UOO: We Warned Scrapping Our Office Could Jeopardise EU Recovery Payment

Bratislava, 12 February (TASR) - The Office for the Protection of Whistleblowers (UOO) views the postponement of discussions on the sixth payment under the Recovery and Resilience Plan as a serious consequence of legislative efforts to interfere with the existence and independence of its office, UOO told TASR on Thursday. "We publicly and officially warned as early as last year during the legislative process about the potential risks associated with abolishing the office. We pointed out that a functioning and independent UOO forms part of Slovakia's commitments to the European Union and that its abolition could lead to doubts about the fulfilment of the Recovery Plan milestones. Today's situation confirms that these concerns were justified," UOO stated. According to UOO, this step has shown that whistleblower protection and the related independent institution are not merely a "cosmetic" formal condition, but a key instrument in the fight against corruption and the misuse of public funds, including EU funds. "Weakening this system sends a signal that may have long-term consequences for Slovakia's reputation within the EU," the office warned. UOO declared that it will continue to fulfil its statutory duties and is ready to provide expert cooperation in seeking a solution that ensures whistleblower protection in line with European standards, while safeguarding the financial interests of both the European Union and Slovakia. mf