Resolution of the European Parliament (EP) regarding the state of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights in Slovakia it does not correspond to reality and has no legal effects vis-à-vis the Slovak Republic. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the SR Juraj Blanár (Smer-SD) on the social network. He considers the resolution to be further evidence that some MEPs mistake European institutions for a political tribune of progressive-liberal activism.
“The Slovak Republic takes note of the EP resolution adopted today, which deals with the state of the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights in Slovakia. This resolution only contains a political assessment and has no legal effects against the Slovak Republic. However, above all, it does not correspond to reality and we do not agree with its wording.” responded Blanár.
As he pointed out, the Slovak government has a different opinion on the functioning of the Union, migration, the media or foreign policy. However, he does not consider this a reason to teach SR about democracy and the rule of law. According to him, instead of adopting such resolutions, the EP should start addressing the real problems of European citizens – loss of competitiveness, energy or security threats.
The head of Slovak diplomacy added that Slovakia respects all rules as an EU member state and conducts a constructive dialogue in case of any open question. “Just as it was in the case of the evaluation report on the rule of law by the Commission, which we objectified after mutual dialogue with the European Commission and arguments from our side,” concluded the minister.
In the resolution they adopted on Wednesday during the plenary session in Strasbourg, the MEPs called on the European Commission to assess a possible serious violation of the fundamental values of the EU by the Slovak government. They also expressed concern over the deterioration of the state of democracy and the rule of law in Slovakiawhere, according to them, systemic deficiencies threaten the protection of the EU’s financial interests.
