The European Commission has launched an investigation against Slovakia over the dismantling of whistleblower protections
On 30 January, the European Commission announced the launch of an official investigation against Slovakia over the government's decision to abolish the independent office for the protection of whistleblowers. Brussels stated that the government's actions were contrary to European Union law. This was reported by The Public with reference to Politico.
The investigation was prompted by Prime Minister Robert Fico's team's plans to replace the existing body with a new institution, whose leadership would be appointed politically. The European Commission stressed that this approach undermines the independence of whistleblower protection mechanisms and does not meet EU requirements.
The head of the whistleblower protection office, Zuzana Dlugoszova, said that she had repeatedly warned the Slovak authorities about the risk of violating European law. According to her, the disregard of expert comments led to the launch of an infringement procedure by the EU, which, however, may contribute to a broader public debate on whistleblower protection standards in the country.
The European Commission has given Bratislava one month to provide an official response. In the absence of convincing explanations, further steps may include a multi-level procedure with possible restrictions on payments from the EU budget.
After returning to power in 2023, the Smer party led by Fico has already initiated a series of changes that have drawn criticism in Brussels. These include the abolition of the Special Prosecutor's Office for Combating Corruption, the disbanding of the National Anti-Crime Agency and the weakening of anti-corruption legislation. Separate EU proceedings against Slovakia were opened in November 2025 due to constitutional changes regarding the definition of gender.
