For companies and institutions operating in Slovakia, this creates a clear opportunity: available EU and national funding can support diversification, innovation, reskilling and entry into higher value-added sectors.
Digitalization and research remain one of the strongest pillars of future competitiveness. OP Slovakia includes targeted 2026 calls of around €26 million for chip pilot lines and post-quantum encryption, within a wider €1.9 billion envelope for digitalization, research, innovation and SME competitiveness. These resources can help companies, universities and research institutions build stronger links, develop applied R&D projects and support regional innovation ecosystems. EU-wide programs further expand the opportunity: Digital Europe provides €1.3 billion for 2025–2027, while Horizon Europe offers a total budget of €93.5 billion for 2021–2027 for collaborative research in areas such as health, climate, energy, mobility and emerging technologies.
The Modernization Fund, running until 2030, supports renewable energy, energy efficiency, storage and grid upgrades, with Slovakia receiving €26 million in 2025. The Just Transition Fund provides €459 million for 2021–2027 for regions such as Upper Nitra, Košice and Banská Bystrica, helping them attract new activities, support incubators and reskill workers. In addition, €4.2 billion from ERDF and the Cohesion Fund is dedicated to green transition and climate-related investment, while the LIFE program adds €5.4 billion EU-wide for circular economy, biodiversity, climate adaptation and clean energy projects.
Regional and human-capital development will be decisive. The European Social Fund Plus provides €3.2 billion, including €203 million for skills and €680 million for marginalized Roma communities. The Youth Guarantee add €280 million, supporting labor-market inclusion. Healthcare institutions can also draw on EU4Health, with €4.4 billion available across the EU for more resilient and digital health systems.
For companies seeking capital, EIB Group financing in Slovakia reached €649 million in 2025, the highest level in five years. In 2026, the EIB is further expanding access to capital for businesses through new SME and Mid-Cap financing channels, including a €150 million facility with ČSOB Leasing expected to mobilize over €420 million in investment, as well as a regional €200 million guarantee with UniCredit aimed at unlocking up to €400 million in loans for Czech and Slovak Mid-Caps. EIF instruments have mobilized around €2 billion in SME financing in 2025. Smaller firms can use innovation vouchers of €2,000–€15,000 for patents, certification and related services.
Defense is becoming a new strategic opportunity. The European Defense Fund provides €7.3 billion for 2021–2027, including a €1 billion 2026 work program. Slovakia is also finalizing access to the SAFE instrument, with up to €2.316 billion in loans and €347.5 million in pre-financing. For automotive, engineering, electronics and advanced manufacturing suppliers, this opens a pathway to diversify into drones, defense components, dual-use technologies and European defense supply chains. Used strategically, these funding sources can help Slovakia’s regions and companies move from adaptation to long-term competitiveness.
Andrej Kopták, Partner, PA Matters
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