The European Commission has announced the start of a procedure for infringement against Slovakia. The reason is a recent amendment to the Constitution, which, according to the Commission's assessment, questions the principles of supremacy, autonomy, effectiveness, and uniform application of European Union law.
The Commission has sent Slovakia an official notification asking for further explanations and information. The country must respond within the set deadline, which is usually two months.
The intentions of the European Commission were previously announced on November 7 by the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico. According to him, the EC disagrees with the constitutional provision regarding Slovakia's sovereignty in value and ethical matters. He stated that he does not support the interference of international organizations in matters he considers internal affairs and called it part of the country's national identity. The prime minister also expressed his belief that EU treaties allow member states to prioritize national law in matters of national identity.
Slovakia could face sanctions
If the European Commission does not receive a satisfactory response or the situation is not corrected, the case may move to the next stage. The Commission has the right to send a reasoned opinion and later refer the case to the EU Court of Justice. If the court's decision is not followed, financial sanctions and damage to Slovakia's reputation within the European Union are possible.
Since November 1, an amendment to the Slovak Constitution has been in effect, which establishes in the basic law the recognition of only the biological sex of male and female. The Constitution also includes a guarantee of equal pay for men and women. The changes affect child adoption and the educational process. The goal of the adopted changes is to strengthen Slovakia's sovereignty in value and cultural-ethical matters. Parliament approved the amendment on September 26.
