to ensure better representativeness.
            
            
               ·The election of judges to the Constitutional Court shall be improved and made more transparent by several means, such as a safeguard against parliamentary passivity in electing judges, the introduction of a rotational principle election of judges to reduce the risk of having too many judges selected by a particular political party. Public hearings shall be introduced for the election of key judges (of the Constitutional Court, the Attorney General and the Special Prosecutor).
            
            
               ·Rules on the exercise of the judicial profession shall be amended, including an age limit of 67 years for judges and 72 years for constitutional judges.
            
            
               To ensure effective supervision and enforcement of the anti-money laundering framework:
            
            
               ·The Office for the Management of Seized Assets shall be set up, along with an improved legal framework allowing for more effective asset seizing and management. This measure is linked to anti-money laundering efforts in component 16 of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan.
            
            
               To detect and prosecute corruption:
            
            
               ·New criminal offences shall be introduced if judges abuse laws and if public servants ask for or promise undue advantages.
            
            
               A part of these legislative changes was planned for 31 December 2020. The entire package of legislation shall enter into force by 30 September 2021.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 September 2021. 
            
            
            
               Investment 1: Buildings for the reorganised court system
            
            
               The new judicial map brought about by reform 1of this component, Reorganising the judicial map,  requires some new buildings, and currently available court buildings require thorough renovation or adaptation.
            
            
               This investment shall expand capacity or upgrade existing or, where appropriate, build or procure new suitable premises for key courts in the new judicial map. Specifically, at least 80 500 m2 of court buildings shall be built or acquired, and at least 77 500 m2 of court buildings shall be renovated. Renovations shall achieve an average primary energy savings of at least 30%. It is expected that this concerns at least the renovation of 25 first instance ordinary courts, the construction of two new municipal courts, the construction of the Supreme Administrative Court, and the construction or renovation of three first instance administrative courts, three ordinary courts of appeal and three first instance ordinary courts.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024. 
            
            
            
               Investment 2: Digitalisation and analytical capacities 
            
            
               The judicial system has significant room for improvement of the use of digital technologies, in view of increasing effectiveness and transparency. This comprises ensuring digitally and centrally available court files and IT equipment in courts.
            
            
               This investment shall further improve the effectiveness of the judiciary by providing the reformed network with equipment for digital case handling, and by setting up the necessary systems. To this end, an electronic business register and an electronic, centralised judicial management system shall be set up. The latter shall allow for a fully electronic management of court files. It shall be complemented by an analytical support platform providing a digital, searchable case law database that shall aid judges and speed up decisions. As regards IT equipment, the investment shall equip at least 6 000 court staff with notebooks, docking stations, monitors and phones. The investment also comprises further necessary digital infrastructure for courts, such as video-conferencing technology and wireless internet.
            
         
         
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators   (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators   (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Measurement unit
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Background
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 – Reform of the judiciary – Reform 1:Reform of the Judicial Map – Legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Definition of a new judicial map 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the Residences and districts Act
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The entry into force of the legislative amendment shall define a new system of courts. 
                     
                     
                        The changes of judicial map shall adjust the network of first instance ordinary courts, create administrative courts, adjust ordinary courts of appeal and create the Supreme Administrative Court of the Slovak Republic. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 – Reform of the judiciary – Reform 1:Reform of the Judicial Map – Legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        The introduction of the new court network 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reorganized court network is operational
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The transition of the administration of justice to a smaller number of courts is completed and judges have been designated to a specialisation (among civil, family, criminal and commercial law) in at least 3 court agendas in each new judicial district (Q1/2023). The new network of first instance ordinary and administrative courts, the ordinary courts of appeal and the Supreme Administrative Court of the Slovak Republic (Q1/2023) is established and operational.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 – Reform of the judiciary – Investment 1: reorganisation of courts – renovation of buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Reconstructed area of court buildings in m²)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Area (m2)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        77 500
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective to reconstruct 86000 square metres of court buildings, at least 77500 square metres shall be reconstructed with a view to modernising and increasing their capacity as a result of the increase in judicial staff and judges in the merged judicial districts. The design documentation for reconstructions shall be prepared by Q2/2022.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 – Reform of the judiciary – Investment 1:Reorganisation of courts – Construction/procurement of new buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Area of court buildings constructed or purchased ( in m²)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Area (m2)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        80 500
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective to construct or purchase 89216 square metres of modern buildings for the needs of the largest courts in the judicial system (urban courts, certain appeal courts and administrative courts), at least 80500 square metres shall be constructed or purchased. The design documentation for reconstructions shall be prepared by Q2/2022.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 – Reform of the judiciary – Reform 2:Fighting corruption and strengthening the integrity and independence of the judiciary
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Package of laws to fight corruption and strengthen integrity and independence of the justice system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the Judicial Reform Act, the Constitutional Act, the amended Act on the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the amended Criminal Code, and the Disciplinary Rules of the Supreme Administration of the Court of Justice of the Slovak Republic 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the Act on the Management of Frozen Assets, the Judicial Reform Act, the Constitutional Act, the amended Act on the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the amended criminal code. the adoption of the Disciplinary Rules for the Supreme Administrative Court of the Slovak Republic 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 – Reform of the judiciary – Investment 2:Supporting instruments for reform of the Judicial Map – Commercial Register and Centralised System of Judicial Governance
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Development and handover of an IT system – Business Register
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Full electronic communication of the Commercial Register with firms and courts 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into service of a modern IT system enabling entrepreneurs and courts to carry out business register activities fully electronically.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 – Reform of the judiciary – Investment 2:Supporting instruments for reform of the Judicial Map – Commercial Register and Centralised System of Judicial Governance
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Development and handover of IS – Centralised Judicial Management System
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New court files can be handled digitally
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into service of a modern IT system enabling the digital management of court files. The launch of a centralised judicial management system includes the migration of all courts’ existing data from existing local databases, the digitalisation of all new court cases, the interconnection of all courts and links with other relevant public administration systems.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 – Reform of the judiciary – Investment 2: 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        target 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Modernisation of court IT equipment for the court staff 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         6 000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The digital equipment of the courts to make their work more efficient, to equip them with technology for the efficient conduct of hearings and acts at a distance shall be purchased and delivered. Of the overall objective to equip 6100 court staff, the modernisation of IT equipment (new notebooks, docking stations, monitors, phones) will be carried out for at least 6 000  court staff as reorganised after the reform of the judicial map. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 – Reform of the judiciary – Investment 2:Judicial Map Reform Support Tools – Analytic Support Platform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Creation of an analytical support platform for access to case law in courts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Analytical support platform is fully operational.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The analytical support platform on case law is operational and available to courts, enabling judges to use the case law database in order to speed up the process of studying files.
                     
                  
               
               COMPONENT 16: Fight against corruption and money laundering, security and protection of the population
            
            
               Slovakia ranks poorly in corruption perception indicators and trust in the police. Governance is fragmented and has limited capacity, hindering public service delivery and public investment, and financial crime is insufficiently tackled. 
            
            
               The key objectives of this component 16 of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan are to strengthen efforts to detect and prosecute corruption, fight against environmental crime, step up capacities of anti-money laundering efforts, optimise crisis management and strengthen administrative capacities at different levels of the government. 
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               It thereby contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 4 of 2020, in particular to ensure effective supervision and enforcement of the anti-money laundering framework, and to ensure a favourable business environment and quality public services. Country Specific Recommendation 4 of 2019 is also addressed, including as regards increased efforts to detect and prosecute corruption.
            
            
               Reform 1: Making the fight against corruption and money laundering more effective
            
            
               New trends in international organised crime, including misuse of legal entities for money laundering purposes, are putting pressure on Slovakia to upgrade its anti-money laundering framework in order to prevent and combat economic crime. 
            
            
               This reform aims at enhancing the fight against money laundering and corruption. It shall improve the legal framework for asset freezing including the setting up of an office managing such assets and the competence of the police to verify their origin. It shall also introduce a central accounts register. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2022.
            
            
               Investment 1: Tools and capacity for the fight against corruption and money laundering
            
            
               The fight against corruption and money laundering requires appropriate tools, including digital solutions, and capacities.
            
            
               This investment shall provide several tools and capacity building measures to support reform 1. This shall include digital software solutions for financial investigations and for the central accounts register. Financial investigations capacities in the police force shall be strengthened through trainings and equipment as well as a reorganisation, which shall create the National Centre for Special Crimes (NCODK) together with the regional offices and analytical services of the National Criminal Agency (NAKA). In addition, steps shall be taken to make the whistleblower’s office fully operational, in order to support the fight against corruption. This includes the provision of technical equipment.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2023.
            
            
               Reform 2: Modernising and building capacity of the police force
            
            
               The structures and capacities of the police force are outdated and lack specialised services dealing with new forms of crime and criminal analysis. The reform shall overhaul the organisation of the police force, strengthening analytical capacities and a crime technology service as well as environmental crime investigations. It shall set up a criminal engineer service, criminal analysis units and a unit to combat environmental crime and staff and equip it appropriately.  
            
         
         
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2021.
            
            
               Investment 2: Equipping and digitalising the police force
            
            
               Insufficient digitalisation of the police force leads to inefficiencies in several areas. The reorganisation (of reform 2) requires retraining, renovations and additional equipment.
            
            
               This investment shall build capacities of the police force and digitalise processes in order to make it more effective. Training and equipment shall be provided to at least 310 staff in the units established under reform 2 of this component, Modernising and building capacity of the police force. Police buildings with a floor area of at least 45 000 m2 shall be renovated, achieving on average at least 30 % primary energy savings, and at least 700 clean vehicles purchased. Digitalisation efforts shall include setting up an automated road traffic infringement system and an electronic residence permit process.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026. 
            
            
               Reform 3: Optimising crisis management
            
            
               Multiple crises, including the pandemic, have shown weaknesses in crisis response mechanisms.
            
            
               This reform shall optimise crisis management and respective capacities and the efficient coordination of rescue services. This shall include a clear definition of the roles and cooperative arrangements of the emergency response services of the integrated rescue system, the establishment of common procedures for crisis reaction, and a joint coordination mechanism. It shall also lay out a network of Integrated Security Centres (see investment 2 of this component, Equipping and digitalising the police force).
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.
            
