MEPs Press Slovakia on EU Values

The European Parliament has called on the European Commission to assess whether Slovakia poses a clear risk of seriously breaching the European Union’s founding values and to use available measures to protect democracy, the rule of law and the EU budget.

MEPs adopted the resolution on May 20 by 347 votes to 165, with 25 abstentions. They cited concerns over changes to criminal law, the closure of specialised anti-corruption bodies, alleged pressure on former investigators and proposed changes affecting whistleblower protections.

The resolution also raises questions about constitutional amendments, judicial independence and the primacy of EU law. Parliament urged Slovak authorities to implement anti-corruption recommendations and expressed concern over alleged misuse of EU-funded rural development and tourism projects, including money reportedly used for luxury private estates.

MEPs further criticised what they described as declining media freedom and political interference in public-service broadcasting, as well as pressure on civil society and vulnerable groups. They called for stronger protections for LGBTIQ+ people and the Roma minority, safeguards for women’s reproductive rights and equal voting access for Slovak citizens living abroad.