COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 2025 Rule of Law Report Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Slovakia Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 2025 Rule of Law Report The rule of law situation in the European Union

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COMMISSION
Strasbourg, 8.7.2025
SWD(2025) 925 final
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT
2025 Rule of Law Report
Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Slovakia
Accompanying the document
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the
European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions
2025 Rule of Law Report
The rule of law situation in the European Union
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ABSTRACT
Since the 2024 Report, Slovakia has engaged in an intensive dialogue with the Commission
to resolve the issues identified, and efforts in this regard are ongoing. In this context, a series
of amendments to the Criminal Codes were passed in the second half of 2024 to adjust earlier
amendments, with a view to align the legislation with the Directive on the protection of EU
financial interests. The Government proposed amendments to judges' laws introducing
various changes, some of which are welcomed by stakeholders as addressing the efficiency of
courts. They also re-introduce bonuses for judges and amend the rules for evaluation. The
draft amendments furthermore propose establishing a second instance review in disciplinary
decisions regarding judges, prosecutors, notaries and bailiffs, while giving an increasing role
to the Judicial Council. Reflections are ongoing on introducing safeguards to ensure
sufficient guarantees of independence as regards the dismissal of the members of the Judicial
Council, though no formal steps have yet been taken. While amendments to the Criminal
Codes introduced last year clarified some procedural aspects regarding criminal liability for
judicial decisions and the Government indicated openness for further legislative action, there
is still a need to make further progress on introducing sufficient safeguards. There are plans
to address some challenges reported by stakeholders related to the implementation of the
judicial map reformed in 2023. A reform extends the access to free legal aid to a wider group
of society, while digitalisation efforts are ongoing. The justice system continues to face
challenges as regards its efficiency, particularly in administrative cases.
Whereas the 2024 criminal law reform was realigned to be consistent with EU law, other
aspects still raise specific anti-corruption concerns and previously identified risks appear to
have materialised with several high-level cases statute-barred or reclassified as
misdemeanours only. The closure of specialised anti-corruption entities (National Crime
Agency and Special Prosecutor’s Office) resulted in delays in investigations transferred to
other bodies and significant drops in the number of corruption cases. Prosecutorial decisions
deemed to be illegal continued to be annulled by the Prosecutor General, including in high-
level corruption cases, who is able to reassign such cases and give direct instructions. A new
National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2029 and a related Action Plan are in preparation for
intergovernmental consultation procedure. There are some initial developments to strengthen
the prevention of conflict of interest. Political commitments to introduce legislative initiatives
on lobbying or asset declarations are still to be translated into proposals.
A draft law amending the Media Services Act aims to expand the competences of the national
regulator. The abolition of the previous public service broadcaster and the establishment of a
new entity continues to raise concerns about the autonomy of public service media. The
Freedom of Information Act was amended to introduce additional conditions for accessing
information in certain cases. No measures have been taken to improve the safety and working
environment of journalists, with stakeholders concluding that there has been a deterioration in
this field.
Practices by-passing stakeholders’ involvement in the law-making process and frequent
recourse to fast-track legislative procedures continue to raise concerns. The civil society
environment faces further pressure, and new reporting and information disclosure obligations
introduce additional burden for civil society organisations.
2
RECOMMENDATIONS
Overall, concerning the recommendations in the 2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia has
made:
• No progress on introducing measures to ensure that the members of the Judicial Council,
notably those not elected by judges, are subject to sufficient guarantees of independence
as regards their dismissal, taking into account European standards on independence of
Judicial Councils.
• Limited progress on ensuring that sufficient safeguards are in place and duly observed
when subjecting judges to criminal liability for the crime of “abuse of law” as regards
their judicial decisions.
• Some progress on strengthening the legislation on conflicts of interest, and no progress on
introducing proposals to regulate lobbying and asset declarations.
• No progress on ensuring the effective and independent investigation and prosecution of
high-level corruption cases with a view to establishing a robust track record, including by
preventing any undue interference in such cases and by restricting the use of the
Prosecutor-General’s powers to annul final investigatory and prosecutorial decisions.
• No progress on strengthening the rules and mechanisms to restore and further safeguard
the independent governance and editorial independence of public service media taking
into account European standards on public service media.
• No further progress on advancing with the process to establish legislative and other
safeguards to improve the physical safety and working environment of journalists,
including the reform of defamation law, taking into account the European standards on
the protection of journalists.
• No progress on ensuring effective public consultation and stakeholder involvement in the
law-making process, including by avoiding excessive use of the fast-track procedure.
On this basis, and considering other developments that took place in the period of reference,
and in addition to recalling the relevant commitments made under the Recovery and
Resilience Plan and the relevant country-specific recommendations under the European
Semester, it is recommended to Slovakia to:
• Introduce measures to ensure sufficient guarantees of independence as regards the
dismissal of members of the Judicial Council, notably those not elected by judges, taking
into account European standards on independence of Judicial Councils.
• Ensure that sufficient safeguards are in place and duly observed when subjecting judges
to criminal liability for the crime of “abuse of law” as regards their judicial decisions.
• Introduce proposals to regulate lobbying, strengthen the asset declaration and verification
system, and continue ongoing efforts to reform conflicts of interest rules.
• Ensure the effective and independent investigations and prosecutions of high-level
corruption cases to establish a robust track record, including by preventing any undue
interference and restricting the use of the Prosecutor-General’s powers to annul final
investigatory and prosecutorial decisions.
• Strengthen the rules and mechanisms to restore and further safeguard the independent
governance and editorial independence of public service media taking into account
European standards on public service media.
3
• Advance with the process to establish legislative and other safeguards to improve the
physical safety and working environment of journalists, including the reform of
defamation law, taking into account the European standards on the protection of
journalists.
• Ensure effective public consultation and stakeholder involvement in the law-making
process, including by addressing the frequent use of the fast-track procedure.
4
I. JUSTICE SYSTEM1
Independence
The level of perceived judicial independence in Slovakia continues to be low among both
the general public and companies. Overall, 32% of the general population and 34% of
companies perceive the level of independence of courts and judges to be ‘fairly or very good’
in 20252
. The perceived judicial independence among the general public has slightly
decreased in comparison with 2024 (33%) but has increased in comparison with 2021 (28%).
The perceived level of independence among companies has slightly increased in comparison
with 2024 (33%) and has increased in comparison with 2021 (30%).
A series of amendments to the Criminal Codes were passed in the second half of 2024 to
adjust earlier amendments with a view to align the legislation with the Directive on the
protection of EU financial interests3
. The 2024 Report noted that significant amendments
introduced to the Criminal Codes had been adopted in a fast-track procedure without
appropriate consultation of stakeholders4
. The Commission voiced its serious concerns over
the content of the reform5
, including the impact of lowering of the penalties and statutes of
limitations on the effectiveness of the fight against corruption, including as regards the
protection of EU financial interests. Following extensive consultations between the Slovak
Government and the European Commission, the Slovak Parliament adopted in December
2024 additional amendments, which ensured alignment with the Directive on the protection
of EU financial interests (“PIF Directive”)6
.
The Government proposed amendments to the judges’ laws introducing changes on
resource allocation, some of which are welcomed by stakeholders as addressing the
efficiency of courts7
. With the objective of increasing efficiency8
, the amendments, currently
discussed in Parliament9
, notably provide for the possibility of a visiting judge to be
temporarily assigned from a district to a regional court based on the request of the president
of the latter and following the decision of the Judicial Council. Stakeholders generally
welcome the extended use of this provision as a solution to address the backlog at courts10
.
Unlike the already existing temporary assignment to district courts, which is subject to an
exhaustive list of criteria, the conditions for the temporary assignment to a higher court are,
1
An overview of the institutional framework for all four pillars can be found here.
2
Figures 50 and 52, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard and Figures 49 and 51, 2023 EU Justice Scoreboard. The
level of perceived judicial independence is categorised as follows: very low (below 30% of respondents
perceive judicial independence as fairly good and very good); low (between 30-39%), average (between 40-
59%), high (between 60-75%), very high (above 75%).
3
Amendments of 8 February 2024 were further amended as regards EU financial interests on 16 July 2024, 11
September 2024 and 17 December 2024.
4
2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, pp. 4 et seq.
5
Concerns were also raised by the European Chief Prosecutor and the European Parliament. EPPO (2023),
European Parliament (2024).
6
See also Pillar II below.
7
Government Bill No. 816, amending the following acts: Act on judges and lay judges, Act on the Judicial
Council, Act on the disciplinary proceedings before the Supreme Administrative Court, and Act on courts.
8
Slovak Government (2025), p. 1.
9
Parliamentary Bill No. 816.
10
Country visit Slovakia, Supreme Court, Supreme Administrative Court. The temporary assignment to a
higher court will serve also as a background for promotion. Country visit Slovakia, Association of Judges.
5
however, not clearly defined11
. The amendments also introduce the possibility for a judge to
obtain protection from the police if needed, also when conducting work outside of court
premises. Stakeholders welcomed this proposed change, aiming to increase the safety of
judges12
.
The draft amendments to the judges’ laws also re-introduce bonuses for judges and
amend the rules for evaluation. The Government also proposed changes to the rules on the
evaluation of judges, increasing the Judicial Council’s powers over the evaluation committees
and their final decisions on the basis of a resolution of the Judicial Council following
communication with the evaluation commission13
. The draft amendments introduce the
possibility to award bonuses to judges when they reach the age of 50 and/or 60. The mere
fulfilment of the age criterion makes a judge eligible, however not entitled to a bonus. Since
no further conditions for granting a bonus are specified, the provisions leave discretion in
awarding them14
. According to European standards, the remuneration should rely on
objective and transparent criteria and bonuses which include an element of discretion should
be excluded15
.
