On Wednesday 10 September, MEPs from the so-called ‘pro-European’ groups called on the European Commission to take more decisive action against Slovakia, in particular to clarify the destination of EU funds and ensure compliance with the conditionality regulation as media investigations have revealed irregularities and the Commission itself has criticised penal reforms that have weakened the fight against corruption.
German and Dutch Greens/EFA MEPs Daniel Freund and Tineke Strik, as well as Spanish S&D member Juan Fernando López, urged Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath not to create a “new Hungary“. In particular, the socialist criticised the closeness of Robert Fico (whose Smer government has been suspended from the Party of European Socialists) to Vladimir Putin and the fact that the country is moving away from “European values”.
“Rules have been put in place” to ensure the integrity of European funds, so “we need to shine the spotlight on Slovakia“, he added.
The German Greens/EFA member pointed out that “the number of convictions for corruption has fallen by 95%” since implementing the reform of Slovakia’s Criminal Code.
“I don’t see why we don’t use conditionality; why don’t we act before we have a second Hungary?” asked Daniel Freund.
For the EPP and Spain’s Javier Zarzalejos, it was also an opportunity to criticise the socialist opponents with thinly veiled references to the Spanish government.
Citing pressure on civil society, the dismantling of anti-corruption agencies and reforms to favour political allies, the Spanish politician called on the EU to step up its controls and requirements.
In response to these elected representatives, the PfE and ECR groups denounced a political war against “free countries that had not complied with” the Commission’s wishes, said Italian ECR member Paolo Inselvini. “We can defend our traditional values without being blackmailed“, he added.
MEP Monika Beňová (Non-attached Member, Slovak) assured us that her government is looking for “solutions to all the problems on the table” and is cooperating fully with the Commission. She indicated, however, that preliminary investigations carried out in the country had concluded “that there were no irregularities” and pointed to attacks “by Robert Fico’s enemies”.
Commissioner Michael McGrath had previously given an update on discussions with Bratislava, referring to a “constructive dialogue” on issues of tension, such as the Penal Code’s reform and amendments to the Constitution.
He noted progress on the defence of EU financial interests, but not on the fight against corruption or the independence of corruption investigations. He also noted that implementation of European cohesion funds has been improved.
With regard to irregularities raised by the Slovak press concerning CAP funds, the Commission is in contact with the authorities and audits have been launched, as well as requests for corrections involving €27.5 million.
“Our objective is clear: to help Slovakia respect the Rule of law and restore confidence by protecting the EU’s financial interests”. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)