In a follow-up report published today, GRECO calls on the Slovak Republic to take determined action to implement the outstanding recommendations issued to the country to prevent corruption and strengthen integrity in respect of central government high-level officials and the police force.
GRECO concludes that the Slovak Republic has fully implemented five of the 21 recommendations contained in the 5th Round Evaluation Report, adopted in 2019. Of the remaining recommendations, four have been partly implemented and twelve remain unimplemented.
Regarding top executive functions of the central government, the new Government’s Manifesto for the period 2023-2027 envisages the adoption of several measures to implement GRECO’s recommendations. To date, it has been reflected in the preparation of a draft code of conduct for persons with top executive functions, which is undergoing inter-departmental consultations following a public comment procedure, and in the Prime Minister’s office publishing the names and functions of advisers and disclosing remuneration for some of them.
However, it is still necessary to establish rules on the engagement of persons with top executive functions with lobbyists and third parties, notably to adopt the draft law on lobbying and disclose such contacts; to strengthen the regime on gifts and the system of asset declarations; and to broaden the scope of post-employment restrictions.
The report also emphasises the need to introduce integrity checks for state secretaries and political advisers, and to adopt a dedicated corruption prevention plan for persons with top executive functions.
As regards the police force, the report acknowledges progress with the publication of an explanatory guide on the code of ethics, which includes practical examples and offers guidance. It also welcomes measures to ensure the steady increase of women in the police force, including in management positions, and the trainings delivered to a significant number of police officers on the code of ethics and whistleblower protection measures.
The report notes, however, that there is no visible progress in respect of other integrity matters. Rules on post-employment restrictions for police officers have not yet been adopted. The authorities’ stated intention to introduce integrity checks as part of the security check system and to strengthen the control of asset declarations has yet to be translated into tangible measures.
Finally, GRECO considers that it is particularly important to address, as a priority, the lack of an independent complaint mechanism and an effective internal reporting channel for whistleblowers within the police force.
GRECO concludes that the Slovak Republic is not in sufficient compliance with the recommendations and asks the authorities to provide a report on the progress in implementing the outstanding recommendations by 30 June 2026.
*unofficial translation, as provided by the authorities of the Slovak Republic
