According to plans the levy would be 2.5 percent of the retail chain’s turnover and the collected financial sources would be used for food industry-related investments. The Slovak Alliance of Modern Business (SAMO) believes the measure is discriminatory and goes against the European law. “We are convinced that similarly to the case of Poland and Hungary the European Commission would act,” warned SAMO officials. The retail chains are arguing that the state already collects 100 million euros each year in this area and the state has more than 4.6 billion euros ready to finance farming and agriculture-related projects. The SAMO is the collective institution of Billa, dm drogerie markt, Kaufland, Lidl, Metro, TERNO and Tesco .
According to Radovan Baláž, the retail chains dominant position on the market is causing disproportion in allocating profits. The MP promises measures endorsing quality and food security. The party is also planning the foundation of a marketing fund.
