In a report published on Thursday 4 September, the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) calls on the Slovak Republic to take “determined action” to implement a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening the integrity of senior members of the executive and police forces.
Of the 21 recommendations issued in 2019, five have been implemented, four have been partially implemented and 12 have not been implemented, according to GRECO.
As far as top executive functions are concerned, steps forward, such as the preparation of a draft code of conduct, are planned as part of the new Government’s Manifesto for the period 2023-2027, but it is “still necessary” to adopt the draft law on lobbying, disclose contacts with lobbyists, strengthen the rules on gifts and the asset declaration system, and extend the scope of post-employment restrictions.
Regarding law enforcement agencies, the report welcomes the publication of a guide on the code of ethics, the measures to promote gender equality, and the training on ethics and the protection of whistleblowers.
However, GRECO is critical of the fact that no visible progress has been made on other integrity issues.
As a priority, it is calling for the creation of an independent complaint mechanism and an effective internal reporting channel for whistleblowers within the police force.
Slovakia will have to submit a progress report by 30 June 2026 at the latest.
Link to the report: https://aeur.eu/f/i9f (Original version in French by Véronique Leblanc)