Protection of the Rule of Law and Institutions

This project addresses the systematic erosion of the rule of law and democratic stability in Slovakia. Since 2023, significant legislative and institutional changes have impacted the functionality of key democratic pillars, including the judiciary, the prosecution service, and themedia.
The main challenge lies in the vulnerability of independent institutions to political interference, which undermines transparency and the principle of equal access to justice. Specific causes include recent shifts in criminal policy and changes in the functioning of bodies like the Judicial Council and disciplinary senates. Furthermore, the legislative process has become increasingly restricted, limiting the ability of civil society and the public to participate in democratic governance. The media environment also faces pressure due to changes to the public broadcaster and potential change of independent regulator.
These issues are critical for policy makers, advocacy organizations, and the general public. Without systemic intervention, there is a growing risk of Slovakia facing financial sanctions due to rule-of-law deficiencies identified in European Commission reports. For citizens, these challenges result in a sense of powerlessness against state authority and a lack of accountability for those in power.
The project is particularly relevant in the context of the upcoming 2027 parliamentary elections, which represent a "window of opportunity" for either further weakening or significant reform of democratic institutions. By providing expert-led, systemic solutions, VIA IURIS seeks to ensure that the rule of law, fundamental rights, and public participation remain the robust foundations of Slovak democracy.

The project aims to use VIA IURIS's expertise in monitoring democratic institutions to formulate and promote key systemic measures that strengthen democratic values and the rule of law.
Expert Assessment and Proposal Development (Phase 1: 2026–2027): The project will assess changes in rule-of-law institutions since 2023. This includes organizing at least two expert roundtables with academics and legal professionals to refine legislative proposals for judicial and prosecutorial reforms.
Political Advocacy and Election Engagement: Before the 2027 elections, the team will hold approximately three meetings with relevant political parties to present these systemic solutions for inclusion in their election programs. And we also will publish the proposal for public debate.
Post-Election Monitoring and Advocacy (Phase 2: 2027–2028): Efforts will shift toward ensuringthe new government incorporates these reforms into its official Government Manifesto. Theproject will strictly monitor the new executive's legislative steps to prevent the furtherweakening of democratic institutions, if the government after the election will continue withweakening the rule of law in Slovakia.
Legal and Public Intervention: VIA IURIS will submit comments on at least three legislative proposals and, if necessary, initiate strategic litigation or submit amicus curiae briefs to the Constitutional Court.

Direct Outputs:

• A comprehensive analytical material (March 2027) detailing the state of the rule of law and proposed institutional and media reforms.
• An analysis of the post-election Government Manifesto (Oct–Nov 2027).
• Two analyses of the European Commission's annual Rule of Law Reports (2027 and 2028).
• At least three mass comments supported by public mobilization (targeting 500+ signatureseach) to influence the legislative process.
• A minimum of five expert or political consultation meetings.

The project aims to achieve strengthened democratic values and a more resilient rule of law in Slovakia. Key outcomes include the formulation of national-level policies and legislative reforms in critical areas affected by recent changes. By providing expert-led, systemic solutions, the project seeks to ensure that democratic institutions function without political interference, thereby increasing transparency and equal access to justice.

Quantifiable results expected from the project include:

• The drafting or revision of at least three national policies with active civil society participation.Totally preparation at least 4 national level policy documents - proposals for resilient rule of lawinstitutions and 3 legislative amendments.
• The execution of four advocacy or awareness-raising campaigns mobilizing at least 1,500 individuals to actively participate in democratic processes, specifically through mass comments on proposed legislation.

The results of this project will benefit several key groups:

• Policy makers and public institutions: These actors will receive expert analytical materials and concrete legislative proposals designed to improve institutional stability and ensure compliance with European standards.
• Civil society organizations: Advocacy and watchdog NGOs will benefit from quality proposals produced during the project that can be used in public debate and participate in expert roundtables.
• Active citizens and supporters: Supporters of VIA IURIS and users of the MojaPeticia.sk portal will have a chance to influence the legislative process directly and they will receive quality information on the changes to the policies in rule of law issues.
• The general public: Ultimately, all citizens benefit from a society where power is held accountable, fundamental rights are protected, and justice is applied equally to everyone.