            
               Investment 3: Modernisation of the fire and rescue system
            
            
               Integrated crisis management requires appropriate infrastructure for its coordination. Outdated and fragmented communication and information infrastructure of the emergency response services slows down crisis response. In addition, part of the fire rescue service infrastructure is in unsatisfactory technical condition.
            
            
               This investment aims at providing the necessary physical and digital infrastructure for full implementation of reform 3 of this component, Optimising crisis management. To this end, it shall support the construction of two new building housing new Integrated Service Centres, as well as interoperable IT technology for all rescue services. In addition, at least four new firefighting stations shall be built and at least 3 renovated and modernised. Renovations shall achieve on average at least 30 % primary energy savings.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 4: Streamlining, optimising and strengthening administrative capacity at different levels of government
            
            
               Public investment is held back by a lack of administrative capacity in implementation at several levels. Sizeable investment envisaged in the plan implies the need to further increase capacities for managing these investments. In addition, service delivery is hampered by fragmented governance at municipal level. 
            
            
               This reform shall strengthen administrative capacities both at local level and at national level for implementing the reforms and investments of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan. To this end, the National Implementation and Coordination Authority for the Slovak RRP (NIKA) shall be set up. The entering into force of the Recovery and Resilience Facility Act shall be in place by the time of the first payment request and at that moment not depart in any material way from the description provided in the final Slovak plan. A repository system for recording and storing all relevant data related to the implementation of the recovery and resilience plan - the achievement of milestones and targets, data on final recipients, contractors, subcontractors and beneficial owners - should be confirmed to be operational by 31 December 2021. Slovakia shall submit a dedicated audit report confirming the effectiveness of the functionalities of the repository system. 
            
            
               Media and communication activities are also expected to be supported. At local level, at least 20 shared service centres shall be set up to improve the efficiency of public service delivery at the local level, particularly in disadvantaged regions. Moreover, to enhance public staff skills, a learning platform shall be set up and both current and transferred or newly recruited staff shall receive training.
            
            
               The Recovery and Resilience Facility Act shall enter into force by 31 December 2021. Audit report confirming repository system functionalities shall be completed by 31 December 2021. The IT system for NIKA shall be functional by 30 September 2022. At least 20 shared service centres shall be established by 31 December 2024. Trainings are expected to start on 1 January 2023 and shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
            
         
         
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators   (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators   (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Measurement unit
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Background
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16  – Fight against corruption and money laundering - Reform 1:Making the fight against corruption and AML more effective
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reforms to streamline and improve financial investigations 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the act 312/2020 on asset freezing and of an act establishing a Central Accounts Register 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the legislation which shall establish a framework for the entry into operation of the Central Accounts Register. The police’s authority to check property in the event of a discrepancy between legal income and used property will be expanded. An office for the management of seized assets is operational and possibilities for asset freezing expanded.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 1:Tools and capacity for the fight against corruption and money laundering
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Providing necessary Infrastructure to support the fight against money laundering and corruption 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         AML-related and whistleblower infrastructure is fully operational.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion of the following steps: 
                     
                     
                        - Purchase of the “go AML” software tool until Q4/2022 and implementing it by Q3/2023. 
                     
                     
                        - Launch of a test version of the Central Accounts Register with all in the Act predefined functionalities with access to data up to Q2/2022 and subsequent launch of the final version in Q4/2022. 
                     
                     
                        - Operationalisation and full technical equipment of the whistle-blower protection office until Q3/2022. 
                     
                     
                        - Launch of the LISA (Central Information System Police Data Collection System – single platform for financial investigation services – NAKA, NCODK, FSJ) by Q4/2023.
                     
                     
                        - Adaptation of premises and ICT equipment of NCODK and NAKA units for financial investigation and verification of the origin of assets by regional level (model 1 + 4) to Q4/2023.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 1:Tools and capacity for the fight against corruption and money laundering
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Retraining police officers in financial investigations and analytical activities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        240
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of the NAKA Analytical Centre and the Regional Analytical and Financial Investigation Offices of the NAKA and also establishment Regional Analytical and Financial Investigation Offices of the National Centre of Special Crimes (NCODK) in Q1/2022.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Of the overall objective to train 266 staff, at least 240 police staff attended training, workshops and seminars with the participation of foreign and national lecturers, cooperation in training with CEPOL and EUROPOL.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Reform 2:Modernisation and capacity building of the police force
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Implementation of organisational changes to police to increase the efficiency of crime detection, investigation and detection of corruption
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Organisational change of the police force is effective.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Organisational changes aimed at creating a unit for detecting and investigating environmental crime (centre and regions), extending the analytical capacities of the police force to the regional level, establishing a new unit for crime technology services (centre and regions). 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 2: Equipping and digitalising the police force – training and equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Training and equipment related to the police reform are rolled out
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of trained staff
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        310
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Training of at least 310 police officers (environmental crime 200, criminal analyses 60, criminal technology services 50) in Q4/2022. Provide training for at least 300 police officers to improve the quality of communication to victims of crime for police officers in Q4/2022.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 2:Equipping and digitalising the police force – renewal of the vehicle fleet
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Purchase of new vehicles (10 % of the fleet) of electric and hybrid vehicles
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        700
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective to renew 705 vehicles of the police fleet by electric and hybrid vehicles (326 vehicles by Q2/2022 and 379 vehicles by Q4/2022), at least 700 police vehicles shall be replaced.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 2: Equipping and digitalising the Police Force – Reconstruction of buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Extent of the renovated floor area of police buildings to reduce the energy intensity of buildings 
                     
                     
                        (in m²)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        45.000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective to renovate 49965 square metres of building floor area, at least 45 000 square metres in police buildings shall be renovated to reduce their energy intensity. At least 5 buildings will be renovated by Q4/2023. Technical, material and spatial provision of criminal analysis units, criminal technology services and environmental crime units according to the material inventory of Q4/2024.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 2: Equipping and digitalising the Police Force – new Foreign Residents Registration Information System (IS ECU)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Electronicising residence permit processes to simplify processes for the public
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into operation of the new system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into full operation of the new Foreign Residents Information System with the following key functionalities: submission of an application for residence and renewal, registration of residence, computerisation of the application for a document, notification modules and computerisation of communication in the course of the procedure.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 2: Equipping and digitalising the police force – Automated system for detecting road traffic offences
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Automation of the system for detecting road traffic infringements into full operation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Deployment of full operation of 3 modules
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Automation of the recording of infringements of road traffic rules. Full operation of the system with modules: (1) recording and identifying road traffic infringements, (2) modifications to the existing system for automatic generation of decisions, and (3) statistics, reporting and analysis.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Reform 3:Optimising crisis management
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the optimised crisis management
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of  the amended act  129/2002 on the integrated rescue system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The concept of optimising crisis management shall clearly define the relationships between the emergency response services of the integrated rescue system, establish common procedures for dealing with crisis situations, provide for joint coordination between the components, taking into account both the strategic and operational levels of crisis management, and propose a network of integrated security centres. The legislation shall enter into force by Q1 2023.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 3:Modernisation of the fire and rescue system – building a network of Integrated Security Centres
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Construction and operationalisation of Integrated Security Centres
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 2 Integrated Security Centres will be constructed and made operational, improving the operational management of the rescue services of the integrated rescue system, including information support through the establishment of Integrated Security Centres.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 3:Modernisation of the fire and rescue system – renewal of fire station buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Modernisation of firefighting stations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Completion of construction works for at least 4 new firefighting stations and the reconstruction of at least 3 existing firefighting stations.  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 4:Strengthening administrative capacity at different levels of government – establishment of a National Implementation and Coordination Authority
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Minimising implementation risk by establishing a coordination, financial and implementing body (NIKA) for the Recovery and Resilience Facility
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Establishment and capacity building for RRP authority
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        NIKA will be established by Q3 2021. It will be the coordinating, financial and implementing body for the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The subsequent steps entail: Strengthening the capacity of NIKA and government audit by Q4/2021. A new IT system for the purposes of NIKA is in place by Q3/2022.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 4:Strengthening administrative capacity at different levels of government – establishment of a National Implementation and Coordination Authority
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Audit & controls: legal basis
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the Recovery and Resilience Facility Act
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Parliamentary approval and legal entry into force of the Recovery and Resilience Facility Act must be completed before the first payment request 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 4:Strengthening administrative capacity at different levels of government – establishment of a National Implementation and Coordination Authority
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        RRP Repository System: information for monitoring implementation of RRP
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        Audit report confirming repository system functionalities  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A repository system, which may take the form of an Excel sheet, for monitoring the implementation of the RRP shall be in place and operational. 
                     
                     
                        The system  shall include, as a minimum,  the  following functionalities:
                     
                     
                        (a) collection of data and monitoring of the achievement of milestones and targets;
                     
                     
                        (b) collect, store and ensure access to the data required by Article 22(2)(d)(i) to (iii)  of the RRF Regulation.  
                     
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 4:Strengthening administrative capacity at different levels of government – establishment of shared service centres
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        target 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of  shared service centres.
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Of the overall objective to establish 22 shared service centres in the most lagging regions by Q4/2024, at least 20 shared service centres shall be established. These shared service centres help pool capacity at the local level in providing essential public (social) services.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                        17
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 4:Strengthening administrative capacity at different levels of government – building a platform for specialised training
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Automated specialisation training for all newly recruited first-contact staff
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        % 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        100
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        All newly recruited and transferred first-contact staff will receive training in order to improve public service provision. This entails several steps: Building a learning platform and content by Q2/2022.Launch of pilot training until Q4/2022.All staff of the first contact points shall receive the relevant training in Q2/2026.
                     