The draft amendments also propose establishing a second instance review in
disciplinary decisions regarding judges, prosecutors, notaries and bailiffs, while giving
an increasing role to the Judicial Council. The draft amendments to judges’ laws would
introduce a full second instance review before the Supreme Administrative Court (SAC),
which was welcomed by stakeholders as a positive step forward16
. The Judicial Council
would appoint one member and one lay judge within a three-member first instance
disciplinary panel, and two members and two lay judges within a five-member second
instance panel17
. The Judicial Council would also have the power to initiate disciplinary cases
against judges, as well as the right to appeal disciplinary decisions to the second instance18
.
While the Supreme Administrative Court judges would hold one position in a first instance
11
According to European standards, temporary assignment, even happening with consent and on a temporary
basis, should be used only in exceptional circumstances. ODIHR (2023), para 35.
12
Country visit Slovakia, Judicial Council, Supreme Administrative Court, Supreme Court, Association of
Judges.
13
Slovak Government (2025), written input, p. 9. Approved draft amendments, points 10 et seq. Supreme
Court raised concerns over the amendments on the evaluation of judges. According to the Government, the
aim is to strengthen the guarantees for judges in relation to the review of the report of the evaluation
commission.
14
When judges reach the age of 50, there is still discretion to grant the bonus. The decision to grant a bonus to
a judge is made by that court’s president, while the Minister of Justice decides on granting a bonus to a
regional court president and the Judicial Council for the Supreme Court President. Stakeholders raised
concerns over the introduction of bonuses and that this could be a tool for possible influencing or
manipulating of judges. Country visit Slovakia, Via Iuris, Supreme Court.
15
Venice Commission (2010), para 46.
16
Amendments to the Act on the disciplinary proceedings at the Supreme Administrative Court.
17
In cases against judges, the first instance panel would consist of a president (judge of the Supreme
Administrative Court), one judge of other court and one layman. Second instance panel would consist of its
president (judge of the Supreme Administrative Court), one judge of the Supreme Administrative Court, two
judges of other court and a layman. Judges of other courts, as well as laymen, are chosen into databases
created by the Judicial Council. The Judicial Council appoints the members into the database without a prior
standard selection procedure, solely on the basis of their hearing before the Judicial Council. Concrete
member will be selected from the relevant databases by random selection using technical and software tools
when a disciplinary proposal is registered in the registry for each disciplinary proposal separately. Judicial
Council (2025), additional written input.
18
Before the amendments, only the President of the Judicial Council had the power to initiate the proceedings.
6
panel and two positions in a second instance panel, in practice the amended eligibility rules
currently mean that only two judges would be eligible for the panel19
. Several stakeholders
have expressed concerns over the Judicial Council’s expanded role and its potential to exert
undue influence over disciplinary outcomes20
.
Whereas reflections are ongoing on introducing safeguards to ensure sufficient
guarantees of independence as regards the dismissal of the members of the Judicial
Council, no formal steps have yet been taken21. The Slovak authorities have indicated to
the European Commission that they are reflecting on the possibility of a constitutional reform
concerning the conditions for the dismissal of Judicial Council members, notably those not
elected by judges. The conditions for the dismissal of Judicial Council members, notably
those not elected by judges, are still not laid out in law. Since November 2023, all members
previously nominated by the Government, the President, and Parliament have been dismissed
and replaced before completing their respective terms22
. The Constitutional Court declined
the constitutional complaints submitted by dismissed members23
. The Judicial Council holds
a key role, particularly in the selection process for judicial appointments, the vetting
procedure of judges, disciplinary proceedings, awarding bonuses, and decisions on whether to
terminate prosecution of a judge for the crime of ‘abuse of law’. According to the case law of
the Court of Justice of the European Union, judicial councils, where they exist, need to hold
sufficient guarantees of independence in relation to the legislature and the executive power,
including the way how their members can be dismissed24
. In order to increase its credibility,
the Judicial Council adopted a decision to promote and implement certain recommendations
of the European Network of Judicial Councils25
. A wide discretion to dismiss the members of
the Judicial Council creates a potential risk of taking decisions with a form of prior
compliance26
. Considering that no formal steps have yet been taken to introduce guarantees
19
The amendments require that only a person who has more than 10 years of professional experience as a
judge may sit in the panel, which de facto leads in only two out of all SAC judges being eligible. While the
SAC judges hold a presiding position in the disciplinary panels, the weight of the president’s vote does not
outweigh the vote of the majority.
20
Country visit Slovakia, Supreme Administrative Court, Via Iuris, Judges for Open Judiciary. See also
ENNHRI (2025). According to the CCJE (2024), para 19 et seq., there should be a clear separation between
those who initiate the proceedings and those who decide. According to the CCJE (2002), para 71, the body
responsible for appointing such a tribunal should be independent.
21
2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Slovakia to ‘introduce measures to ensure that the members of the
Judicial Council, notably those not elected by judges, are subject to sufficient guarantees of independence as
regards their dismissal, taking into account European standards on independence of Judicial Councils’.
22
The Council is composed of 18 Members, half of which are judges elected by their peers. The Government,
the Parliament and the President of the Republic each choose three members as well. Parliament dismissed
two of its nominees on 2 May 2024, followed by the dismissal of two more members by the newly elected
President on 15 July 2024. While the President appointed all three of his nominees on 16 July 2024,
Parliament appointed two members in April 2024 and March 2025, one post remains vacant. Association of
Judges (2025), written input, p. 7.
23
See 2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 6.
24
The Court of Justice of the European Union has recalled, as regards the process for appointing members of
the judiciary, for a Council of the Judiciary to contribute to rendering that process more objective, it is
necessary that such a body should itself be sufficiently independent of the legislature, the executive and the
authority to which it is required to submit an opinion on the assessment of candidates for a judicial post
(judgment of the CJEU, C-896/19, Repubblika, para. 66).
25
Decision of the Judicial Council 212/2014 of 18 June 2024, to promote and implement recommendations set
out in the Report on the Code of Conduct for Members of Judicial Councils and the recommendations of the
Compendium of the European Network of Judicial Councils on Judicial Councils.
26
CJEU, joined cases C-313/23, C-316/23 and C-332/23, para. 87 et seq.
7
for independence as regards the dismissal of members of the Judicial Council, there has been
overall no progress on the implementation of this recommendation.
While amendments to the criminal codes introduced last year clarified some procedural
aspects regarding criminal liability for judicial decisions and the Government indicated
openness for further legislative action, there is still a need to make further progress on
introducing sufficient safeguards27. Under this crime, judges may be prosecuted for an
arbitrary decision causing damage to or bestowing a favour on another person28
. Upon the
concerned judge’s request, the Judicial Council can dissent with the prosecution of the judge
for this criminal offence by a vote of at least ten of its members29
. This safeguard mechanism
was applied in 2024 with the Judicial Council’s dissent with the prosecution in three criminal
proceedings30
. Amendments to the criminal codes, adopted in 2024, clarified the moment
from which the judge can file such a request, which can now be before the decision on
indictment enters into effect. A 60 day time-limit for a judge’s right to request a vote to
dissent with the prosecution from the moment of delivery of a decision on indictment was
introduced31
. The vast majority of crime reports filed against judges have so far been
dismissed at early stages of proceedings. Besides creating administrative workload, in the
absence of clarity and of sufficient safeguards, the provision is prone to potential misuse,
creating a chilling effect on the independent exercise of the judges’ decision-making32
. The
existence of criminal proceedings against a judge is also relevant for the vetting procedure33
.
The need for further safeguards was also raised by the stakeholders34
. The Slovak authorities
are engaged in dialogue with the European Commission and the Council of Europe to address
this issue, and showed openness for further revising the law to either abolish the criminal
offence of ‘abuse of law’ or to introduce safeguards. However, as a legislative proposal is
still in the consultation process, only limited progress has been made on this
recommendation.
The power of the Prosecutor General to annul final decisions of lower-ranking
prosecutors, now combined with the new prosecutorial framework, remains a concern35.
The Prosecutor General can issue instructions at any stage of the proceedings, even before a
final decision is taken by investigators and prosecutors. Combined with the new prosecutorial
framework, this broadens his scope of areas of competence. No legislative steps have so far
been taken to revise Section 363 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which gives the Prosecutor
27
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Slovakia to ‘ensure that sufficient safeguards are in place and
duly observed when subjecting judges to criminal liability for the crime of “abuse of law” as regards their
judicial decisions’.
28
Section 326a of the Slovak Criminal Code.
29
2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 8.
30
Country visit Slovakia, Judicial Council. Slovak Government (2025) additional written input.
31
Amendments to the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code of 8 February 2024.
32
2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, pp. 7, 8. Country visit Slovakia, Association of Judges, Judicial
Council.
33
Vetting procedure of a judge is initiated every time when there is a promotion of a judge to a higher court,
but also by the decision of the Judicial Council if a majority agrees (i.e. more than 9), Act on the Judicial
Council. Information received by the Association of Judges.
34
Country visit Slovakia, Judicial Council and Association of Judges. Association of Judges (2025), written
input, p. 7.
35
See in this context also pillar II.
