Mon Sep 09 14:36:22 UTC 2024: ## EU Threatens to Sanction Slovakia Over Rule of Law Concerns

**BRATISLAVA, Slovakia** – The European Union is considering sanctions against Slovakia, potentially freezing EU funds allocated to the country, over concerns about its deteriorating democratic standards.

The move comes in response to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s decision to abolish the Special Prosecutor’s Office, responsible for investigating corruption, and the controversial reform of the country’s penal code. The EU Commission is reportedly considering two options: suspending cohesion funds worth nearly €13 billion or cutting Slovakia’s €2.7 billion share from the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

The Commission has repeatedly warned the Slovak government about the potential consequences of these actions. The penal code reform, passed in a fast-track procedure, significantly reduced penalties and statutes of limitations for serious crimes, including corruption. The EU has also criticized the overhaul of public broadcaster RTVS, a draft law on NGOs, and the dismantling of the National Crime Agency (NAKA).

Opposition parties have slammed the government, accusing Fico of “sacrificing Slovakia to protect his allies from justice” and pushing the country to the periphery of the EU.

Slovakia, heavily reliant on EU funds, could face serious economic consequences if the sanctions are implemented.

The EU Commission has yet to officially confirm the sanctions, but the move highlights growing concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in Slovakia.

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