                  
               
            
            
            
               COMPONENT 17: DIGITAL SLOVAKIA (STATE IN THE MOBILE, CYBERSECURITY, FAST INTERNET FOR EVERYONE, DIGITAL ECONOMY)  
            
            
               The objective of this component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan is to achieve substantial progress of Slovakia towards a digital-prepared society and economy. This objective shall be achieved through measures aiming at digitalisation of public administration and of public services delivery, improving cybersecurity through standardised approaches for preventing and resolving incidents across all entities of public administration, an overarching digital skills strategy, and support to the EU's multi-country projects and investments in research and application of top digital technologies. In addition, the component presents measures for digital connectivity, which the authorities intend to fund from Cohesion Policy funds. 
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               Measures in this component shall contribute to addressing Country-Specific Recommendations to Slovakia, in particular as regards digital skills (Country-Specific Recommendation 2, 2020) digital transformation (Country-Specific Recommendation 3, 2020), business environment and quality of public services (Country-Specific Recommendation 4, 2020), research and innovation (Country-Specific Recommendation 3, 2019) and competitiveness of SMEs (Country-Specific Recommendation 3, 2019).
            
            
            
               A.1. 
                     Description of the reforms and investments for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
               Reform 1: Creating eGovernment solutions for priority life situations 
            
            
               This reform shall lead to the preparation and adoption by the Ministry of Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation (MIRRI) of an investment plan for priority “life situations” of citizens and businesses. The aim is to enable citizens and businesses to resolve administratively such life situations in one location quickly and easily. 
            
            
               The investment plan shall identify 16 priority life situations, describe the current and future status of the processes, and list investment actions that need to be carried out in the administrative entities and their information systems. Priority life situations shall be selected in accordance with the list of life situations monitored by eGov benchmark and taking into account the life situations included in Annex II of the Single Digital Gateway Regulation. 
            
            
               The reform shall lead to the introduction of a package of legislative amendments to deploy new digital public services on a unified design.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2023.
            
            
               Reform 2: Central management of IT resources
            
            
               Under this reform a central procurement platform shall be deployed for purchasing and using IT resources. These resources shall subsequently be made available for development of information systems in the public administration, with the overarching objective to reduce time and costs of such developments.
            
         
         
            
               IT resources shall be procured centrally through a framework contract and public administration entities shall be entitled to draw upon them using a central platform, a Digital Marketplace. Cost reductions shall be achieved through more efficient purchase and allocation of IT capacities 
            
            
               The platform shall be introduced in two steps: 
            
            
               -First, a catalogue shall be created for IT resources on the basis of clear eligibility conditions under which resources may be recorded in the catalogue. The security of the systems, the requirements of the reference architecture and the quality of services and commodities shall be taken into account. 
            
            
               -Second, procurement of these resources shall be completed by MIRRI with the aim to make them available in the necessary quality and quantity to users.
            
            
               The platform shall provide an evaluation functionality of the value of IT investments by monitoring costs, filings, transactions and returns.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2023.
            
            
               Investment 1: Better services for citizens and businesses
            
            
               In direct link to Reform 1 of this component, Creating eGovernment solutions for priority life situations, this investment shall consist in deploying integrated eGovernment solutions to 16 priority life situations. The solutions shall be developed using a common platform of IT tools necessary to build and deliver understandable and user-friendly digital services covering the integrity of the life situation procedure. 
            
            
               The investments shall take the form of demand-driven projects that provide a comprehensive administrative solution to life situations with the greatest benefits. The solutions shall contain uniform search functionalities, a single point for service delivery, a mobile version, uniform design and clear navigation, smooth transitions through the life situation, an overview of the status of the request and status notifications, and online payments. The project shall also entail integration of the solutions into the central public administration portal, a redesign of underlying administrative processes, an upgrade of agenda systems and connection to the central middleware and central backend. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 2: Digital transformation of public service delivery
            
            
               This investment shall shorten the duration of completion of public services by optimising and automating administrative processes. The investment shall transform 42 public administration sections by launching a fully functional digitalised version.
            
            
               The investments shall take the form of demand-driven projects to transform the administrations’ processes with the highest potential for quality improvements or savings. Savings shall be achieved through reduction of operating costs, procedural errors, completion timelines or human resource requirements. Improving the quality of processes and reducing costs shall be achieved, as appropriate, by optimising relevant legislation or by changing the organisation of activities and processes. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment  shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Reform 3: Managing the digital transformation of the economy and society
            
            
               This reform shall introduce a new governance structure for reforms and investments in the digital economy by engaging competent bodies at different levels. At the political level, the Government Council for Digitalisation of Public Administration and Digital Single Market as the advisory, coordination and initiative body of the Government on issues related to digitalisation shall monitor the implementation and realisation of reforms and projects in the area of digital economy. At the working level, the Digital Agenda Section of the MIRRI shall work to ensure implementation of reforms and investments, as well as meeting the set milestones and targets. At the assessment level, the analytical unit of MIRRI shall ensure thematic consistency of the interventions with the priorities of strategic policies/documents (RIS3, SACI, 2030 Digital Transformation Strategy for Slovakia). At the consulting level, the Working Group on the Digital Transformation of Slovakia shall assist the Digital Agenda Section of MIRRI in implementing reforms and investments in the digital economy. 
            
            
               As part of this reform, the MIRRI shall adopt a new strategic document – Action Plan for the Digital Transformation of Slovakia for years 2023-2026.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 3: Engaging in multi-country European projects related to the digital economy
            
            
               This investment shall support Slovak participation in European multi-country projects. The preliminary list of initiatives has been established on the basis of expert public consultation, preconditions and project preparedness.  Slovakia intends to seek financing for some of those projects from other sources, in particular from directly managed EU programmes (Digital Europe, Connecting Europe Facility, Horizon Europe). 
            
         
         
            
               The investment shall lead to the following projects:
            
            
               -creation of a network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) and Digital Innovation Hubs (DIH) to support digitalisation of Slovak SMEs. 
            
            
               -commissioning of a supercomputer for the national supercomputing centre. 
            
            
               -participation in two other multi-country European projects, to be identified from  a pre-defined list of multi-country projects put forward by the European Commission.
            
            
               The last milestone of the investment shall be completed by 31 December 2024. Support to these projects shall continue beyond this deadline, within the horizon of RRP implementation.
            
            
               Investment 4: Support for projects aiming at the development and application of top digital technologies
            
            
               The objective of this investment is to create a support scheme for research, development and application of advanced digital technologies by companies, including SMEs, research institutes and public administration entities. Support shall be granted to successful Slovak projects under directly managed programmes, selected IPCEI projects or projects obtaining the Seal of Excellence, in accordance with applicable rules on EU funds financing. Moreover, support can also be granted to projects selected at the national level. In addition to research, development and application projects, support may be granted for technological institutions, competence centres, private enterprises and platforms in compliance with state aid rules.
            
            
               The investment shall focus on: 
            
            
               -support to research, development and innovation projects with Technology Readiness Levels 5 to 8,
            
            
               -support for the establishment of testing and experimentation infrastructure,
            
            
               -support for participation in innovative projects at the European and international level,
            
            
               -support to platforms and competence centres in their outreach and training activities aiming at digital skills and competences.
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 5: Fast grants – hackathons 
            
            
               The aim is to create a tool for stimulating innovative solutions for addressing current societal challenges in a flexible and rapid manner. This shall be achieved by organising hackathons involving start-ups, other companies, research institutions, universities and their students, and other specialists.
            
            
               The investment shall be used to organize 20 hackathons over five years. The costs include resources for winning teams who shall provide their solutions to the public administration or the wider public.
            
            
               The organiser shall define the range of topics and problems to be addressed by the hackathons in collaboration with participating public administration bodies. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Reform 4: Standardisation of technical and procedural cybersecurity solutions (ITVS – Information technologies for public administration)
            
            
               Current cybersecurity requirements in the public administration diverge in terms of their elaboration, quality and clarity. Individualised cybersecurity solutions lead to higher overall costs, as well as ambiguities for a number of service operators. Moreover, applicable methodological guidelines for cybersecurity are outdated and not fit for purpose in a rapidly changing cyber-threat environment. The objective of this reform is to update applicable cybersecurity requirements and increase standardization of solutions for all entities of the public administration. 
            
         
         
            
               Specifically, the reform shall lead to the development of a single methodological framework for cybersecurity; the creation of a procedural manual for assessment cybersecurity; creation of a central expert support for implementation of cybersecurity measures; the definition of categories of organisations for the purposes of cybersecurity; definition of basic requirements of cybersecurity protection in the public administration.
            
            
               The National Concept for Informatisation of Public Administration (NKIVS) shall set the framework of standardisation for cyber security requirements.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2025.
            
            
               Reform 5: Improving cybersecurity training and skills (ITVS – Information technologies for public administration)
            
            
               The general level of cybersecurity skills in public administration is insufficient. The aim of this reform is to introduce systematic lifelong learning in cybersecurity of IT professionals in public administration. 
            
            
               The reform shall:  
            
            
               -establish a cybersecurity awareness programme and training for public administration staff, including complementary training of cybersecurity specialists (as lifelong learning);
            
            
               -establish at least 3 competence centres in cybersecurity in universities, in order to play a role in education and in providing expertise to the public and private sector;
            
            
               -support international cooperation with relevant international centres of excellence in cyber and hybrid threats;
            
            
               -development of a methodology for setting-up of cybersecurity units in public administration entities.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Investment 6: Strengthening preventive measures, increasing the speed of incident detection and resolution (ITVS – Information technologies for public administration)
            
            
               The objective of this measure is to develop an early response system in cybersecurity of the public administration. It follows up on projects under the Operational Program Integrated Infrastructure. 
            
            
               Specifically, the investment shall:
            
            
               -integrate new technical and technological solutions of the early response system into the cybersecurity incident management infrastructure;
            
            
               -develop a framework of regular deep security audits, vulnerability assessments and penetration tests in the overall cybersecurity architecture; 
            
            
               -increase the level of technological security equipment of critical infrastructure installations;
            
            
               -develop a threat catalog and  a methodology for cybersecurity management;
            
            
               -develop a centralized approach for implementing security patches. 
            
            
               As part of prevention, the general level of quality of physical and procedural security of critical infrastructure of the public administration shall be strengthened. This shall be achieved by improving process security, reconstruction and completion of 72 secured spaces for critical infrastructure information systems.
            
