Response by the Delegation of Slovakia to the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security

The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document FSC.EMI/55/25 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 15 April 2025 Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. ENGLISH only

PERMANENT MISSION OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC TO THE UNITED NATIONS, OSCE AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN VIENNA

NOTE VERBALE

035379/2025-ATSM1-1

The Permanent Mission of the Slovak Republic to the United Nations, the OSCE and Other International Organisations in Vienna presents its compliments to the Permanent Missions and Delegations of all participating States to the OSCE and to the Conflict Prevention Centre of the OSCE, and in accordance with Decision No.2/09 of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation has the honour to submit the response of the Slovak Republic to the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, valid as of April 15, 2025.

In accordance with the Interpretative Statement made with regard to the FSC Decision 02/09, additional information concerning implementation of the OSCE MC Decision 14/05 and the UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, is included.

The Permanent Mission of the Slovak Republic to the United Nations, the OSCE and Other International Organisations in Vienna avails itself of this opportunity to renew to all Permanent Missions and Delegations of all participating States to the OSCE and to the Conflict Prevention Centre of the OSCE the assurances of its highest considerations.

Vienna, 15 April 2025

Enclosure:

- Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security; - Interpretative Statement Under Paragraph Iv.1(A) 6 of The Rules of Procedure of the OSCE

To the Permanent Missions and Delegations to OSCE To the Conflict Prevention Center

Vienna  QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE CODE OF CONDUCT ON POLITICO-MILITARY ASPECTS OF SECURITY*

Section I: Inter-State elements

1. Account of measures to prevent and combat terrorism

1.1 To which agreements and arrangements (universal, regional, subregional and bilateral) related to preventing and combating terrorism is your State a party?

The Slovak Republic is a party and implements following agreements and arrangemenis related to preventing and combating terrorism:

Multilateral Agreements

European Convention on Extradition (Paris, 13 December 1957); European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Meiters (Strasbourg, 20 April 1959); wN

Convention on Qffences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft (Tokyo, 14 September 1963); Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of dircraft (The Hague, 16 December 1970); YA

Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation (Montreal, 23 September 1971); 6. European Convention on the Transfer of Proceedings in Criminal Matters (Strasbourg, 15 May 1972); 7. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, incliding Diplomatic Agents (New York, 14 December 1973); 8. Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Extradition (Strasbourg, 15 October 1975); . European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism (Strasbourg, 27 January 1977); 10. Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Strasbourg, 17 March 1978); 11. Second Additional Protocol to the European Convention on Extradition (Strasbourg, 17 March 1978); 12. International Convention ageinst the Taking of Hostages (New York, 17 December 1979); 13. Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (Vienna, 3 March 1980); 14. Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (Strasbourg, 21 March 1983); 15. Protocol on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports Serving International Civil Aviation (Montreal, 24 February 1988); 16. Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Moritime Navigation (Rome, 10 March 1988); 17. Protocol for the Suppression of Unlenwful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (Rome, 10 March 1988); 18, Convenrion on Laundering, Search, Seizure ond Confiscation of the Proceeds from Crime (Strasbourg, 8 ‘November1590); 19. Convention on the Morking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection (Montreal, 1 March 1991); 20. International Convention for ihe Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (New York, 15 December 1997); 21. International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (New York, 9 December 1999); 22, United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (New York, 15 November 2000);

" Participating States are encouraged to highlight major changes or updates in their replies to the questionnaire, as appropriate  23. Protocol against the Smuggling of Migranis by Lond, Sea and Air, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (New York, 15 November 2000); 24, Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (New York, 15 November 2000); 25. Protocol against the llicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (New York, 31 May 2001); 26. Second Additional Protocol to the European Convention om Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters (Strasbourg, 8 November 2001); Protocol Amending the European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism (Strasbourg, 15 May 2003 — not in force); International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (New York, 13 April 2005); Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (Warsaw, 16 May 2005); Council of Europe convention on laundering, search, seizure and confiscation of the proceeds from crime and on the financing of terrorism (Warsaw, 16 May 2005); Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (Vienna, 8 July 2005); Convention between the Kingdom of Belgium, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Kingdom of Spain, The French Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and ihe Republic of Austria on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism, cross-bordercrime and illegal migration (Priim, 27 May 2005); Convention on Cluster Munitions (Dublin, 30 May 2008); Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Relating to International Civil Avietion (Beijing, 10 September 2010); Protocol Supplementary to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft (Beijing, 10 September 2010); . Arms Trade Treaty (New York, 2 June 2013); . Additional Protocol to the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (Riga, 22 October 2015). European Union’s Legal Acts Council Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 of 27 December 2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism as amended; Council Decision 2008/615/JHA of 23 June 2008 on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime; Council Decision 2008/616/JHA of 23 June 2008 on ihe implementation of Decision 2008/615/JHA on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime; Council Decision 2008/617/JHA of 23 June 2008 on the improvement of cooperation between the special intervention units of the Member States of the European Union in cvisis situations as amended; Council Decision of 13 December 2011 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and Australia on the processing and transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data by air carriers to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service; Council Decision 2007/533/JHA of 12 June 2007 on the establishment, operation and use of the second generation Schengen Information System (SIS 1) as amended; Council Framework Decision 2002/584/ JHA of 13 June 2002 on the European arrest warrant and the suprender procedures between Member Stotes os amended; Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2015 on the prevention of theuse of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Directive 2006/70/EC (Text with EEA relevance) as amended; 2  Directive (EU) 2016/681 ofthe European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the use of passenger name record (PNR) data for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences ond serious crime,: 10. Directive (EU) 2017/541 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 20170n combating tervorism and replacing Council Fromework Decision 2002/475/JHA and amending Council Decision 2005/671/JHA; 11 Directive (EU) 2018/843 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive (EU) 2015/849 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing, and amending Directives 2009/138/EC and 2013/36/EU; 12. Regulation (EU) 2022/991 of the European Parliament and of the Council of8 June 2022 amending Regulation (EU) 2016/794 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on the European Union Agency Jor Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) and replacing and repealing Council Decisions 2009/371/JHA, 2009/934/JHA, 2009/935/JHA, 2009/936/JHA and 2009/968/JHA; 13, Directive (EU) 2016/680 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecytion of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, and on the free movement of such data, ond repealing Council Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA as amended; 14, Directive 2014/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on markets in financial instruments and amending Directive 2002/92/EC and Directive 2011/61/EU as amended; 15. Directive 2014/42/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on the freezing and confiscation of instrumentalities and proceeds of crime in the European Union as amended; 16. Directive 2013/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 August 2013 on attacks against information systems and replacing Counctl Framework Decision 2005/222/TH4; 17. Council Directive 2004/80/EC on relating to compensation to crime victims; 18. Regulation (EU) 2015/2219 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on the ‘European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) and replacing and repealing Council Decision 2005/681/JHA; 19, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2403 establishing common guidelines on deactivation standards and techniques for ensuring that deactivated firearms are rendered irveversibly inoperable as amended; 20, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/337 of 5 March 2018 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2403 estoblishing common guidelines on deactivation standards and techniques for ensuring that deactivated firearms are rendered irreversibly inoperable; 21 Regulatiorn (EU) 2018/1672 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on controls on cash entering or leaving the Union and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1889/2005 as amended; 22, Directive (EU) 2018/1673 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2018 on combating money laundering by criminal law; 23. Regulation (EU) 2018/1860 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 November 2018 on the use of the Schengen Infornation System for ihe return of illegally staying third-country nationals; 24 Regulation (EU) 2018/1861 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 November 2018 on the establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System (SIS) in the field of border checks, and amending the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement, and amending and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1987/2006 as amended; 25, Regulation (EU) 2018/1862 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 November 2018 on the establishment, operation and use of the Schengen Information System (SIS) in the field of police cooperation and Judicial cooperation in crimingl matters, amending and repealing Council Decision 2007/533/JHA, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1986/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Decision 2010/261/EU as amended; 26, Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2017 establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) to register entry and exit data and refusal of entry data of third-country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States and determining the conditions for access to the EES for law enforcement purposes, and amending the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EU) No 1077/2011 as amended; 27. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/686 of 16 January 2019 laying down the detailed arrangements under Council Directive 91/477/EEC for the systematic exchange, by electronic means, of information relating to the transfer of firearms within the Union; 28, Regulation (EU) 2019/816 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 establishing a centralised system for the identification of Member States holding conviction information on third-countrynationals and stateless persons (ECRIS-TCN) to supplement the European Criminal Records Information System and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1726 as amended; 29. Regulation (EU) 2019/817 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on establishing a framework for interoperability between EU information systems in the field of borders and visa and amending Regulations (EC) No 767/2008, (EU) 2016/399, (EU) 2017/2226, (EU) 2018/1240, (EU) 2018/1726 and (EU) 2018/1861 of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Decisions 2004/512/EC and 2008/633/THA as amended; 30. Regulation (EU) 2019/318 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2019 on establishing a Jramework for interoperability between EU information systems in the field of police and judicial cooperation, asylum and migration and amending Regulations (EU) 2018/1726, (EU) 2018/1862 and (EU) 2019/816 as amended; 31. Regulation (EU) 2019/1148 of ihe European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on the marketing and use of explosives precursors, amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 98/2013as amended; 32, Directive (EU) 2019/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019laving down rules Jacilitating the use of financial and other information for the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of certoin criminal offences, and repealing Council Decision 2000/642/JHA; 33. Regulation (EU) 2019/1896 of the European Parliament ond of the Council of 13 November 2019 on the European Border and Coast Guard and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1052/2013 and (EU) 2016/1624; 34. Directive (EU} 2019/2177 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2019 amending Directive 2009/138/EC on the taking-up and pursuit of the business of Insurance and Reinsurance (Solvency II), Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments and Directive (EU) 2015/849 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purposes af money-laundering or terrorist financing; 35, Regulation (EU) 2020/493 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 March 2020 on the False and Authentic Docurnents Online (FADO) system and repealing Council Joint Action 98/700/JHA; 36. Council Decision (CFSP) 2021738 of 15 January 2021 establishing a common approach on the elements of end- user certificates in the context of the export of small arms and light weapons and their ammunition; 37. Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/235 of 21 February 2022 implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1686 imposing additional restrictive measures directed against ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda and natural and legal persons, entities or bodies associated with them; 38, Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/240 of 21 February 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2016/1693 concerning restrictive measures against ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them; 39. Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/147 of 3 Februory 2022 implementing Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism, and repealing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1188; 40. Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/152 of 3 February 2022 updating the list of persons, groups and entities subject to Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combať terrorism, and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2021/1192; 41. Regulation (EU) 2021/784 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online; 42. Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2021731 of 13 January 2021 on laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2018/1862 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the minimum data quality standards and technical specifications for entering photographs, DNA profiles and dactyloscopic data in the Schengen Information System (SIS) in the fleld of police cooperation and judicial cooperation in criminal matters and repealing Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1345; 43, Directive (EU) 2021/555 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 March 2021 on conirol of the acquisition and possession of weapons (codification); 44. Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/1423 of 21 May 2021 laying down the detailed arrangements under Directive (EU) 2021/555 of the European Parliament and of the Council for the systematic exchange, by electronic means, of information relating to refusals to grant authorisations to acquire or possess certain firearms.  Other European Union’s acts

