Interior Ministry Holds Talks on Investigation into Corruption with EC

Bratislava, 16 February (TASR) - The Interior Ministry has held talks with the European Commission (EC), with amendments to the Penal Code, investigations into corruption and changes concerning the Whistleblowers Protection Office (UOO) being high on the agenda, the ministry's communication department has informed TASR, adding that Slovakia was represented at the talks by ministry State Secretary Lucia Kurilovska. "The Commission has been informed that corruption is being investigated by the Police Corps on a continuous basis, independently and without political interference, in line with the applicable legislation, under the supervision of the prosecution service and to the extent permitted by available evidence. This procedure is confirmed by official statistics data," said the ministry. At the same time, the ministry informed the EC that its aim isn't to weaken institutions, but to strengthen their credibility, predictability and legal certainty — both for Slovak citizens and for its European partners. "The protection of whistleblowers, the fight against corruption and respect for the principles of the rule of law remain a permanent part of the ministry's priorities," added the communications department. ko/df