         
         
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
               Reform 6: A strategic approach to education in digital skills in cooperation with representatives of key stakeholders 
            
            
               This reform shall draw up a coherent national strategy for the development of digital skills through life-long-learning, covering people in productive and post-productive age. The strategy shall be prepared by the MIRRI in cooperation with competent Ministries and representatives of key stakeholders. 
            
            
               The strategy shall include an analysis of the state of play of digital skills in Slovakia, an identification of existing barriers to their development, a learning vision for the next period, as well as recommendations of measures for public authorities to improve the situation and meet the targets. The strategy shall also propose a long-term sustainable funding and support system for digital skills, while also aiming to create an attractive environment to prevent brain drain and attract foreign experts and researchers.
            
            
               The reform shall be completed by 31 December 2022.
            
            
               Investment 7: Improving the digital skills of seniors and the distribution of Senior Tablets
            
            
               The percentage of people aged 65-74 with at least basic digital skills is only 11 %, compared to the EU average of 24%. Training in digital skills in Slovakia is highly dependent on work-based learning and/or employer-funded programmes. As a result, people in post-productive age and disadvantaged people have in general more limited access to digital skills development. This skills gap has been particularly problematic during the COVID-19 period. The objective of this investment is to address this issue through a targeted training program in digital skills and provision of digital equipment for at least 172 800 seniors and disadvantaged people. 
            
            
               The investment shall consist in:
            
            
               -a pilot project for 1000 persons to assess specific needs and assess the physiological adequacy of technological equipment (tablets or alternatives) for elderly and disadvantaged people;
            
            
               -training sessions for seniors and disadvantaged people in the form of face-to-face and e-learning;
            
            
               -development of specialised applications with accessibility features;
            
            
               -provision of subsidized technological equipment (tablet or alternatives) together with vouchers for internet access provision. 
            
            
               The implementation of the investment shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators  (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators  (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Unit of measure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Baseline
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Goal
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Reform 1: Creating eGovernment solutions for priority life situations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Investment plan for priority life situations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of the priority list approved by the MIRRI
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of the list of priority electronic services approved by the MIRRI SR, based on the eGOV benchmark and taking into account the Annex II of the Single Digital Gateway Regulation, 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Reform 1: Creating eGovernment solutions for priority life situations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Roadmap of the priority life situations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of the roadmap
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Analysis of service design and identification of deficiencies (roadmap) for their improvement through all public institutions concerned
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Reform 2: Central management of IT resources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Central platform for the use of IT resources (digital market place)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of the platform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into service of a platform of tools and policies for a new way to buy and use IT commodities, expertise, use of cloud services and open source code. The services shall be procured centrally (framework contract) and the users of the services shall have the possibility to dynamically draw on the central platform as needed.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 1: Better services for citizens and businesses
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of eGovernment solutions built and deployed
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Deployment of digital solutions for two selected life situations, with the following features: a uniform access to the search for services; a single point for service delivery; where relevant a mobile version; uniform design; clear navigation; smooth transitions through the life situation; an overview of the status of the request; status notifications; and online payments. The project shall entail integration of the solutions into the central public administration portal, a redesign of business processes into comprehensive, an upgrade of the agenda systems and connection to the central middleware and central backend systems. Implementation of the two most used life situations.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 1: Better services for citizens and businesses
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of eGovernment solutions built and deployed
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Full implementation of digital solutions for 16 selected life situations, with the following features: a uniform access to the search for services; a single point for service delivery; where relevant a mobile version; uniform design; clear navigation; smooth transitions through the life situation; an overview of the status of the request; status notifications; and online payments. The project shall entail integration of the solutions into the central public administration portal, a redesign of business processes into comprehensive, an upgrade of agenda systems and connection to the central middleware and central backend systems.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 1: Better services for citizens and businesses
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Platform for the development and provision of priority life situations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Full implementation of the platform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Modernisation of the frontend, backend and middleware platform (common modules) on the principles of low code configurable components centrally managed for all public service providers. The platform is a pre-requisite for the deployment of eGovernment solutions for life situations. 
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 2: Digital transformation of public service delivery
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digital transformation of public administration sections
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Eight processes and sections  in public administration shall be optimised and automated. Investments shall aim at improving quality of public services or improving efficiency (through reduction of operating costs, procedural errors, completion timelines or human resource requirements). This shall be achieved, as appropriate, by amending legislation or by changing the organisation of processes. Public administration sections are registered in the Central Metainformation System of Public Administration according to the Act No.575/2001 Coll. on the organisation of government activities and the organisation of central state administration.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 2: Digital transformation of public service delivery
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digital transformation of public administration sections 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        42
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        42 processes and  sections  in public administration shall be optimised and automated. Investments shall aim at improving quality of public services or improving efficiency (through reduction of operating costs, procedural errors, completion timelines or human resource requirements). This shall be achieved, as appropriate, by amending legislation or by changing the organisation of processes. Public administration sections are registered in the Central Metainformation System of Public Administration according to the Act No.575/2001 Coll. on the organisation of government activities and the organisation of central state administration.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Reform 3: Managing the digital transformation of the economy and society
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Action Plan for the Digital Transformation of Slovakia for years 2023-2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Development and adoption by the MIRRI 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption by the MIRRI of a new strategic document – Action Plan for the Digital Transformation of Slovakia for years 2023-2026. The Action Plan shall put forward actions to improve Slovakia's digital performance, building on 2030 Digital Transformation Strategy for Slovakia and building on the current 2019-2022 roadmap. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 3: Engaging in multi-country European projects related to the digital economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number  of Digital Innovation Hubs/ European Digital Innovation Hubs 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        This target shall be achieved through:
                     
                     
                        1. Building a network of four of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) in Slovakia that shall provide services to businesses to support the deployment of new technologies and innovation. They shall participate in the pan-European network of EDIHs. The candidates for establishing the four EDIHs were nominated in September 2020. 
                     
                     
                     
                        2.In addition to the 4 EDIHs, at least one additional centre shall be set up following one of the two options:
                     
                     
                        (a) EDIH without financial support from the Digital Europe programme, which shall be awarded the Seal of Excellence in the EC competition; or 
                     
                     
                        (b) a local DIH that shall be selected under the national scheme and will complement the network of existing EDIHs. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 3: Engaging in multi-country European projects related to the digital economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Development and construction of the supercomputer for the national supercomputing centre
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Commissioning of the supercomputer and submission of a handover note
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The commissioning and entry into service of the computing infrastructure on the basis of functional tests and a handover protocol. 
                     
                     
                        The investment  shall finance the construction  of  a the supercomputer using an architecture featuring integrated CPU and GPU on a single chip, with an ambition to rate in the top 10 of the global Green500 list of the high energy efficient supercomputers. Details of the architecture shall be specified in the feasibility study.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 3: Engaging in multi-country European projects related to the digital economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Participation in multi-country digital projects from the pre-defined set 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Support granted to participation in two multi-country digital projects from the following set proposed by the European Commission:   Security Operation Centres, MediaInvest, European Blockchain Services Infrastructure, EuroQCI, 5G Corridors, Common European Data Infrastructure, Processors and Semiconductor chips, Connected Public Administration, Genome of Europe, Digital Skills.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 4: Support for projects aiming at the development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Design of support  scheme for development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of a support scheme
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A support scheme for research and development of digital solutions shall be set up and published by the implementation unit of the MIRRI  for small and medium sized enterprises, large companies, private R&D institutions, public R&D institutions including academia and Slovak Academy of Sciences,  non-governmental and non-profit organizations, media,  public institutions including municipalities and other eligible applicants. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The scheme shall also serve as a co-funding mechanism for projects that succeed in directly managed EU programmes (Digital Europe, Horizon Europe and the Connecting Europe Facility). Priority shall be given to successful projects based on an IPCEI assessment by the European Commission. Projects shall also be assessed on the basis of the priority areas defined in dimension 4 (Digital Transformation of Slovakia) in the Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3).
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 4: Support for projects aiming at the development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of  projects for development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                     
                        Support disbursed to 20 projects in development and application of digital solutions under the support scheme
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 4: Support for projects aiming at the development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of  projects for development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        43
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Support disbursed to 43 projects in development and application of digital solutions under the support scheme
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 5: Fast grants – hackathons
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of organised fast grant events - hackathons
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Organisation of 20 Hackathons - events where fast grants shall be awarded for innovative solutions to most innovative solutions for current societal challenges. The event shall involve start-ups, other companies, research institutions, universities and their students, and other specialists.
                     
                     
                        Winning teams shall provide their solutions to the public administration or the wider public.
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                        17
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Reform 5: Improving cybersecurity training and skills (ITVS – Information technologies for public administration)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of IT staff in public administration trained in cybersecurity 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        29
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        600
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        An additional 571 IT experts in the public administration environment retrained for cybersecurity at ‘professional’, ‘Manager’ and ‘IT Manager’ levels.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        18
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 6: Strengthening preventive measures, increasing the speed of incident detection and resolution (ITVS – Information technologies for public administration)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of secured IT systems  in the public administration environment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        70
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2024
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Securing of 1000 IT systems, which shall be defined as: the Early Warning System (EWS) tools are integrated into the Cybersecurity Incident Management System, deploying the necessary hardware/software elements, bidirectional encrypted communication, and warning dispatch. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        19
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 6: Strengthening preventive measures, increasing the speed of incident detection and resolution (ITVS – Information technologies for public administration)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Security audits of applications in  public administration environment 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Deployment of new or update of existing applications into service 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2025
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Deployment of new or revised audit tools of cybersecurity vulnerability of public IT applications. The assessment shall be performed by penetrating tests and using vulnerability assessment software, while security audit verification shall always take place before deployment. for the verification of critical vulnerabilities. 
                     
