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Commission Report 2002 (Slovakia)
Slovakia is making progress in implementing the Schengen Action Plan,
which has also been updated. The Government has carried out the
administrative measures, foreseen in the Action Plan, with respect to the
Schengen Information System. Substantial progress has also been made with
ensuring alignment of data protection practices, in particular through the
entry into force of the new Act on Protection of Personal Data in September
2002. The Government has undertaken several administrative and legal measures
to continue to upgrade and modernise the infrastructure at the EU's
future external borders. However, continued efforts should be made to
strengthen Slovakia's border control capacity to fight against illegal
immigration. Slovakia has made good progress in aligning its visa policy with
that of the EU, in particular with the adoption of the new Act on the Stay of
Foreigners, which entered into force in April 2002. In line with the Action
Plan, a Central Visa Office has been operational since February 2002 and a
National Unit to fight against illegal migration was established as of April
2002. The new Act on Asylum, adopted in June 2002, foresees the establishment
of an independent review authority as the second instance in an asylum
procedure. In the field of police co-operation and the fight against
organised crime, Slovakia has continued to make encouraging progress in
aligning its legislation, with the adoption of the amendment to the Code of
Criminal Procedure. However, continued efforts need to be made in the fight
against organised crime, including trafficking in human beings and drug
trafficking. As outlined in the Action Plan, the Department for the fight
against trafficking in human beings and sexual exploitation of the Bureau of
Organised Crime of the Presidium of the Police Force started its effective
operation. The departments of the Police corps responsible for the fight
against organised crime should still be strengthened in the course of
2002-2003 by additional staff. The capacity to deal with money laundering has
also been strengthened and Slovakia is ensuring its compliance with the
recommendations of the financial action task force; the strengthening of the
Financial Intelligence Department foreseen in the Action Plan is ongoing. The
implementation of a national anti-drugs programme has continued. Further
progress has been made with ensuring the implementation of the Community
instruments in the area of judicial co-operation in civil matters and with
ensuring better co-ordination between services and agencies involved in the
area of justice and home affairs. The first necessary steps to complete
alignment with the Convention on the Protection of the Communities'
Financial Interests and its Protocols have been taken. The pre-requirements
for the conclusion of a co-co-operation agreement with Europol are ongoing.
Overall, the Accession Partnership priorities in the area of justice and home
affairs have been met. Implementation of the measures under the Action Plan
is on track.
© European Commission; last modified 2003-05-22
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