On Wednesday, the Vilnius Council decided to continue the construction of the national stadium with its own and the Government's funds, without the support of the European Union.
The decision was made after the delay in the implementation of the project, the Government no longer allocates approximately 29 million to it. euros of support from the European Union (EU), so a total of about 50 million will have to be allocated to the project from the capital's budget. euros.
The decision indicates that the money necessary for the stadium project will have to be provided in the 2023 budget.
It is intended to approve the financing model by November 1, and it is also proposed to find out the possibilities of borrowing.
"It is necessary to ensure the possibility to continue the negotiations, we cannot do that without this decision, that is why we are asking for approval", said Povilas Poderskis, director of administration at the council meeting.
It is planned that the Government's contribution will reach about 55 million. EUR, municipalities - another 50 million. euros.
The opposition raises questions about the estimates. According to the representative of the Lithuanian Freedom Union (liberals) Žilvins Šilgalis, the prices of both the stadium and other objects in the complex are too inflated, there are too few guarantees for the municipality, so he called for a new tender.
"What is this project for? Does the state have nowhere to put money? (…). This is a corrupt, criminal project for the whole of Vilnius, for the whole of Lithuania," he complained.
Mr. Poderskis previously said that the total value of the project could rise to about $106 million due to changing funding sources and the emerging Value Added Tax. EUR (with VAT) from the previously planned 93 million. euros. It is claimed that the Government will be able to recover part of the taxes.
According to P. Poderskis, there is a preliminary plan to collect approximately 50 million lei for the municipality within three years. EUR: a cash reserve of EUR 7 million would be accumulated every year. euros, in addition, 11 million each annually. euros would be borrowed, and then the money is paid out in equal installments of 2 million over 25 years. euros.
On July 5, the Lithuanian Court of Appeal allowed the signing of the contract for the construction of the National Stadium with the winner of the tender, the Icor company "Axis Industries". Mr. Poderskis previously told BNS that the contract is planned to be signed in the fall.
Axis Industries will receive the funds only after the construction is fully completed, and the concession agreement with the private investor will be signed for 25 years.
The partners promised to design the complex in one year, build it in two years and provide its operation services for another 22 years. According to the current project, in addition to the stadium, the complex would have an athletic field, various training fields, handball, gymnastics, boxing halls, a kindergarten, and a library.
Author: Ignas Jačauskas
