Debate on Istanbul Convention may be reopened

The Justice Ministry is considering convening a round-table discussion on proceedings at the European Court of Justice concerning the Istanbul Convention. According to Deputy Justice Minister Edita Pfundtner, this comes in response to criticism raised regarding the ministry's inaction in this issue. The international document was rejected in the Slovak Parliament in March. According to Pfundtner, two processes must be distinguished in the issue: the process at the European court, and the adoption of the convention at a national level. "The convention was signed by Slovakia, but it hasn't been ratified," noted Pfundtner. According to Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák, Slovakia had never before dealt with such a case in constitutional terms. Lajčák believes that the issue should be investigated by constitutional lawyers, noting that the president has the final say anyway.