National policy landscapes: Slovak Republic

Transcription

1 National policy landscapes: Slovak Republic Deliverable 3.1 of the Biomass Policies* project July 2014 Authors: Luc Pelkmans (VITO), Michal Németh (SIEA Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency) *IEE : Strategic Initiative for Resource Efficient Biomass Policies Biomass Policies is co-funded by the Intelligent Energy for Europe Programme of the European Union. The sole responsibility for the content of this report lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union. Neither the EASME nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. 1

2 Contents Introduction Country indicators: Slovak Republic Implementation of renewable energy and the role of biomass Role of biomass Biogas production and biomethane upgrading Renewable electricity from biomass Renewable heat from biomass Biofuels for transport Policy responsibility levels Policy landscape for biomass value chains Schematic overview Short descriptions of policy measures and instruments Agriculture Forestry Waste Environment Climate Energy Transport Taxation Trade Economy, enterprises / product norms Procurement Research and innovation

3 Introduction Biomass Policies is a project supported by the Intelligent Energy for Europe programme. The project aims to impact Member States policies to improve the policy conditions/framework for the mobilisation of indigenous resource efficient bioenergy value chains in order to contribute towards bioenergy targets for 2020 and The focus is on the countries participating in the project, namely Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Croatia, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia and the UK. Where there are considerable biomass potentials in the EU Member States, it will be important to implement the right balanced and integrated policies (taking into account different policy fields), aiming for a sustainable and resource efficient mobilization and use of relevant biomass resources, while keeping a level-playing field with other markets. This report is one of the deliverables of work package 3 of the project, starting to map what policy already exists in different policy fields (energy, agriculture, environment, economy ) which has relevance on the mobilisation and use of relevant biomass resources. The information is collected in templates, which will be available in a public database this report contains a summary of the main policy measures and instruments. The report starts with a concise overview of specific country indicators which have some relevance towards opportunities and challenges of biomass utilisation in the country; similarities with other countries will also be highlighted. The second chapter shows the implementation of renewable energy and the role of biomass therein. Chapter 3 shows the policy responsibility levels. Chapter 4 gives a schematic overview of relevant policy measures and instruments in terms of which policy field is in charge, and which parts of biomass value chains they impact, as well as short descriptions of all policy measures and instruments. The current overview is made in the first half of 2014, and indicators are based on 2012 data. An update will be prepared by early

4 1 Country indicators: Slovak Republic The following table gives an overview of indicators which have some relevance for the opportunities / challenges of biomass utilisation in a country. Figures are based on 2012 data from Eurostat ( The list enables to detect similarities between countries. EU averages are mentioned as reference to signalize if values (expressed per capita) are low to high. EU-28 average Assessment Similarities with other countries 1. Population and land surface DK, AT, SI, IE, HU, PT, CZ Population: 5.4 million 18.0 million Low Area: km² km² Relatively small Population density: 110 persons/km² 112 persons/km² Average 2. GDP and trade CZ, EE, HR, HU, LT GDP at market prices: 71 billion 463 billion (PT), (LV), (ES) /capita /capita GDP (pps) relatively low Cross border movements : 26 billion 129 billion 4800 /capita 6900 /capita relatively low 3. Energy LV, DE, SI, HU, GR, AT, HR Primary energy consumption: 15.7 million toe 56.6 million toe (UK), (ES), (FR) 2.91 toe/capita 3.14 toe/capita Average Energy dependence: 60.0 % 53.4 % Average 4. Agriculture CZ, FIN, GR, PT, HU, SE, IT Utilised agri area (UAA): ha ha 0.36 ha/capita 0.36 ha/capita Average Productivity: cereal yield: 3.8 tonne/ha 4.9 tonne/ha Relatively low Livestock density: 0.35 livestock units/ha 0.74 livestock units/ha Low 4