45. Council Common Position 2001/930/CFSP of 27 December 2001 on combating terrorism; 46. Council Common Position 2001/931/CFSP of 27 December 2001 on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism as amended; 47, Council Common Position 2003/140/CFSP of 27 February 2003 concerning excepiions to the restrictivemeasures imposed by Common Position 2002/402/CFSP; 48, Agreement between the United States of America and the Europeon Union on the use and transfer of passenger name records to the United States Department of Homeland Security (2012); 49, Agreement between the European Union and Australia on the processing and transfer of Passenger Name Record dota by air carriers to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (2012); 50, Commission Recommendation (EU) 201771936 of 18 October 2017 on immediate steps to prevent misuse of explosives precursors.

119 GREEMENTS

1. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania on the Co-operation in Combating Terrorism, Organized Crime, Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Drug Precursors and other Crimes (Sankt Polten, 04 May 2015); 2. Agreement beiween the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on Aviation Services (Yerevan, 18 March 2010); 3. Agreement between the Slovak Republic and the Austria on Police Co-operation (Vienna, 13 February 2004); Agreement between the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Austria on amendment of the Agreement between the Slovak Republic and Austria on Police Cooperation signed on 13 February 2004 in Vienna (Vienna, 14 February 2014); 5. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of Belarus on Co-operaiion in the Fight ogainst Terrorism, Hllicit Drug Trafficking and other Organized Crime Activities (Bratislava, 14 November 2001); 6. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of Belgium on Police Co- operation (Brussels, 29 June 2000); 7. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Cooperation in Fight against Crime, in Particular Terrorism, llicit Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime (Sarajevo, 5. 6. 2006); 8. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of Bulgaria on Police Co- operation (Sofia, 4 November 1999); 9, Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Croatia on Police Co-operation (Zagreb, 17 November 2010); 10. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus on Co- operation in Combating Organized Crime, Terrorism, Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances as well as other Types of Crime (Bratislava, 26 February 2004); 11. Agreement between the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic on Co-operation in Combating Organized Crime, on the Protection of the Public Order and on the Protection of the State Border (Bratislava, 27 January 2004); 12, Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Czech Republic on Cooperation in Military Aviation (Piešťany, 14 December 2011); 13. Treaty between the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic for Cooperation on Mutual Proteciion of Airspace (Brussels, 15 February 2017); 14, Agreement between ihe Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt on Co-operation in the Field of Fighting Crime (Cairo, 20 January 2004); 15. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of France on Co- operation related to the Interior (Bratislava, 7 May 1998); 16, Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of Georgia on cooperation in the fight against crime (Bratislava, 13 November 2015); 17. Agreement between the Government of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany on Co-operation in the Fight against Organized Crime (Prague, 13 September 1991); 18. Treaty between the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Hungary on Co-operation in Prevention of Cross border Crime and in Fight against Organized Crime (Bratislava, 2 October 2006); 19. Agreement beiween the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Hungary on amendment of the Agreement between the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Hungary on Co-operation in Prevention of Cross border Crime and in Fight against Organized Crime signed on Bratislava, 2 October 2006 (Brussels, 5 December 2014); 20. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Interior of The Slovak Republic and The National Counter Terrorism Agency of the Republic of Indonesia on counter terrorism cooperation (Bratislava, 24 June 2019 21. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Italy on Co- operation in Combating Terrorism, Organized Crime and Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Bratislava, 19 April 2002); 22. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the State of Israel on cooperation in matters of public security (Tel Aviv, 2 November 2010); 23. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Kuzakhstan on Cogperation in Combating Organized Crime, Terrorism, Hlicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors as well as other Types of Crime (Bratislava, 21. November 2007); 24. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Latvia on co- operation in the Fight against Terrorism, Hlicit Trofficking in Drugs and other Organized Crime (Riga, 24 May 1999); 25. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania on co-operation in derecting, investigating and preventing criminal offences (Bratislava, 10 June 2008); 26. Agreement between Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government af the Republic of Macedonia on Police Co-operation in the Fight against Crime (Bratislava, 5 October 2009); 27. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of Maita on Co-operation in the Fight against Organized Crime (Bratislava, 16 May 2000); 28. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Moldova on Cooperation in the Fight against Organized Crime (Chisinau, 20 June 2007); 29, Agreement between the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Interior of Montenegro on Police Cooperation (Podgorica, 5 June 2012); 30. Agreement between the Slovak Republic and the Republic of Poland on Co-operation in Combating Crime and on Co-operation on the Border Area (Warsaw, 23 March 2004) as amended, 31. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of Romania on Co-operation in Combating Organized Crime, Tlicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors, Terrorism, as well as other Serious Crime (Bucharest, 16 October 2003); 32, Agreement between the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and the Federal Financial Monitoring Service (Russian Federation) on Cooperation in the Field of Fight against Legalization (Laundering) of Proceeds from Crime and Financing of Terrorism (Sun City, 3 July 2013) 33, Agreement on Co-operation between the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Interior of the Russian Federation (Moscow, 28 February 2014); 34. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Serbia on Cooperation in Combaling Crime (Bratislava, 16 November 2007); 35, Agreemení between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on Aviation Services (Bratislava, 7 October 2010); 36. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of Stovenia on Co-operation in the Fight against Terrorism, Ilicit Trafficking in Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances and Precursors and Organized Crime (Bratislava, 14 September 1994); 37. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Kingdom of Spain on Co- operation in the Fight against Organized Crime (Bratislava, 3 March 1999); 38. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on Co- operation in the Fight against International Terrorism, Hlicit Trafficking in Drugs and other Organized Crime (Ankara, 6 June 1996), 39. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of Turkmenistan on Co- operation in the Fight against International Terrovism, Hlicit Trafficking in Narcotics and other Organized Crime {Moscow, 8 August 1996); 40 Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Cabinet of Ukraine on Co-operation in the Fight against Organized Crime (Bratislava, 5 December 2000); 4. Memorandum of understanding on security cooperation and fighting terrorism between the Ministry of interior of =~

the Slovak republic and the Ministry of the United Arab Emirvates (Abu Dhabi, 5 April 2015); 42. Agreement between the Government of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Co-operation in the Fight against Terrorism, Trofficking in Narcotics and Organized Crime and General Aspects of Security Practice (Prague, 23 July 1990); 43. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the United States of America Jor the Exchange of Screening Information Concerning Known or Suspected Terrorists (Bratislava, 2 October 2008); 44. Agreement between the Slovak Republic and the United States of America on enhancing cooperation inpreventing and combating crime (Washington, 8 October 2008); 45. Agreement between the Minisiry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Cooperation in Fight against Organized Crime (Bratislava, 17 January 1997); 46. Agreement between the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and the Minisiry of Public Security of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Crimes (Bratislava, 6 March 2017); 47. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Interior of the French Republic on strengthening mutual police cooperation of specialized services in the field offight against impact on the environment (Bratislava, 6 July 2020); 48. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Interior of Hungary on cooperation in managing crisis situations (Komarom, 25 March 2021); 49. Agireement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Poland regarding Cooperation in Military Aviation (Bratislava, 8 July 2020); 50. Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of Hungary on Cooperation in the Field of Military Aviation (Bratislava, 30 November 2020),

1.2 What national legislation has been adopted in your State to implement the above-mentioned agreements and arrangements?

