The European Commission (EC) will request an explanation from Slovakia regarding the draft law approved by the governmentwhich counts with the abolition of the Whistleblower Protection Office (ÚOO) and by replacing it with a new one Office for the Protection of Victims of Crimes and Whistleblowers of Anti-Social Activities. The spokesperson of the Commission stated this for TASR on Monday.
“We are aware that the Slovak government has submitted a draft law that is to be adopted in the parliament in a shortened legislative procedure. Of course, after the adoption of the law, we will analyze it,” emphasized the spokesperson of the EC.
He recalled that the EU whistleblower protection directive requires member states to establish autonomous and independent bodies responsible for receiving and investigating complaints regarding violations of EU law in the areas covered by the directive. “The EC will therefore turn to the Slovak authorities in order to obtain an explanation and properly understand the situation,” concluded the spokesperson of the EC.
On Saturday, the government approved the draft law that to establish a new central Office for the Protection of Victims of Crimes and Whistleblowers of Anti-Social Activities. It is to replace the previous ÚOO, and it is also to take over the agenda of compensation for victims of crimes from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) of the Slovak Republic.
Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) promised that at the level of protection for whistleblowers of anti-social activity nothing changes. “We are only proposing to change the structure of the office and add additional competences in the area of protection of victims of crimes,” stated Fico.