5 EU-28 average Assessment Similarities with other countries 5. Forestry AT, PL, PT, RO, FR, LU, CZ, HU, IE Forested land: ha ha (LT), (DK) 0.36 ha/capita 0.36 ha/capita Average Annual forest increment: 13.2 million m³/yr 27.8 million m³/yr 6.8 m³/ha/yr 4.3 m³/ha/yr Relatively high 2.44 m³/capita/yr 1.54 m³/capita/yr 6. Municipal waste LV, RO, HR, PL, HU, CZ, LT, BG, ES Total municipal waste: 324 kg/capita/yr 492 kg/capita/yr Low (PT), (GR), (SI) Landfill: 74.1 % 33.3 % High Incineration: 9.6 % 23.4 % Low Recycling: 5.9 % 26.6 % Very low Composting/digestion: 7.1 % 14.4 % Low 7. Industry relevance (turnover) PL, HR, CZ, SI, UK, HU, LT Sawmill & wood planing: 77 /capita 70 /capita Average Wood products: 108 /capita 169 /capita Relatively low Paper & products: 261 /capita 346 /capita Relatively low Food products: 683 /capita 1760 /capita Low Chemical products: 442 /capita 1058 /capita Low Importance for biomass utilisation: The Slovak Republic is a relatively small country, with average population density. The amount of agricultural and forestry land is around EU average. Agricultural yields are rather low, forest increment is higher than EU average. Slovakia has relatively low primary energy demand, with little focus on trade. It has quite low municipal waste, of which the majority is still landfilled. The role of industrial sectors is average to low. Looking at all considers indicators, there are correlations with the situation in Lithuania, Croatia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Latvia, Bulgaria, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia. 5

6 2 Implementation of renewable energy and the role of biomass The implementation of renewable energy targets so far has been very country specific. The following tables show an overview of the implementation status, and the role of biomass. Figures 2012, SK Progress Report % target SK EU average (2012) 2020 target EU* Overall share of renewable energy In electricity In heating and cooling In transport * based on NREAP analysis (ECN, 2011) Slovakia has a relatively low RE target for 2020 (14% compared to EU average of 20%). It is still around 4%point from the target (in all three sectors). Renewable energy share has been quite stable in the past 5 years. 2.1 Role of biomass Figures 2012, Eurostat EU average Assessment Total renewable energy gross inland consumption kg oil-eq/cap 366 kg oil-eq/cap Share of biomass 70.5 % 66.7 % Average Solid biomass kg oil-eq/cap 171 kg oil-eq/cap Average Biogas kg oil-eq/cap 24 kg oil-eq/cap Relatively low MSW renewable part 19 3 kg oil-eq/cap 18 kg oil-eq/cap Low Liquid biomass (mostly biofuels for transport) kg oil-eq/cap 31 kg oil-eq/cap Relatively low Biomass forms around 70% of renewable energy in Slovakia. From total biomass use, solid biomass takes the lion share (82%). The use of biogas is relatively low and MSW use for energy is very low. 6

7 2.2 Biogas production and biomethane upgrading ref. EurObserv ER, 2013 Total biogas (primary production) Landfill gas Sewage sludge Other biogas (digestors) EU average Assessment kg oil-eq/cap 23.8 kg oil-eq/cap Low kg oil-eq/cap 5.6 kg oil-eq/cap very low kg oil-eq/cap 2.3 kg oil-eq/cap Average kg oil-eq/cap 15.9 kg oil-eq/cap Relatively low Number of biomethane upgrading plants (Fraunhofer, 2014) - - Biogas production in Slovakia is low compared to EU average. No significant activities in biomethane upgrading. 2.3 Renewable electricity from biomass Figures 2012, Eurostat EU average Assessment Gross electricity production GWh Renewable electricity 5893 GWh 20.5 % 23.5 % Average Electricity from biomass 941 GWh 3.3 % 4.4 % Relatively low Electricity from solid biomass 724 GWh 76.9 % 55.1 % of which electricity only 1.1 % 32.6 % of which CHP 98.9 % 67.4 % Electricity from biogas GWh % 31.8 % of which electricity only 46.3 % 35.1 % of which CHP 53.7 % 64.9 % Electricity from MSW (renewable) GWh % 13.0 % of which electricity only 0 % 48.3 % of which CHP 100 % 51.7 % Production type Electricity only - main activity Electricity only - autoproducer CHP - main activity CHP - autoproducer GWh % 24.7 % Very low GWh % 10.7 % Average GWh % 40.5 % Average GWh % 24.1 % High 7