                     
                        Priority shall be given to information systems that are part of critical infrastructure.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Reform 6: A strategic approach to education in digital skills in cooperation with representatives of key stakeholders 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        National Digital Skills Strategy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Approval of the Digital Skills Strategy by the Slovak Government  and publication
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The strategy shall focus on persons in productive and post-productive age and shall include an analysis of the state of play, a definition of existing barriers and a vision of education for the next period and of life-long learning in line with the OECD 2020 recommendations, as well as a proposal for measures and recommendations for public administrations to improve the status quo and meet the targets set. The measures shall be financed from other sources than the RRF.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        21
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 7: Improving the digital skills of seniors and the distribution of Senior Tablets
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of seniors and disadvantaged persons trained in basic digital skills
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        0
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2022
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Implementation of a pilot project  to validate the proposed activities and solutions to increase digital skills among a sample of 1000 seniors and disadvantaged persons. This shall be achieved by completion of a training program followed by distribution of subsidised equipment. 
                     
                     
                     
                        The results of the pilot project shall be assessed and lead to a decision on the form of the continuation of the project.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        22
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Investment 7: Improving the digital skills of seniors and the distribution of Senior Tablets
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of seniors and disadvantaged persons trained in basic digital skills
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1000
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        172800
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Following the pilot project and its recommendations, improve the digital skills of 172 800 elderly people and disadvantaged people. This shall be achieved by completion of a training program and distribution of subsidised equipment for each person. 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        23
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 – Digital Slovakia - Reform 4: Standardisation of technical and procedural cybersecurity solutions (ITVS – Information technologies for public administration)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        National Concept for Informatisation of Public Administration (NKIVS) 2021-2030
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption and approval of the National Concept for Informatisation of Public Administration by the MIRRI and publication 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The National Concept for Informatisation of Public Administration (NKIVS) shall set the framework for digital reforms in a synchronised manner with the RRP. The individual actions and projects of the RRP shall implement the relevant strategic tasks of the NKIVS. The NKIVS shall set the framework of standardisation for cyber security requirements. Further actions would be necessary for setting the cyber security technical and procedural standards.
                     
                  
               
            
               COMPONENT 18: Sound, sustainable and competitive public finances
            
         
         
            
               Slovakia faces high fiscal sustainability risks due to a combination of an ageing population, a fiscally unsustainable pension system, and a fiscal policy framework that does not sufficiently incentivise fiscal sustainability. Moreover, the revenue potential of environmental and property taxation is underused relative to other EU countries.
            
            
               This component of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan shall improve the sustainability, soundness and competitiveness of public finances by means of three reform elements, namely a pension reform, multi-annual expenditure ceilings, and a reform of public investment management. 
            
            
               It is expected that no measure in this component does significant harm to environmental objectives within the meaning of Article 17 of Regulation (EU) 2020/852, taking into account the description of the measures and the mitigating steps set out in the recovery and resilience plan in accordance with the DNSH Technical Guidance (2021/C58/01).  
            
            
               The component thereby contributes to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2019.1 to safeguard the long-term sustainability of public finances, in particular of the pension system, and to addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2020.1 to pursue fiscal policies aimed at achieving prudent medium-term fiscal positions and ensuring debt sustainability when economic conditions allow. It also helps addressing Country Specific Recommendation 2020.3 and Country Specific Recommendation 2019.3 to front-load mature public investment projects as well as to focus investment in specific areas.
            
            
               Reform 1: Improving the sustainability of the pension system
            
            
               Slovakia’s public finances face high sustainability risks both in the medium and long term. This is in part due to rapid population ageing. The old-age dependency ratio (comparing the share of elderly people with the share of the population in work or training) is projected to almost triple by 2060. Retirement age caps exacerbate the implications for long-term fiscal sustainability. In addition, savings in the second pillar of the pension system are inefficient and yield low returns, while awareness in the population is low.
            
            
               The pension reform shall improve the long-term fiscal sustainability of the pension system. To this end, it shall link the retirement age to life expectancy, and abolish retirement age caps. It shall moreover ensure entitlement to an actuarially neutral benefit after a minimum number of years worked and introduce a new default, life-cycle based savings strategy in the second pension pillar investing less in low-yield bonds, with an opt-out option, to increase the efficiency of savings in the second pillar. It shall also increase transparency by regularly informing people about their expected pensions.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 March 2023.
            
            
               Reform 2: Introducing multi-annual expenditure ceilings
            
            
               Slovakia’s medium-term budgetary framework has not been conducive to sufficient fiscal discipline. Slovakia has not managed to pursue a counter-cyclical fiscal policy in good economic times. This weighs on medium- and long-term fiscal sustainability.
            
            
               This reform therefore shall enhance fiscal discipline in order to improve medium- and long-term fiscal sustainability. To this end, binding multi-annual expenditure ceilings shall be introduced as a key tool to better pursue counter-cyclical fiscal policy, improve budgetary planning and achieve long-term fiscal sustainability. These expenditure ceilings shall be linked to planned structural balances linked to long-term sustainability objectives. It shall be implemented in the Stability Programme 2022-2025 in April 2022 to capture the full budgetary cycle for 2023.
            
            
               The implementation of the reform shall be completed by 31 December 2021.
            
            
            
               Reform 3: Streamlining public investment
            
            
               The economic value of most of the public investment projects assessed by the Ministry of Finance only slightly exceeded their costs, with a benefit-cost ratio of the projects (BCR) between 1.0 and 1.5. In addition, absorption rates of the budget for public investments are low, pointing to difficulties in budgetary planning and execution. At the same time, investment prioritization lacks objective, streamlined criteria.
            
            
               The reform shall better prepare public investment projects by consistently applying value for money principles. It shall strategically prioritise investment projects from the outset and to budget only mature projects. To achieve these aims, the reform shall put into practice a new and harmonised methodology for preparing and prioritising public investment projects. This methodology shall allow to develop sector-specific project pipelines and to improve the average cost-benefit ratio of newly selected investment projects, while also increasing the accuracy of investment budgeting. The investment process shall be standardised for all projects, which shall be evaluated centrally and from an early stage. 
            
            
               The implementation of the reform is shall be completed by 30 June 2026.
            
            
            
               A.2. 
                     Milestones, targets, indicators, and timetable for monitoring and implementation for non-repayable financial support
            
            
         
         
            
                     
                        Seq. Num.
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Qualitative indicators  (for milestones)
                     
                     
                         
                     
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quantitative indicators  (for targets)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Indicative timeline for completion
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Description and clear definition of each milestone and target
                     
                     
                     
                  
               
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Measurement unit
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Background
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Quarter
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Year
                     
                  
                  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        18 – Sound, sustainable and competitive public finances – Reform 1: Improving the sustainability of the pension system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Pension system reform 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the package of amendments (No 461/2003 Coll. on social insurance and No 43/2004 Coll. on old-age pension savings)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2023
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the package by the parliament (Social Insurance Act and Old-Age Pension Savings Act) by the end of Q4 2022 with effect from Q1 2023, which will improve the long-term financial sustainability of the pension system, namely:1) linking increases in retirement age to increasing life expectancy, 2) introducing an entitlement to actuarially neutral benefits from the first pay-as-you-go pension pillar for persons after a statutory minimum number of years of service, 3) introducing a default savings strategy based on the lifecycle principle for new and progressively existing savers in Pillar II (with the possibility of rejecting this default strategy)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        18– Sound, sustainable and competitive public finances – Reform 2: Introducing expenditure ceilings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Anchoring expenditure ceilings in Law 523/2004 on the budgetary rules
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the amendment to the act 523/2004 on the budgetary rules
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2021
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the multi-annual ceilings on public expenditure and its implementation in the Stability Programme 2022-2025 in April 2022 to capture the full budgetary cycle for 2023.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        18 – Healthy, sustainable and competitive public finances – Reform 3: Reform of public investment management
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        application of the methodology for the procedures for preparing and prioritising investments
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                     
                        Evaluation of the public investment projects carried out in line with adopted methodolology 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Q2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2026
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The preparation and evaluation of all relevant public investment projects is carried out in line with the published methodology harmonising preparation and prioritisation. The assessment is carried out by the Ministry of Finance and applied to all new investment projects at national level above EUR 1 million, as demonstrated by documentation of selected projects. The methodology aims at establishing an investment project pipeline at sector level and at increasing the cost-benefit ratio for new investment projects.
                     
                  
               
               2.Estimated total cost of the recovery and resilience plan
            
            
               The estimated total cost of the recovery and resilience plan of Slovakia is EUR 6 575 000 000.
            
            
            
            
               SECTION 2: FINANCIAL SUPPORT 
            
            
               1.Financial contribution 
            
            
               The instalments referred to in Article 2(2) shall be organised in the following manner:
            
            
            
               1.1First Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 - Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure-Reform 1: Adapting the electricity legal framework 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Release of restrictions on technical capacities for electricity transmission within the Slovak electricity system 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport-Reform 1: Reform of the preparation of transport investment projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Investment plan for railway infrastructure projects
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport-Reform 1: Reform of the preparation of transport investment projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                          Methodology for selecting, preparing and implementing projects for cycling
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 - Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions-Reform 4:Reform of the management of universities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The reform of the management system of higher education institutions
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 - Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions-Reform 5:Concentration of excellent educational and research capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Start bringing together of universities into larger units
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding-Reform 2: Reform of the organisation and funding of non-business research institutions, in particular the Slovak Academy of Sciences
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reform of the Slovak Academy of Science (SaS)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 - Attracting and retaining talent-Investment 4: Promoting internationalisation in the academic environment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Strategy for internationalisation of universities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 - Judicial reform-Reform 2:Fighting corruption and strengthening the integrity and independence of the judiciary
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Package of laws to fight corruption and strengthen integrity and independence of the justice system
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 - Judicial reform-Reform 1:Reform of the Judicial Map – Legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Definition of a new judicial map 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Reform 2: Modernisation and capacity building of the police force
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Implementation of organisational changes to police to increase the efficiency of crime detection, investigation and detection of corruption
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 4: Strengthening administrative capacity at different levels of government – establishment of a National Implementation and Coordination Authority 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Audit & controls: legal basis
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 4:Strengthening administrative capacity at different levels of government – establishment of a National Implementation and Coordination Authority 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        RRP Repository System: information for monitoring implementation of RRP
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia-Reform 4: Standardisation of technical and procedural cybersecurity solutions
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        National Concept for Informatisation of Public Administration (NKIVS) 2021-2030
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        18 - Sound, sustainable and competitive public finances –Reform 2: Introducing expenditure ceilings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Anchoring expenditure ceilings in Law 523/2004 on the budgetary rules
                     
