GRECO Calls on Slovak Authorities to Improve Coordination in Fighting Corruption

Strasbourg, 13 May (TASR) – Local authorities and the state should strengthen coordination in the preparation and implementation of anti-corruption policies, regular analysis of integrity and corruption risks, and in introducing measures to safeguard integrity of political officials, concludes the Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) in an evaluation report on Slovakia released on Wednesday, Council of Europe spokesperson Jaime Rodriguez has informed TASR. The report analyses the institutional structures and regulatory frameworks in place to combat corruption and promote integrity. GRECO also analysed their practical implementation in Bratislava and in Trencin region, as well as at the national level. The evaluation process included an on-site visit in Slovakia in May 2025. According to the analysis, the Slovak Republic has a well-established anti-corruption and integrity system largely covering the local and regional levels, with examples of good practices in several areas. GRECO notes that some practices in Bratislava and Trencin region go further than the national framework requires, demonstrating their commitment to preventing corruption and promoting integrity. These include areas such as the evaluation of the implementation of anti-corruption policy documents, ISO anti-bribery certification, transparency measures and integrity screening in recruitment procedures for managerial positions, stakeholder involvement in the preparation of codes of ethics, and good practices in public participation and procurement procedures. While acknowledging certain positive measures, GRECO identifies several areas where further progress is needed to strengthen the Slovakia's integrity system, promote accountability at the sub-national level, and foster public trust in institutions. The report contains 13 recommendations addressed to the Slovak authorities. In addition to improvement of coordination in anti-corruption fight, these concern codes of ethics and related awareness-raising and enforcement measures, outside activities, post-employment restrictions, rules on gifts, the review of declarations of assets, liabilities and interests, lobbying and whistleblower protection. The Slovak authorities are now expected to submit a report on the measures taken to implement GRECO's recommendations by 30 September 2027. ko