Slovakia's Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák announces accelerated work on Prešov hospital and repayment of military aid

Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák said construction of the new hospital in Prešov has resumed and that work intensity will increase from next week. He estimated the total cost at about €600 million, with the above‑ground part at roughly €540 million and a concealed underground military section around €60 million. Equipment for the facility is expected to be procured for €100‑120 million, of which €90 million would cover the medical component. Opposition MP Jana Bittó Cigániková warned that the project lacks a valid environmental impact assessment (EIA) and questioned the use of defence‑owned property for civilian health services.

Kaliňák also announced that Slovakia must return €3 million received from the EU peace facility for military equipment donated to Ukraine, stating that the amount exceeds the actual value of the transferred materiel. He added that other countries face similar adjustments and that the European Commission has already used the funds.

"Práce pokračují, tá intenzita začne narastať od budúceho týždňa, ale vlastne už sa funguje," Kaliňák said. "V zákone je napísané, že EIA nemusí byť, keď to slúži – nie je vo vlastníctve, ale slúži – výhradne na obranu..."