Economic and Finance ministers welcomed the assessment of the recovery and resilience plans of the Czech Republic and Ireland. The council’s implementing decisions on the adoption of both plans will be adopted by written procedure following today’s ministers ‘ videoconference.
These decisions will enable the two countries to launch the reforms and investments set out in their national plans to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare their economies for the future. The Czech Republic will also be able to sign a grant agreement with the Commission and receive 13% pre-financing. Ireland has not requested an early payment of part of the funds allocated.
The plans of the Czech Republic (€7 billion) and Ireland (€ 989 million) focus on the biggest challenges of our time: the climate and digital transition. It also covers a significant proportion of country-specific recommendations of the 2019 and 2020 European Semester.
In terms of climate approach, the Czech Republic will ensure, among other things: a higher share of sustainable transport modes, better energy efficiency of buildings and replacement of coal-fired boilers for households, as well as better flood protection and reforestation. Digital transformation will be stepped up, including through investments in very high capacity networks and the expansion of digital public services and health services.
Ireland will promote the green transition with measures such as: a gradual increase in carbon taxation, renovation of public buildings, restoration of peat bogs for biodiversity and ecosystems, and investment in sustainable rail transport. The country aims to achieve its digital goals through investments in adapted infrastructure and the development of digital skills at all levels of Education.
The disbursement of the EU financial contributions will require the achievement of the milestones and targets set out in the plans.