Penal Code No, 300/2005 Coll. as amended; Code of Criminal Procedure No, 301/2005 Coll, as amended; Act No. 17171993 Coll. on the Police Corps as amended; Act No. 46/1993 Coll. on Slovak Intelligence Service as amended, Act No. 500/2022 Coll. on Military Intelligence as amended by Act No. 367/2024 Coll; Act No. 256/1998 Coll. on Witness Protection as amended; ActNo. 129/1998 Coll. on Chemical Weapons Ban as amended; Banking Act No. 483/2001 Coll. amending certain other acts as amended; Constitutional Act No. 227/2002 Coll. on State Security at the Time of War, State of War, State of Emergency, and State of Crisis as amended, Act No. 319/2002 Coll. on Defence of the Slovak Republic as amended; Act No. 321/2002 Coll. on Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic as amended; Act No. 331/2005 Coll. on state adminisiration bodies in the field of drugs precursors as amended; Act No. 404/2011 Coll. on the stay of foreigners and amendments; Act No. 199/2004 Coll. the Customs Act and on amendments to certain acts, as amended; Act No. 15472010 Coll. on the European Arrest Warrant as amended; Act No. 143/1998 on the Civil Aviation as amended,; Act No. 541/2004 Coll. on the Peaceful Using of the Nuclear Energy as amended; Act No. 35/2019 Coll. on Financial Administration and on Amendment ond Supplementation of Certain Act as amended; Act No.: 218/2007 Coll. on Biolegical Weapons Ban as amended; Act No. 297/2008 Coll. on the Protection from the Legalization of receipts from the Criminal Activity and on the Protection from the financing of the Terrorism as amended (full implementation of the Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2005 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing) as amended; Act No. 747/2004 Coll. on Supervision of the Financial Market and on changes and amendments of certain acts as amended; Act No. 566/2001 Coll. on securities and investment services and on amendments and supplements of certain acts (Áct on Securities), as amended; Aet. No. 203/2011 Coll. on collective investment as amended, Aet. No. 291/2009 Coll. on the Establishment of the Specialized Criminal Court and on amendments and supplements of certoin acts as amended by Act No. 400/2009 Coll.; Act No. 492/2009 Coll. on payment services and on omendments and supplements of certain acts, as amended; Act No. 367/2024 Coll. Critical Infrastructure Act and on amendments and supplements of certain acts; Act No. 289/2016 Coll. on the Implementation of International Sanctions and on Amendmenis to Act No. 566/2001 Coll. on Securities and Investment Services and on Amendments and Supplements to Certain Aets (Securities Act) as amended; Act No, 183/2011 Coll. on Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments Imposing Financial Sanction in the European Union and on amendments and supplements of certain acts, as amended; Acr No. 533/2011 Coll. on Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments Imposing Measures not Involving Deprivation of Liberty or Probation Decisions with a View to the Supervision of Probation Measures in the European Union as amended; ActNo. 549/2011 Coll. on Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments Imposing Custodial Sentences or Measures Involving Deprivation of Liberty in the European Union and on amendments and supplements of the Act No. 221/2006 Coll. on execution of custody os amended, as amended; Act No. 110/2004 Coll. on operations of the Security Council of the Slovak Republic in peacetime as amended; Act No. 281/2015 on Siate Service of Professional Soldiers and on the amendment of certatn lows as amended; Act No. 64/2019 Coll. on the acquisition of firearms and ammunition for civilion use as amended; Aet No. 190/2003 Coll. On firearms and ammunition as amended;  1.3 What are the roles and missions of military, paramilitary and security forces and the police in preventing and combating terrorism in your State?

Paramilitary force Slovak Republic does not possess any paramilitary or securily forces. Military forces Roles and missions of armed forces in preventing and combating terrorism are defined in the Act on the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (No. 321/2002 Coll,). According to Article 4, paragraph 1 of the Constitutional Act No, 227/2002 Coll. the President of the SlovakRepublic may, upon the proposal of the Governmení of the Slovak Republic, proclaim a Staie of Emergency, if a terrorist attack has been carried out or there is an imminent threat of a terrorist attack. According to Article 4, paragraph 4 dj of the Act on the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic may be used in the fight against terrorism. In accordance with the Act on the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic it relates to situation of engagement of aircraft performing air policing missions when specified action/engagement is taken against civilian aircrafi to be used as a means of the terrorism act or constituting a threat to security of the Slovak Republic (detailed conditions for identification of such object are set directly it this Act). On the other side, the members of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic may be allocated for the purposes e. g. fight against terrorism or organised crime if means and capabilities of the Police Corps are inadequate (§ 70 of the Act No. 171/1993 Coll. on Police Corps as amended) based on the decision of the Government of the Slovak Republic. The missions and roles of the armed forces in combating lerrorism are carried out in accordance with applicable legal acts (No. 387/2002 Coll. as amended, No. 227/2002 Coll. ond No. 32172002 Coll, as amended) and the Constitution of the Slovak Republic; thetr formulation within the appropriate legislative process is influenced by the respective JSundamental security documents, such as the Security Strategy of the Slovak Republic and the Defence Strategy of the Slovak Republic opproved at the level of the National Council of the Slovak Republic. The White Paper on Defence of the Slovak Republic, adopted by the Government of the Slovak Republic in June 2013, also oddresses some aspects of counter- terrorism. Police Roles and missions of the Police in preventing and combating terrorism are defined in the Act No. 17171993 Coll, on the Police Corps os amended and are carried out in accordance with the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, Constitutional acts and other octs particularly with the Penal Code No. 300/2005 Coll. as amended, generally binding standards and effective international treaties and agreements signed by the Slovak Republic. Crimes linked to terrorism are contained in § 297 — establishment, plotting and supporting of terrorist group, in § 313 and § 314 — terror and § 419, - terrorist attack, some forms of participation in terrorism in § 419b, financing of terrorism in § 419¢, travel for the purpose of terrorism in § 419d and crime committed from a special mottve in § 140 point. d) of the Criminal Code No. 300/2005. Investigation of these crimes falls within the scope of responsibility of the regional police depariments and, on the basis of selective affiliation, also of the Organized Crime Bureau of the Presidium of the Police Corps.

Among tasks of the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Presidium of the Police Corps (CTU) are intelligence gathering, detection of criminal offences related to terrorism, removing of terrorisi content online, criminal inielligence analysing, strategic analysing, creating reports, information and positions, threat assessments, conclusions and resolutions for advisory bodies and also policymaking. CTU was the supervising body in a long process of creating and revising the National Counter Terrorism Action Plan, The Act No, 171/1993 empowers CTU to conduct operative and search ogetivities such as commynication interception, surveillance, cavert human intelligence sources etc, n fulfilling these tasks, CTU cooperates with other state authorities, intelligence agencies, Europol, Interpol, local authorities and partner services abroad.

