The European Union is planning to allocate €799 million to Slovakia after a disagreement over rule-of-law standards prompted by recent legislative changes made by Prime Minister Robert Fico.

These changes, which involve modifications to the criminal code and the elimination of the special prosecutor's office, have raised concerns in Brussels about the potential erosion of judicial independence, similar to actions taken by the Hungarian government.

The European Commission has faced increasing pressure to ensure the proper use of taxpayer funds, particularly as investigations into fraud related to the EU's recovery fund have risen significantly in 2023.

The European Parliament has called for decisive action on rule-of-law issues, especially after the release of previously withheld funds for Hungary due to similar concerns.

Fico's administration has a troubled history with corruption, having been the subject of numerous investigations connected to his ruling Smer party.

His previous term as prime minister ended amidst public outrage following the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciák, which sparked widespread protests.

In 2024, Fico's reforms once again sparked significant protests throughout Slovakia, highlighting ongoing tensions between his government and opposition forces.