The European Commission has slammed Slovakia’s latest constitutional amendment, warning that the move to enshrine “traditional” values on gender and sexuality clashed with European Union law.
Slovakia’s parliament approved changes that would prevent the EU from overruling national decisions on cultural and ethical issues.
Speaking to Brussels Signal today, EC officals said the body has formally flagged its concerns with Slovak authorities.
“Let us recall that EU law has primacy over national law, including national constitutional provisions,” the officials said.
“We have notably expressed concerns about how the proposed amendments to Article 7 relate to EU law,” they added.
The EC also regrets that its warnings were ignored.
“The adopted legal text does not take into account the concerns raised by the Commission,” the EC said.
“In the EU, we stand up for a Union of Equality, which embraces diversity, where people can be who they are and live free from discrimination,” the officials continued.
While family policy remains a matter for member states, the EC stressed that its implementation cannot undermine the EU’s core principle of non-discrimination.
Some MEPs have warned that Slovakia risks becoming “another Hungary”, openly defying the European Union.
On September 12, Green MEP Damian called on the EC to halt funding to Slovakia.
“EU money must not fuel autocrats. It’s time to freeze the funds for Fico now. The situation in Slovakia is alarming. Europe cannot afford another Hungary, another [Hungary Prime Minister Viktor] Orbán,” he said.
