Amendment to Slovak Act No 280/2017 on subsidies in agriculture threatens EU financial interests

Question for written answer E-001593/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE), Miriam Lexmann (PPE), Ľubica Karvašová (Renew), Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Renew), Lucia Yar (Renew), Michal Wiezik (Renew)

Recent legislative changes in Slovakia, in particular the amendment to Act No 280/2017 on the provision of support and subsidies in agriculture and for rural development[1], raise serious concerns regarding the protection of the financial interests of the European Union.

According to available information[2], the already amended legal framework does not exclude applicants from receiving EU funds even if they are under criminal investigation, charged, or even finally convicted. The suspension of subsidy payments is intended to apply only to a limited range of criminal offences, while serious offences such as fraud reportedly do not fall among the grounds for automatic exclusion.

In light of previous cases of irregularities and investigations concerning the misuse of European funds in Slovakia, this change may pose a risk of continued disbursement of funds to entities associated with fraudulent activities.

• 1.Is the Commission aware of this legislative change, specifically the amendment to Act No 280/2017, and is it monitoring its impact with regard to the protection of the EU's financial interests?
• 2.Does the Commission consider this framework, as currently set, to be compatible with EU rules on sound financial management and fraud prevention?
• 3.What specific steps does the Commission intend to take if there is a risk that EU funds may be disbursed to entities involved in fraudulent activities?

Submitted: 17.4.2026

• [1] https://www.slov-lex.sk/ezbierky/pravne-predpisy/SK/ZZ/2017/280/.
• [2] https://zastavmekorupciu.sk/kauzy/takacov-rezort-pustil-agrodotacie-aj-obvinenym-pomaha-to-projektom-ako-fafokan/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRLFXRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2WXFVb2VrVzJSSlVReVphc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5M.