On 18 May 2026, the European Parliament's EPP group tabled two amendments to a draft resolution on the rule of law, fundamental rights and misuse of EU funds in Slovakia, calling for an EU-level response to a December 2025 amendment to the Slovak Criminal Code that criminalises the 'questioning' of post-World War II decrees. The amendments shift the Parliament's stance from a neutral recital to a critical condemnation, framing the law as a threat to fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression and academic freedom, and linking it to alleged uncompensated land confiscations.
The amendments, submitted by the EPP group, target a single issue: the Slovak Parliament's December 2025 amendment criminalising the 'questioning' of post-World War II decrees. Amendment 15 corrects the original text's description of the offence from 'denial of the post-World War II peace settlement' to 'questioning of the post-World War II decrees', a broader term that the EPP argues has a chilling effect on academic debate and historical research, citing the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Amendment 16 introduces a new operative paragraph expressing 'grave concern' over administrative and judicial practices by the Slovak Land Fund and state forest enterprise, alleging 'uncompensated land and forest confiscations' based on the same decrees, and explicitly calls on Slovak authorities to 'repeal the amendment of the Criminal Code'.
Policy orientations and trade-offs The EPP's interventionist position prioritises protecting minority rights (specifically the Hungarian minority) and academic freedom over national sovereignty in criminal law. The trade-off involves potential friction with Slovak authorities, who may view the resolution as interference in domestic legal matters. The amendments also elevate a domestic legal change into a broader rule of law concern, linking it to property rights and EU fund misuse.
Impact on stakeholders - EU institutions: The European Parliament is positioned as a guardian of fundamental rights, potentially setting a precedent for similar interventions in member states. The resolution may influence the European Commission's monitoring of rule of law conditionality. - Slovak authorities: Face pressure to repeal the criminal law amendment and address land confiscation allegations, risking political backlash domestically. - Hungarian minority in Slovakia: Stand to benefit from increased EU scrutiny of laws affecting minority rights and historical narratives. - Academic and historical researchers: Gain protection from potential prosecution under the broad 'questioning' provision, but the resolution's impact depends on implementation.
Expected institutional follow-up The amendments will be debated and voted on in plenary. If adopted, the resolution will be forwarded to the European Commission, Council, and Slovak authorities. The Commission may consider rule of law proceedings or conditionality measures linked to EU funds. No prior coverage of this file exists in the last 180 days.
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