Amendments tabled by the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group to a European Parliament resolution on the rule of law in Slovakia would significantly escalate the chamber's criticism of the Slovak government, calling for an assessment of a 'clear risk of a serious breach' of EU values and explicitly condemning constitutional changes as discriminatory against LGBTIQ+ persons. The amendments also demand ratification of the Istanbul Convention and access to safe and legal abortion, marking a sharp departure from the original text's more cautious language.
The proposed changes, dated 18 May 2026, target a motion for a resolution (B-10-2026-0245) that was already set to address concerns over the rule of law, fundamental rights, and the misuse of EU funds in Slovakia. The S&D group is the only political group to have tabled amendments, suggesting either broad agreement with the original text among other groups or a strategic decision not to engage on these specific points at this stage.
Key changes and their implications
Amendment 5 would transform the resolution's treatment of Slovakia's 2025 constitutional amendments. Where the original text merely noted concerns expressed by the Venice Commission, the amendment explicitly states that the amendments 'do not comply with the recommendations made by the Venice Commission' and 'discriminate against LGBTIQ+ persons.' This shifts the resolution from reporting concerns to making a direct accusation of non-compliance and discrimination.
Amendment 6 represents the most significant escalation: it calls on the European Commission to assess whether there is a 'clear risk of a serious breach' of Article 2 TEU values. This is the formal trigger for the Article 7(1) procedure, which can ultimately lead to the suspension of certain EU rights, including voting rights in the Council. The original text had only called on the Commission to 'make full use of all available instruments.'
Amendment 7 strengthens the legal critique of the constitutional amendments, adding a warning that they 'may violate fundamental rights' and stressing the need for 'sufficient precision to prevent arbitrary interpretation.' This reinforces the argument that the amendments are not merely problematic but potentially illegal under EU law.
Amendment 8 explicitly names the Istanbul Convention and calls for its ratification 'without delay,' removing any ambiguity about which international instrument is being referenced.
Amendment 9 is the most politically sensitive change: it explicitly adds 'including access to safe and legal abortion' to the call for 'non-discriminatory access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.' This directly challenges Slovakia's restrictive abortion laws and frames them as a fundamental rights issue.
Stakeholder impact and institutional follow-up
The amendments, if adopted, would have significant implications for several stakeholders. For the Slovak government, an Article 7 assessment would be a major political blow, potentially leading to sanctions and international reputational damage. The explicit demands on LGBTIQ+ rights and abortion would also increase domestic political pressure. For the European Commission, the call for an Article 7 assessment would force a politically charged decision on whether to escalate the rule of law procedure against a member state. For LGBTIQ+ and women's rights groups in Slovakia, the amendments would provide strong EU-level backing for their campaigns, though implementation would remain a domestic challenge. For other EU member states, the resolution could set a precedent for using Article 7 in cases involving LGBTIQ+ and reproductive rights, potentially deepening divisions between Western and Central European countries.
The resolution is expected to be debated and voted on in plenary in the coming weeks. The absence of amendments from other groups suggests that the S&D's proposals may face opposition, particularly from the European People's Party (EPP) and the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), who may object to the explicit language on LGBTIQ+ rights and abortion. The final text will depend on the outcome of plenary votes and any subsequent compromise negotiations.