Slovakia still does not have an approved basic climate law nor a full-fledged one adaptation strategy, which would clearly set out targets and procedures for reducing emissions or resilience to the consequences of climate change changes. The Supreme Audit Office (SAO) has therefore repeatedly warned that without a climate law and updated strategies, the achievement of climate goals will be significantly more difficult. The preparation of the Slovak climate law began in 2021, but its draft was suspended after interdepartmental comments and has not yet been submitted to parliament. The delay has serious risks - not only a decrease in international trust, but also possible EU sanctions for failure to meet legislative obligations (for example, correct transposition of rules on emission allowance trading).

Missing key documents

• Climate law – Its approval would unify the legal framework for climate policy, establish the obligations of the state, local governments and industry in the area of greenhouse gas reduction, and introduce sanctions or the possibility of a "climate lawsuit". defining specific obligations and control mechanisms emphasized the proposal that the Ministry of the Environment was preparing. The law was intended to improve the legal enforceability of the objectives Low Carbon Strategy of the Slovak Republic (NUS) to 2030 and adaptation goals and remove uncertainties for cities and municipalities. The SAO criticizes its lack of preparedness as a "negative signal" for the country's reputation and warns that without it Slovakia may face infringement for failure to comply with European legislation.
• Climate change adaptation strategy of the Slovak Republic – Slovakia has a valid adaptation strategy from 2014 (updated in 2018), but according to the SAO, it lacks essential elements. The current version, for example does not include cost quantification or risk identification threatening objectives, which makes it impossible to plan and use resources effectively. The SAO therefore calls for comprehensive update strategic adaptation documents and related plans. Without a clear national adaptation, local governments are less prepared to draw on EU funds for flood and drought prevention measures, which may weaken the country's resilience to extreme weather events.
• Other documents – Some other strategies are also outdated (e.g. the Low Carbon Strategy of the Slovak Republic, the National Energy and Climate Plan), which should be regularly updated according to new European targets. The SAO points out that the NUS was not adapted to the "Fit for 55" package (the target of reducing emissions by 55 % by 2030) and does not contain additional measures to achieve carbon neutrality.

Comparison with EU countries

In many European countries already climate laws and strategies apply. Examples include Germany (Klimaschutzgesetz with a target of 65 % emission reduction by 2030 and neutrality by 2045), France (the “Loi Climat et Résilience” law from 2021), the Netherlands (the climate law from 2019), Sweden and Denmark. According to an analysis by the Heinrich Böll Foundation, almost half of the EU countries have already adopted or are preparing their climate law. Most of them are from Western Europe – Slovakia would (if the law is finally adopted) be the first with such legislation in the Central and Eastern European region. Many countries are also systematically updating their adaptation plans and investing in the green transition with clear priorities.

Opinions of experts and NGOs

NGOs and experts have repeatedly emphasized the urgency of adopting a climate law. Climate Coalition reminds that this is not just a marketing move, but a necessary "comprehensive approach to reducing emissions" with the aim of a more stable and resilient economy. Coalition coordinator Dana Mareková said that even though the climate law was not adopted before the elections, the time should be used to prepare strong proposal and eliminating disputes between departments. Likewise, the Institute of Environmental Law (Friends of the Earth – CEPA) appeals to the government to, when drafting the new National Energy and Climate Plan ensured clear objectives and the use of EU funds for climate protection.

The SAO, as an independent auditor, also explicitly recommends that the parliament, by resolution, authorize the Ministry of the Environment to resume the preparation of the climate law and involve all relevant ministries in this. According to the main auditors, "The missing law may make it difficult for our region to take measures to achieve its goals for reducing CO2 emissions"Experts warn that without a legal commitment at the national level, implementation will be fragmented and less effective.

Impacts on objectives and funding

The delay in legislation will also affect climate commitments and EU funding. Slovakia has an approved commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and reduce emissions by 55 % by 2030, but without national regulation it is difficult to actually meet these goals. At the same time, Slovakia is preparing a number of measures for the new programming period 2021–2027 European funds earmarked for green projects – several billion euros are available from the Recovery and Resilience Plan alone, and billions more will come from the European Structural Funds. Environmental organizations warn that the quality of these programs is now a “key tool” for tackling the climate crisis.

At the same time, they point out that "Billions for EU measures" We already have them, and if the country does not spend them strategically, we will have to pay much more later. The unused potential of the funds or a delayed transition to a green economy could deprive us of resources, reduce our resilience to extremes (floods, droughts, heat waves) and jeopardize the fulfillment of European duties. On the other hand, the adoption of a climate law and an effective adaptation strategy would help Slovakia better meet the EU climate and environmental criteria and gain the trust of partners in drawing funds for the transformation of the economy. Spring

Sources: Studies and analyses of the SAO, statements by the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic and environmental organizations on the status and consequences of the delay in climate legislation.