                  
               
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        EUR 458 277 000
                     
                  
               
            
               1.2Second Instalment (non-repayable support):
            
            
                
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2 - Building renovation- Reform 3: The management of construction waste
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendment to the Waste Act 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5 - Adapting to climate change – Investment 1: Adapting regions to climate change, focusing on nature conservation and biodiversity development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        List of selected projects for the regions of Muránska Planina and Polonina
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Investment 1: Removing of barriers of school buildings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of the definition of debarrierisation standard, creation of a debarrierisation manual and mapping of school needs at all levels of education
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 - Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions- Reform 2: Introduction of a system of periodic scientific performance evaluation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Definition of the system of periodic evaluation of scientific performance introduced in the Law No 172/2005
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Reform 1: Reform of governance, evaluation and support in science, research and innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reform of the governance  and  support for research, ,development and innovation.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 - Attracting and retaining talent- Reform 1: Reform of residence and labour legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Facilitation of the return to the country and increase of the attractiveness of the country for foreigners with family ties
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 - Attracting and retaining talent-Reform 1: Reform of residence and labour legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Scheme defining a new category of applicants for national visa (D).
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 - Attracting and retaining talent- Reform 2: Simplification of the regime for the recognition of qualifications and professional qualifications for the exercise of regulated professions
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Simplification of the recognition of educational and professional qualifications 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare-Reform 1 Optimization of the Hospital Network (UN)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of the hospital network
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Reform 2 Reform of the preparation of health investment plans
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A prioritised investment plan according to the investment evaluation methodology adopted by the Ministry of Health 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare- Reform 5 Reform of primary care provision for adults, children and youth
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         The new law on the establishment of the network of general care providers and the introduction of zoning
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Reforming the supervision of social care and providing infrastructure for its implementation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reform of the supervision of social care
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 - Improve the business environment- Reform 3: Reform of public procurement – adaptation of legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reform of  the Public Procurement Procedures Act 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering  - Reform 1:Making the fight against corruption and AML more effective
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reforms to streamline and improve financial investigations 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 4: Support for projects aiming at the development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Design of support scheme for development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 7: Improving the digital skills of seniors and the distribution of Senior Tablets
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of seniors and disadvantaged persons trained in basic digital skills
                     
                  
               
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         EUR 814 715 000
                     
                  
               
            
               1.3Third Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 - Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure- Reform 1: Adapting  the electricity legal framework
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reform of electricity market
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 - Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure- Reform 2: The legal framework for promotion of renewable energy sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Framework for supporting the  investments into new renewable sources 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2 - Building renovation- Reform 1: The harmonisation of support mechanisms for the renovation of family houses  
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Implementation plan to mobilize green renovation of family houses 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2 - Building renovation- Reform 1:  Improving the energy efficiency of family houses 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Launch of the support schemes to mobilise energy savings and green renovation 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport- Reform 3: Intermodal freight transport reform 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Concept and calls for new support schemes
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport- Reform 4: Introduction of new policies for the long-term promotion of alternative fuels in the transport sector
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A new package of measures to promote alternative propulsions
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4 - Decarbonisation of industry- Reform 2:The competitive scheme for greenhouse gas emissions reduction in industry
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the industrial decarbonisation scheme
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5 - Adapting to climate change – Reform 1: Land planning reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The Land Planning reform 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 1:Ensuring conditions for the implementation of compulsory pre-primary education for children aged of five  and introducing a legal entitlement to a place in kindergarten or other pre-primary education providers from the age of three
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Enrollment rate in pre-primary schools for children aged five years
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 1:1.Ensuring conditions for the implementation of compulsory pre-primary education for children aged of five and introducing a legal entitlement to a place in kindergarten or other pre-primary education providers from the age of three
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of legal changes of a  compulsory pre-primary education for children aged of five and introduction a legal entitlement to a place in kindergarten or other pre-primary education providers from the age of three.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 2:Definition of the concept of special educational needs of children and pupils and development of a model for eligible support measures in education and education, including their funding system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of the law on redefinition of  the concept of special educational needs  and the preparation of accompanying methodological material for teaching staff, specialist staff and school leaders.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 6:Compensatory measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic in education for primary and secondary school pupils
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of pupils taking part in tuition programmes
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 - Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions- Investment 1: support for the strategic development of universities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        At least 2 calls concluded for supporting  the strategic development of universities 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 - Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions- Reform 1: Change in funding for universities, including the introduction of performance contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of performance contracts
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 - Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions- Reform 2:Introduction of a system of periodic scientific performance evaluation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of  Performed evaluations 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 - Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions- Reform 3:A new approach to accreditation of higher education
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Percentage of universities apply to check the compliance of internal quality systems and study programmes with standards
                     
                  
               
                     
                        17
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Reform 1: Reform of governance, evaluation and support in science, research and innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Design of the National overarching RDI Strategy
                     
                  
               
                     
                        18
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 1: Promoting international cooperation and participation in Horizon Europe and EIT projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for projects to support the participation of Slovak actors in Horizon Europe 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        19
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 2: Support for cooperation between firms, academia and RD organisations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch  of calls for projects to support cooperation between companies, academia and R & D organisations and vouchers 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 3: Excellent science
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls to support  excellent researchers
                     
                  
               
                     
                        21
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 4: Research and innovation to decarbonise the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for thematic demand-driven projects addressing the challenges of green transition
                     
                  
               
                     
                        22
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 5: Research and innovation for the digitalisation of the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch of calls for thematic demand-driven projects addressing the challenges of digital transition
                     
                  
               
                     
                        23
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 6: Financial instruments to support innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Launch and implementation of financial instruments to support innovation
                     
                  
               
                     
                        24
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 4:Strengthening administrative capacity at different levels of government – establishment of a National Implementation and Coordination Authority
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Minimising implementation risk by establishing a coordination, financial and implementing body (NIKA) for the Recovery and Resilience Facility
                     
                  
               
                     
                        25
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 2: Equipping and digitalizing the police force – renewal of the vehicle fleet
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Purchase of new vehicles (10 % of the fleet) of electric and hybrid vehicles
                     
                  
               
                     
                        26
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 3: Engaging in cross-border European projects related to the digital economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number  of Digital Innovation Hubs in Slovakia/ European Digital Innovation Hub creating a network 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        27
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Reform 1: Creating eGovernment solutions for priority life situations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Investment plan for priority life situations
                     
                  
               
                     
                        28
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Reform 3: Managing the digital transformation of the economy and society
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Action Plan for the Digital Transformation of Slovakia for years 2023-2026
                     
                  
               
                     
                        29
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Reform 6: A strategic approach to education in digital skills in cooperation with representatives of key stakeholders
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        National Digital Skills Strategy
                     
                  
               
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         EUR 814 715 000   
                     
                  
               
         
            
            
               1.4Fourth Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport- Reform 1: Reform of the preparation of transport investment projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The amendment to the Railways Act and related regulations on transport infrastructure parameters
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport- Reform 2: Public passenger transport reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New law on public passenger transport
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 2: Definition of the concept of special educational needs of children and pupils and development of a model for eligible support measures in education and education, including their funding system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force the redefinition of the concept of special educational needs 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 3:Reforming the system of counselling and prevention and ensuring systemic data collection in the field of mental health promotion for children, pupils and students
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Entry into force of the legislation that create the   comprehensive system of counselling
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 4:Implementation of tools to prevent early school leaving and adapt F-type study programmes
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of legislative amendments aimed at:• Extension of the possibility to acquire lower secondary education in lower secondary vocational education (VET) optimisation of NSOV programmes  in response to labour market needs and the offer of NSOV programmes in relation to the educational needs of the target group of pupils
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 - Education for 21 Century- Reform 1: Education content and form reform – Curricular and textbook reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Approval of the final version of the new curriculum  for all primary and lower-secondary schools organized in multiannual education cycles
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 - Education for 21 Century- Reform 2:Preparing and developing teachers for new content and form of teaching
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force the legislative changes to strengthen the quality of skills of teaching and professional staff and motivate them for lifelong professional development
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 7: It support a single RD grant system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Design of the new D  information system to evaluate grant schemes
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 – Modern and accessible healthcare – Reform 4 Optimisation of the acute healthcare network and new definition of emergency healthcare
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Amendment to the law on Optimal ambulance network and new definition of emergency healthcare
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Reform of integration and financing of long-term social and health care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New legislative framework for long-term health and palliative care
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 - Improve the business environment- Reform 1: Reducing the regulatory burden on business
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        introduction of the new regulatory burden reduction tools:—Implementation of the “1in-2out” rule – Introduction of ex-post evaluation of existing regulations (legislative and non-legislative materials) – Introduction of protection against unjustified goldplating
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 - Improve the business environment- Reform 3: Reform of public procurement – digitalisation of public procurement processes
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digitalisation of public procurement processes through a single electronic platform.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 - Improve the business environment- Reform 2: Reform of the insolvency framework – adaptation of legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reform of the insolvency framework
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 - Judicial reform- Reform 1: Reform of the Judicial Map – Legislation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The introduction of the new court network 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - - Reform 3: Optimising crisis management
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force of the optimised crisis management
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        18 - Sound, sustainable and competitive public finances – Reform 1: Improving the sustainability of the pension system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Pension system reform 
                     
                  
               
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         EUR 923 828 000   
                     
                  
               
