In 20 years, Czechia has received a trillion crowns more from the EU than it contributed

Over the past 20 years of EU membership, Czechia has received a net benefit of one trillion crowns from the EU, according to the Supreme Audit Office's (SAO) latest EU Report 2024. The report highlights that while the country initially faced challenges in utilizing EU funds, it has since developed a system that ensures funds are fully spent but often lacks a focus on the purpose or impact of the subsidies. Many subsidies have been directed toward projects with low added value.

SAO President Miloslav Kala noted that the subsidy system, originally intended to help Czechia reach Western living standards, has faltered and failed to deliver the expected results. Czechia’s pace of economic convergence with the EU average has slowed compared to other countries that joined the EU in 2004.