# Slovakia arts fund scandal escalates with leaked recording

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/slovakia-government-funding-programmes-2026
> Updated: 2026-08-03T08:26:42.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 9.

In June 2026, the Slovak government launched several funding initiatives, including a €150 million school and cultural-venue upgrade call, a €221 million agriculture programme, and a €1.8 billion livestock-modernisation plan. The cabinet also approved over €3.3 million for projects in north-eastern districts.

In July 2026, employees of the Fund for the Support of Arts (FPU) discovered covert listening devices hidden in office desks. While Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová denied personal involvement, the scandal escalated in August when a leaked recording, captured by one of the devices, allegedly featured FPU director František Kornaj stating he received directives from higher authorities, including Lukáš Machala of the Ministry of Culture, regarding subsidy allocations. Kornaj warned that signing certain documents could lead to his imprisonment. This leak prompted calls from MPs for the dismissal of the entire FPU board.

In response to the controversy, former FPU board chairman Matúš Oľha resigned, claiming the leak was an attempt to destabilize the institution. The FPU has denied monitoring employees, suggesting the leak was intended to damage its leadership. The criminal investigation remains ongoing, and opposition parties continue to push for a formal parliamentary inquiry.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-03: Slovakia's Fund for the Support of Arts embroiled in leaked recording alleging political pressure

A leaked tape of FPU director František Kornaj alleges political pressure from higher-ups, naming Ministry of Culture official Lukáš Machala; MPs demand board dismissals pending verification.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovakias-fund-for-the-support-of-arts-embroiled-in-leaked-recording-alleging-political-pressure

### 2026-07-18: Slovak Opposition Calls for Inquiry into FPU Eavesdropping Scandal

Slovak opposition PS will push for a parliamentary inquiry into alleged eavesdropping at the Fund for the Support of the Arts, with police and prosecutors now investigating.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-opposition-calls-for-inquiry-into-fpu-eavesdropping-scandal

### 2026-07-16: Slovak Arts Fund entangled in illegal listening-device scandal

Covert audio recorders were found in the Slovak Arts Fund’s offices, prompting police investigation, ministerial denial and opposition calls for a parliamentary inquiry.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovakias-fund-for-the-support-of-arts-bugged-to-spy-on-staff-over-open-culture-ties

### 2026-06-30: Slovak Arts Fund Delays and Signs Multi-Year Contract Supplements

Slovakia’s Fund for the Promotion of Art, after deeming multi-year cultural contracts illegal in March, signed €1.07 million in supplemental grants in June, ending months‑long delays that disrupted numerous文化组织

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-arts-fund-delays-and-signs-multi-year-contract-supplements

### 2026-06-24: Slovak government allocates over €3.3 million to north‑east municipalities, €1.4 million for Levoča waste upgrade

Slovakia approved €3.3 million for north‑east projects, including €1.4 million to modernise waste management in Levoča and funds for hospitals, cultural heritage and a music festival.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-government-allocates-over-33-million-to-northeast-municipalities-14-million-for-levoa-waste-u

### 2026-06-22: Slovakia seeks €1.8 billion to modernize livestock sector

Slovak livestock producers demand €1.8 billion for farm modernization, animal welfare and traceability to boost competitiveness and counter cheap imports, citing EU funding plans.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovakia-seeks-18-billion-to-modernize-livestock-sector

### 2026-06-16: Slovakia's agriculture ministry pays out 98% of EU direct subsidies

Slovakia's agriculture ministry has paid out 98% of EU direct subsidies for 2025, avoiding sanctions, and outlines a larger, enhanced 2026 funding plan.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovakias-agriculture-ministry-pays-out-98-of-eu-direct-subsidies

### 2026-06-08: Slovak Agriculture Ministry launches €221 million support programme for farms and forests

Slovakia’s Agriculture Ministry unveiled eight funding calls worth over €221 million for farmers, food producers and foresters, including forest‑lime measures defended by Minister Richard Takac.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovak-agriculture-ministry-launches-221-million-support-programme-for-farms-and-forests

### 2026-06-08: Slovakia earmarks €150 million for school and cultural heritage upgrades

Slovakia’s Ministry of Environment opens a €150 million Modernisation Fund call, allowing municipalities to apply by Aug 31 for grants of €0.8‑5 million to refurbish schools and cultural venues.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/slovakia-earmarks-150-million-for-school-and-cultural-heritage-upgrades

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Cite as: Slovakia arts fund scandal escalates with leaked recording. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/slovakia-government-funding-programmes-2026