            
               1.5Fifth Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2 - Building renovation- Reform 2:  Increasing transparency and streamlining decisions of the Monuments  Board of the Slovak Republic
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Methodologies for the decision making process of the Monuments Board of the Slovak republic
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport- Reform 2: Public passenger transport reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Implementation of optimised rail transport timetable
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4 - Decarbonisation of industry- Reform 1: The termination of  coal-based electricity production at Nováky power plant and transformation of the Upper Nitra region
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Transition away from coal at the Upper Nitra region
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5 - Adapting to climate change – Reform 2: Reforming nature conservation and water management in the countryside
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                          More effective application of nature protection measures  in landscapes in protected areas and the revitalization of watercourses
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5 - Adapting to climate change – Investment 1: Adapting regions to climate change, focusing on nature conservation and biodiversity development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Property settlement with private landowners (in Area of land settled in ha)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 5:Supporting school desegregation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Adoption of legislative amendments  that introduce of  the definition of at schools in the legislation and the development of methodological material for the implementation of desegregation
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 - Education for 21 Century- Reform 2:Preparing and developing teachers for new content and form of teaching
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Percentage of teachers trained especially in preparation for the new curriculum inclusive education and digital skills 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 - Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions- Reform 1:Change in funding for universities, including the introduction of performance contracts
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Performance contracts signed with public universities (in percentage) 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 - Attracting and retaining talent- Investment 1: Support tools and assistance for returnees, highly qualified third-country workers and their family members and foreign higher education students studying in Slovakia
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of one-stop shops for integration in Slovakia
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare- Reform 3 Centralization of the management of the largest hospitals
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of a central hospital management body from an organisational, operational and economic point of view
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare- Investment 3 Digitalisation in health
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Navigation system for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in 3 cardiovascular disease institutions
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Reform of integration and financing of long-term social and health care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Publication of the concept of financing social services for public debate
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 - Judicial reform- Investment 2:Supporting instruments for reform of the Judicial Map – Commercial Register and Centralised System of Judicial Governance
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Development and handover of an IT system – Business Register
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 1: Tools and capacity for the fight against corruption and money laundering
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Providing necessary Infrastructure to support the fight against money laundering and corruption 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 1: Tools and capacity for the fight against corruption and money laundering
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Retraining police officers in financial investigations and analytical activities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Reform 1: Creating eGovernment solutions for priority life situations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Roadmap of the priority life situations
                     
                  
               
                     
                        17
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Reform 2: Central management of IT resources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Central platform for the use of IT resources (digital market place)
                     
                  
               
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         EUR 923 828 000   
                     
                  
               
            
               1.6Sixth Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 3: Excellent science
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of excellent researchers supported 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare- Investment 2: New hospital network – construction, reconstruction and equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Call for tender for the construction and reconstruction of hospitals
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care – Reform 2: Assessment of care needs
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Unification of the assessment system
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Reform 3: Reforming the supervision of social care and providing infrastructure for its implementation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of a unified supervisory systemwith headquarter and 8 branches 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Investment 1: Enhancement of community-based social care capacities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Enhancement of the capacities of community-based residential services and health-social low-capacity facilities (indicator: minimum number of places created)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Enhancement of community-based social care capacities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Expansion of outpatient service capacities (indicator: minimum number of places created)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 - Improve the business environment- Investment 2: Digitalisation of insolvency processes
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        A single, fully digitised insolvency process is fully operational.
                     
                  
               
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        EUR 792 892 000   
                     
                  
               
            
               1.7Seventh Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2 - Building renovation- Investment 1: Improving the energy efficiency of family houses 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of renovated family houses achieving at least 30 % primary energy savings 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2 - Building renovation- Investment 2:  Renovation of public historical and listed  buildings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Area (m2) of renovated  public historical and monumental protected  buildings achieving at least 30 % of the primary energy savings 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5 - Adapting to climate change – Investment 1: Adapting regions to climate change, focusing on nature conservation and biodiversity development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Rehabilitation of watercourses ( in Km of rehabilitated watercourses)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 - Education for 21 Century- Reform 1:Education content and form reform – Curricular and textbook reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Creation of a network of regional centres of support
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 - Education for 21 Century- Investment 1: Digital infrastructure in schools
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Increase in percentage of schools with basic level of digital equipment
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 - Education for 21 Century- Investment 2: Completion of school infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         The number of schools with their own library as an educational centre or with a modernised library
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 2: Support for cooperation between firms, academia and RD organisations 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Number of  collaborative projects  and vouchers supported
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 4: Research and innovation to decarbonise the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of selected projects addressing the challenges of the green transition 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 5: Research and innovation for the digitalisation of the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of RDI projects selected under the calls addressing the challenges of digital transformation.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 - Attracting and retaining talent- Investment 3: Scholarships for domestic and foreign talented students
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of awarded scholarships for talented students.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare- Investment 5: Renewal of the ambulance fleet
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Purchase of vehicles 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 - Improve the business environment- Investment 1: Reducing regulatory burden on business
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reduction of the administrative burden on entrepreneurs
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 - Judicial reform- Investment 1: Reform of the judicial map – Reorganisation of courts – renovation of buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reconstructed area of court buildings (in m²) 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 - Judicial reform- Investment 1: Reorganisation of courts – Construction/procurement of new buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Area of court buildings constructed or purchased (in m²) 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 2: Equipping and digitalising the police force – training and equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Training and equipment related to the police reform are rolled out
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering- Investment 2: Equipping and digitalising the police force – Reconstruction of buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Extent of the renovated floor area of police buildings to reduce the energy intensity of buildings (in m²)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        17
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering, - Investment 2: Equipping and digitalising the police force – new Foreign Residents Registration Information System (IS ECU)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Electronicising residence permit processes to simplify processes for the public
                     
                  
               
                     
                        18
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering - Investment 4:Strengthening administrative capacity at different levels of government – establishment of shared service centres
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of shared service centres.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        19
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 1: Better services for citizens and businesses
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Platform for the development and provision of priority life situations
                     
                  
               
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 2: Digital transformation of public service delivery
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digital transformation of public administration sections
                     
                  
               
                     
                        21
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 3: Engaging in cross-border European projects related to the digital economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Development and construction of the supercomputer for the national supercomputing centre
                     
                  
               
                     
                        22
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 3: Engaging in cross-border European projects related to the digital economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Participation in multi-country digital projects from the pre-defined set 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        23
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 4: Support for projects aiming at the development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of  projects for development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
               
                     
                        24
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia-Investment 6: Strengthening preventive measures, increasing the speed of incident detection and resolution 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of secured IT systems  in the public administration environment
                     
                  
               
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         EUR 792 892 000   
                     
                  
               
            
               1.8Eighth Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport- Investment 2: Promoting clean passenger transport
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of clean passenger rolling stock procured (weighted)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        4 - Decarbonisation of industry- Investment 2: Ensuring the functioning of the Slovak Inspectorate of the Environment linked to decarbonisation 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Capacity increasing investments for the Slovak Inspectorate of the Environment 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 4:Implementation of tools to prevent early school leaving and adapt F-type study programmesF
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Share of lower secondary vocational education (NSOV) programmes optimised in response to labour market needs 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Investment 1:Removing of barriers of school buildings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Elimination of  architectural barriers of larger secondary schools
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 - Attracting and retaining talent- Investment 1: Support tools and assistance for returnees, highly qualified third-country workers and their family members and foreign higher education students studying in Slovakia
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of foreigners using the IOM Migration Information Centre 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare- Reform 3 Centralization of the management of the largest hospitals
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of hospitals involved in central management system
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare- Investment 4 Construction and rehabilitation of ambulance stations (Ambulance Services)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of ambulance station  constructed or reconstructed
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 - Human, modern and accessible mental health care- Reform 1: Coordinated inter-ministerial cooperation and regulation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Establishment of two coordination entities for mental health
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 - Human, modern and accessible mental health care- Investment 6: Establishment of a repository of psychodiagnostic methods
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of registered and standardised psychodiagnostic methods
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 - Human, modern and accessible mental health care- Investment 8: Training in mental health for staff
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of health sector workers trained in mental health 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Extension and restoration of after-care and nursing capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Extension and renewal of home nursing providers (indicator: number of providers supported)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Extension and restoration of palliative care capacities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Extension and renewal of the mobile hospices network (indicator: number of new and rebuilt providers)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        14 - Improve the business environment- Reform 1:Reducing the regulatory burden on business
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1in-2out rule, ex ante evaluation to prevent goldplating and ex post evaluations of existing regulation 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 - Judicial reform- Investment 2:Supporting instruments for reform of the Judicial Map – Commercial Register and Centralised System of Judicial Governance
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Development and handover of IS – Centralised Judicial Management System
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 1: Better services for citizens and businesses
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of eGovernment solutions built and deployed
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 6: Strengthening preventive measures, increasing the speed of incident detection and resolution
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Security audits of applications in  public administration environment 
                     
                  
               
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         EUR 400 083 000   
                     
                  
               
         
            
            
            
               1.9Ninth Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5 - Adapting to climate change – Investment 1: Adapting regions to climate change, focusing on nature conservation and biodiversity development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Property settlement with private landowners  (in Area of land settled in ha)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 5: Supporting school desegregation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Entry into force the legislative definition of segregation at schools
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 1:Ensuring conditions for the implementation of compulsory pre-primary education for children from the age of 5 and introducing a legal entitlement to a place in kindergarten or other pre-primary education providers from the age of 3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of newly built capacities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 2:Definition of the concept of special educational needs of children and pupils and development of a model for eligible support measures in education and education, including their funding system
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of trained teachers and specialized staff
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        6 - Accessibility, development and quality of inclusive education- Reform 5: Supporting school desegregation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Percentage of schools that apply desegregation standards coming from the adopted methodology
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 - Education for 21 Century- Reform 1:Education content and form reform – Curricular and textbook reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Primary schools that implement the new curriculum (in percentage) 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 - Education for 21 Century- Reform 1:Education content and form reform – Curricular and textbook reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Introduction of an on-line matura (final exam for graduates from upper secondary school)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 - Attracting and retaining talent- Investment 4: Promoting internationalisation in the academic environment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of projects supported to promote or develop the internationalisation of universities and research institutions
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare-Reform 1 Optimization of the Hospital Network (UN)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Share of the reprofiled hospitals (authorised within the scope of general and specialised hospitals) under the new hospital network
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare- Investment 1 Supporting the opening of new primary care 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of the primary care outpatient clinics supported by a pilot programme 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare- Investment 2 New hospital network – construction, reconstruction and equipment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Beds made available in upgraded hospitals 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        11 - Modern and accessible healthcare- Investment 3 Digitalisation in health
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of hospitals connected to the Central ERP system 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 - Human, modern and accessible mental health care- Investment 2: Creation of detention facilities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Patient capacity of detention facilities
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 - Human, modern and accessible mental health care-Investment 3: Building psycho-social centres; Investment 4: Completing the psychiatric stationary network; Investment 5: Establishment of specialised centres for autism spectrum disorders 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of created community-based mental health care centres
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        12 - Human, modern and accessible mental health care-Investment 7: Humanisation of institutional psychiatric care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Patient capacity in converted rooms in institutional psychiatric care.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Extension and restoration of palliative care capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Expansion and renewal of residential palliative care capacities (indicator: number of bed places created and restored)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        17
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Reform of integration and financing of long-term social and health care
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The new financing system of social services – introduction of a personal budget
                     
