Source: barrons.com
Recent legal reforms proposed by the Government in Slovakia, including amendments to whistleblower protection laws, have stirred significant apprehension among Slovak and international NGOs. Reports suggest that a European Union official has warned of potential financial sanctions against the country if the proposals proceed, citing concerns over their impact on the rule of law. However, the Prime Minister has purportedly assured parliament of his government’s unwavering determination to see the controversial reforms through.
Concerns for the proposals have been echoed in a resolution by the European Parliament in January, which stated that they “threaten the integrity of judicial processes and undermine the EU’s fight against fraud.” There are also reports suggesting that the EU Commission may have the discretion to initiate an infringement procedure.
The proposals were criticised in a European Parliament resolution in January, which said they “threaten the integrity of judicial processes and undermine the EU’s fight against fraud.”
The proposed reforms include de facto removing whistleblower protection from police forces, introducing conditions for protection not aligned with the EU Directive on Whistleblowing, and allowing for retrospective reassessment of the official status of whistleblower granted by the Whistleblower Protection Office. In response to mounting concerns, the Speaker of Parliament has reportedly declared intentions to table an amendment.