Slovakia Tightens Criminal Code Amid EU Fund Protection Concerns

Slovak lawmakers approved amendments to the criminal code, increasing penalties for crimes involving EU funds. This move seeks to address European Commission concerns about protecting EU financial interests, following earlier reforms that reduced penalties for financial crimes. Prime Minister Robert Fico's government aims to avoid potential EU action against Slovakia.

Slovak lawmakers have ratified changes to the nation's criminal code, enhancing punishments for crimes involving European Union funds, in an effort by the government to calm apprehensions from the EU's executive body. Prime Minister Robert Fico's administration had previously enacted revisions to the criminal laws, which lowered penalties and statutes of limitations for financial infractions.

These changes provoked concerns within the European Commission about safeguarding EU financial interests and led to accusations from the political opposition that the reforms aimed to shield coalition allies from corruption investigations. The country's Constitutional Court recently annulled minor portions of the reforms but maintained the bulk of the legislation, including the elimination of a special graft unit promoted by the government.

In response, the government introduced additional amendments last week, marginally increasing penalties for crimes related to EU funds and extending the statute of limitations for such cases. Justice Minister Boris Susko stated that these amendments were expedited to minimize the risk of punitive measures from Brussels that could imperil Slovakia's finances.

Slovakia is eager to avert any conflict with Brussels that might jeopardize the flow of crucial EU funds or result in substantial penalties, similar to sanctions faced by Hungary in its legal disputes with the European Commission. A Commission spokesperson indicated that dialogue with Slovak authorities is ongoing, with the EU executive poised to evaluate the latest legislative adjustments.

Prime Minister Fico has faced criticism for policies enacted since his election last year, including the criminal code overhaul and changes to public broadcasting, which opponents argue undermine the rule of law and media freedoms. Fico, who survived a near-fatal shooting in mid-May, recently reemerged in public and continues to defend his administration's policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)