8
General power to annul final decisions of lower-ranking prosecutors or the police36
, though it
may be revisited in the planned re-codification exercise in 2025-2026. While instructions not
to prosecute are prohibited by law, Article 6(10) of the Act on Prosecutors still makes it
possible for the immediate superior to remove a case from the subordinated prosecutor and
decide on it. Additionally, the Serious Crime Unit, which was established after the dissolution
of the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPO), does not benefit from the same level of autonomy
as the previous SPO. The allocation of cases among the Regional Prosecutor’s Offices and
the Serious Crime Unit is conducted on an ad hoc basis without objective criteria.
Quality
There are plans to address some challenges reported by stakeholders related to the
implementation of the judicial map reformed in 2023. The reformed judicial map,
including the new separate system of administrative courts, is in place since 1 June 2023. The
reform is part of Slovakia’s commitments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan and aims
at improving the efficiency and quality of the justice system37
. The administrative courts of
first instance are reported to function well, with the expectations for the efficiency to
continuously increase in the coming years38
. Various authorities and stakeholders, including
the Ministry of Justice, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Judicial Council, the Association
of Judges and the Slovak Bar Association, have reported on difficulties encountered in its
implementation, particularly due to the low number of judges available for the required
specialisation at certain courts and the need for requalification of a high number of judges,
which lead to delays in proceedings. Stakeholders also pointed to the fact that the
reorganisation created logistical difficulties, as some courts now operate across multiple
locations, requiring participants – including prosecutors – to travel significant distances,
including to different cities39
. The Ministry of Justice introduced amendments to address
some of the practical issues40
.
A reform extends the access to free legal aid to a wider group of society, while
digitalisation efforts are ongoing. The reform of the system of legal aid entered into force
on [1 July 2025]. Access to free legal aid is extended by raising the income threshold for
eligibility, broadening the categories of eligible individuals, allowing for the waiver of fees
for preliminary consultations, and lowering the minimum value required for a dispute to
qualify41
. They also aim at decreasing the administrative burden within the proceedings on
the provision of free legal aid42
. In December 2024, Slovakia launched a new platform for the
Business Register, introducing new electronic services, namely as regards the registration and
36
In 2024, the Prosecutor General exercised his power under Section 363 in 97 cases, of which less than half
had a direct impact on the resolution to bring charges. Some criminal proceedings were also re-opened by
annulling decisions to discontinue criminal proceedings. Slovak Government (2025), written input, p. 33,
and additional written input, respectively.
37
For detailed description of the reform, see 2023 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, pp. 3-4.
38
Country visit Slovakia, Supreme Administrative Court.
39
Association of Judges (2025), written input, p. 8.
40
The amendments are proposed in the context of the amendments to the judges’ laws. Explanatory
memorandum to the Government Bill amending Act. No. 385/2000 Coll. The two aspects proposed to be
amended relate to budgetary chapter and that it will now be sufficient for a district court to have two instead
of three specialised judges in order to create a territorial district for its workplace.
41
Amendments to the Act on the provision of legal aid to persons in material need and several related acts.
42
Explanatory note to the amendments to the Act on the provision of legal aid to persons in material need.
9
changes of data43
. Work on the interconnection of the information systems of the police and
the prosecution service is still ongoing and the development of a new digital court
management system remains in the public procurement phase44
.
Efficiency
The justice system continues to face challenges as regards its efficiency, particularly in
administrative cases. The estimated time for resolving civil and commercial cases at first
instance increased slightly to 173 days in 2023 (168 days in 2022). In first instance criminal
courts, the money laundering offences were resolved in 2023 in 791 days on average
(significantly longer than 520 days on average in 2022)45
. However, despite the
reorganisation of the judicial map and the establishment of a dedicated administrative court
system, the efficiency of administrative courts has significantly deteriorated. The estimated
time for resolving administrative cases at first instance rose sharply from 648 days in 2022 to
1 040 days in 2023, making it one of the highest in the EU. Additionally, the clearance rate
for administrative cases dropped from 93% in 2022 to 74% in 2023, indicating that courts
were resolving considerably fewer cases than the number of incoming cases. Lengthy
administrative proceedings have been identified by stakeholders in Slovakia as an obstacle
for businesses, as it impacts on the process of obtaining the necessary permits and
approvals46
. This deterioration may be due to the initial implementation phase of the
reorganisation of the judicial map and the establishment of a dedicated administrative court
system, which was expected to cause temporary delays.
II. ANTI-CORRUPTION FRAMEWORK
The perception among experts, citizens and business executives is that the level of
corruption in the public sector is high. In the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index by
Transparency International, Slovakia scores 49/100 and ranks 22nd
in the European Union and
59 globally47
. After several consecutive years of improvement, this perception is where it was
five years ago48
. The 2025 Special Eurobarometer on Corruption shows that 78% of
respondents consider corruption widespread in their country (EU average 69) and 31% of
respondents feel personally affected by corruption in their daily lives (EU average 30). As
regards businesses, 85% of companies consider that corruption is widespread (EU average
63%) and 64% consider that corruption is a problem when doing business (EU average 35).
Furthermore, 26% of respondents find that there are enough successful prosecutions to deter
people from corrupt practices (EU average 36), while 10% of companies believe that people
43
Slovak Government (2025), written input, p. 28. The focus was on streamlining and developing existing
information systems, e.g. Business Register. Work was done also on other already existing information
systems.
44
Slovak Government (2025), written input, pp. 29-31. The envisaged finalisation is in November 2027.
Country visit Slovakia, Ministry of Justice.
45
Figure 21, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
46
Country visit Slovakia, the Rule of Law Initiative.
47
The level of perceived corruption is categorised as follows: low (above 79); relatively low (between 79-60),
relatively high (between 59-50), high (below 50).
48
In 2020, the score was 49, while in 2024, the score is 49. The score significantly increases/decreases when it
changes more than five points; improves/deteriorates (changes between 4-5 points) and is relatively stable
(changes from 1-3 points) in the last five years. For Slovakia, the situation has overall worsened: In 2021, it
went up to 52, in 2022 up to 53, in 2023 up to 54.
10
and businesses caught for bribing a senior official are appropriately punished (EU average
33)49
.
A new National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024-2029 and related Action Plan are in
preparation50
. The strategy will include measures on corruption risk management and will
support integrity in public administration51
. The action plan will focus on capacity building,
education, corruption risk management, and data collection for monitoring. The submission
of the strategy to the Government for intergovernmental consultation is planned to take place
soon in 2025.
Whereas adjustments have been made to ensure the protection of the EU’s financial
interests and the Slovak government has engaged actively to this end, with the entry
into force of the criminal law reform of 2024, previously identified risks appear to have
to a certain extent materialised. The amendments reported on last year, notably relating to
the statute of limitation periods and sanctions for corruption offences52
, impacted on several
ongoing corruption investigations and prosecutions53
, including of high-level officials,
politicians and businessmen closely affiliated to politics. Some cases, including several high-
level corruption cases, were irretrievably affected due to the introduction of more lenient
sanctions (lex mitior), with no opportunity to reopen the cases on the basis of the same
evidence (ne bis in idem). The effective seizure of assets acquired through criminal activity
was also negatively affected54
. Concerns had previously been raised regarding the
effectiveness and deterrence of reduced corruption sanctions, the shortened statute of
limitation periods, and their alignment with the PIF Directive55
. Several additional
amendments were adopted in the second half of 2024 to address the PIF Directive-related
concerns. These amendments aim at guaranteeing that the EU’s financial interests remain
protected, ensuring that the EPPO is fully enabled to pursue at least fraud and corruption
affecting the EU budget.
There has been no progress on the recommendation on investigating and prosecuting
high-level corruption with a view to establishing a robust track record56. In 2024, the
49
Data from Special Eurobarometer 561 (2025) and Flash Eurobarometer 557 (2025).
50
Adopting a new strategy is a commitment in the Government Programme Statement of 2023.
51
For the annual monitoring of sectoral anti-corruption measures of the individual ministries, most of the
ministries have provided ex-post information to the Government Office by mid-2024, not reporting however
against measurable indicators. The Council of Anti-Corruption Coordinators, who are placed in all
ministries, continued to serve as an advisory body for the Head of the Government Office.
52
2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, pp. 4 et seq., and 13-14 et seq.
53
According to data collected by some stakeholders, the amendments may have affected the prosecution of at
least 1 324 individuals, with 446 convicted persons released from prison. Zastavme Korupciu (2025), written
input, p. 2. Official data reported by the government show that, in the period from 6 August to 31 December
2024, 104 prosecutions stopped due to statutes of limitations; 252 stopped as the act is no longer a criminal
offence; 831 cases transferred to misdemeanour or disciplinary proceedings due to reclassification of the
criminal act.
54
In some specific cases, the accused’s property acquired by criminal conduct remained seized, Slovak
Government (2025), written input, p. 69. On systemic weaknesses of the Asset Management Office,
Supreme Audit Office report (2025).
55
For more details, see above in pillar 1.
