ČRo Plus: The Czech Republic received more than it contributed to the EU budget. A surplus of 16,5 billion CZK by mid-year

The Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic released a report about the development of the balance of income and expenses towards the EU. How is  the Czech Republic using the potential of European funds? Our fellow researcher Michal Vít answered these questions for ČRo Plus.

The Czech Republic is still receiving more than it is giving away to the EU budget. But what is the trend here, is it getting better, or worse?

At times when we need to use the rest of the funds from the year 2007-2013, the Czech Republic is in the foremost position in the balance towards the EU budget. On the other hand, when there is a need to focus on strategic planning on what we will be needed in future, we are in deep recession. Which is exactly the case here, we are still receiving more then giving away, but the overall balance is very low when compared to previous years and it shows the incompetence for long term planning and thinking about the utilization of European money in the Czech Republic.

Listen to the full interview (in Czech) between the times of [10:43 - 19:52] here.