We had the honor of participating in a roundtable discussion with European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, and fellow nature conservation NGOs at the Representation of the European Commission in Slovakia.
The Commissioner expressed keen interest in the current situation of environmental and nature protection in Slovakia. Topics discussed included the implementation and funding of LIFE projects, proposed legislative amendments (EIA, construction law, strategic investments), the conservation of the Western Capercaillie, the (lack of) nature protection from EU funds, the state of national parks, and other pressing issues.
Commissioner Sinkevičius recognized the value of LIFE projects in Slovakia, emphasizing not only their contribution to nature conservation but also their role in providing ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits.
We were pleased to welcome such a distinguished guest to Slovakia and honored to participate in discussions on high-level European environmental challenges.