56
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Slovakia to ’[e]nsure the effective and independent
investigation and prosecution of high-level corruption cases with a view to establishing a robust track record,
including by preventing any undue interference in such cases and by restricting the use of the Prosecutor -
General’s powers to annul final investigatory and prosecutorial decisions.” Similarly, European Semester,
11
Prosecutor General continued to use his powers to annul those final police and prosecutor
decisions deemed to be illegal57
, which has resulted in the closure of investigations, including
as regards several high-profile defendants. The Prosecutor General is now also able to
reassign high-level corruption cases formerly in the competence of the Special Prosecutor’s
Office (SPO) and give direct instructions to the previously more autonomous SPO
prosecutors at all stages of the investigation58
. At the same time, the reassignment of former
SPO prosecutors to other priorities than corruption, risks leading to delays in practice in the
prosecution of complex and high-level corruption cases in a situation where criminal
proceedings are generally already lengthy. Government statistics show a drop of corruption
cases being investigated59
and prosecuted60
in the second half of 2024, partly also do to
organisational changes following the dissolution of the specialised police and prosecution
agencies61
. The split of NAKA’s exclusive corruption competence among several general
police entities at different levels may carry risks of less effective investigations62
. The newly
created central Bureau for Combating Crime (UBOK) has competence to investigate a
number of crimes unrelated to corruption, but focuses primarily on the investigation of the
most serious corruption crimes63
. Other corruption cases are transferred to various lower-
level police departments64
. Several stakeholders and the EPPO highlight significant shortages
of specialised corruption investigators and financial analysts, even for the central police65
.
Slovakia (2024) recommends ‘that adequate safeguards for the effective investigation and prosecution of
high-level corruption cases are in place.’
57
See Independence section, above; some criminal proceedings were also re-opened. The Prosecutor General
issued resolutions to annul corruption accusations in five cases, in response to his serious investigative
conclusions on fundamental deficiencies in the concept of the factual sentence of the resolution to bring
charges, on the selective evaluation of the results of the evidence, on the failure to deal with the negative
condition of criminal prosecution in the form of its statute of limitations, or on the basis of the criminal
prosecution of a specific person on evidence obtained in violation of the Criminal Procedure Code, as
reported by the Government. See also Slovak Government (2025), written input, p. 34.
58
2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 17.
59
The Ministry of Interior recorded 149 new corruption cases (241 in 2023): 93 at NAKA (January-August),
and 56 at UBOK (August-December). Slovak Government (2025), written input, p. 63. Enforcement levels
of foreign bribery remain low. The Government Programme contains a commitment to develop a public
police information system with up-to-date crime statistics. Currently, less analytical data is provided to the
public and policymakers, with analytical units closed at the Ministry of Justice, of Defence, of Culture, and
of Finance.
60
In 2024, 137 were registered for criminal prosecution (in 2023, 160). According to the Slovak Government
(2024), written input, pp. 63-66, the decrease in the number is not related to the activities of the prosecutor's
office, but to the police, referencing also the significant organisational changes within the Police Presidium,
both in terms of investigators and operatives. This transitional period may reflect the temporary decrease in
the number of criminal cases.
61
Slovak Government (2025), p. 68. See also Zastavme Korupciu (2025), written input, pp. 1. See also 2024
Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 13.
62
Order of Police Force President (27 August 2024) on competence as governed by Regulation No. 175/2010,
introduced “selective competence”.
63
Following the Criminal Code reform, fewer cases qualified as serious (corruption) crimes. UBOK also has
less autonomy and less specialisation compared to NAKA. Slovak Government (2025), written input, pp. 41
et seq.
64
The Government reports that since 1 June 2025, Regulation No. 56 (27 May 2025) as a non-public police
internal order on activities in detecting crimes and on the procedure in criminal proceedings is in place,
following Regulation No. 175 (30 December 2010) which introduced the ‘selective competence’ of the new
UBOK. See also, Council of Europe (2001), p. 8; UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials.
65
The Recovery and Resilience Plan includes corruption trainings only for NAKA, see component 16. Ca. 100
officers were reassigned to regional or local district, Slovak Government (2025x), p. 43. EPPO (2025),
12
Operational questions remain on the coordination and effectiveness of interlinked corruption
and organised crime investigations, which are now in the competence of separate entities66
.
The effectiveness of police investigations continues to be hampered by the lack of a central
electronic information exchange system and central access to databases67
. Against this
background, there has been no progress on the recommendation made in the previous years.
While the whistleblower protection framework remained in place, low reporting and
reduced institutional cooperation impact its effectiveness. The Ministry of Interior ran
internal and social media awareness raising campaigns to promote the whistleblower
protection framework in 202468
. Reporting remains however low, especially in areas where
the private sector engages with the state69
. The processing of whistleblower reports in
practice by the police is negatively affected by the dissolution of NAKA, with risks of delays
in handling corruption reports and a reported lack of clarity as to which police entity is
dealing with reports previously submitted to NAKA70
. In a decision of 23 October 2024, the
Whistleblower Office found that the Ministry of Interior had violated the law by not
consulting the Whistleblower Office before it suspended, as previously reported, ten anti-
corruption investigators who had the status of protected whistleblowers and imposed on the
Ministry a EUR 90 000 fine71
. The Ministry of the Interior disagreed with the fine and court
proceedings are currently ongoing in the matter72
. Several amongst the NAKA anti-
corruption investigators concerned appealed against the Ministry’s suspension decisions
(cases pending at first instance). This context impacted the interinstitutional cooperation
between Government entities and the Whistleblower Protection Office73
.
There has been no progress to regulate lobbying activities74. Lobbying in Slovakia
remains unregulated. In its Programme Statement, the Government committed to propose
legislation to regulate the contacts of public officials with persons representing the interests
of individuals or organisations to strengthen transparency in the decision-making process75
.
In December 2024, members of Parliament from the government coalition submitted to
written input, p. 56: Due to institutional changes and retirements, a considerable number of experienced,
specialised investigators have left the police.
66
The reintroduced line-unit management per individual crime topic was abolished after the Jan Kuciak
murder and replaced by a cross-crime, regional approach to allow for holistic investigations of interlinked
crimes.
67
Tax data can only be requested causing delays in investigations, 2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 20.
68
Country visit Slovakia, Ministry of Interior.
69
High-risk corruption areas in this context are in particular bribes from entrepreneurs to public officials for
the provision of subsidies, non-refundable financial contributions, and lucrative contracts, among others. See
also 2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 22.
70
Country visit Slovakia, Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers. In law, the handling of corruption
reports is defined in section 196 Criminal Procedure Code and a new police internal order (Regulation No.
56 of 27 May 2025, in force since 1 June 2025).
71
Decision UOO-453/2024, No 4806/2024. The decision is final but subject to administrative review. 2024
Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 21.
72
The Ministry of Interior pointed out that the mentioned investigators were, however, accused of criminal
activity, and according to the law, a police officer must be temporarily suspended from state service if his
continuing service endangered an important interest of the state service or the course of clarifying their
conduct, and that there is reasonable suspicion that they had allegedly committed a criminal offense (section
46 (1) of Act No. 73/1998 Coll.).
73
Country visit Slovakia, Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers. See also the Office for the Protection of
Whistleblowers (2025).
74
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Slovakia to “introduce proposals to regulate lobbying […].”
75
Slovak Government (2023c).
13
Parliament different amendments to the legislation on non-governmental organisations
(NGOs), first to increase transparency of foreign-funded NGOs76
and, at a later stage, to
regulate NGO lobbying activities77
. The amendments raised public criticism for their
exclusive scope on lobbying by NGOs78
and for failing to take into account international and
European standards on lobbying79
. These amendments were ultimately withdrawn80
. The
Ministry of Interior reports to have begun drafting a lobbying regulation law and first expert
consultations have taken place with representatives from the Government, Parliament, non-
governmental and academic sectors, and the European Commission81
. Overall, initial steps
have been taken, but since no legislation is proposed, there has been no progress yet on the
recommendation.
There has been some progress to reform Slovakia’s conflicts of interest rules82. Conflicts
of interest rules remain fragmented with some aspects being regulated in sectoral acts, ethical
codes and guidelines for judges, prosecutors and members of the financial administrations83
.
For high-level public officials, some regulations are in place84
. In 2024, the Government
Office in cooperation with the Council of Anti-Corruption Coordinators prepared a draft
Code of Conduct for persons in high executive Government functions, which it expects to
present in July 202585
. No such Code of Conduct currently exists for members of
Parliament86
. While some general post-employment restrictions exist to prevent conflict of
76
Amendments were proposed for: Act on non-profit organisations providing generally beneficial services, Act
on foundations; Act on non-investment funds; Act on associations of citizens; Act on the conditions of
activity of organisations with an international element in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic; and Act on
the Registry of Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organisations.
77
The amendments were supported by the Government, see Opinion of the Government Office on the proposal
to regulate lobbying in the National Council (2024). Slovak Government (2024); (2025), written input, p. 54.
78
Council of Europe (2025); Via Iuris (2024a).
79
Council of Europe (2017); OECD (2024). The amendments lacked comprehensive legal definitions for all
interest representatives regardless of their nature and legal status, as recommended also by European
Parliament (2024a) resolution of 17 January 2024 on transparency and accountability of NGOs funded by
the EU budget (2023/2122(INI). Similarly, the European Commission (2023) proposal for a Directive on
interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries. They also did not provide for definitions of
lobby activities and targets, effective sanctions for undue lobbying, a mandatory transparency register or a
legislative footprint.
80
On 16 April 2025, Parliament ultimately adopted a law which concerns financial transparency of NGOs. See
pillar IV below for details on this law.
81
Ministry of Interior (2025).
82
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Slovakia to’[s]trengthen the legislation on conflicts of interest
[…]’ for members of Parliament, judges, prosecutors, public officials, and civil servants.
83
See, for public officials, Constitutional Act no. 357/2004; for civil servants, Act no. 55/2017; for the police,
Act no. 73/1998; for judges, see Act no. 385/2000. Detailed recommendations, including on expanding the
definition of conflicts of interest and the scope of incompatibilities also in UNCAC (2023), p. 10.
