UOO: We Warned Scrapping Our Office Could Jeopardise EU Recovery Payment (2)

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. Earlier on Thursday, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for the Recovery Plan and the Knowledge-based Economy announced that the approval of the final formal step in paying out the sixth payment request for Slovakia, amounting to €590 million, has not yet been included on the agenda of the EU comitology committee. The reason is said to be changes concerning UOO, the establishment of which was financed under the Recovery Plan. According to the Deputy Prime Minister's Office, the European Commission will wait for a decision by the Slovak Constitutional Court with respect to UOO. At the same time, UOO has begun intensive talks with the European Commission in order to clarify outstanding issues and secure the continuation of the process of paying out the sixth payment request. In its original form, UOO was to cease to exist from 1 January 2026. However, following a decision by the Constitutional Court, which in December 2025 suspended the effectiveness of the law, it continues to operate unchanged for the time being. The Constitutional Court accepted in full a petition by a group of opposition MPs for further proceedings. In January, the European Commission sent Slovakia a formal notice of possible non-compliance with respect to UOO and requested additional information and clarification. Legislation approved by Parliament in December was to transform UOO into a new Office for the Protection of Victims of Crime and Whistleblowers. In addition to the whistleblower agenda, the new office was to deal with compensation for victims of crime, an agenda to be taken over from the Justice Ministry. NOTE: This story has been extended to include the final five paragraphs mf