Fico: NGOs to Get More Money to Help Boost Transparency in Public Life

Bratislava, October 5 (TASR) – The amount of money for NGOs as part of the Effective Public Administration Operational Programme to help in combating corruption and boosting transparency will be increased from €15 million to €30 million, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) announced on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry, which has the scheme under its remit, will announce another two rounds of applications for NGOs following too high interest in the first round, which had its application deadline on August 21, stated the prime minister.

“Seeing that NGOs are interested in cooperating with the state and given that they have many people who’re well versed in some interesting issues that are very important for us in terms of transparency in public life, we’re ready to be forthcoming,” said Fico.

“We’re opening a new round [for sending applications]. There’s a total of €30 million for NGOs, which can thereby actively pursue their interest in transparency in public life, a fact that really fondles my stomach,” added the prime minister.