(Reuters) – EU justice commissioner Didier Reynders warned Slovakia that it could face action from the European Commission if it implements changes to its criminal laws that violate EU laws. This move comes after the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico fast-tracked proposals in parliament, including the scrapping of a special prosecutor’s office for high-profile graft cases, despite the commission’s call to move slowly.
Similar disputes with the EU have led to billions of euros in funding being frozen for countries like Poland and Hungary. Slovakia, with its high budget deficit, will want to avoid a similar fate.
Reynders mentioned that the Commission will analyze the final texts of the amendments once adopted and assess their compliance with EU law, and will not hesitate to act if needed. He also raised concerns over the dismissal of Judicial Council members and plans to dissolve the Special Prosecutor Office, as well as the decrease in penalties for corruption-related criminal offenses, particularly in relation to judicial independence.
Slovak President Zuzana Caputova has threatened to veto the legislation, and opposition parties have promised to do everything they can to block it in parliament. There were protests in Bratislava and other cities against the proposals.
Prime Minister Fico’s government aims to enact legislation that would disband the special prosecutor’s office by Christmas. Fico leads a coalition with a sufficient majority in parliament to overturn a presidential veto. He has accused the special prosecutor’s office of being politically motivated and violating human rights.
Since 2020, the special prosecutor has investigated over 100 people, including police, judicial officials, and influential businessmen, with around 40 people found guilty, according to Slovak media.
(Reporting by Jason Hovet in Prague; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