84
The Constitutional Act No. 357/2004 Coll. applies to the president, members of Parliament and Government,
heads of central state administration bodies, state secretaries, general secretaries. The Code of Ethics for
Civil Servants is not obligatory for all ministries and central authorities as to vulnerable high-level positions.
A methodology to identify positions at risk is provided for by the Government Office, but it is not
mandatory, while institutions identify their own risks in their own way. See 2024 Rule of Law Report,
Slovakia, p. 24.
85
Aimed at covering Government members, heads of Cabinets, political advisors and secretaries of state. See
Government commitment, Slovak Government (2023).
86
UNCAC (2023), p. 4. Cf. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 23.
14
interests, specific regulations on revolving doors for high level officials are not
comprehensively in place87
. There has therefore been some progress on the recommendation.
There was no progress to strengthen Slovakia’s asset declaration system, whereas
restrictions to public access to asset disclosures are being considered88. The system of
asset declarations for members of Parliament, judges, prosecutors, public officials, and civil
servants remains decentralised and fragmented89
. The Government reports current budgetary
constraints for not yet having advanced further on the commitment to introduce single rules
for all public officials’ asset declarations and an electronic submission system90
. In view of
security concerns, the Government is considering restricting access to currently publicly
available asset declarations system, including access upon request only91
, reducing
transparency and monitoring opportunities. Therefore, there has been no progress on the
recommendation.
Amendments to the political party finance law are at an initial stage with a draft law
submitted for public and inter-ministerial consultation92
. The Government intends to
modify the main law regulating the financing of political parties to ensure that public funds
earmarked for political party operations are used exclusively for this purpose93
. Since such a
new legal obligation would be open to legitimate and independent audit controls, it carries the
risk of excessive access by the Government to information on the internal operations of
political parties, when comprehensive transparency requirements on political parties’ finances
are already in place94
. The reform is envisaged for the end of 2025. For these purposes, a
proposal has been put forward by the Ministry of Interior for an inter-ministerial consultation
procedure on 30 June 2025 and a public consultation has been launched95
. As to campaign
finance, stakeholders continue to flag the lack of effective control, enforcement and
oversight, including due to political appointments96
. Also for 2024, incidents of
87
They are partially covered under Constitutional Act no. 357/2004 Coll. but not covering all top executives.
Slovak Government (2025), written input, p. 53. See also GRECO (2024), recommendation ix, p. 5, paras.
24-27, on the introduction, proper monitoring and enforcement of a Code of Conduct for persons with top
executive functions (i.e. ministers, states secretaries, political advisors and senior civil servants closely
associated with decision-making).
88
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Slovakia to “[s]trengthen the legislation on […] asset
declarations.”
89
There are eight different norms in legislations for different categories of obliged persons, all requiring
different information and disclosure levels. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 24, reported since 2021.
90
Country visit Slovakia, Government Office. Slovak Government Programme Statement (2023). An
electronic asset declaration system would necessitate several amendments, including the Constitutional Act
No. 357/2004 Coll., requiring a 3/5 parliamentary majority. Two Government studies have been conducted
since 2021, see 2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, pp. 24-25.
91
Slovak Government (2025), written input, p. 55. Legislative amendments are also planned for the Cadastral
Act, restricting access to cadastre real estate ownership information by mandatory authentication obligations.
92
Act No. 85/2005 Coll., on Political Parties and Movements, largely reflecting GRECO recommendations.
Donations to political parties of up to EUR 300 000 per calendar year are permitted, while donations from
foreign entities and anonymous donors are banned. Failure to comply can result in a fine by the State
Commission on Election in the amount of double the income from the donation or the gratuitous service.
93
Slovak Government (2023).
94
Parties are already required to report their finances annually to the State Commission for Elections and
Control of Funding for Political Parties. The publicly available reports are overseen by Parliament and must
reveal financial information on election campaigns and donors’ identity (section 22(5) Act on political
parties and political movements).
95
Slovak Government (2024), p. 16.
96
Decision of the Bratislava District Office. Transparency International (2024a).
15
circumvention of the transparency obligation in party campaign finance have been reported97
,
with non-transparent campaign funding channelled through party-affiliated companies98
.
Legislative amendments to prevent corruption in agriculture are still ongoing99
. Overall,
agriculture continues to rank among Slovakia’s high-risk corruption and fraud areas100
. The
criminal proceedings covering significant fraud, bribery and money laundering associated to
EU funding from the Agricultural Paying Agency are still being heard at court101
. The
practice of publishing lease contracts signed by the Land Fund has increased transparency
allowing to monitor free and leased land. This progress is counterbalanced against the
inoperability of the systems to geolocate leased parcels and to link lease contracts with the
cadastre.
New public procurement rules lower requirements and safeguards, while corruption
presents a high risk for businesses. The Flash Eurobarometer on Businesses’ attitudes
towards corruption in the EU shows that 49% of companies in Slovakia (EU average 25%)
think that corruption has prevented them from winning a public tender or a public
procurement contract in practice in the last three years102
. Companies report that there are
increasing levels of businesses’ dissatisfaction for the perceived lack of prosecution of
corruption by the competent authorities as one of the main factors, as well as an overall
worsening of the business climate, including a negative trend of the economic policy
conditions impacting their operations103
. The Single Market and Competitiveness Scoreboard
on access to public procurement in Slovakia reports 33% of single bids for 2023 (EU average
29%). Amendments to the Public Procurement Act and the related law on emergency
measures for strategic investments have been adopted to simplify public procurement rules104
.
However, by excluding in practice approximately half of the tenders from the scope of the
Public Procurement Act, and thus from the reach of criminal law, they risk undermining
effective corruption prevention and oversight105
. The lack of prior publication requirements
for the tender notice raises concerns about transparency106
, and as such about effective
97
Country visit Slovakia, Zastavme Korupciu/ Transparency International. Also Dennik N. (2024b).
98
Supreme Audit Office (2024b) stating that finances entering party budgets through fictitious donors
undermine democratic principles. The National State Commission for Elections considered that legislation
(section 15 Electoral Campaign Act) is in principle satisfactory, see also 2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia,
p. 26.
99
Amendments to the Act on Land Modifications, Arrangement of Land Ownership, Land Offices, Land Fund
and Land Communities; the Act on the lease of agricultural land, agricultural enterprise and forest land; to
Government Regulation on the conditions of lease, sale, exchange, and acquisition of real estate by the Land
Fund.
100
In 2024, the EU Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) concluded extensive casework on agricultural payments. Since
2019, OLAF issued financial and administrative recommendations to correct EU budget fraud and
irregularities and to highlight weaknesses in the administration, monitoring and control of the relevant funds.
101
NAKA detained several high-ranking Land Fund officials allegedly involved in corruption schemes between
2016 and 2020, see 2024 Rule of Law Report, p. 26.
102
Flash Eurobarometer 557 on Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2025). This is 24
percentage points above the EU average.
103
Country visit, Rule of Law Initiative/ National Union Employers/ American Chamber of Commerce,
reporting that companies consider moving abroad due to worsened business environment.
104
Act No. 179/2024 Coll., amending Act No. 343/2015 Coll., on public procurement, and Act No. 142/2024
Coll., Extraordinary Measures for Strategic Investments and for the Construction of the Trans-European
Transport Network.
105
Contracts with a value up to EUR 50 000 are now excluded. 2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 28.
106
Authorities would only be obliged to publish contracts awards ex-post. Zastavme korupciu (2024). Country
visit Slovakia, Transparency International. For tender data, OpenTender Slovakia, https://opentender.eu/sk.
16
safeguards against corruption and favouritism that risk impacting a fair and competitive
market. While only 31 % of companies perceive the level of independence of the public
procurement review body (the Public Procurement Office) as very or fairly good107
, the law
on strategic investments has raised questions as to the Public Procurement Office’s
independence and effective controls, as previously reported108
. Government procurement in
the infrastructure, construction, IT and health sectors feature amongst the highest corruption
prone areas in Slovakia109
, providing for an uncertain business and investment environment.
According to stakeholders, the two new pieces of legislation do not address the challenges
observed in practice, such as the systemic misuse of tenders and the level of professional
expertise affecting the quality of public tenders110
.
III. MEDIA PLURALISM AND MEDIA FREEDOM
Draft amendments to the Media Services Act aims to expand the competences of the
national regulator. The draft Media Services Act seeks to align Slovak legislation with the
European Media Freedom Act. It would expand the competences of the regulator, update the
rules on ownership transparency, introduce rules on the allocation of state advertising and
adapt the obligations of providers of audience measurement systems. Under Chapter 12 of the
Media Services Act, the Council for Media Services performs a market analysis of the media
landscape with a view to assessing risk of disruption to media plurality. It can withhold its
consent to a market operation if it concludes that a particular operation would lead to a
‘decisive interference’ with media plurality in the country. Based on the current situation, the
Media Pluralism Monitor 2025 considers the independence of the regulator and the allocation
of state advertising to be areas presenting, respectively, very low and low risk111
.
There has been no progress on the recommendation to enhance the autonomy of public
service media112. Following the entry into force, in July 2024, of the Act on Slovak
Television and Radio (STVR), which dissolved the previous entity, some stakeholders
continue to raise concerns about the implications for the independence of the public service
broadcaster113
. Under the Act on STVR, five Council members are elected and may be
dismissed by Parliament following nominations made by a parliamentary Committee for
Culture and Media, while four members are now appointed and may be dismissed by the
Minister for Culture (one of whom is proposed by the Minister for Finance). According to the
new law, the Director-General of STVR is elected directly by the STVR Council. The Act
establishes the professional requirements and qualifications of its members and establishes an
107
Figure 59, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
108
2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 28. This is due to the newly created possibilities to exert direct
political influence over large-scale investment procurements through the creation of a new post of Vice-
Director in charge of such specific procurements.
