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Brussels/Bratislava – The European Commission (EC) will request an explanation from Slovakia regarding the government-approved draft law that plans to abolish the Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers (ÚOO) and replace it with a new Office for the Protection of Victims of Crimes and Whistleblowers of Antisocial Activities. This was stated by the spokesperson of the Eurocommission on Monday for TASR.
“We are aware that the Slovak government has submitted a draft law that is to be adopted in a shortened legislative procedure in parliament. Of course, after the law is adopted, we will analyze it,” emphasized the EC spokesperson.
He reminded that the EU directive on the protection of whistleblowers requires member states to establish autonomous and independent bodies responsible for receiving and investigating reports concerning violations of EU law in the areas covered by the directive. “The EC will therefore turn to the Slovak authorities to obtain an explanation and properly understand the situation,” concluded the EC spokesperson.
The Slovak government approved a draft law on Saturday (November 22) to establish a new central Office for the Protection of Victims of Crimes and Whistleblowers of Antisocial Activities. It is to replace the current ÚOO and is also to take over the agenda of compensating victims of crimes from the Ministry of Justice (MS) of Slovakia.
Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) promised that nothing will change at the level of protection for whistleblowers of antisocial activities. “We are only proposing to change the structure of the office and add further competencies in the area of protecting victims of crimes,” stated Fico. (November 24)
“The European Commission will turn to the Slovak authorities to obtain an explanation and properly understand the situation.” EC Spokesperson
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