                  
               
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         EUR 203 679 000   
                     
                  
               
            
               1.10Tenth Instalment (non-repayable support): 
            
            
            
                     
                        Sequential Number
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Related Measure (Reform or Investment)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone / Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Name
                     
                  
               
                     
                        1
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 - Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure- Investment 1:  Construction of the new renewable electricity sources
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        New renewable energy source capacity  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        2
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 - Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure- Investment 2: Modernising the existing renewable electricity sources (repowering)
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Reconstructed renewable energy source  capacity
                     
                  
               
                     
                        3
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        1 - Renewable energy sources and energy infrastructure- Investment 3: Increasing flexibility of electricity systems for greater renewables integration 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Cumulative increase in capacity of installations increasing the flexibility of energy systems 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        4
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2 - Building renovation- Investment 1: Improving the energy efficiency of family houses 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of renovated family houses achieving at least 30 % primary energy savings 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        5
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        2 - Building renovation- Investment 2:  Renovation of public historical and listed buildings 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Area (m2) of renovated  public historical and monumental protected  buildings
                     
                  
               
                     
                        6
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport- Reform 2: Public passenger transport reform
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of counties in which tariff integration is in place allowing for travelling by multiple modes of public transport or by carriers per ticket
                     
                  
               
                     
                        7
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport- Investment 1: Development of low-carbon transport infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Length of new cycling infrastructure (km)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        8
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport- Investment 1: Development of low-carbon transport infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Length of clean passenger rail infrastructure reconstructed or upgraded (in km weighted)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        9
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport- Investment 1: Development of low-carbon transport infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Length of sections of railway lines dispatched (km)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        10
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport- Investment 3: Development of intermodal freight transport
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Number of intermodal transport units procured in Twenty-foot Equivalent Units  
                     
                  
               
                     
                        11
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        3 - Sustainable transport-Investment 4: Supporting the development of infrastructure for alternative fuel vehicles 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of recharging points or hydrogen refuelling points in operation.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        12
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         –  4 -Decarbonisation of industry- Investment 1:  The operation of the industry decarbonisation scheme
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         Completion of implementation of the industry decarbonisation  projects co-financed by the RRF
                     
                  
               
                     
                        13
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        5 - Adapting to climate change – Investment 1: Adapting regions to climate change, focusing on nature conservation and biodiversity development
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Rehabilitation  of watercourses( in Km of rehabilitated watercourses)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        14
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        7 - Education for 21 Century- Investment 2:Completion of school infrastructure
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Elimination of the double-shift schools 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        15
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 - Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions- Reform 5: Concentration of excellent educational and research capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        The completion of the process of merging research units 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        16
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        8 - Increase in the performance of Slovak higher education institutions- Investment1: support for the strategic development of universities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        reconstructed university area and dormitory  with primary energy savings of more than 30 % (in m2)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        17
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 3: Excellent science
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of excellent researchers supported 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        18
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 1: Promoting international cooperation and participation in Horizon Europe and EIT projects
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Financial support for applications and participating projects in Horizon Europe programmes, under calls funded by the Recovery Fund.
                     
                  
               
                     
                        19
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 2: Support for cooperation between firms, academia and RD organisations
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of collaborative projects and vouchers  supported
                     
                  
               
                     
                        20
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 4: Research and innovation to decarbonise the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of projects addressing the challenges of the green transition, which are completed
                     
                  
               
                     
                        21
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 5: Research and innovation for the digitalisation of the economy
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of RDI projects addressing the challenges of digital transformation, which are completed
                     
                  
               
                     
                        22
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        9 - More efficient governance and strengthening RDI  funding- Investment 6: Financial instruments to support innovation
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of companies supported through financial instruments 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        23
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 - Attracting and retaining talent- Investment 2: Strengthening relations with the diaspora, supporting citizens’ initiatives
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of supported events strengthening relations with the diaspora
                     
                  
               
                     
                        24
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        10 - Attracting and retaining talent- Investment 4: Promoting internationalisation in the academic environment
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Supported person-months for foreign mobility scholarship programmes 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        25
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Investment 1: Enhancement of community-based social care capacities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Enhancement of the capacities of community-based residential services and health-social low-capacity facilities (indicator: minimum number of places created)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        26
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Investment 1: Enhancement of community-based social care capacities 
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Expansion of outpatient service capacities (indicator: minimum number of places created)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        27
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        13 - Accessible and high-quality long-term socio-health care- Investment 2: Extension and restoration of after-care and nursing capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Creation of post-care beds by reconstructing existing acute and chronic beds (indicator: minimum number of aftercare beds reconstructed)
                     
                  
               
                     
                        28
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 - Judicial reform- Investment 2: Digitalisation and analytical capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Modernisation of court IT equipment for the court staff 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        29
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        15 - Judicial reform- Investment 2: Digitalisation and analytical capacities
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Creation of an analytical support platform for access to case law in courts
                     
                  
               
                     
                        30
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering- Investment 2: Equipping and digitalising the police force – Automated system for detecting road traffic offences
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Automation of the system for detecting road traffic infringements into full operation
                     
                  
               
                     
                        31
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering- Investment 3: Modernisation of the fire and rescue system – building a network of Integrated Security Centres
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Construction and operationalisation of Integrated Security Centres
                     
                  
               
                     
                        32
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering- Investment 3: Modernisation of the fire and rescue system – renewal of fire station buildings
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Modernisation of firefighting stations
                     
                  
               
                     
                        33
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        16 - Fight against corruption and money laundering- Investment 4: Strengthening administrative capacity at different levels of government – building a platform for specialised training
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Automated specialisation training for all newly recruited first-contact staff
                     
                  
               
                     
                        34
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 1: Better services for citizens and businesses
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of eGovernment solutions built and deployed
                     
                  
               
                     
                        35
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia- Investment 2: Digital transformation of public service delivery
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Digital transformation of public administration sections 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        36
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia-Investment 4: Support for projects aiming at the development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of  projects for development and application of top digital technologies
                     
                  
               
                     
                        37
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia-Investment 5: Fast grants – hackathons
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of organised fast grant events - hackathons
                     
                  
               
                     
                        38
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia-Reform 5: Improving cybersecurity training and skills
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of IT staff in public administration trained in cybersecurity 
                     
                  
               
                     
                        39
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        17 - Digital Slovakia-Investment 7: Improving the digital skills of seniors and the distribution of Senior Tablets
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Target
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Number of seniors and disadvantaged persons trained in basic digital skills
                     
                  
               
                     
                        40
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        18 - Sound, sustainable and competitive public finances – Reform 3: Reform of public investment management
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Milestone
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        application of the methodology for the procedures for preparing and prioritising investments
                     
                  
               
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         
                     
                  
                  
                     
                        Instalment Amount
                     
                  
                  
                     
                         EUR 203 677 359
                     
                  
               
            
               SECTION 3: ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 
            
            
               1. Arrangements for monitoring and implementation of the recovery and resilience plan
            
            
               The monitoring and implementation of the recovery and resilience plan of Slovakia shall take place in accordance with the following arrangements: 
            
            
               In order to ensure well-defined tasks, competences and powers, the Slovak Republic is preparing a specific Act on the Recovery and Resilience Facility and amending certain acts (“Recovery and Resilience Facility Act” or “Act on RRF”). The Act is expected to govern, inter alia, the selection of beneficiaries and their responsibilities, how financial corrections are to be carried out and irregularities are dealt with, conflicts of interest and the processing of personal data. It is expected to also introduce measures to protect the financial interests of the European Union at the level of each entity involved in the implementation. It regulates the monitoring of the achievement of milestones and targets and the system of data collection covering beneficial owners.
            
            
               The National Implementation and Coordination Authority (NIKA) is the one stop shop for implementation of the Slovak recovery and resilience plan. It coordinates and guides the implementation and conducts checks on executors, intermediaries and beneficiaries. It is responsible for monitoring and assessing the implementation of the plan and the achievement of milestones as well as providing the Commission with the data collected on request.
            
            
            
               2. Arrangements for providing full access by the Commission to the underlying data
            
            
               The National Implementation and Coordination Authority (NIKA), as the central coordinating body for Slovakia’s recovery and resilience plan and its implementation, is responsible for overall coordination and monitoring of the plan. In particular, it acts as a coordinating body for monitoring progress on milestones and targets, for monitoring and, where appropriate, implementing control and audit activities, and for providing reporting and requests for payments. It coordinates the reporting of milestones and targets, relevant indicators, but also qualitative financial information and other data, such as on final recipients. By 30 September 2022, the data encoding is expected to be conducted using an IT system called ISPO.
            
            
               In accordance with Article 24(2) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241, upon completion of the relevant agreed milestones and targets in Section 2.1 of this Annex, Slovakia shall submit to the Commission a duly justified request for payment of the financial contribution. Slovakia shall ensure that, upon request, the Commission has full access to the underlying relevant data that supports the due justification of the request for payment, both for the assessment of the request for payment in accordance with Article 24(3) of Regulation (EU) 2021/241 and for audit and control purposes.