In a resolution adopted on Wednesday with 347 votes for, 165 against and 25 abstentions, MEPs say they are deeply concerned about the deterioration of respect for democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights in Slovakia. Systemic deficiencies, they say, are endangering the protection of the EU’s financial interests. MEPs want Commission to assess whether there could be a clear risk of a serious breach of EU values by Slovakia and  to make use of all the preventive and enforcement measures at its disposal to protect the EU values and budget. They reiterate their demand for the launch of infringement procedures and the EU’s rule of law conditionality mechanism.

Government reforms and its use of EU funds

Criminal law changes (which include less strict rules on corruption and the closure of specialised anti-corruption entities) and the reported harassment of former anti-corruption investigators are worrying MEPs. Parliament is also concerned about recent constitutional…