The European Commission recommends Slovakia should conduct reforms in the education sector, deal with long-term unemployment, the situation of women and mothers on the labour market, the quality of the business environment, and the fight against corruption. The European Commission believes that the quality of the teaching staff should be increased. At the same time, the participation of children from challenging family backgrounds in inclusive mainstream education should be improved. The ultimate aim is to reverse the downward trend in the educational outcomes of pupils. The Commission noted the positive developments on the labour market, with Slovakia's unemployment rate being below the Eurozone average. However, long-term unemployment remains a headache. European Commission Vice-president for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič said that, "to this end, various support programmes and training must be adjusted to ensure more extensive work with the Roma community." He also suggested that extra focus be paid to the long-term jobless via the better targeting of assistance and inclusion programmes and, especially, through the establishment of better interlinks between schools and the labour market.
The EU's executive arm also recommended that Slovakia should improve labour market conditions for women by extending affordable childcare and enabling them to resume work sooner after maternity leave. Slovakia should also enhance transparency in public procurement and step up the fight against corruption by improving the enforceability of law. Šefčovič said that the 'Value for Money' project is viewed in a positive light, and the European Commission recommends that it should be expanded to all major budgetary measures.
