Košice, January 12, 2026 – U. S. Steel Košice, s.r.o. opened the 19th year of the Together for the Region grant program today. The initiative once again opens the door to local community projects that combine the energy of residents and the volunteer enthusiasm of the ironworks employees. Non-governmental non-profit organizations and local governments from the Košice and Prešov regions can apply for a grant of up to € 4,000 for activities in increasing safety in all areas of life, environmental protection, preservation of cultural heritage or development activities for children and youth. Sustainable solutions that bring together partners from different areas and sectors are welcome.

A total of € 40,000 will be distributed in the program to support community projects. The call with the programme criteria, the application form and all mandatory documents are available on the website of U. S. Steel Košice. Grant applications can be submitted by March 6, 2026.

Deputy President of U. S. Steel Košice Mike Piekut said: "For almost two decades, we have been supporting small local projects with the Together for the Region program, in which our employees are also involved. This gives them the opportunity to contribute to the development of the places they live in. I am convinced that the real value is not only created by finances, but above all by the energy and volunteer work of everyone involved in the projects. The grant program is proof that by combining corporate support and local patriotism, we can change our surroundings into a better place for all of us to live."

Isao Takenami, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of U. S. Steel Košice added: "What's nice about this program is the involvement of our friends in this community as well as our employees, and the fact that the projects are based on their ideas and personal activities. It is our great honor and pleasure to support such valuable activities for better future of this region."

Since its inception, 161 community projects have been supported in the Together for the Region program with a total amount of more than € 410,000.

More information on the web site: https://www.usske.sk/sk/komunita/spolocne-pre-region

For more information, please contact:
Ján Bača, Public Affairs Director
U. S. Steel Košice, s.r.o.
Tel.: +421 55 673 4476
E-mail: jbaca@sk.uss.com
www.usske.sk

U. S. Steel Košice, s.r.o is the biggest steelmaking company in Slovakia, and a prestigious corporate partner and responsible community neighbor supporting development of the region where its partners and employees live. The Company has done so since its foundation in 2000 through support for children and youth activities, healthcare, sports and sporting events, environmental and educational programs, projects promoting the cultural identity of the region, and above all those promoting improved day-to-day safety. U. S. Steel Košice supports its active employees, respecting their generosity associated with Company fundraising for charity purposes, and developing their voluntary activities performed in favor of the community. For more information visit: www.usske.sk