Interview with minister Milan Chrenko

By Richard Kellner
Vice president NL Chamber / Komerční banka

Over the last few years, scientists have reported an increased level of global warming and we see glaciers retreating in the nearby Alps. This year, the northern hemisphere has experienced record temperatures in China, across Europe and North America. In Slovakia, we have not yet seen such extremes (although July was the warmest in history), and perhaps that is also why many people here are not convinced about global warming and its dangers. What is your view on this? How acute is this issue?

Well, scientists who follow the topic have created several scenarios of possible developments and now it looks as if the reality is closer to the scenarios that were on the more negative side. The deterioration seems not to be linear, but more variable. Unfortunately, in Europe we are seeing more effects of global warming than in other places around the world.

Often, the discussions about being more environment friendly (and pay the extra costs) leads to statement such as “Why should we do that if the competition from less environmental countries are not obliged to do that, and can win our customers with lower prices”. What is your view on this and how should this be tackled at the EU level?

There are several angles to this. Firstly, Europe can motivate and lead other parts of the world towards change. Secondly, in countries like China, climate change is starting to be perceived more urgently, so it is likely they will follow Europe in many initiatives and the discrepancies in many business policies should narrow (e.g. the EU target is carbon neutrality by 2050, and China only 10 years later). With respect to certain products, the EU is now implementing a carbon tax that should create a level playing field. But most important of all, this is a global problem that concerns all of us, that must be addressed by all. That is why incentives and measures are needed on several fronts, e.g. financial incentives (producers with sustainable processes will be rewarded, and vice versa those who do not take the environmental impact of their production into account will have difficulties seeking external financing).

Many CO2 reducing activities do not depend on state support, but others continue to be dependent on bureaucracy and obtaining permissions (e.g. EIA). Are there initiatives to speed up these processes?

We are conscious of the need for improvements, and currently there are ongoing discussions about proposals to speed up investments in renewables projects (wind, solar, and geothermal).

In addition to direct reduction of CO2, waste is also a focus, as if we were able to circulate materials, we will decrease demand for primary resources. MoE SR is a founding member of Circular Slovakia, a public-private platform which promotes the circular economy. Why did MoE join this platform and what are your expectations regarding this platform going forward?

There are several reasons MoE decided to participate in this platform. Firstly, it gives us an opportunity to hear feedback from stakeholders and the business community, which can then be taken into account in discussions and negotiations in Brussels. The platform also provides a space for information to flow from the Ministry to the stakeholder community represented by other members of Circular Slovakia. The platform also promotes circularity, which must include civil society as well as state and private businesses. Last but not least, it is beneficial to bring similarly-minded companies together, so we can jointly promote activities (and Slovakia) when these topics are discussed in Brussels.

The recent visit of the Dutch royal couple to Slovakia included a visit to a deposit return scheme for beverage packaging (DRS). Is the MoE SR satisfied with the scheme in its current form? Do you see room for its further expansion?

We are satisfied with the DRS – it works well and many smaller retail outlets (below the size threshold defined by law) have adopted the scheme. They have recognized the business benefits – retail customers are adjusting their shopping habits and prefer shops where they can return empty bottles. The scheme implemented in Slovakia also attracted interest from other EU countries who are interested to hear our experience. In September 2023, we plan to share our expertise (with the Czech Republic and Austria) at a workshop in Brussels.

Landfills are a big issue in Slovakia are. What progress is being made in this respect? Is there anything Slovakia can learn from the Netherlands?

This is a major problem, but not only in Slovakia. Experience from other countries shows that the most effective way to deal with landfills is to increase landfill fees, but this is very sensitive politically.

What kind of skills should businesses develop as regards their employees to be able to capitalize on these opportunities (and avoid risks)? Do you think we have enough people with these skills in Slovakia?

This is definitely an issue Slovakia faces. We believe that the universities should adjust their curriculum to address green developments. But we also need to look abroad and, in line with the initiative already announced, do our best to attract qualified Slovaks and persuade them to return.

In your previous position at the European Environmental Agency in Copenhagen, you had the opportunity to discuss many issues with colleagues from other EU member countries. Where do you think Slovakia is doing well, and where do you think we can learn (and from who)?

From what I have seen, in Slovakia we are doing well in many areas. We are able to collect a lot of data. Where we have room for improvement is what to do with the data, and how to use it. We should seek to make decisions supported by the best available and properly analysed data and knowledge. Today science is moving fast, and Slovakia should utilize new technologies that are becoming available (e.g. Copernicus Programme, digitalisation and AI).

Where do you see potential for increased cooperation between Slovak and Dutch businesses as regards the environment and circular economy?

I think cooperation has begun well and it received an additional boost during the Dutch royal couples’ visit that was accompanied by a Dutch business delegation. This initiative should be continued. Wherever there are opportunities, Dutch companies should be welcomed to present their solutions and expertise. The business opportunities will be a strong driver of change and support for green transition.

Minister of the Environment of the Slovak Republic

Milan Chrenko was appointed as Minister of the Environment on 15 May 2023 by the President of the Slovak Republic, Zuzana Čaputová. Mr. Chrenko studied landscape ecology, environmental management and environmental policy at Comenius University in Bratislava and also at Lund University in Sweden and the University of Oslo. Between 1999 and 2003, he worked as a project manager at the Regional Environmental Center REC Slovakia. In 2007, he started working in Copenhagen as a project manager at the European Environment Agency, an expert institution of the European Union, which analyses environmental data and promotes sustainable development. He became director-general at the Ministry of the Environment, where he participated in the coordination of the Slovak presidency of the Council of the European Union and the establishment of the public-private platform, Circular Slovakia, which supports the circular economy and coordinates activities as regards the EU and international organizations. He then returned to the European Environmental Agency, where he became the director of the Department for Cooperation with EU Member States and institutions and focuses on international cooperation on environmental policies.