109
Country visit Slovakia, Government, Transparency International, Zastavme Korupciu. The Ministry of
Finance’s Value for Money Unit will no longer assess all strategic assessments. For projects that are
designated as strategic by the cabinet, accelerated procedures will apply. Euractiv (2024b). Country visit
Slovakia, Rule of Law Initiative/ National Union of Employers/ American Chamber of Commerce,
highlighting that, according to data, the same firms tend to win state procured contracts.
110
See 25 CSOs (2024).
111
Media Pluralism Monitor (2025), pp. 15 and 26.
112
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Slovakia to ’[s]trengthen the rules and mechanisms to restore
and further safeguard the independent governance and editorial independence of public service media taking
into account European standards on public service media.’
113
International Press Institute (IPI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), written input, and ECPMF (2024).
17
advisory Ethics Commission whose task is to ensure adherence of all employees and
collaborators of STVR with a statute drawn up by this body. It may issue non-binding
opinions and recommendations subject to approval by the Council. Funding for STVR is
pegged by the Act to a specific amount which is guaranteed independently from political
decisions. The Media Pluralism Monitor 2025 concludes that these developments taken
together represent increased politicisation and a regression in the overall independence of the
public service broadcaster, confirming its high-risk analysis for this area114
. Overall, no
progress has been made on the recommendation.
The Freedom of Information Act has been amended, raising criticism from stakeholders
as regards potential restrictions115. These amendments, which came into force in March
2025, provide that fees may be charged for certain access to information requests, namely in
the case of ‘exceptionally extensive searches for information’116
. Stakeholders have pointed
out that the amendment lacks clear definitions, raising concerns in relation to the discretion
left to officials and the possibility of erecting paywalls in relation to critical information. The
standard time limit established for responding to citizens’ requests has been extended from 8
to 12 days. The amendments have been challenged before the Constitutional Court by the
Public Defender of Rights and a group of MPs. The Court has suspended the application of
the said provisions until a final decision is pronounced117
. The Media Pluralism Monitor
nonetheless still considers this to be an area presenting low risk overall118
.
There has been no further progress to improve the safety of journalists119. The
Government has confirmed that previous plans to amend the Criminal Code to reform the
institute of defamation, and the Constitution to introduce additional guarantees for media
freedom, have been abandoned120
. The Platform for the Support of Press Freedom and the
Protection of Journalists established by the Government in 2023 and bringing together
representatives from ministries, the police, other public institutions, journalists, media owner
associations and self-regulatory bodies has not been operational, due to disagreements among
the representatives121
. A separate independent platform dedicated to the safety of journalists
in Slovakia published its second report in 2024, documenting various forms of attacks and
intimidation of journalists122
. A website established by the Ministry of Culture provides
information on SLAPPs including information on defences under civil procedural law and a
focal point123
. Since July 2024, the Council of Europe’s Platform to promote the protection of
journalism and safety of journalists published five new alerts which relate, respectively, to
the Prime Minister lodging a SLAPP-like case against an author and publisher; the PM’s
114
Media Pluralism Monitor (2025), pp. 13-14.
115
Act No 401/2024 Coll., amending Act No 211/2000 Coll., Freedom of Information Act.
116
According to the Government, the amendment was inspired by the Czech Act on Free Access to Information.
According to the explanatory memorandum, the amendments intend to introduce a mechanism that will
enable obliged persons to manage the process of providing information more efficiently and to ensure
reimbursement of the costs associated with the extensive search and disclosure of information.
117
Decision No. PL. ÚS 6/2025 of 12 March 2025.
118
Media Pluralism Monitor (2025), pp. 26-27.
119
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Slovakia to “[a]dvance with the process to establish legislative
and other safeguards to improve the physical safety and working environment of journalists, including the
reform of defamation law, taking into account the European standards on the protection of journalists.”
120
Country visit Slovakia, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Justice.
121
Country visit Slovakia, Jan Kuciak Investigative Centre.
122
ICJK (2025).
123
Ministry of Culture (2025).
18
harsh criticism of journalists at a press conference; the attack on a journalist while on
assignment; an injunction against a news outlet and concern over a proposed bill on the right
of reply124
. Stakeholders point out that the environment for journalists has been rendered
increasingly hostile with an increase of verbal attacks125
. The 2024 Mapping Media Freedom
monitoring report flags thirteen new alerts which include other cases of politicians singling
out media outlets, verbal threats and harassment of journalists, and concerns in relation to the
possible establishment of specialised tribunal to hear cases against journalists and media
outlets126
. Referring to the increase in threats, intimidation and physical attacks on journalists
and challenging work conditions overall, the Media Pluralism Monitor 2025 concludes that
this remains an area presenting medium-high risk127
. Overall, there has been no progress on
the recommendation in relation to improving the safety of journalists and their working
environment.
IV. OTHER INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES RELATED TO CHECKS AND BALANCES
There has been no progress on the recommendation to ensure effective public
consultation, including by avoiding excessive fast-track procedure in the law-making
process128. Last year’s Rule of Law Report noted the lack of systematic involvement of
stakeholders in the legislative process, as well as frequent use of the fast-track legislative
procedure129
. Whereas the Government adopted new Legislative Rules of the Government to
align it with the rules of Parliament and strengthening the role of local governments in the
legislative process130
, which is a positive development, lack of effective public participation,
including in accelerated procedures, and the use of such accelerated procedures remain an
issue. In 2024, 58 of the 131 laws enacted were adopted under circumstances that limited
public participation131
. Out of these 58 laws, 28 were adopted in fast-track procedure132
and
30 were adopted based on a proposal of a member of Parliament, which requires a more
limited consultation process133
. Stakeholders reported that in numerous cases, they have no
means to effectively express their views in the law-making process134
. Stakeholders also
report that this lack of consultation of key stakeholders extends to significant pieces of
124
Council of Europe, Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists (2025).
125
International Press Institute (IPI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) (2025), written input, and ECPMF
(2024).
126
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (2025).
127
Media Pluralism Monitor (2025), pp. 14-15.
128
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Slovakia to “[e]nsure effective public consultation and
stakeholder involvement in the law-making process, including by avoiding excessive use of the fast-track
procedure.”
129
2024 Rule of Law Report, Slovakia, p. 3.
130
Slovak Government (2025), written input, pp. 84 et seq. Government Resolution No. 561 of 25 September
2024.
131
Parliament (2024); Country visit Slovakia, Public Defender of Rights.
132
Parliament (2024).
133
While the initiation of the legislative process by a member of Parliament is not contested, the overuse of
such procedure results in limiting stakeholder consultation, which can lead to less transparent and inclusive
laws. Such practices were used for example for the introduction of important amendments to the Act on
NGOs.
134
Country visit Slovakia, Via Iuris, Zastavme korupciu, Transparency International, Slovak National Centre
for Human Rights, the Public Defender of Rights, American Chamber of Commerce, and Republiková únia
zamestnávateľov.
19
legislation135
, and note a lack of substantial justification for the use of the fast-track
procedure136
. Overall, there has been no progress on the recommendation.
Discussions on amendments to the constitution, which could raise certain concerns
related to the principle of primacy of EU law, were postponed. On 9 April 2025,
Parliament adopted, in the first reading, a Government proposal to amend the Slovak
Constitution. The amendments introduce, among others, provisions which, if adopted, could
raise certain concerns related to the principle of primacy of EU law137
. Discussions in
Parliament have been postponed. The Commission has been engaging in an intensive
dialogue with the Slovak authorities since the initial drafts, communicating its position and
recommending reconsidering their adoption.
Less than half of the companies surveyed in Slovakia express high levels of confidence
in the effectiveness of investment protection. 36% of companies are very or fairly confident
that investments are protected by law and courts138
. The main reason among companies for
their lack of confidence is the unpredictable, non-transparent administrative conduct, and the
difficulty to challenge administrative decisions in court (50%)139
. 40% of companies perceive
the level of independence of the national competition authority (The Antimonopoly Office) as
very or fairly good140
. There are no judicial mechanisms in place at the level of the Supreme
Administrative Court to ensure the implementation of administrative court judgments141
.
On 1 January 2025, Slovakia had 31 leading judgments of the European Court of
Human Rights pending implementation, an increase of 2 compared to the previous
year142. At that time, Slovakia’s rate of leading judgments from the past 10 years that had
been implemented was at 41% (compared to 47% in 2024; 59% remained pending), and the
average time that the judgments had been pending implementation was 3 years and 9 months
(compared to 3 years and 3 months in 2024)143.
The oldest leading judgment, pending
implementation for more than 12 years, concerns the excessive length of civil proceedings144.
As regards the respect of payment deadlines, on 31 December 2024 there were 4 cases in
135
Amendments to the disciplinary proceedings submitted without prior consultation of the Supreme
Administrative Court. Country visit Slovakia, Supreme Administrative Court. Adoption of the consolidation
package without consultation of business associations. Country visit Slovakia, American Chamber of
Commerce. Amendments to the Criminal Code adopted without proper public consultation, Slovak Bar
Association (2025), written input, p. 17. Amendments to several acts related to the functioning of NGOs
adopted without proper public consultation and while limiting the time of the parliamentary debate.