Counter — terrorism approach: - Mainpariners at home: Slovak Information Service, Military Defence Service, Border and Alien Police, Office or the Protection of the Constitutional Agents and Diplomatic Missions, Migration Office of the Minisiry of Interior, the Crisis Management Section of the Ministry of Interior, the Public Administration, the Police International Cooperation Bureau etc.  Partners abroad: police liaisons’ officers, partner police services, the Police Working Group for Terrovism, the Terrorism Working Party (of the Council of the EU). Internal communication channels: police emergency lines 158, 112 link together with the Firemen Rescue Corps and Medical Emergency Service. External communication channels: » PWGT system — encrypted communication network of the Police Working Group on Terrorism (PWGT). PWGT consists of counterterrorism units from 31 countries (Member States of EU + Switzerland, Norway and Island). Objectives of the PWGT are to promote, enhance, disseminate and exchange of information, intelligence, and operational co-operation, to prevent terroristic and political violentactivities, to share relevant expertise and experience, fo create harmonisation in international police investigations into tervorist crimes or, violent political actions and to exchange information about incidents rapidly and accurately. Europol — National Europol Unit provides support for competent national authorities responsible for preventing and combating terrorism when exchanging information with Member States, Europol, other Union bodies, third countries and interngtional organizations with whom Europol has a cooperation agreement. The information exchange is enabled by SIENA, the Europol state — of —he — art tool designated to enable swift, secure and user friendly communication and exchange of information of both operational and strategic nature. The Unit provides national quthorities with information on Europol products and services in order to improve their preventive and operational activities aimed at combating various forms of international and organized crime, cybercrime and terrorism and fully assists them throughout their whole engagement process. Interpol — informaiion exchange outside of the EU, INTERPOL analyses, stores, collects and exchanges informotion about suspecied individuals and groups and their activities. Member couniries are encouraged to report on other crimes, which may be linked, to terrorism, such as suspicious financial transactions, weapons trafficking, money laundering, falsified travel and identity documents, and seizures of nuclear, chemical and biological materials. INTERPOL works closely with organizations such as the United Nations Al Qaeda and Taliban monitoring teams and the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia to matntain its lists of suspected tervorists updated. The organization also co- ordinates the circulation of alerts and warnings on terrorists, dangerous criminals and weapons threats to competent police in member countries. A chief initiative in this area is theFusion Task Force, /FTF/ that was created in the aftermath of the 11 September attacks in the United Stotes. FTF primary objectives are to: identify active rerrorist groups and their membership, colleci and share information and intelligence, provide analytical support, enhance the capacity of member countries to address the threats of terrorism and organized crime. In order to help member countries report terrorist activity, the Police in the Slovak Republic and the CTU are regularly informed about latest developments and efforts at international level via INTERPOL Bratislava which plays key role in exchange of information and co- ordination of activities at international level. SIRENE — exchange of information related to alerts in Schengen information system. In context of preventing and combating terrorism, sharing and exchange of information on persons and objects suspicious of terrorism related crimes plays an important role within the Schengen tervitory.- Police Attachés — More effective obtaining and exchange of relevant information due to well- established personal contacts and their physical presence in the country of posting. Passenger Information Unit — exchange and processing of PNR dota (Passenger Name Record) for the [prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime and for searching for offenders of selected crimes and for the purpose of facilitating border control and combating illegal migration.

1.4 Provide any additional relevant information on national efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, e.g., those pertaining inter alia to: Financing of terrorism; Border controls; Travel document security; Container and supply chain security; Security of radioactive sources;

10  - Use of the Internet and other information networks for terrorist purposes; - Legal co-operation including extradition; - Safe havens and shelter to terrorists and terrorist organizations.

National Counter-Terrorism Action Plan (NCTAP) approved by the Government of the Slovak Republic in the Resolution No. 369/2005 was the first complex program document dealing with the fight against terrorism. It is Jocused on measures necessary to increase security of the state — its territory and its inkabitants, The second revised NCTAP created a wide platform for fighting terrorism on legislative, institutional and executive level and was approved by the Government of the Slovak Republic in Resolution no. 854/2007. It set up oriented and concrete measures, to reflect the purpose and goal of all the commitments in concrete activities of state bodies. The NCTAP for 2019 — 2022 was approved on 6 November 2019 by the Government of the Slovak Republic in Resolution No. 546/2019 Coll. it contained 28 tasks, designed on the basis of proposals from relevant domestic actors involved in the fight against ierrorism, grouped into four main areas - prevention, protection, preparedness and coordination. The plan retained some of the tasks that have been performed on an ongoing basis and also introduces a number of new tasks through which the identified gaps have been eliminated, while extending the possibilities and tools of the fight against terrorism in the Slovak Republic. It placed particular emphasis on the prevention and effective cooperation of counter-terrorism entities at national level, involving the public divectly for the first time in the state's counter-terrovism efforis. It attributed great imporiance to international cooperation. The NCTAP for 2019-2022 Jollowed the previous strategy paper, the intention of which was to continue to create the right conditions for fulfilling tasks in the fight against terrorism and to send a clear message to citizens that their protection against terrorism is a priority of the state. The aim of the Action Plan was to prevent tervorist risks by fulfilling the proposed tasks, as well as to create optimal conditions for an effective fight against terrorism. The Action Plan also aimed to implement the tasks of security authorities, improving their state of preparedness and creating conditions for rapid response such as the establishment of encrypted data transmission between counter-terrorism entities in the Slovak Republic, organizing inter-ministeriol counterterrorism exercises, setting up other measures to protection of the population in connection with the use of explosives, resp. chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear agents and in the field of crisis management. The Action plan also focused on modernization and rationalization of the activities of security authorities, especially by introducing new technologies, innovation already existing systems and creation of new systems,organizational and technical measures for the protection of public events, spaces with a higher number of peopleand other strategic objects, especially to improve the monitoring of public spaces through camera systems and the system of physical protection of areas, The issue of terrorism financing is perceived as an integral part in terms of taking effective measures of a compiehensive strategic approach in counterierrorism. The Action Plan therefore outlines the requirements that apply to the FATF International Standards on Terrorist Financing and, while respecting their specificities, works syrergistically with recently adopted strategy papers on the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. The new National Action Plan for Combating Terrorism, valid until 2027, was approved by the Government inJune 2024. The measures and tasks contained in the Action Plan aim at ensuring the timely detection and efimination of any terrorist threats and risks facing the Slovak Republic , its citizens, residents, security, foreign policy, economic and other interests of the Slovak Republic, or they are to pre-emptively prevent radicalism and terrorist exiremism and protect the constitutional establishment of the Slovak Republic, internal order, state security and, last but not least, the lives and health of the citizens of the Slovak Republic and all persons living on the territory of the Slovak Republic. Considering the constantly changing forms and methods of terrorist attacks in the world, it is necessary to take effective measures in the interest of the security of citizens. Within this international effort, a decentrolized approach has proven to be key, emphasizing the role and shared responsibility of actors from different departments and at the local level, It is aimed at building cooperation and coordination beiween various public administration bodies and civil society in order to jointly achieve the gool of a safe ond stable environment for our citizens. It also takes into account new global security events and priorities, such as the viciory of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan in 2021, the ongoing threat arising from the unstable region of Syria/Iraq, the escalation of violence in the Sahel region, or the war in Ukraine, which contribute to changing the security environment in Europe with a divect or indirect impact on the domestic securily situation of individual countries, including the Slovak Republic. In connection with the war in Ukraine, the security consequences can be manifested in the near to long-term time horizon in the European area, including the territory of the Slovak Republic, by the penetration of risky persons with a terrorist past or radicals with a terrorist mission in migratory waves of war refugees, as well as by the easy avatlability of an arsenal of weapons from Ukraine. The aim of this action plan is not to replace or duplicate the document Concept of combating radicalization and extremism until 2022. While the Concept mainly focuses on the prevention and fight against radicalization, extremism and related anti-social activities ihat threaten the foundations of the democratic rule of law, the action plan is almed at the phenomenon of terrorism, when radicalization has already reached the level of a terrorist act, including prevention, detection and repression. The action plan is not aimed to replace the Action Plan to Combat the 11  Legalization of Proceeds of Crime, Terrorist Financing and the Financing of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction valid until 2024 which covers the issue of terrorist financing. As part of the specific proposed tasks in the implementation of the action plan, it is possible to emphasize the role of introducing a systematic approach, including the creation of partnerships with non-governmental organizations and experts in psychology and psychiatry, for the early identification of manifestations of violent extremism and tervorism, suicidal or other similar tendencies among young people, especially in the school environment. and subsequent appropriate comprehensive intervention, Emphasis is also placed on taking adequate measures when publishing posts containing an extremist or terrorist threal in the online space. One of the goals in the implementation of the national action plan includes the establishment of an interdeparimental national coordinator in the fleld of combating radicalization, terrorism and extremisim at the level of the Government Office of the Slovak Republic. Currently there is no evidence that the Slovak Republic might become the object of terrorist attack in the near future. Threats could be linked mainly with security developments in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan and Ukroine where military failures of terrorist organizations might prompt their members to retaliate somewhere in Europe and raise motivation for a possible revenge. Social media and Internet websites committed to jihad continue fo play ihe leading role in rqdicalizarion process of "lone actors” in Europe. The threat in connection with returnees from Syria and Irag who might be involved in terrovist attack planning or fulfilling, in conducting support activities and increasing radicalization at the European territory remains high. The security threats in connection with the war in Ukreine persist, In connection with the war in Ukraine on increased risk was noted in the area of illegal armaments and trafficking in weapons, ammunition and explosives. Monitoring of misinformation and hoaxes related to the war in Ukraine, coming Jrom Russian websites and users, translated into Slovak language, is ongoing. Police exposes misinformation and hoaxes on our Instagram and Facebook platform. Also other actors are involved in strategic communication in this matter, In 2024 the Slovak Counter Terrorism Unit continved in removing illegal content related to terrorist propaganda and radical RWE terrorisim and violent extremism. As for the Israeli/ HAMAS conflict we monitor affected communities in relation to Slovakia and they do not share the type of content that we could qualify as terrorist. So far we do not register cases of public order violation in this matter. In the online space we register increased amount of anti-Semitism hate speech, support to Palestine (not necessarily to HAMAS) spread mostly in form of comments to articles online or to statuses on Facebook, TikTok, X(Twitter) and other platforms. Measures were taken in order to ensure protection of Jewish community, their events, places of worship and gathering i.e. reinforced police patrols. The Slovak Republic is a member of INTERPOL and became a full member of the Europol onl September 2004. By the adopiion of the Act No. 29172009 Coll., the Specialized Crintinal Court was established From 29 June 2009, passports with two biometric data are being issued. In the EU, the vast majority of financial sanctions against terrorists or ferrorist organizations are adopted by acquis communautaire directly applicable and binding in all EU Member States. Act No. 183/2011 Coll. on Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments Imposing Financial Sanction in the European Union and amendments and supplements of certain acis as amended, enables adoption of national measures relatedto the EU legislation imposing financial sanctions against terrorists (porticularly supervisory measures and enforcement meosures in case of violation of the EU law) by the respective Slovak governmental institutions (Ministry of Finance in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The aforementioned legislation provides simultaneously the mandate for the Slovak Govermment to implement on national level financial sanctions against terrorists or tervorist groups if such measures are not adopted by a directly applicable EU legislation (e.g. sanctions against persons which are resident in the territory of the EU). National sanctions against individual terrorisis and terrorist groups pursuant to Council Common Paosition 2001/931/CFSP were declared by the Decree of the Slovak Government No. 397/2005 Coll. as amended, On September 1% 2010 the Act No, 15472010 Coll. on the European Arrest Warrant came into force, Criminal Office of the Financial Administration particylarly monitors ond confrols activities in relation to import, export and transit of military equipment, weapons, ammunition, explosives, nuclear, radioactive and other dangerous materials, as well as dual-use goods. A significant part of these activities were focused on compliance with control measures based on UN Security Council resolutions, such as actions over Iran’s nuclear program etc.In addition, the Criminal Office of the Financial Administration performs the tasks resulting from the updated National Action Plan on Combaiting Tervorism, particularly in the form of operational cooperation with other involved state authorities in this area. In the field of the supply chain security ond the security of coniainers the Criminal Office of the Financiol Administration elaborates visk profiles aimed to identify shipments of military equipment, weapons, ammunition, explosives, nuclear, radioactive and other hazardous materials and dual-use goods as well. Individual shipments are analysed and selected for control according to risk profile. Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic (MFEA) meets on crisis management, 12 including terrorist threats, the role of the Act No. 387/2002 Coll. on State management in erisis situations excluding the time of war and hostilities, as amended, and other tasks under the Act No, 575/2001 Coll. on Organization of Government Activities ond Organization of the Central Institutions of State Administrotion, as amended (hereinafter referred to as ,Act on Organization"), the National Action Plan to Combat Terrorism 2019 — 2022 and other generally binding legal regulations, as well as the tasks arising from Slovakia's membership in international organizations and bodies, Additional information on national efforts to prevent and combat terrorism. pertaining to financing of terrorism The Slovak Republic has not been perceived as a significant country in terms of terrorist financing, what has been also confirmed by the findings and resulis of the National Legalization and Finoncing of Terrorism Risk Assessment ("NRA”), which was in the Slovak Republic carried out in the form of self-assessment by the Slovak authorities using the evaluation tool for national risk assessment based on the contractual relationship provided by the World Bonk. The Slovak Republic as an EU member state is obliged to introduce high standards of protection against terrovist financing. The obligation of the Slovak Republic to carry out NRA is based on § 26a of the AML Act No. 297/2008 Coll, as well as the Art, 7 of the Directive (EU) 2015/849 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the prevention of the use of the financial gystem for the purposes of money laundering or terrorist financing. The first round of NRA Jor the period 2011 — 2015 was completed in December 2017. The second round of NRA for the period2016-2019was completed in June 2021, The NRÁ project was coordinated by the Financial Intelligence Unit (“FIU") and almost 70-member team worked on the project. This team was even extended in the second round of the assessment. The team consisted of representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, Minisiry of Interior, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the National Bank of Slovakia, the Slovak Finance Directorate, the Slovak Information Service, the Ministry of Defence and the Academy of the Police Force in Bratislava. Representatives of the private sector were an integral part of the working group, mainly representatives of professional associations and chambers. The members of the working group were divided into eight teams responsible for assessing specific areas, one of which was the risk assessment of terrovist financing at national level, Based on the evaluotion of the collected information omd data within the 1st NRA, the overall level of terrorist financing threat in the Slovak Republic was determined at a low level and the overall level of terrorist financing risk in the Slovak Republic at a moderately low level. However, within the 2nd NRA the overall level of terrorist financing threat in the Slovak Republic was increased and determined at medium level, Within the first evaluated period no case of terrorist financing was recorded and no criminal prosecution was commenced by the Slovak law enforcement authorities regarding tervorist financing, in the Slovak Republic, or in connection with the Slovak Republic, However, within the second evaluated period several cases of terrorist financing were analysed,and some of them resulted in criminal prosecution commenced by LEA. None of them led to sentencing vf possible perpetrators. Even when investigating suspected terrorism cases, the elements of its financing in accordance with FATF standards were not confirmed. This process resulted in elaboration of a final report (veports from two rounds of assessment), which presents a comprehensive picture of threats and vulnerabilities of national system in the relation to money laundering and terrorist financing, Both reports are publicly availoble, Based on the conclusions of the NRA report, the first Action Plan on Combating Money Laundering and Tervovist Financing for the period 2019-2022 was created. The Action Plan includes proposed measures, organised by the individual sectors and designated entities, to eliminate identified shortcomings. After the second round of NRA, the second Action plan on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing for the period 2022-2024 was created. Tasks stipulated by both Action Plans are continuously fulfilled ond their fulfilment is concurrently reviewed. The Strategic Principles for Combating Money Laundering Terrorist Financing and Financing the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction for the period 2019-2024 were also developed based on the NRA findings. These principles are also publicly available.

