Slovakia’s Ministry of Justice proposed a Criminal Code amendment to toughen penalties for human trafficking and introduce a new crime for using the services of trafficking victims. The legislation transposes an EU directive aimed at reducing demand and combating all forms of exploitation. It also addresses illegal migration by criminalizing human smuggling and aims to improve law enforcement qualification of trafficking and pimping cases. The amendment is limited in scope, as the current law already reflects most EU requirements, with further goals supported through strategic programs like the 2024–2028 National Anti-Trafficking Plan. The law is proposed to take effect on July 15, 2026.
Source: TASR
Patrícia Polakovičová, Photo: TASR
