The President of the Slovak Republic signed an amendment to the Criminal Code, responding to comments from the European Commission

BRATISLAVA – President Peter Pellegrini signed an amendment to the Criminal Code on Thursday, responding to the comments of the European Commission (EC). The Criminal Code introduces, for example, an adjustment in the assessment of the impacts of legal regulations, which results in the shortening of limitation periods in cases where, before the change in the law, the running of the limitation period for criminal acts detrimental to the financial interests of the European Union (EU) was interrupted.

Parliament discussed the amendment in an expedited legislative procedure. The legislative change was voted for by 77 deputies. 44 lawmakers abstained from voting, and none of the 121 deputies present voted against. The deputies also approved a coalition amendment, which refines the definition of the EU’s financial interests and includes one technical adjustment. The deputies approved that in cases of criminal acts harming the financial interests of the EU, a mandatory prison sentence should be applied if the upper limit of the penalty established in the special part of the Criminal Code exceeds six years.

Parliament also approved the introduction of the conceptual definition of the EU’s financial interests. As for criminal offenses of obstructing the performance of tax administration, indirect corruption, and the acceptance and provision of undue advantage, it is proposed to align imprisonment rates with the requirements resulting from the relevant directive of the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. The legislation is to take effect on the date of its declaration. (25th July)