2. Stationing of armed forces on foreign territory

2.1 Provide information on stationing of your States armed forces on the territory of other participating States in accordance with fieely negotiated agreements as well as in accordance with international law.

The Armed forces of the Slovak Republic are not permanently stationed on the territory of other participating State. According to the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, each deployment of the Armed forces of the Slovak Republic outside of the territory of the Slovak Republic must be approved by the National Council of the Slovak Republic (the

13 Parliament), with exception of sending armed forces for the purposes of a humanitarian aid, military exercises, or peace observation missions, or in case of commitments resulting from international treaties of joint defence against attack (moximum 60 days), opproved by decisions of the Govermment only. The National Council must approve every presence of foreign armed forces on the territory of the Slovak Republic with exception of presences for the purposes of humanitarian aid, military exercises, or peace observation missions, or fransit through the territory of the Slovak Republic (such purposes fall within the competence of the Government of Slovak Republic). By December 31%, 2024, 424 member: Ary ree, lovak Republic were deployed in international crisis management operations and missions. The Slovak Republic participated in international crisis management operations, missions and presences under UN command (UNFICYP in Cyprus with 240 personnel; UNTSO in the Middie East with 3 personnel); under NATO command (MNB-L in Latvia with 116 personnel; NMI mission in Iraq with 4 personnel); under EU command (ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina with 51 personnel; EUNAVFOR MED IRINI in the Central Mediterranean Sea with 4 personnel; EUNAVIOR ASPIDES in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf with 1 person; EUMAM Ukraine with 3 personnel; EUMM in Geurgm with 1 person) ond under US command (in Kuwait with 1 person). The Slovak Police Corps in the framework of international crisis manageinent currently operaies in European Union missions (EULEX Kosovo - 4, EUCAP Somalia - 2, BUAM Ukraine - 3, EUMM Georgia — 6, EUMA Armenia - 2) and in the UN Mission UNFICYP - 4.

3. Implementation of other international commitments related to the Code of Conduct

3.1 Provide information on how your State ensures that commitments in the field of arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building as an element of indivisible security are implemented in good faith. The Slovak Republic participates in the arms conirol agreements such as the Open Skies Treaty, politically binding Vienna Document 201 etc., and implements all obligations set forth in the aforementioned documents. Slovakia annually carries out a number of inspection and evaluation missions in other states’ territories as well as provides the foreseen military information to all OSCE participating States. The Slovak Republic receives inspection and evaluation missions and acts in accordance with the actions that have been agreed upon by the Organization. On 12 December 2023 the Slovak Republic decided to suspend, in accordance with international low, the operation of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE), conclided at Paris on 19 November 1990, in relations between the Slovak Republic and the State Parties to the CFE Treaty. Regarding the competences of the Slovak Police in a multidimensional matter, Slovakia responds to its obligations stemming from signed trans-national, bilateral cooperation agreements with neighbouring countries and Jrom its participation in international and regional organizations.

