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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2026/2607(RSP))

On the rule of law, fundamental rights and misuse of EU funds in Slovakia: the need for an EU response

B-10-2026-0245

on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Tomáš Zdechovský, Javier Zarzalejos, Tomas Tobé, Lena Düpont, Monika Hohlmeier, Isabel WiselerLima, Michał Wawrykiewicz

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

This resolution expresses deep concern over the deterioration of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia, and calls on the Commission to use all available instruments to address these issues and protect EU funds. It details concerns about criminal law reforms, constitutional amendments, media freedom, civil society pressure, and the rights of minorities, women, LGBTIQ+ people, and Roma, and calls on Slovak authorities to implement EU and international standards. It urges intensified controls and cooperation with OLAF and the EPPO, and calls for full implementation of Commission, GRECO, and Venice Commission recommendations.

Key points

  1. Calls on the Commission to assess whether there is a clear risk of a serious breach by Slovakia of Article 2 TEU values and to use all enforcement measures, including infringement procedures and interim measures.
  2. Regrets criminal law changes reducing penalties, shortening limitation periods, and closing the Special Prosecutor's Office, which weakened anti-corruption efforts and protection of EU funds.
  3. Expresses concern over constitutional amendments restricting fundamental rights and the primacy of EU law, and calls on Slovak authorities to ensure full compliance with EU law and international standards.
  4. Calls on the Commission to apply the Common Provisions Regulation and the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation, including early action and partial suspensions where breaches pose a risk to the EU budget.
  5. Rejects provisions that would weaken whistleblower protection, welcomes the repeal of the law abolishing the Whistleblower Protection Office, and calls on the Commission to monitor its implementation.
  6. Urges the Commission to intensify targeted controls and on-the-spot checks in Slovakia, with systematic cooperation with OLAF and the EPPO, across all EU funding streams.
  7. Calls on Slovak authorities to implement Commission, GRECO, and Venice Commission recommendations on the judiciary and anti-corruption, including repealing the offence of abuse of law.
  8. Strongly condemns the closure of the Special Prosecutor's Office and calls for full cooperation with the EPPO and OLAF.
  9. Expresses concern about the management of agricultural funds and allegations of misuse in rural development and tourism projects, calling for remedial measures.
  10. Calls on Slovak authorities to implement recommendations on media freedom, including ensuring editorial independence of public service media and protecting journalists.
  11. Regrets the frequent use of fast-track legislative procedures and calls for effective public consultation and stakeholder involvement.
  12. Calls on Slovak authorities to protect civil society, ensure electoral legislation respects EU law, combat violence against women, and protect the rights of LGBTIQ+, Roma, and minorities.

Who is affected

  • Slovak authorities, including the government and parliament, are called on to implement reforms and comply with EU law.
  • The European Commission is urged to monitor and enforce rule of law and EU funds protection in Slovakia.
  • Civil society organisations, journalists, and whistleblowers in Slovakia are affected by calls to end pressure and ensure protection.
  • Minorities, including Roma and LGBTIQ+ people, and women are targeted by calls for protection of their rights.

Figures and deadlines

  • 20 % of laws passed by the Slovak Parliament in 2025 were adopted under the fast-track procedure.
  • Slovakia scored 48 out of 100 in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index.
  • Slovakia scored 57.2 out of 100 in the 2025 Gender Equality Index.
  • An estimated 1 324 convicts benefited from legal reforms, with 446 released early.

Legal basis: Articles 2, 4, 4(3), 5, 6, 9 and 10 TEU and Article 20 TFEU