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24. 2. 201523:53

European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen visits Prague

European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen met the State Secretary for European Affairs, Tomáš Prouza, economic and social partners, and representatives of the banking sector during his visit to Prague. The main item on the agenda was the Investment Plan for Europe, which is expected to deliver up to EUR 315 billion to the European economy.

At the beginning of a working breakfast, Jyrki Katainen introduced the European Commission’s new plan to boost investments. At the heart of this plan is the European Fund for Strategic Investments, into which EUR 21 billion will be poured from the European budget of the European Investment Bank. These resources should then create a multiplier effect generating further investment up to the aforementioned EUR 315 billion.

To ensure that the resources are used efficiently, a set of high-quality projects will be drawn up that have the appeal to attract private investment. An equally important part of the plan is the removal and revision of sector-specific measures that are holding back investment, along with improvements in the way the internal market functions.

In the subsequent discussion, guests agreed that the aim of Juncker’s package – to attract investment – was an issue central to better competitiveness. However, the greatest challenge for the Czech Republic will be to prepare decent projects with the potential to be financed from this new fund.