3.2 Provide information on how your State pursues arms control, disarmament and confidence- and security-building measures with a view to enhancing security and stability in the OSCE area.

The Slovak Republic, as a participating State of the OSCE, aitributes special importance to the role that the OSCE plays in the international security environment, participates in the majority of the OSCE initiatives which contribute to regional security. Motivated by the fundamental need to promote and ensure the confidence and security in the OSCE area, the Slovak Republic supports the initiatives of the Organization by implementing a number of confidence and security-building meosures in the field of arms control, All competent enforcement authorities are in direct and constant contact and cooperation with each other as well as with the respective authorities of the countries from which the imported or transferred weapons come in order to prevent and suppress cases of illegal trafficking of weapons from country to country.

14  Section I1: Intra-State elements

1. National planning and decision-making process

1.1 What is the national planning and decision-making process in determining/approving military posture and defence expenditures in your State? The key institutions in defence planning process are: The National Council of the Slovak Republic adopts laws in the field of security and defence and also adopts the act on state budget for the particulor year, containing a chapter about the sector managed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and other departments contributing to state defence. The draft-proposal of the State Budget Act is based on a decision of Government submitted by the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic to Parliament every vear. The Parliament makes decisions on basic issues of siate defence and security, approves basic state defence and security concepts, fundamental strategic documents (Defence Strategy, Securily Strategy), development programmes and plans, which are submitted by the Governiment. The Defence and Security Committee, established by the National Council (National Council Rules of Order Act No. 350/1996 Coll. as amended); plays an initiating and oversight role to the defence sector. Its oversight role concerns sectors headed by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior (sections of security), the Adminisiration of State Material Reserves and the National Security Authority. After the parliamentary elections of 29 February 2020, the newly elected Parliament created the Defence and Security Committee during its Constituent Session on 20 March 2020, The Government of the Slovak Republic is the supreme authority charged with the management of defence planning processes. To fulfil its role, it is assisted by 1he Security Council of the Slovak Republic, the government’s consultative body concerning the security, defence and military issues, which takes part also in coordination of defence planning. The Ministry of Defence of the Sloval Republic is the central state administration body to control the defence of the Slovak Republic and responsible for coordination of defence planning. In 2022 Minister of Defence approved Directive for Defence planning for2024-2029 that stipulotes enianglement of sirategic objectives and tasks with resources (human and financial) for the following years. The Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic participates in the defence planning process with the management of program of budgeting, National Budgeť s creation and tts implementation. Within the Act No. 575/2001 ,, Act on Organization*, Ministries and other central state adminisiration bodies — within the scope of their authority operations — are also accountable for the preparation of defence planning and for introducing the prerequisites to implement the requirements relating to preparations for defence ond protection. The performance of these tasks is financed from their respective state budget chapters, Defence planning documenis of the Slovak Republic consist of Initial/Fundamental, Basic and Supporting planning documents. Fundamental documents are to be approved by the Government and National Council; Security Strategy and Defence Strategy of the Slovak Republic (adopted in 2021) are strategic documents representing a “point of departure”. Basic documents comprise long-term, medium-term planning of defence development, Program planning etc, Supporting planning documents ore all documents assisting in Basic planning documents development and implementation. The Notional Budget is the elemental part of the public administration budget and ensures the financing of general functioning of state for the porticular year. Chapter of the National Budget, which is managed by the Ministry of Defence, is created on the basis of program budgeting with regard to the Act on Budget Rules of the Public Administration (No. 523/2004 Coll. as amended). Program budgeting is effective and transparent tool for public expenditures. It informs how effectively the Notional Budget is used and where are all its sources heading to. Program budgeting is based on Program planning which is the main and crucial element in evolving the defence expenditures. It includes programmes, sub programnes and other sources, which help to fulfil all tasks that are important for the defence of the Slovak Republic. Defence expenditure is divided into two department programmes (Defence and Defence Development) and three additional programmes (Economy Mobilization, Defence Support and Civil Emergency Planning).

1.2 How does your State ensure that its military capabilities take into account the legitimate security concerns of other States as well as the need to contribute to international security and stability?

15  No Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic are permanently stationed in any other participating State. Each deployment of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic must be in accordance with the Constitution of the Slovak Republic (the National Council or the Government must give consent for this deployment and approve the presence of the foreign armed forces on the territory of the Slovak Republic according to Art. 86, letters 1), m) respective Art. 119, letter o) and p)).

2., Existing structures and processes

2.1 What are the constitutionally established procedures for ensuring democratic political control of military, paramilitary and internal security forces, intelligence services and the police?

The National Council of the Slovak Republic, the President of the Slovak Republic, the Government of the Slovak Republic and its bodies share the assignments and responsibility in the fleld of defence and security of the Slovak Republic. The democratic political control of the armed forces is exercised through sharing of responsibilities and control of power by various constitutionally established authorities. Military In accordance with the Act on the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (No, 321/2002 Coll, as amended), the Act on Defence of the Slovak Republic (No. 319/2002 Coll, as amended) and the dct on Conscription Duty (No. 570/2003 Coll. as amended), the armed forces are tasked with protection of liberty, independence, sovereignty and tervitorial integrity of the state, assistance in prevention and rehabilitation of large-scale natural disosters, catastrophes and accidents threatening the human lives or the property. In addition, the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic contribute to international security by participating in muliilateral operations (UN, OSCE, NATO, and EU). Security forces Private Security Services’ operations ave legal if they act in accordance with the Act No. 473/2005 on the Provision of Services in the field of Private Security. Internal security forces The Slovak Republic has no special internal security forces. Intelligence services There are two intelligence services in the Slovak Republic, the Slovak Intelligence Service (SIS) and the Military Intelligence (MI). Special lars govern both; special committees of the National Council oversee both. The Slovak intelligence Service acts in accordance with the Act on Intelligence Service (No. 46/1993 as amended) and is controlled by the Government and National Council, The oversight of the Slovak Intelligence Service is carried out by the Special Committee for ihe Oversight of the SIS, compased of coalition and opposition Members of the National Council, Members of the Committee have the right to inspect facilities of the intelligence services and right to request certain information from the directors of the services. Concerning the legal regulations related to the Military Intelligence, the Act on Military Intelligence (No. 500/2022 Coll as amended by Act No. 367/2024 Coll.) defines the Military Intelligence, its mission, roles, general rules and principles of parliamentary control and oversight. The Military Intelligence is a special service within the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic, which fulfils tasks of defence intelligence security of the Slovak Republic in 4 scope of this Act. Minister of Defence is responsible for its functioning; he appoints and dismisses Director of Military Intelligence. The Government of the Slovak Republic determines the overall numbers of the Military Intelligence that — following a proposal of the Minister— approves the Statute of the Military Intelligence regulating details of focus and structureqyf the Militory Intelligence, The National Council of the Slovak Republic elects and oversees the operation of the Mililary Intelligence through Special Control Commitiee for the Control of Activities of the Military Intelligence and Special Control Committee for the Control of Activities of Slovak Intelligence Service. These comnittees consist of coalition as well as opposition members of Parliament. Military Intelligence is also responsible for the cyber defence of the Slovak Republic in cyberspace. Police Corps The Police Corps is subordinated to the Minister of Interior of the Slovak Republic and is subject to the supervision of the National Council of the Slovak Republic and of the Government of the Slovak Republic. Tasks and organization, obligations and the rights of the Police Corps, and the means and methods they may lawfully use, are defired in the Police Corps Act No. 171/1993 Coll. as amended. The Municipal Police (Act No. 564/1991 Coll. as

16 amended) may be established and supervised by runicipal council authorities.

