Price increase of the national football stadium in Slovakia
17.2.2020
Priority question for written answer P-000914/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Eugen Jurzyca (ECR)
Contracts for the construction of the National Football Stadium (NFŠ) in Bratislava in 2013 included the subsidy recipient's commitment that the stadium will be available for matches for 20 years, that there will be space (3 000 m2) available for the Slovak Football Association (SFZ), a Slovak Football Hall of Fame, and 60 parking spaces – all free of charge. The Commission also approved Slovakia's assistance to the sport, provided that it did not distort competition (EUR 36 000 000).
The original subsidy beneficiary ceased to exist with the division of the NFŠ into commercial and non-commercial parts (both under the sway of the same person), and the Minister signed an addendum to the subsidy contract, without the Government's approval, which omitted the obligation to provide services free of charge or to make spaces available [1] . At the investor's request, the state’s option to purchase the NFŠ became an obligation.
The Ministry is proposing to increase the original maximum of EUR 75 200 000 by EUR 23 247 000. This represents the highest Slovak investment in sport since 1993. An increase of EUR 1 406 206.80 was allegedly endorsed by an audit of the eligibility of costs carried out by KPMG, but the contract states that the service does not constitute an audit within the meaning of ISA. It is based solely on the investor’s documents, without comparison with external sources.
Since the establishment of the Slovak Republic in 1993, the Slovak team has played 55 matches in Bratislava. A private club that is personally linked to the NFŠ will play 55 matches within three years. In Slovakia, many schools do not have a gym.
- 1.Has the Commission given its consent to the increase in the purchase price?
- 2.Can the Commission verify the above facts and possible violations of EU law?
- [1] Under national regulations, the government decides on the construction, modernisation and reconstruction of sports infrastructure of national importance.