Rule of law is laid down in the EU treaties as one of the values on which the Union is based. It means that governments should be bound by law&nbsp;not to take arbitrary decisions, and that citizens should be able to challenge their actions in independent courts.

It also enshrines the fight against corruption, which unfairly favours some to the detriment of others, and the safeguarding of media freedom, thus ensuring that the public is properly informed about the work of government.

The EU has existing tools at its disposal to protect the rule of law. In&nbsp;September 2020, the European Commission published the first annual rule of law&nbsp;report monitoring both positive and negative developments with regard to the rule of law in all member states. In July 2021 the second edition of the report was published.

There is also&nbsp;dialogue on the rule of law in the Council.

If the Commission deems that a member state is violating EU law, it can start infringement proceedings that may lead to financial sanctions determined by the European Court of Justice. Another procedure, under Article 7 of the Treaty of the European Union, allows the Council to make recommendations or decide by unanimity on sanctions against a member state, including the suspension of membership rights.&nbsp;MEPs have argued that existing tools are insufficient.

​Under the new regulation, effective from January 2021, EU budget payments can be witheld from countries where established breaches of the rule of law compromise management of EU funds. At the same time, the EU ensures that final beneficiaries do not end up paying the bill.

Rule of law

In 2004 Slovakia joined the European Union as a Member State. It is a member of&nbsp;the Schengen area&nbsp;since 21 December 2007.&nbsp;It is a member of the&nbsp;Eurozone, when the Euro was introduced to replace the Slovak Crown as the national currency.

There are more than 5.4 million people in Slovakia. The country has 14 Members of European Parliament (MEPs). Slovakia has presided the EU between July and December 2016. Slovakia is a parliamentary democratic republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - who holds the most executive power and a head of state - the President - who is the formal head of the executive, but with&nbsp;limited powers. The country is subdivided into 8 regions, each named after its principal city.&nbsp;

The country was in the centre of attention nad underwent huge political turbulences in&nbsp;2018 when the investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée were murdered.&nbsp;

EU - Slovakia

Slovakia is a country in eastern central Europe and is bordered by Czechia and Austria to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and Hungary to the south. 

Slovakia is a member of the EU since 2004, Member of the Eurozone since 1 January 2009 and a Schengen area Member since 21 December 2007. There are 13 Members of the European Parliament from Slovakia.

EU - Slovakia (2019-2020)

Peter PELLEGRINI, Slovak Prime Minister, is the eighteenth EU leader to debate the future of Europe with MEPs, in plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Europeans want the EU to change. This is why the European Parliament is taking the leadership over a reform of the EU.

Parliament set out its vision for the future of Europe in three resolutions voted in plenary session on 16 February 2017. MEPs suggested, among other things: turning the Council of Ministers into a genuine second legislative chamber, and its configurations into preparatory bodies similar to Parliament’s committees, appointing an EU finance minister and giving the EU Commission the power to formulate and give effect to a common EU economic policy, backed up by a euro-area budget, and creating a fiscal capacity consisting of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and specific additional budgetary capacity for the euro area, funded by its members as a part of the EU budget.

Debate on the Future of Europe with Peter PELLEGRINI, Slovak Prime Minister

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The delegation is composed of five political groups in the European Parliament. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders.

LIBE/DRFMG delegation in Slovakia

Parliament quizes the Council and the Commission about how they intend to address the controversial reform proposals made by Robert Fico’s government. 

MEPs are expected to reiterate concerns about the Slovak government’s plans for criminal code reform and changes in the functioning of the country’s public-service media. MEPs say the ongoing reform, which led to the dissolution of Slovakia’s Special Prosecutor’s Office on 20 March and reduces penalties and limitation periods for financial crimes, threatens Slovakia’s ability to fight corruption and protect the EU budget. They are also likely to stress that the plans for the public broadcaster will have to be assessed in light of the EU’s recently-adopted Media Freedom Act. The proposed Act on Slovak Television and Radio is facing widespread criticism for giving the government direct control over public media, and curtailing their independence.