The Fingncial Administration The Financial Administration was established on January 1, 2012 by merging of Tax Administration and Customs Administration of the Slovak Republic. The Financial Adminisiration is subordinated bthe Minisiry of Finance of the Slovak Republic and is supervised by the National Council of the Slovak Republic and the Goverament of the Slovak Republic. The Financial Administration, tasks and legal means used by tax and customs officers are definedby the Act No. 35/2019 Coll. on Financial Administration and on Amendment and Supplementation of Certain Act as amended (hereinafier only “Act No. 35/2019 Coll.”). Act No. 35/2019 Coll. provides that the Financial Administration is founded on six underlying principles: principle of political neutrality, principle of legality, principle of effective management, principle of impartiality, principle of professionalism and principle of stability. The main mission of the Financial Adminisiration is prevention of violation of customs and tax regulations, The Financial Administration protects fiscal, business and political interesis of the Slovak Republic and of the European Union and performs tasks in protecting the European Union's internal market. Moreover, the Financial Administration supervises compliance with generally binding legal regulations, HJ regulations and international treaties by which it ensures implementation of trade policy, customs policy,tax policy and common agricultural policy in the movement of goods in contact with third countries.The Financial Admimistration also exercises customs supervision over goods within the customs territory of EUin the fleld of indirect taves and tax supervision of goods subject to excise duties. The Financial Administration, inter alia, carries out mutual international assistance ond cooperation in the administration of customs duties ond taxes and in the recovery of financial claims, and performs various tasks in the field of customs tariffs, customs duties, customs value, nomenclature classification of goods, origin of goods, and stotistics of trade with third countries and trade beiween EU Member States. Pursuant to Section 30 of Act No. 35/2019 Coll., a member of the Financial Administration shall mean a natural person being in the civil service employment, A member of the Financial Administration shall perform tasks under Act No. 35/2019 Coll., under special regulations and international treaties with the Finoncial Directorate, Tax Office, Customs Qffice ond the Financial Administration Criminal Office or abroad. A memberof the Financial Administration may be an armed member of the Financial Administration pursuont to Section 71 of Aet No. 35/2019 Coll. or unarmed member of the Financial Administration pursuantto Section 71 of Act No. 35/2019 Coll. Armed members of the Financial Administration form the Armed Corps. In accordance with Act No. 35/2019 Coll, The Financial Directorate, tox offices, customs offices and the Financial Administrotion Criminal Office are outhorities of the Financial Administrotion and form the Financiol Administration. The Financial Directorate of the Slovak Republic is a budgetary organization linked to the State budget by means of the Budgetary Chapter of the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic. The Financial Directorate shall exercise its competence in the whole territory of the Slovak Republic. The Financial Directorate’s statutory body is the President of the Financial Administration (hereinafier only the “President”). The President manages the Financial Administration and bears responsibility for the Financial Administration’s activity towards the Minister of Finance of the Slovak Republic. The President shall act for the Financial Directorate before law enforcement authorities and before courts.

2.2 How is the fulfilment of these procedures ensured, and which constitutionally established authorities/institutions are responsible for exercising these procedures? President of the Slovak Republic is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, based on the decision of the National Council of the Slovak Republic declares wor in the case of the attack against the Slovak Republic or if it arises from its obligations from international treaties on common defence against aitack, and s/he concludes the peace. Reguested by the Government of the Slovak Republic, the President may order mobilization of the Avmed Forces, declare a stote of war or declare the state of emergency as well as termination of these circumstances, The President appoints and promotes generals. If the National Council of the Slovak Republic votes a non-confidence of an individual meimber of the Government (including the Minister of Defence), in such case the President of theSlovak Republic shall recall the member of Government. The National Council of the Slovak Republic has special Defence and Security Committee. The Committee debates, inter alia: a) principles and drafts laws in the field vf defence, formation and operation of the armed forces, internal order and security, civil protection, state material reserves, fire and rescue corps. If prepares prepare  opinions and resolutions thereof. b) draft international treaties on cooperation in the field of defence, armed forces, internal order and security, civil protection, and prepares opinions and resolutions thereqf, ¢) proposals for concepts of operation and organization of the armed forces, police corps, civil protection, and fire and rescue corps, It monitors their implementotion and drafis opinions and resolutions thereof, it also participates in their preparation and implementation. d) fundamental issues of state and development of the armed forces, state security, security situation, crime, state of civil protection preparedness, state molerial reserves, fire and rescue corps. e) initiatives of the Minisiry of Defence of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and other bedies to increase the effectiveness of state security protection, and security and protection of persons, property and public order. D implementation of the budget chapter of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior and state material reserves. The Committee oversees the legality of activities of the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, Ministry of the Interior, Police Corps and Administration of the State Material Reserves. The_Government of the Slovak Republic is the supreme body of executive power. For the execution of ifs Junction, the Government of the Slovak Republic is vesponsible to the Nationol Council of the Slovak Republic, which may pass a note of non-confidence to the former at any time. To fulfil specific assignments in that field, the Constitutional Act No. 227/2002 Coll. on State Security at the Time of War, State of War, State of Emergency, and State of Crisis as amended established a special body — the Security Council - chaired by the Prime Minister in time of war, state of war, state of emergency and state of crisis. The Government of the Slovak Republic are accountable for the defence policy management and implementation. The Security Council serves as an advisory body to the Government and iís main tasks are to take part in the formation and implementation of security system of the Slovak Republic, the fulfilment of the international obligations,evaluation of the security situation in the Slovak Republic, preparation of the proposals for the maintenance of security of the Slovak Republic, for the prevention of crisis situations, and proposals for the solution of current crisissituations. In 2004 the Act No. 110/2004 Coll, on Operation of the Security Council of the Slovak Republic in peacetime was adopted. The Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic, in accordance with Act on Organization, is responsible for the manogement and supervision of the defence of the Slovak Republic; control, development and oversight of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic; coordination of activities of the state administration bodies, local government bodies and other legal entities in the preparation for the defence of the Slovak Republic and their inspection; ensuring the inviolability of Slovak airspace; coordination of military and civil air traffic; alternative service in wartime and the state of war; and finally, military intelligence. General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic manages the operotions of the Armed Forces, provides for co-ordination of operations and assignmenis of the individual types of troops and the respective military Jacilities. At the head is the Chief of the General Staff who is highesi commander of the Armed Forces troops. He or she is subordinate to the Minister of Defence and accounts to the latter for the execution of his or her office. Minister of Defence proposes the Chief of the General Staff who is oppointed and removed by the President of the Slovak Republic. The authorities elected in democratic elections control Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. Roles of military and security forces are outlined below, but do not include any paramilitary forces, as the Slovak Republic does not have any.

2.3 What are the roles and missions of military, paramilitary and security forces, and how does your State control that such forces act solely within the constitutional framework?

Military In accordance with the Act on the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (No. 321/2002 Coll. as amended), and the Act on Conscription Duty (No. 570/2005 Coll. as amended), the armed forces are tasked with protection of liberty, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state and the assistance to the police ond other public authorities in the prevention of and recovery after of large-scale natural disasters, catastrophes and accidents threatening human lives or property. In addition, the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic contribute to international security by participating in mdtilateral operations (UN, OSCE, NATO, and EU). Since 2003 the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic are fully professional.

18  The Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic are under civilian control and democratic oversight executed by the Porliament (and inside the Parliament by a special Parliamentary Committee on Security and Defence), by the President of the Slovak Republic, by ihe government ond by the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic itself. Each of these bodies has its spectal task in exercising civilian control of the Armed Forces rooted in the Constitution and other legal acts. The Government decides on the employment of the Armed Forces and manages the defence planning process for divecting and focilitating their development, The Ministry of Defence is a central institution of state administration for controlling, developing and building of the Armed Forces. Professional soldiers also serve in the Military Police (Act No. 124/1992 Coll. as amended) and in Military Intelligence (Act No, 500/2022 Coll as amended by Act No. 367/2024 Coll.,) which are subordinated to the minister of defence.

Paramilitary The Slovak Republic has no paramilitary forces.

Security forces There are several security forces dealing with security issues according to the legal framework: - The Police Corps (Act. No. 171/1993 Coll. as amended); - The Justice and Prison Guard Corps (Act No. 4/2001 Coll.as amended); - Armed members of the Financial Administration (4ct No. 35/2019 Coll. on Financial Administration and on Amendment and Supplementation of Certain Act); There is also the intelligence service — The Slovak Information Service (Act. No. 46/1993 Coll. as amended).One of the central institutions of state administration is the National Security Authority, which is responsible for protecting classified information.

Tasi the Police Corps 1, The Police Corps performs the following tasks: 2 co-gperates in protecting fundomental human rights and freedoms, especially by safeguarding the life, heaith, personal freedom and security of persons and in the protection of property, " detects criminal acts and identifies their perpefrators, “ co-operates in detection of tax evasions, illicit financial transactions and legalisation of incomes Jromeriminal activities, " carries out investigations of criminal offences and checks of the reports on facts indicating the commissionof a criminal offence, and other accusations to criminal prosecution, v leads combat againsi terrorism and organised crime, " ensures personal security of the President, chairman of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, primeminister of the Government of the Slovak Republic, chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic, The Minister of the Interior of the Slovak Republic ond other persons designated by the Government, " ensures protection of the diplomatic missions and other premises designated by the Government and co-operates on the physical protection of the nuclear focilities, ensures control of the borders of the Slovak Republic, if not stated otherwise by a special regulation, co-operates in safeguarding public order and in case of its breach takes measures for its reestablishment, monitors and co-ordinates safety and smooth flow of fraffic, discloses minor gffences and identifies their perpetrators, and if included in specific rules, investigates andresolves them, “ carries out searches for missing persons and things, » ofers protection and help io the threatened witness ond protected witness, ® carries out forensic investigation.