136
Civil Liberties Union for Europe (2025), p. 880. Act on the Rules of Procedure of the National Council,
section 89 stipulates that fast-track legislative procedure is conceivable “in exceptional circumstances, where
fundamental human rights and freedoms or security may be threatened or where the State is threatened with
significant economic damage”. Slovak Bar Association (2025), written input, p. 17; Association of Judges
(2025), written input, p. 14.
137
Parliamentary Bill No. 733, proposed amendments to Article 7(6-7) of the Slovak Constitution.
138
Figure 54, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
139
Figure 55, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard. 49% and 47% of the surveyed investors, respectively, perceive the
frequent changes in legislation or concerns about quality of law-making process, and the quality, efficiency
or independence of justice, respectively, as a reason for the lack of confidence in investment protection.
140
Figure 60, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
141
Figure 49, EU Justice Scoreboard 2025.
142
For an explanation of the supervision process, see the website of the Council of Europe.
143
All figures calculated by the European Implementation Network (EIN) and based on the number of cases
that are considered pending at the annual cut-off date of 1 January 2025. EIN (2025), written input, p. 8.
144
Judgment of the ECtHR, 44482/09, Maxian and Maxianova v. Slovakia, pending implementation since 2012.
20
total awaiting confirmation of payments (compared to 24 in 2023)145
. On 16 June 2025, the
number of leading judgments pending implementation had increased to 33146
.
The civil society environment faces further pressure, and a recent legal framework
introduced new reporting and information disclosure obligations. The civil society space
in Slovakia is considered as ‘narrowed’147
. A law amending several acts related to the
functioning of NGOs was adopted on 16 April 2025, laying down annual reporting
obligations and information disclosure obligations for NGOs, introducing additional burden
for civil society organisations148
. Stakeholders reported on increased administrative control
and burden on NGOs during the reporting period149
. Since 5 March 2025, ministers and heads
of public bodies are obliged to inform the Government of any contracts they plan to conclude
with NGOs. Some NGOs active in certain fields, especially advocating for human rights, lost
funding under state-supported grant schemes awarded in previous years150
. Polarisation of
public debate has increased, with statements by politicians attacking NGOs and media151
. The
Slovak National Centre for Human Rights152
continues in its efforts to strengthen the rule of
law culture through various initiatives and activities153
.
145
Council of Europe (2025), p. 157.
146
Data according to the online database of the Council of Europe (HUDOC).
147
CIVICUS (2024).
148
The amendments of 27 March 2024, reported on in 2024 Rule of Law Report, p. 35, originally intended to
introduce foreign agent labelling, were altered in December 2024 by a proposal seeking to establish lobbying
regulation and reporting obligations for NGOs, and amended shortly before the parliamentary discussion by
leaving out the aspect of lobbying. According to the Government, the transparency of civil society was
increased by creating a unified framework of reporting and information disclosure obligations for civil
society organisations.
149
Namely extensive or repeated audits. Country visit Slovakia, Slovak National Centre for Human Rights;
ENNHRI (2025), Civil Liberties Union for Europe (2025), p. 891.
150
ENNHRI (2025), p. 8. According to the Government, while some NGOs lost funding, other NGOs received
it (changes in the list of supported NGOs happen every year), and the overall volume of financing in this
subsidy scheme remained unchanged.
151
Country visit Slovakia, Transparency International Slovakia and Zastavme korupciu. ENNHRI (2025), p. 8;
Civil Liberties Union for Europe (2025), p. 890; UN OHCHR (2025).
152
Mandated as National Human Rights Institution and equality body accredited with B-status.
153
Country visit Slovakia, Slovak National Centre for Human Rights.
21
Annex I: List of sources in alphabetical order*
* The list of contributions received in the context of the consultation for the 2025 Rule of Law report
can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2025-rule-law-report-targeted-
stakeholder-consultation_en.
25 civil society organisations (2024), comments on the draft law on extraordinary measures for
strategic investments and for the construction of the trans-European transport network (Original title
in italics), https://api.mojapeticia.sk/media/campaign/attachment/34f318f9-54b2-48a8-bcfb-
39fcc15be579.pdf.
CCJE (2024), Opinion No. 27 on the disciplinary liability of judges, https://rm.coe.int/opinion-no-27-
2024-of-the-ccje/1680b2ca7f.
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), Media Pluralism Monitor 2025, Country
report for Slovakia, https://cmpf.eui.eu/projects/media-pluralism-monitor/.
CIVICUS (2024), https://monitor.civicus.org/globalfindings_2024/.
Civil Liberties Union for Europe (2025), Liberties 2025 Rule of Law Report,
https://www.liberties.eu/f/vdxw3e.
Council of Europe (2025), Expert Council on NGO Law, CONF/EXP(2025)2, The draft amendments
to the Slovakia framework regulation governing non-governmental organisations introducing the
concept o ‘foreign supported organisations, https://rm.coe.int/expert-council-opinon-on-the-
amendments-to-the-slovakia-ngos-laws-doc-/1680b3f82b.
Council of Europe (2001), European Code of Police Ethics, 4831 ID 5652 Rec(01)10 Ethique Police
E.
Council of Europe, Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists (2025),
Slovakia, https://fom.coe.int/en/pays/detail/11709578.
Council of Europe: Committee of Ministers (2025), Supervision of the execution of judgments and
decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, 18th
Annual Report of the Committee of Ministers,
https://rm.coe.int/gbr-2001-18e-rapport-annuel-2024/1680b4d77d.
Council of Europe: Venice Commission (2010), Report on the Independence of the Judicial System
Part I: The Independence of Judges, CDL-AD (2010)004, https://www.coe.int/en/web/venice-
commission/-/CDL-AD(2010)004-e.
Council of Europe (2017), Recommendation on the legal regulation of lobbying activities in the
context of public decision making, CM/Rec(2017)2, ES190060_Prems 057917 GBR 2017
CMRec(2017)2 et Expose Motifs 8439 WEB A5.pdf.
Dennik N. (2024), Will a non-transparency and unfair presidential campaign be the new normal?
(Original title in italics), https://dennikn.sk/blog/3997628/bude-netransparentna-a-neferova-
prezidentska-kampan-novym-normalom/.
Dennik N. (2024a), All 23 investigators who stood up for the accused colleagues will be reassigned.
And the whole NAKA ends (Original title in italics), https://dennikn.sk/4132990/vsetkych-23-
vysetrovatelov-ktori-sa-zastali-obvinenych-kolegov-odsunu-na-obvodne-oddelenia/.
22
EPPO (2023), ‘Statement regarding the legislative amendments proposed by the Slovak government’
https://www.eppo.europa.eu/en/news/statement-regarding-legislative-amendments-proposed-slovak-
government.
Euractiv (2025), European Prosecutor: Fico’s reforms negatively impacted fraud investigations,
https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/european-prosecutor-ficos-reforms-negatively-
impacted-fraud-investigations/
Euractiv (2024a), Smer and Hlas hijacked the European elections to related agencies (Smer a Hlas
uniesli eurovoľby do spriaznených agentúr), https://euractiv.sk/section/digitalizacia/news/smer-a-hlas-
uniesli-eurovolby-do-spriaznenych-agentur/
Euractive (2024b), Slovakia will evaluate the benefits and costs of strategic projects from up to EUR
40 million (Slovensko bude hodnotiť prínosy a náklady strategických projektov až od 40 miliónov
eur), https://euractiv.sk/section/klima/news/kamenicky-analyza-strategicke-projekty-nad-40-
milionov-eur-hodnota-za-peniaze/.
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) (2024), fact-finding mission to Slovakia,
Media freedom in Slovakia under threat, https://www.mfrr.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MFRR-
Slovakia-Mission-Report-
2024.pdf#:~:text=The%20following%20report%20presents%20an%20urgent%20assessment%20of,b
y%20the%20Media%20Freedom%20Rapid%20Response%20%28MFRR%29%20partners.
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (2025), Media Freedom Rapid Response – Slovakia,
https://www.mfrr.eu/monitor/.
European Commission (2023), Proposal for a DIRECTIVE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
AND OF THE COUNCIL establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on
transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries and amending
Directive (EU) 2019/1937, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023PC0637#:~:text=This%20proposal%20aims%20to%20cont
ribute%20to%20the%20proper,activities%20when%20carried%20out%20in%20the%20internal%20
market.
European Court of Human Rights, judgement of 24 July 2012, Maxian and Maxianova v. Slovakia,
44482/09.
European Implementation Network (EIN) (2025), written input for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) (2025), written input for the
2025 Rule of Law Report.Greco (2024), 5th Evaluation Round – Second Compliance Report,
Slovakia, GrecoRC5(2023)9.
European Parliament (2024), Parliament concerned about the rule of law in Slovakia,
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240112IPR16770/parliament-concerned-
about-the-rule-of-law-in-slovakia.
European Parliament (2024a), P9_TA(2024)0036 – Transparency and accountability of non-
governmental organisations funded from the EU budget – European Parliament resolution of 17
January 2024 on the transparency and accountability of non-governmental organisations funded from
the EU budget (2023/2122(INI)), EUR-Lex - 52024IP0036 - EN - EUR-Lex.
Explanatory memorandum to the Government Bill amending Act. No. 385/2000 Coll. on judges and
judges adjudicators and on amending and supplementing certain acts, as amended, and amending and
23
supplementing certain acts,
https://www.nrsr.sk/web/Dynamic/DocumentPreview.aspx?DocID=565165.
