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

TA-10-2026-0184 · P10_TA(2026)0184 · PE783.288

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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.

Parliament 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 concerns and protect the EU budget. It condemns criminal law reforms, constitutional amendments, attacks on media and civil society, and misuse of EU funds, and calls on Slovak authorities to implement recommendations from EU and international bodies. It urges intensified controls and cooperation with OLAF and the EPPO, and stresses the need to protect whistleblowers, minorities, and fundamental rights.

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 financial corrections.
  2. Regrets criminal law amendments reducing penalties, shortening limitation periods, and closing anti-corruption entities, and expresses concern over prosecutorial discretion and harassment of investigators.
  3. Expresses deep concern about constitutional amendments restricting fundamental rights and the primacy of EU law, and calls on Slovak authorities to ensure compliance with EU law and international standards.
  4. Calls on the Commission to apply the Common Provisions Regulation in cases of non-compliance with horizontal enabling conditions.
  5. Emphasises that the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation allows early action and reiterates its call to initiate the procedure under Article 6(1).
  6. Rejects provisions that would weaken whistleblower protection, welcomes the repeal of the law abolishing the Whistleblower Protection Office, and calls for monitoring.
  7. Urges the Commission to intensify targeted controls and on-the-spot checks in Slovakia, including cooperation with OLAF and the EPPO.
  8. Calls on Slovak authorities to implement recommendations on the judiciary and anti-corruption, including repealing the offence of abuse of law and ensuring judicial independence.
  9. Strongly condemns the closure of the Special Prosecutor's Office and calls for full cooperation with the EPPO and OLAF.
  10. Expresses concern about the management of agricultural funds and allegations of misuse in rural development projects, calling for remedial measures.
  11. Calls for implementation of media freedom recommendations, compliance with the European Media Freedom Act, and protection of journalists.
  12. Calls for protection of civil society, electoral integrity, women's rights, LGBTIQ+ rights, Roma rights, minority rights, and an end to land confiscations.

Who is affected

  • Slovak authorities: must implement recommendations, ensure compliance with EU law, and cooperate with EU institutions.
  • Whistleblowers in Slovakia: protection level to be restored and maintained.
  • Civil society organisations and journalists: face pressure and stigmatisation; Parliament calls for an end to such practices.
  • Minorities, including Roma and Hungarian minority: need effective protection and end to discrimination and land confiscations.

Figures and deadlines

  • 20% of laws passed by the Slovak Parliament in 2025 were adopted under 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.

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