Plenary debate - Rule of Law in Slovakia

The impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption is debated with Commission and Council. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations. Prime Minister Robert Fico wants the draft law to be adopted under the urgency procedure. Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová has already said she would veto the law. Critics have warned that dismantling the special prosecutor’s office could have an impact on the ongoing investigation into the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in 2018.

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

LIBE DRFMG rule of law mission to Bratislava, Slovakia

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Peter PELLEGRINI, Slovak President

EP Mini-Plenary Session - Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia - Council and Commission statements

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Zuzana CAPUTOVA, President of Slovakia

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Peter PELLEGRINI, Speaker of Slovakia

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Bratislava (Slovakia) - Meeting with Ľudovít ÓDOR, Slovakian Interim Prime Minister

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Bratislava (Slovakia) - Solemn ceremony at the Ján Kuciak & Martina Kušnírová Memorial

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Bratislava (Slovakia) - Participation to the Globsec Security Conference

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to Bratislava (Slovakia) - Meeting with Zuzana ČAPUTOVÁ, President of Slovakia

Michal SIMECKA meets with  Zuzana CAPUTOVA, President of the Slovak Republic

EP Plenary session - Formal sitting - Address by Zuzana Caputová, President of the Slovak Republic

Press Point by Roberta METSOLA, EP President and  Zuzana CAPUTOVA, President of the Slovak Republic

Roberta METSOLA, EP President welcomes  Zuzana CAPUTOVA, President of the Slovak Republic

Othmar KARAS welcomes  Zuzana CAPUTOVA, President of the Slovak Republic

REGI mission to Kosice, Slovakia...

REGI mission to Kosice, Slovakia

Michal SIMECKA meets with Eduard HEGER, Slovak Prime Minister

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. The delegation consists in four representatives of political groups in the European Parliament. This news item shows the their meeting with Lucia KURILOVSKA, Slovak State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. This mission is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with Lucia KURILOVSKA, Slovak State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. The delegation consists in four representatives of political groups in the European Parliament. This news item shows their meeting with the members of the parliamentary opposition in Slovakia, as well as the meeting with František MOZNER, President of the Supreme Court and Andrea MORAVČÍKOVÁ, Vice President of the Supreme Court. This mission is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with the parliamentary opposition and with František MOZNER, President of the Supreme Court and Andrea MORAVČÍKOVÁ, Vice President of the Supreme Court

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This will be a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The delegation is composed of representatives of five political groups in the European Parliament. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Chair of LIBE Commitee, and Sophie WILMES (Renew, BE), Chair of the DRFMG Working Group, on the LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia)

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. The delegation consists in four representatives of political groups in the European Parliament. This news item shows their meeting with the Committees of the National Council and with Robert DOBROVODSKY, Public Defender of Rights of Slovakia.This mission is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with the Committees of the National Council and meeting with Robert DOBROVODSKY, Public Defender of Rights

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The delegation is composed of representatives of five political groups in the European Parliament. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders. This News items shows the meeting with Robert FICO, Slovak Prime Minister.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with Robert FICO, Slovak Prime Minister

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders. This news item shows extracts from the meetings with Marcela KOSOVA, President of the Judicial Council and with Milan HODÁS, Milan HODÁS, Slovak State Secretary of the Ministry for Justice.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): meeting with Marcela KOSOVÁ, President of the Judicial Council and meeting with Milan HODÁS, Slovak State Secretary of the Ministry for Justice

A delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visits Bratislava, Slovakia, from 2-3 of June in order to discuss and gain insight into the latest developments as regards the situation of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This is a follow up on two sessions which the Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group (DRFMG) of the LIBE Committee held recently on the situation in Slovakia. The LIBE delegation aims to hold meetings with representatives from the Slovak Government, representatives of the Slovak National Assembly, representatives of the judiciary and of other relevant authorities, organisations and stakeholders. This news item shows the arrival of the European Parliament's delegation, statements by Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Chair of LIBE Commitee, and Sophie WILMES (Renew, BE), Chair of the DRFMG Working Group and meeting with prosecutors.