8 Modest share of biomass in renewable electricity Electricity from biomass represents a share of 3.3% of gross electricity production (compared to an overall renewable electricity share of 20.5%). So less than 20% of renewable electricity comes from biomass. The major share (77%) of renewable electricity in Slovakia is produced through hydropower. Importance of solid biomass: Around 77% of bio-electricity is produced from solid biomass, 20% from biogas and 3% from MSW. Clear focus on CHP, predominantly by autoproducers Only 10% of bioelectricity is produced in electricity only plants. 90% is produced through CHP, most by autoproducers (producing the energy for their own purposes). 2.4 Renewable heat from biomass Figures 2012, SK Progress Report EU average Assessment Gross heat consumption 5070 Renewable heat % 15.6 % Relatively low of which district heating % 11 % High Heat from biomass % 89 % High of which biomass in households 37 7 % 53 % Low Overall renewable heating is below EU average. Low share (7%) of biomass in households in overall renewable heat. Considerable share of district heating (33%). 8

9 2.5 Biofuels for transport Figures 2012, Eurostat & SK Progress Report Final energy consumption in transport EU average Assessment /cap 0.59 /cap Relatively low of which diesel fuels (incl bio) 64.1 % 68.4 % Average of which gasoline (incl bio) 25.4 % 28.8 % Average of which LPG 1.5 % 1.9 % Average of which natural gas (incl. bio) 8.9 % 1.0 % High Overall renewable energy in transport (incl double counting & electricity in transport) % 5.1 % Average Biofuels (excl. double counting) Physical share in transport fuels % 4.9 % Relatively low of which biodiesels 3.2 % 3.9 % Relatively low of which biogasoline 0.8 % 1.0 % Average of which biogas 0.0 % 0.03 % low Art 21 biofuels share of total biofuels (physical) Main Art 21 biofuels: 0 0 % 15 % Very low Slovakia has relatively low energy consumption in transport. Biofuels implementation is around EU average, without relying on advanced or double counting biofuels. Natural gas use in transport is quite high, however, no biogas in transport is reported. 9

10 3 Policy responsibility levels The following table shows an overview of policy themes which have relevance to biomass mobilisation and utilisation, and where the responsibilities are. Policy theme Agriculture Forestry Waste Environment Climate Energy Mobility & Transport Taxation Product normation Enterprise Procurement Trade Innovation National MPRV SR MPRV SR MŽP SR MŽP SR MŽP SR MH SR MDVRR SR MF SR SUTN MF SR ÚVO SR MH SR MŠVVaŠ SR MPRV SR - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic MDVRR SR Ministry of Transport, Construction and Regional Development MŽP SR - Ministry of Environment of the Slovak Republic MH SR Ministry of Economy of the SlovakRrepublic MF SR Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic ÚVO SR Office for Public Procurement MŠVVaŠ Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic SUTN Slovak institution for technical normalization 10

11 4 Policy landscape for biomass value chains This chapter provides an overview of national policy measures and instruments which could potentially have an impact on the mobilisation and utilisation of biomass. Input for these measures was provided by the national representative in the Biomass Policies project. EU directives are not included (can be found in the EU policy landscape). 4.1 Schematic overview The measures/instruments are categorised according to the policy theme/domain which is in charge. In the schematic overview, it is also indicated for which parts of the value chains these measures are relevant (supply, logistics, conversion, distribution, end use). The colours indicate whether instruments are predominantly financial (blue), regulatory (red), or soft measures (yellow). Examples of financial measures are: feed-in tariff, premium, tax reduction, investment grants / subsidies, loans, R&D funding,... Examples of regulatory measures: requirements, substitution obligation, permitting, zoning, procurement rules, standards (if enforced), Examples of soft measures: standards (if voluntary), product labels, publicity campaigns, guidelines, platforms, strategies, action plans,... In chapter 4.2, short descriptions are provided for each of the listed measures. 11

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13 Biomass supply Logistics Conversion Distribution End use AGRICULTURE SK_CAP-P1-Direct SK_CAP-P2-Rural 57/2013 (protection agri land) SK-Nitrates FORESTRY 326/2005 (Forests) Action plan for utilizing wood WASTE 223/2001 (Waste) ENVIRONMENT 543/2002 (protection nature & landscapes) 261/1996 (nitrates) 411/2012 (monitoring emissions) 137/2010 (air quality) Operational Programme Environment 13

