On 17 January 2024, the European Parliament (EP) adopted a resolution in which it voiced profound concern over several Slovak government's measures that will weaken the rule of law in the country. This includes the Slovak government's intention to dissolve pivotal anti-corruption bodies, including the Special Prosecutor's Office. The resolution criticised the accelerated legislative process employed to enact amendments to the criminal code and dismantle the Special Prosecutor's Office, pointing out that this jeopardises judicial independence. The amendments are perceived as potentially compromising Slovakia's capacity to effectively address high-level corruption and organised crime.

Notable public opposition to the proposed changes, manifesting in protests and petitions, has been observed. The resolution calls for a comprehensive public consultation process, incorporating the input of experts and civil society organisations. MEPs also denounced any political meddling in the media and civil society, underscoring concerns about the government's proposed limitations on NGOs and public broadcasters.

Furthermore, attention is drawn to the inappropriate and disrespectful remarks made by the Slovak Prime Minister towards a student involved in an academic initiative discussing the state of the rule of law in Slovakia. For the MEPs, this incident demonstrates the government's alarming approach to democratic debate and respect for public institutions.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office has also underscored potential risks to the safeguarding of the EU's financial interests in the case of Slovakia (→ eucrim 4/2023, 325-326).