Czech Republic has used 98% of available EU funds

The Ministry of Regional Development has released data on the use of EU funds in the Czech budget. In the 2004-2006 budget years the Czech Republic received 1.64 billion euros, which constitutes 98% of the amount available for that period. Projects financed from the funds included the creation of nearly 22,000 jobs and new water services for almost 60,000 households. The current 2007-2013 budget period allows financing of up to 26.7 billion euros, of which the Regional Development Ministry has so far requested roughly one fifth, spread out over some 12,000 approved projects.