14 Biomass supply Logistics Conversion Distribution End use ENERGY 309/2009 (RES Act) biomass and solar in households TRANSPORT 246/2006 (biofuel obligation) 271/2011 (biofuel sustainability criteria) Technical specs gasoline, diesel & biofuels TAXATION 98/2004 (mineral oil excise duties) 609/2007 (excise tax electricity,...) TRADE 199/2004 (Customs Act) 14

15 Biomass supply Logistics Conversion Distribution End use ECONOMY Operational Programme Competitiveness & Economic Growth Operational Programme Bratislava Region PRODUCT STN EN (solid biofuels) PROCUREMENT 25/2006 (Public Procurement) RESEARCH & INNOVATION 172/2005 (R&D State Support) Operational Program Research and Innovation (action plan) soft measures financial measures regulatory measures 15

16 4.2 Short descriptions of policy measures and instruments Agriculture CAP implementation The European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) provides a framework for financial support to farmers (Pillar 1 - Direct Payments), and national rural development programmes (Pillar 2 - Rural Development). The new CAP has recently been presented, and Member States are preparing their national approach within this framework. Approach of Slovakia not public yet. - In line with European Common Agricultural Policy - In force since 1992; proposals within new CAP in preparation. Act 57/2013 which amends Act. 220/2004 about protection and use of agricultural land and amending Act. 245/2003 concerning integrated pollution prevention and control environment The Act includes conditions and support for fast growing trees on agricultural land This act was created for protection of properties and functions of agricultural land and providing the sustainable management and use of agricultural land. It provides a protection of environmental functions of agricultural land production of biomass, filtration, neutralization and transformation of substances in nature, keeping ecological and genetic potential of living organisms in nature. It contains protection area of agricultural land against unauthorized footage for non-agricultural use. Set the processes by changing type of agricultural land and by withdrawal agricultural land for nonagricultural use. And of course set the sanction for breaking the act. About fast growing trees: In this act are specified the terms and conditions for production of woody biomass from fast growing trees. The fast growing trees need to be grown on an area larger than 1000m² and at maximum time of 20 years. For the agricultural land criteria are specified based on valuated soil ecological units, where you can grow the fast growing trees. The act specifies requirements for the application form (for example: the date of start and end of growing, etc.). The farmer must recultivate the land at least one year before the end of growing and is obliged to protect neighbouring parcels from self-seeding of the area of fast growing trees. Regulation in relation to European Nitrates Directive (manure) In 2001, the document Code of good agricultural practice Protection of water resources was approved. In 2004 a document Nitrátová direktíva was created in which the state informed about the Nitrates Directive and the application in practice. Afterwards, government regulation No. 617/2004 declared where vulnerable areas were allocated. In these areas, which are revaluated every 4 years, special principles of management were valid. Vulnerable areas were divided into three 16

17 categories A, B, and C. The program of agricultural activities in vulnerable areas is regulated by notice 199/ Forestry Act 326/2005 about forests Last novel for this act is No. 182/2014. The act specifies the forest areas, protection, support sustainable forest management of public resources. It governs the competence of state forestry administration and state supervision in the woods. The purpose of this act is conservation, enhancement and protection of forests as components of the environment and natural resources of the country to fulfil their irreplaceable functions in providing differentiated, professional and sustainable forest management. The Act contains harmonization of interests of society and the forest owners and determinates economic conditions for sustainable forest management. Action plan for utilizing the potential of wood This action plan includes data which are necessary for the development of the use of wood in the future like impacts on the production function of forests, the layout of stocks of wood, risks and constrains by using production of woods, harvest, supply and trade with wood, wood industry, using of woody biomass for energy. On base of this all data was created 5 targets for using of wood: 1.) Securing of the increasing demands for wood supply in changing natural and social conditions by active sustainable forest management 2.) Effective use of wood and promoting employment in forest-timber sector 3.) Support for appreciation of potential of wood on base of SME s in regions by using locally available sources in order to increase employment and the associated regional development 4.) Improving domestic demand for wood products in accordance with the principles of the green economy 5.) Achieving increased use of forest biomass and secondary products by processing of wood for energy purposes Waste Act. 223/2001 about waste This Act regulates the operation of government and municipalities, the rights and obligations of legal and natural persons in the prevention of waste and in waste management, liability for breach of 17