ICJK (2025), Number of recorded attacks against journalists more than halved in 2024 (Počet
zaznamenaných útokov voči novinárom sa v roku 2024 zvýšil o viac ako polovicu),
https://www.icjk.sk/377/Pocet-zaznamenanych-utokov-voci-novinarom-sa-v-roku-0-zvysil-o-viac-
ako-polovicu.
Ministry of Culture (2025), Anti-SLAPP, https://www.culture.gov.sk/ministerstvo/anti-slapp-2/.
Ministry of Interior (2025), Press Release: We are starting an expert discussion on the parameters of
legislation regulating lobbying (Začíname odbornú diskusiu o parametroch legislatívy upravujúcej
lobing), https://www.minv.sk/?tlacove-spravy&sprava=zaciname-odbornu-diskusiu-o-parametroch-
legislativy-upravujucej-lobing.
OECD (2024). Recommendation of the Council on Transparency and Integrity in Lobbying and
Influence, OECD/LEGAL/0379.
Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Annual report on the activities of the Office for 2024:
How did we do in 2024 and where do we see shortcomings (2025),
https://www.oznamovatelia.sk/zverejnili-sme-vyrocnu-spravu-za-rok-2024/
Opinion of the Office of the Government of the Slovak Republic on the proposal to regulate lobbying
in the National Council of the Slovak Republic (4 December 2024),
https://www.vlada.gov.sk/tlacove-spravy/stanovisko-uradu-vlady-sr-k-navrhu-upravy-lobingu-v-
narodnej-rade-sr/
Parliament (2024), Brief overview of the legislative activity of the National Assembly of the SR
(Stručný prehľad legislatívnej činnosti NR SR),
.https://www.nrsr.sk/web/Dynamic/DocumentPreview.aspx?DocID=557911.
Parliamentary Bill No. 733, Draft Constitutional Act amending the Constitution of the Slovak
Republic No. 460/1992 Coll., as amended.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) (2025), written input for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Slovak Government (2023), Programme Statement of the Government of the Slovak Republic, 2023-
2027 (Programové vyhlásenie vlády Slovenskej Republiky, 2023 - 2027),
https://www.nrsr.sk/web/Dynamic/DocumentPreview.aspx?DocID=535376.
Slovak Government (2025a). Robert Kaliňák in TV programme V politike in TA3, 2 February 2025,
https://www.ta3.com/clanok/978535/bradaty-gruzinec-mal-zvrhnut-vladu-co-bude-dalej-jednorozce-
a-hadojasteri-pytal-sa-valasek-ste-smiesny-reagoval-kalinak.
Slovak Government (2025b), Press conference of 22 January 2025 (Prime Minister Robert Fico on the
convening of the Security Council, 7:55 and 8:14) (Tlačová konferencia predsedu vlády SR Roberta
Fica na tému: Zvolanie Bezpečnostnej rady), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvjTfiiW3NE.
Slovak Government (2024), Framework plan of legislative tasks for the 9th electoral period.
SME.sk (2024), Susko changed his mind with the analytical centre: he is going to restore it on a
smaller scale (Susko si to s analytickým centrom rozmyslel. Chystá sa ho obnoviť v menšom),
https://domov.sme.sk/c/23392644/susko-si-to-s-analytickym-centrom-rozmyslel-chysta-sa-ho-
obnovit-v-mensom.html.
24
SME.sk (2025a), The beginnings are no longer being prosecuted in the Tipos case: the case is time-
barred after the change in the criminal code (Počiatka už nestíhajú v kauze Tipos. Prípad je po zmene
trestných kódexov premlčaný), https://domov.sme.sk/c/23438601/jan-pociatek-kauza-tipos-
lemikon.html.
Supreme Audit Office (2025), The seized property is managed inefficiently by the state, legislation
need to be adapted to international practice, https://www.nku.gov.sk/web/nku-en/-/the-seized-
property-is-managed-inefficiently-by-the-state-legislation-needs-to-be-adapted-to-international-
practice.
Supreme Audit Office (2024b), SAO Slovakia organises a conference on party and campaign finance
audit, https://www.nku.gov.sk/web/nku-en/-/sao-slovakia-organises-a-conference-on-party-and-
campaign-finance-audit.
Teraz.sk (2025), The Ministry of Culture abolishes the Institute of Cultural Policy (Ministerstvo
kultúry ruší Inštitút kultúrnej politiky), https://www.teraz.sk/spravy/ministerstvo-kultury-rusi-
institut/816923-clanok.html.
Transparency International-Slovakia (2024a), Instead of controlling the campaign, the Minister of
Interior himself violates the rules by paid attacks on Korcok: Presidental Elections 2024 (Minister
vnútra namiesto kontroly kempane sám porušuje pravidlá platenými útokmi na Korčoka),
https://volby.transparency.sk/prezident2024/aktuality/minister-vnutra-namiesto-kontroly-kampane-
sam-porusuje-pravidla-platenymi-utokmi-na-korcoka.
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR) (2025), Experts alarmed by
deterioration of fundamental freedoms and civic space in Slovak Republic, Experts alarmed by
deterioration of fundamental freedoms and civic space in Slovak Republic | OHCHR.
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR) (1979), Code of Conduct for
Law Enforcement Officials, https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/code-
conduct-law-enforcement-officials.
UNCAC (2023), Implementation Review Group: State of the implementation of the United Nations
Convention against Corruption – Executive Summary (4-8 September 2023),
CAC/COSP/IRG/II/4/1/Add. 6,
https://www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/UNCAC/WorkingGroups/ImplementationReviewGroup/4-
8September2023/CAC-COSP-IRG-II-41-Add.6/CAC-COSP-IRG-II-41-Add.6-E.pdf.
Via Iuris (2024), Slovak anti-NGO bill analysis (Analýza zákona proti mimovládkam),
https://viaiuris.sk/aktuality/analyza-zakona-proti-mimovladkam-slovak-anti-ngo-bill-analysis/.
VSquare (2024), Slovak Ruling Party attacks journalist investigating Government spending,
https://vsquare.org/slovak-ruling-party-attacks-journalist-investigating-government-spending/.
National legislation
Act No. 211/2000 Coll. on free access to information
Act No. 215/2004 Coll. on protection of classified information
Act No. 264/2022 Coll. on media services and amending certain acts (Media Services Act)
25
Act No. 265/2025 Coll. on publishers and on the register for media and audiovisual fields and on
amendments to certain acts (Publications Act)
Act No. 350/1996 Coll. on the Rules of Procedure of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.
Act No. 213/1997 Coll. on non-profit organisations providing generally beneficial services.
Act No. 34/2002 Coll. on foundations and on the change of Civil Code.
Act No. 147/1997 Coll. on non-investment funds and on supplementing Act No. 207/1996.
Act No. 83/1990 Coll. on associations of citizens.
Act No. 116/1985 Coll. on the conditions of activity of organisations with an international element in
the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.
Act No. 346/2018 Coll. on the Registry of Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organisations and on
Amendments and Supplements to Certain Laws, as amended.
Act No. 330/1991 Coll. on Land Modifications, Arrangement of Land Ownership, Land Offices, Land
Fund and Land Communities.
Act No. 504/2003 Coll. on the lease of agricultural land, agricultural enterprise and forest land.
Act No. 85/2005 Coll., on political parties and political movements.
Act No. 162/1995 Coll., on the cadastre of immovable property and on the registration of ownership
and other rights to immovable property (Cadastral Act).
Act. No. 300/2005 Coll., Criminal Code.
Act No. 301/2005 Coll., Criminal Procedural Code.
Act No. 432/2021 Coll., on Disciplinary order of the Supreme Administrative Court of the Slovak
Republic.
Government Regulation No 238/2010 laying down details on the conditions of lease, sale, exchange,
and acquisition of real estate by the Land Fund.
26
Annex II: Country visit to Slovakia
The Commission services held virtual meetings in February 2025 with:
• American Chamber of Commerce
• Association of Judges
• Association of Television Broadcasters of Slovakia
• Association of Radio Broadcasters of Slovakia
• Chamber of Non-Governmental Organisations
• Constitutional Court of Slovakia
• Government Office – Corruption Prevention Section
• Investigative Centre of Jan Kuciak
• Judges For Open Judiciary
• Judicial Council
• Ministry of Culture
• Ministry of Interior
• Ministry of Justice
• National Centre for Human Rights
• National Union of Employers
• Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers
• Parliament administration (replies received in writing)
• Praesidium of Slovak Police Force
• Prosecutor General’s Office
• Public Defender of Rights
• Regional Prosecutor’s Office
• Rule of Law Initiative
• Serious Organised Crime Unit (UBOK)
• Slovak Bar Association
• Slovak Council for Broadcasting
• Slovak Land Fund (replies received in writing)
• Slovak Print and Digital Media Association
• Slovak Public Procurement Office
• Slovak Syndicate of Journalists
• Supreme Administrative Court
• Supreme Audit Office
• Supreme Court
• Transparency International Slovakia
• Via Iuris
• Zastavme korupciu (Let’s stop corruption foundation)
* The Commission also met the following organisations in a number of horizontal meetings:
• Amnesty International
• Araminta
27
• Civil Liberties Union for Europe
• Civil Society Europe
• European Civic Forum
• European Partnership for Democracy
• European Youth Forum,
• International Commission of Jurists
• International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
• JEF Europe
• Philea – Philanthropy Europe Association.
• Transparency International