Slovakia


Constitutional Background

Slovakia concluded a Europe-Agreement with the EU. However, it did not yet ratify the minority protection treaty signed with Hungary in 1995 because the junior partner in government, the Slovak-Nationalist Party, is fiercely anti-Hungarian. Slovakia has a 570.000 strong (about 10%) minority of ethnic Hungarians.

History and News

  • 2020: Constitutional Amendment.
  • 2019: Constitutional Amendment.
  • 2 Feb 2017: Constitutional Amendment.
  • 8 Dec 2015: Constitutional Amendment: Art. 17 para 3 (Lengthened the general 48 hours limit for detention, in case of suspected terrorists to 96 hours)
  • 4 June and 21 Oct 2014: Art. 41 para 1 (Definition of marriage as a bond between man and woman)
  • 26 July 2012: Constitutional Amendment.
  • 21 Oct 2011: Constitutional Amendment.
  • 4 March 2010: Constitutional Amendment.
  • 3 Feb and 14 March 2006: Constitutional Amendment.
  • 27 Sep 2005: Constitutional Amendment.
  • 5 March 2001: Third Amendment signed by President, Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Council.
  • 23 Feb 2001: Third Amendment of the Slovak constitution is adopted by The National Council of the Slovak Republic (Slovak parliament), approving the constitutional change by 90 votes, i.e. 3/5 qualified majority.  The amendment has not yet been incorporated into the ICL edition.
  • 1 Sep 2000: Constitutional amendments expected for this historical date (cf. 1 Sep 1992).
  • Feb 1999: Second Amendment of the Slovak constitution becomes valid.  The amendment has not yet been incorporated into the ICL edition.
  • Aug 1998: First Amendment of the Slovak constitution becomes valid.  The amendment has not yet been incorporated into the ICL edition.
  • 19 Sep 1995: Governing Vladimir Meciar demands that President Michal Kovac abdicates on grounds of betraying the nation.
  • 23 June 1995, Brussels: Prime Minister Vladimir Meciar formally presented to the EU Slovakia's application for accession, preferably by the year 2000. 
  • 25 Nov 1992: By law of the federal parliament, the state of Czechoslovakia dissolves into the Czech Republik and Slovakia.
  • {§\tab}1 Sep 1992: New Constitution adopted.
  • 1918: In the "Martin Declaration", Slovaks urged union with Czechs in a new state of Czechoslovakia.
  • 1861: "Memorandum for the Slovak Nation" is proclaimed.

For methodology see: Comparing Constitutions and International Constitutional Law.
© 1994 - 28.4.2022 / For corrections please contact A. Tschentscher.