18 obligations in the field of waste management, the establishment of the Recycling Fund and measures for waste prevention Environment Act 543/2002 about protection of nature and landscape Last amended by No. 198/2014. This act regulates the competence of governmental bodies and municipalities, as well as the rights and duties of legal entities and natural persons in the protection of nature and landscape with target to ensure long-term preservation of natural balance and diversity of conditions and forms of life, values of natural beauty and create conditions for sustainable use of natural sources and for providing of ecosystem services, taking into account economic, social and cultural needs, as well as regional and local conditions. Decree 411/2012 Monitoring of emissions from stationary sources and air quality in their area This decree specifies monitoring of emissions from stationary sources and air quality in their area. Specify the form, terms and requirements for establishing and proving data on compliance with specified emission limits, technical requirements and operating conditions, form, terms and requirements for demonstrating air quality by operators of stationary sources in their area. Specify the criteria of protocols from continuous emissions monitoring, Act. No. 137/2010, last amended (update) 318/2012. This law regulate the target in quality of air, evaluation of quality of air and informing the public about quality of air. Regulate rights and obligations of peoples by protection of air against pollutants from human activities and to curb the causes and mitigation of air pollution. Determine competence of governmental bodies of air protection, certification of competence and responsibilities of authorized assessors by creating the expertise or partial expertise, eligible measurement, calibration and inspection of compliance. Operational Programme Environment Measure 3.2 "Minimisation of adverse effects of climate change including support of renewable energy sources" of the Operational Programme Environment of the European Structural Fund gives enterprises the opportunity to apply for investment grants for renewable energy projects. Particular support is channelled into projects to change the fuel base in favour of lower-carbon fuels and renewable energy sources (biomass, solar energy, geothermal energy) in the production of heat, including in combination with cogeneration. 18

19 The Operational Programme ended in However, it is assumed that the support of heat from RES will continue in the new programming period from 2014 to % of the total amount of subsidies granted are provided by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Climate See EU level Energy RES Act - Act 309/2009 on the Support of Renewable Energy Sources and High-efficiency Cogeneration - Complemented by Regulation No. 221/2013 to set the prices for energy In the Slovak Republic, electricity from renewable sources is supported mainly through a fixed feed-in tariff. The feed-in tariff consists of two parts: the price of electricity for losses (market price) and a surcharge. The market price is paid for all electricity supplied from RE facilities up to a support limit of 125 MW. The surcharge is billed by the plant operator for the electricity generated, less the internal technological consumption of electricity. Programme for the Higher Use of Biomass and Solar Energy in Households Investment support for the use of solar energy and biomass for heating and hot water for apartments and houses is available for individuals in the form of subsidies for biomass boilers and solar thermal systems. The scheme was optimised through the approval of a new law, Act No 181/2011 on the provision of subsidies within the competence of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic. The support of biomass boilers is addressed to house owners or co-owners. The duration of the scheme is from 2008 to Transport Regulation No. 246/2006 on the minimum quantity of fuel produced from renewable sources in petrol and diesel fuel placed on the market of the Slovak Republic - Complemented by the RES Act - Act 309/2009 on the Support of Renewable Energy Sources and High-efficiency Cogeneration There is a target for biofuels, determined as the biofuel energy content share calculated from the energy content of the total quantity of petrol and diesel fuel placed in the market. There are also targets for the minimum content of biofuels in each litre of a particular type of fuel (diesel and 19

