Archive · 21 Nov 2025
EU Challenges Slovakia's Constitutional Change Asserting National Sovereignty
Slovakia changed its rules to say their own laws are more important than EU rules in certain areas.
The EU is now checking if this is allowed.
The change includes rules about what gender is and who can adopt.
Some people think the leader of Slovakia wants to leave the EU, but he denies this.
Slovakia amended its constitution to prioritize national laws over EU legislation in areas like gender and family law.
The European Commission opened a case against Slovakia, alleging breach of EU law and the principle of primacy of EU law.
Slovakia has two months to respond to the EU's letter of formal notice.
The amendment defines gender as male and female, and imposes restrictions on school curriculums and adoption rules.
Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his pro-Russian stance, has been criticized by the opposition for potentially laying the groundwork for exiting the EU.
- Who
- Slovakia, European Commission, Prime Minister Robert Fico
- What
- Amended constitution to assert national sovereignty over EU legislation in specific areas
- When
- September 2022, EU case opened in February 2023
- Where
- Slovakia
- Why
- To prioritize national laws over EU laws in matters concerning national identity
Pro-EU Stance
National Sovereignty Advocates
EU Law Primacy
Pro-EU Stance
EU law should always take precedence over national laws
National Sovereignty Advocates
National laws should take precedence in matters of national identity
EU Membership
Pro-EU Stance
Slovakia should maintain and strengthen its EU membership
National Sovereignty Advocates
Slovakia should be prepared for the potential collapse of the EU
- Amended Constitution
- Prioritizes national laws over EU laws in areas like gender and family law
- EU Response
- Opened a case, sent letter of formal notice
- Deadline for Slovakia's Response
- Two months from the EU's letter
- Prime Minister
- Robert Fico
- Opposition Accusation
- Laying groundwork for exiting the EU