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Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law

TA-9-2024-0021 · P9_TA(2024)0021 · PE756.747

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 26 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.

Parliament's resolution of 17 January 2024 addresses the planned dissolution of Slovakia's Special Prosecutor's Office and changes to the criminal code. It expresses deep concern that the accelerated process threatens judicial integrity, the EU's fight against fraud and the protection of EU financial interests. It calls on the Slovak Government to reconsider the amendments, respect the EU Whistleblower Directive and uphold sincere cooperation with EU institutions. It asks the Commission to monitor developments and safeguard the rule of law. It urges safeguards for ongoing criminal cases, reform of paragraph 363 of the Slovak Criminal Procedural Law, and more resources for corruption cases. It supports citizens and NGOs and calls for stakeholder involvement in law-making. It pays tribute to Ján Kuciak, condemns disrespectful remarks by the Prime Minister, warns against interference in media independence and regrets the halting of communication with key media outlets.

Key points

  1. Expresses deep concern over the Slovak Government's accelerated legislative process, especially amendments to the criminal code and dissolution of the Special Prosecutor's Office, which threaten judicial integrity and the EU's fight against fraud.
  2. Calls on the Slovak Government to reconsider these amendments, respect the EU Whistleblower Directive and reconsider changes to whistleblower protection, noting retroactive stripping of protection creates legal uncertainty.
  3. Recalls that criminal reform must contain safeguards for ongoing cases, especially high-level corruption, and guarantee judicial independence and prosecutorial autonomy in line with Commission recommendations.
  4. Expresses concern that re-assignment of Special Prosecutor's cases may cause delays or collapse due to statute of limitations, and urges reform of paragraph 363 of the Slovak Criminal Procedural Law.
  5. Emphasises the need for a thorough public process with expert and stakeholder consultations, including the Venice Commission, on changes to the criminal code and anti-corruption structures.
  6. Calls for more human and financial resources for corruption cases and better coordination between investigators and prosecutors, in line with the EPPO's recommendation.
  7. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor developments and take necessary actions to safeguard the rule of law, judicial independence and the EU's financial interests.
  8. Recognises and supports the role of citizens and NGOs in protecting democracy and the rule of law, and calls for stakeholder involvement in law-making, especially with fast-track procedures.
  9. Pays tribute to Ján Kuciak six years after his assassination and calls on Slovak authorities to ensure justice is served.
  10. Urges political leaders to engage constructively and respectfully with citizens, refrain from verbal attacks on individuals, journalists and civil society, and uphold democratic debate and academic freedom.
  11. Condemns inappropriate remarks by the Prime Minister, calls on officials to refrain from questioning court decisions, and is concerned about plans to restrict NGOs and stigmatise foreign-funded organisations.
  12. Warns against political interference in editorial independence, notes concern over planned restructuring of Radio and Television of Slovakia, and regrets the halting of communication with key media outlets.

Who is affected

  • Slovak Government: called on to reconsider amendments, respect the Whistleblower Directive and uphold sincere cooperation with EU institutions.
  • Slovak authorities: urged to ensure justice for Ján Kuciak and address reform of paragraph 363 of the Criminal Procedural Law.
  • European Commission: asked to monitor developments and safeguard the rule of law and EU financial interests.
  • Citizens and NGOs: recognised and supported for their role in protecting democracy and the rule of law.
  • Political leaders and government officials: urged to engage respectfully, refrain from attacks on journalists and civil society, and not question court decisions.

Figures and deadlines

  • 1 September 2004: date the Slovak Special Prosecutor's Office started its activity.
  • 18 December 2023: date the European Public Prosecutor's Office stated concerns about Slovak legislative amendments.
  • more than 20 000 citizens: repeatedly protested against the proposal.
  • more than 100 000 citizens: co-signed two petitions against the government proposals.
  • six years: since the assassination of Ján Kuciak.

Legal basis: Articles 2, 4, 6, 7 and 10 of the Treaty on European Union; Article 325 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; Articles 11, 12, 41 and 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.