20 petrol). The minimum content of biofuels for the years 2011 to 2020 is established in Annex 1 to RES Act. Non-fulfilment of obligations under Act No. 309/2009 is subject to a fine imposed by the customs office. Decree 271/2011, establishing sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids and targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport fuels This Decree transposes the biofuels sustainability criteria from the European Renewable Energy Directive, as well as the greenhouse gas targets for transport fuels from the Fuel Quality Directive. It establishes sustainability criteria for biofuels and bioliquids and limit values for greenhouse gas emissions from cultivation of agricultural raw materials, while maintaining the sustainable criteria. Details demonstrating compliance with various sustainable criteria, procedures for issuing certificates of competency for the verification of emission calculation details on qualification requirements for the issue of certificates of proficiency for the verification of emission calculation. In this decree is establishing a methodology for calculation greenhouse gas emissions throughout the life cycle of fuels and bioliquids, and the method of calculating greenhouse gas emissions saving resulting from the use of biofuels and bioliquids. Of course it explains the details of issuance of certificates of origin of biofuels or bioliquids. - In line with Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC and Fuel Quality Directive 2009/30/EC Taxation Act No. 609/2007 Coll. on the excise tax on electricity, coal and natural gas and on changes and amendments to Act No. 98/2004 Coll. on the excise tax on mineral oil In Slovakia, the consumption of electricity is subject to an excise tax. The use of renewable energy is encouraged by exempting it from this tax. Act No. 98/2004 on excise duties on mineral oil This act regulates the excise tax on mineral oils in Slovakia. Since 2011, the support of fuel from renewable energy sources has taken the form of a reduced rate of excise duty on diesel or petrol provided that it contains the minimum proportion of biofuels set for diesel and petrol. Mineral oil solely from biogenic material is exempt from mineral oil tax ( 10 par. 3 Act No. 98/2004) Trade Act. No. 199/2004 Law customs act and the amendment of certain laws, last amended Act. No. 207/

21 Purposes of this act are customs legislation specific regulations, international treaties, laws and other generally binding legal regulations that govern the legal relations in connection with the import, export or transit of products, with exception of the laws governing value added tax and excise duties Economy, enterprises / product norms Operational Programme Competitiveness and Economic Growth Measure 2.1 "Increasing efficiency in energy production and consumption and providing progressive energy technologies" of the Operational Programme Competitiveness and Economic Growth of the European Structural Fund gives enterprises the opportunity to apply for investment grants for renewable energy projects. Grants are awarded through calls for applications under either the de-minimis scheme (Scheme DM 7/2008) or the state aid scheme (Scheme XR 63/2008). Currently, there are no open calls under Measure 2.1. The Operational Programme ended in Operational Programme Bratislava Region Measure 2.1. "Innovation and technology transfer" is a sub-programme of the Operational Programme Bratislava Region, which awards grants to projects in the field of renewable energy. Grants are awarded through calls for applications under either the de-minimis scheme (Scheme DM 13/2008) or the state aid scheme (Scheme ŠP 01/2009). During 2013, there are no calls for applications planned for Measure 2.1. The Operational Programme ended in Product norms: Solid biofuels : STN EN Part 1: Wood pellets for non-industrial use Part 2: Wood briquettes for non-industrial use Part 3: Wood chips for non-industrial use Part 4: Firewood for non-industrial use Part 5: Non-wood pellets for non-industrial use STN Assortments of wood. Chips and sawdust of softwood STN Assortments of wood. Chips and sawdust of hardwood STN Solid fuels. Determination of water content STN Solid fuels. Determination of total sulphur content by ESCHKA method STN Terminology in forestry. Forest management. Terms and definitions STN ISO 1928 ( ) - Solid mineral fuels. Determination of gross calorific value by the bomb calorimetric method, and calculation of net calorific value 21

22 Procurement Act No. 25/2006 last amended with marked changes effective from Public Procurement This act establishes rules on the procedures for procurement by public contracts, for construction works, for supply of products, providing of services, contest and administration of public procurement. The last Directive from EU is from year 2014 so for this time is not transposed to Slovak policy. The Slovak Republic (SR) monitors the application of green public procurement in the context of the National Action Plan for Green Public Procurement in SR for the years , approved by the government on 18 January The Action Plan designated ministers and chairmen of central government bodies obliged to apply the principles of green procurement within their competence and self-governing regions chairman and chairman of the Association of Town and Villages of Slovakia recommends the implementation of GPP in practice within their scope Research and innovation Act. No. 172/2005 Law on the organization of state support for research and development from the Act. 575/2001 on the organization of activities of the government and central government, as amended (last amended by Act. No. 194/2014) This law establishes the conditions for granting state support for research and development, status and the role of the authorities competent in the field of science and technology, including Agency for research and development, long-term objective of the state science and technology policy national program of science and technology and information security of research and development. Action plan for science, development and innovations Operation program Research and innovation The main objective of the action plan is to contribute to the creation of the basic assumptions that Slovakia would help to develop science, research and innovation in international comparable quality. The proposed actions should also create the necessary system components for an effective financial support from the state. Action plan for years was approved by the government of Slovak republic on 15 May 2014 and submitted to the European Commission. 22