Slovakia - Political Criteria

Short-term priorities:

• free and fair presidential, national and local elections in 1998;
• effective opposition participation in parliamentary oversight committees and supervisory boards;
• adoption of legislative provisions on the use of minority languages and related implementing measures.

Assessment (October 1999)

These priorities have been achieved.

Municipal elections took place in December 1998 following an amendment of the electoral law in line with a Constitutional Court ruling. Direct presidential elections took place in May 1999 in accordance with undertakings given to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The opposition parties have obtained proportional representation in the parliamentary oversight and supervisory committees, although the main opposition party has refused to chair any of them. Legislation on minority languages has been adopted.

Assessment (November 2000)

The strategy for improving the situation of the Roma is not sufficiently operational and its budget allocation is clearly insufficient. No progress has been recorded as far as the daily life of the Rome is concerned.

Assessment (November 2001)

There has been little tangible improvement in the situation of the Roma, even though they now have new opportunities for access to the labour market. Although the intentions of the Slovak Government are good, problems with project funding are delaying implementation.

Assessment (October 2002)

As part of its strategy to reform public administration, Slovakia has now begun implementing a civil service law and has established a Civil Service Office. However, the transfer of responsibilities from national to regional level is not yet proceeding satisfactorily, as issues relating to training and remuneration still need to be tackled. Slovakia is continuing to implement the Action Plan to combat corruption.

Assessment (November 2003)

Please refer to the fact sheets on the adoption of the Community acquis.

Medium-term priorities:

• adoption of new measures to ensure respect for the Constitution and opposition rights;
• guaranteed independence of the judiciary;
• fostering and enhancing the operation of democratic institutions, NGOs, independent media and policies/institutions which protect minority rights.

Assessment (October 1999)

No progress has been made in these fields.

Assessment (November 2000)

No progress has been made in these fields.

Assessment (November 2001)

Improvements have been made to the law on minority languages. However, it is essential to enforce the legislation more rigorously and to increase budgetary resources in this area.

Assessment (October 2002)

Considerable progress has been made in strengthening the independence and efficiency of the judiciary. Investigation procedures have been made more transparent as a result of amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure. The strategy for improving the situation of the Roma minority has received increased financial support, albeit still insufficient. Special attention needs to be paid to employment opportunities, access to education and better housing. Implementation of the minority language legislation needs to be pursued further.

Assessment (November 2003)

Please refer to the fact sheets on the adoption of the Community acquis.

Following the signing of the Accession Treaty on 16 April 2003, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia acceded to the European Union on 1 May 2004.

REFERENCES

Council Decision 98/262/EC of 30.03.1998Official Journal L 121 of 23.04.1998

Council Decision 1999/852/EC of 06.12.1999Official Journal L 335 of 28.12.1999

Commission Opinion COM(97) 2004 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(98) 703 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(1999) 511 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(2000) 711 finalNot published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(2001) 700 final - SEC(2001) 1754Not published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(2002) 700 final - SEC(2002) 1410Not published in the Official Journal

Commission Report COM(2003) 675 final - SEC(2003) 1209Not published in the Official Journal

Treaty of Accession to the European Union [Official Journal L 236, 23.09.2003]

Last updated: 19.11.2004