Slovakia wins arbitration dispute over Višňové tunnel construction

Slovakia has won a long-standing arbitration dispute regarding the construction of the Višňové tunnel on the D1 highway. An arbitration court in Vienna ruled in favor of the Slovak state, reversing a potential multi-hundred-million euro liability into a significant financial gain.

The consortium consisting of Webuild (formerly Salini Impregilo) and Dúha was ordered to pay the Slovak state approximately 35 million euros. This includes roughly 14.5 million euros in principal, interest, and legal costs. The Ministry of Transport estimates the total financial benefit to the state at approximately 34.4 million euros, when accounting for funds previously recovered from a bank guarantee in 2021.

Minister of Transport Jozef Ráž described the verdict as an absolute victory, noting that instead of paying hundreds of millions, the contractors will now pay the state. The National Highway Company (NDS) will first request voluntary payment from the consortium; if they fail to comply, the state intends to pursue enforcement of the judgment both domestically and abroad.