LIBE rule of law mission to Bratislava (Slovakia): arrival of the delegation, statements by Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Chair of LIBE Commitee, and Sophie WILMÈS (Renew, BE), Chair of the DRFMG Working Group, and meeting

EP President Metsola meets the President of Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini. This news item shows the arrival, meeting and roundtable

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Peter PELLEGRINI, President of Slovakia: arrival and roundtable

This footage shows citizens in Slovakia voting in the European elections at a polling station in the Old Town of Bratislava, Slovakia, on 8 June 2024. The polling station is located near the iconic Primate's Square. In addition, the footage includes shots of the Bratislava castle. By voting in the European elections, citizens in Slovakia, and of every EU Member State, elect their representatives to the European Parliament. From Slovakia, voters will elect 15 Slovak Members. In total, the European Parliament will have 720 Members. The newly elected Members of the Parliament, representing the citizens until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of the Parliament's standing and subcommittees, thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of a polling station in the Old Town of Bratislava (Slovakia)

This news item shows citizens voting in Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, in locations such as Ružinov and Petržalka on 8 June 2024. The item illustrates a young voter casting her ballot in Ružinov. In Petržalka, the polling station is equipped with lights that signal whether the voting place is free (green) or occupied (red). Citizens in Slovakia, and of every EU Member State, elect their representatives to the European Parliament in the European elections. The newly elected 15 Slovak Members, representing the voters until 2029, meet in July to elect their President, Vice-Presidents and Quaestors. They decide on the composition of Parliament's standing and subcommittees, thereby launching the new legislative term.

European elections 2024 - Ambiance shots of a young voter in Ružinov and a polling station in Petržalka, Bratislava (Slovakia)

On 8 and 9 May, landmark buildings across the EU will be illuminated to mark Europe Day and “one month to go” to the last day before voting. This new item shows illuminations of the Grassalkovich Palace (Presidential Palace) and of the National Bank building in Bratislava (Slovakia).

European Elections 2024 - "One month to go": Illuminations in Bratislava (Slovakia)

MEPs look into alleged attacks on the rule of law and media freedom in Slovakia. Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation.

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: Closing statements by Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation

MEPs look into alleged attacks on the rule of law and media freedom in Slovakia. Opening statements by Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation, and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: Opening statements by Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for Digitalisation, and Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice

MEPs look into alleged attacks on the rule of law and media freedom in Slovakia.

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: MEPs debate

Parliament quizzes the Council and the Commission about how they intend to address the controversial reform proposals made by Robert Fico’s government. MEPs are expected to reiterate concerns about the Slovak government’s plans for criminal code reform and changes in the functioning of the country’s public-service media. MEPs say the ongoing reform, which led to the dissolution of Slovakia’s Special Prosecutor’s Office on 20 March and reduces penalties and limitation periods for financial crimes, threatens Slovakia’s ability to fight corruption and protect the EU budget.

Attempts to dismantle Rule of Law and media freedom in Slovakia: extracts from the debate

EP President Metsola meets the President of Slovakia, Zuzana Čaputová. This news item shows the arrival, meeting and roundtable

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Zuzana ČAPUTOVÁ, President of Slovakia: arrival, meeting and roundtable

MEPs debate the impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations. Closing statement Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice, and Commissioner for Competition (ad interim) and Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union.

Planned dissolution of key anti-corruption structures in Slovakia and its implications on the Rule of Law: Closing statement Didier REYNDERS, European Commissioner for Justice and Pascual NAVARRO RÍOS, Spanish Secretary of State for the EU

MEPs debate the impact of the announced reform of the criminal code on Slovakia’s efforts to fight corruption. On 6 December, the new Slovak government tabled a draft law to overhaul the country’s penal code. If approved by its parliament, the special prosecutor’s office dealing with the most serious crimes and corruption would be dismantled. The government also intends to soften penalties for corruption offences. Several investigators and police officers looking into corruption charges have already faced repercussions from the new government, such as being dismissed, suspended or sidelined from these investigations.

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