2. The Police Corps performs the tasks of public administration and other desigrated duties, if included in specific rules. The Police Corps performs crime prevention within the scope of the law. m

4. While performing its tasks, the Police Corps uses technical means, means of transport, including air conveyances.

19 Conirol of the P = The activity of the Police Corps is subordinated to the control of the National Council of the Stovak Republic ond the Government. » The Police Corps is subordinated to the Minister. w The services referved to in Article 4, Subsection I, and the departments of the Police Force referred to in Article 4, Subsection 2, of the Act. No. 171/1993 are divected by the President of the Police Force. » The President of the Police Corps isresponsible to the Minister who appoints him into function, = The Bureau of the Inspection Service investigates all types of crimes mentioned in Criminal Code of Slovak Republic which have been committed either by police officers or by custody/prison officers. » The Bureau of the Inspection Service was established Ist of February 2019 by adopting new provisions in Act on the Police Corps. The Bureau of the Inspection Service is independent body in the structure of the Minisiry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and his director is responsible for performing of his mandate to the Slovak Government which appoints him into function.

3. Procedures related to different forces personnel

3.1 What kind of procedures for recruitment and call-up of personnel for service in your military, paramilitary and internal security forces does your State have?

As of January 1% 2006, the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic are fully proféssionalized. In peacetime they consist of professional soldiers and reservists who are called up for a specialized preparation performance. In time of war, state of war, emergency and crisis the Armed Forces comprise in addition the reservists who are called up for an extraordinary service performance. The state sevvice of prafessional soldiers and legal relations to its performance (beginning, mutation and termination of State Service of professional soldiers) are regulated by the Act No. 281/2015 Coll. on State Service of Professional Soldiers— in effect from January 1", 2016. Documentation of registered citizens who gave a statement on rejecting the extraordinary service and a documentation of registered citizens obliged to conduct the aliernative service in time of war and state of war is kept by territorial military administrations; they will also secure a call-up of registered citizens for the alternative service performance in time of war and state of war to fulfil tasks related to securing defence and securily of the State and civilian protection of population, Current concept of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic assumes their full professionalization at thetime of peace on the basis of o voluniary contractual velation between the citizen and state. The liability for enlistment laid down By the Constitution remains preserved, but the compulsory recruitment is carvied out only in the event of a threat to the state’s security or in the state of war. The fulfilment of the necessary conditions arising from the nature of the activities to be performed by professional soldier in the state service is verified in admission procedure. Admission procedure is announced by the staťť office in the press or by other public communication meons stating the name of function, type of state service, conditions for admission etc. The first part of the admission procedure begins at the recruitment group, which is situated in selected regionol capitals of the Slovak Republic (except Bratislava). Here, the candidate obtains all necessary information on the admission to the professional service in the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic as well as counselling and assistance in taking the decision to become a professional soldier done by professional advisory services. Regional capitals’ recruitment groups provide information also by phone. Information is available at www.budemvojak.sk. The admission procedure continues in the Section of Staff Selection of the Qffice Personnel of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic in Liptovsky Mikulds. Based on the results of the admission procedure, the staff office shall send a ‘written notice of the fulfilmeni/non-fulfilment of conditions for the admission fo state service. The candidate will fill in and deliver a personal questionnaire to the recruitment centre, curriculum viice, documents certifying achieved education, confirmations from the previous employers on the practice credit or from the emplayment bureau, recommendation from the last employer, certificate of citizenship, transcription of the Penal Register. The respective recruitment centre will contact the candidate and invite him to a personal interview, During the interview, the candidate will submit his or her identity card and personal identification card (military book) if he or she has completed military service and the medical documentation from respective physician. Directly in the recruitment centre, he or she shall fill in the application for admission to state service, the declavations on oath stating the fulfilment of conditions for admission to state service and the declaration on protection of personal data. 20  In case the candidate meets the preliminary conditions, the centre of personnel selection will invite him to undergo tests of physical sturdiness (the disciplines are focused on the physicol perseverance and performance — always three various disciplines), psychodiagnostic assessment, assessment of heolth competence for the performance of professional soldier state service and personal interview with personal advisory services to determine a suitable state service function. After the successful passing of the admission procedure and execution of the order of admission to state service, the recruitment centre will deliver a determination sheet, with which the candidote will veport himself or herself in the specified military unit on a specified day. The service relation comes inta existence on the date of accession to a military unit, by signinga personal order and the oath. In the event that the citizen fulfilled the conditions of admission to state service (and there is a suitable function for him), pursuant to § 220f the Act on the State Service he is admitted to the preparatory state service. Preparation is carried out in the function of: a) expectianí, if he or she is trained for the rank corps and non-commissioned officers corps, b) cadet, if he or she is trained for the rank corps of officers. During the preparatory state service, a professional soldier takes a basic training. The professional soldier, who is trained for the rank corps of officers, studies during the preparatory state service also at a military yniversity (if he or she has not achieved university education) or an officer’s course for university graduates (if he or she has achieved university education at a uriversity different from the military university). After successful completion of the preparatory state service, the professional soldier is admitted to temporary state service, which he performs during the period stated by the Act on the Stote Service.

Police Corps According to the Act No. 73/1998 Coll. on State Service of Members of the Police Corps, the Slovak Intelligence Service, the Prison Wardens Corps and Judiciary Guards of the Slovak Republic and the Railway Police as amended, a citizen of the Slovak Republic older than 21 years who submits a writien application and meets the following conditions can become a member of the Police Corps: a) Integrity, b Reliability, o) General education vequired for execution of the function he/she is expected to be posted and appointed to, 4 Satisfactory condition of health and mental fitness for duty, 2) speaks the state language, » Permanent residence in the territory of the Slovak republic, g 10 the date of becoming the member of the Police Corps is not a member of any political party, h) He/she has full legal capacity, i on the day of entering the civil service, he/she ceases to engage in activities prohibited by law (entrepreneurial and other gainful activities).

In order to establish the applicant's eligibility during the admission procedure, he or she undergoes a medical examination, a psychological examination, a physical fitness test and a test of his or her command of the national language. The recruitment standards for women and men in the admission procedure differ only in the examination of rhe physical condition. Newly recruited police officers receive their basic education at the high schools of the Police Corps in Pezinok and KoSice. Specialized police education (officers) will be obtained at secondary vocational schools of the Police Corps in Brotislava and KoSice. Police officers can obtain university studies of all levels by studying at the Academy of the Police Corps in Bratislava.

The Financial Administrafion Pursuant to the Act No.35/2019 Coll. on Financial Administration and on Amendment and Supplementation of Certain Act (hereinafter as “Act No.35/2019 Coll.”), Section 84 paragraph 1 on Conditions for Recruitment and Recruitment Procedure, any citizen over the age of 18 years may become a member of the Financial Administration, provided that the citizen: a) iswithout a criminal record; b) isloyal; ¢) meets the general education qualification requirement defined for the office for which the citizenis to be appointed; d) is medicollyfit and menially fit for the performance of the office for which the citizen is to beappoinied; e) speaks the national language; Í ds not, as of a day of the commencement of the civil service employment, o member of any political

21  party or political movement; g) has afull legal capacity; h) terminates, as of the day of its entry into the civil service, any activities the performance of which is prohibited pursuant to Section 119 of the Act No. 35/2019 Coll.; i is not a beneficiary of a retirement pension under a special regulotion.

Án armed member of the Financial Administration may be a national of the Slovak Republic over 18 years, complying with the condifions pursuant to abovementioned Section 84 paragraph 1 (a) through (¢) and (e) through (1) and being medically fit and physically and mentally fit for the performance of an office with a weapon.

Pursuant to Section 87 of the Act No.35/2019 Coll, ihe recruitment procedure shall commence upon announcementaf a tender to fill the post which is vacant at the time of the announcement of the tender. The Civil Service Office shall also be entitled to announce the tender to flll a post which is not vacant at the time of the announcement of the tender, provided that: a) it is obvious from all circumstances that the affice to be occupied shall become vacant within the next two months; b) it is a tender for a temporary filling of the office of a female member of the Financial Administration or male member of the Financial Administration duving maternity or pavental leave or during the temporary incapacity of the member of the Financial Administration to perform ctvil service due to illness or injury.

The tender sholl be announced by the Civil Service Office on the portal of the Financial Administrationor by means of mass communication generally available for the public no later than 14 calendar days before the admission procedure takes place.

During the admission procedure, the citizen's general knowledge, nationol language proficiency, abilities and personality traits, professional knowledge and compliance with other requirements staied in the tender notice shall be verified. Based on results of the admission procedure, a binding order shall be issued. The citizen who has been successful in the tender shall be entitled to be hired for the office, provided that the citizen has at the same time compliedwith other conditions for the recruitment pursuant to abovementioned Section 84.

Pursuant to Section 89 of the Act No. 35/2019 Coll, at the commencement of the civil service employment of a member of the Financial Administration, the citizen shall take an official oath in the presence of the citizen’s superior, which shall read as follows. “I hereby solemnly swear that I will be faithful to the Slovak Republic. I will comply in the performanceqf the civil service with the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, constitutional laws, acts and other generally bindinglegal regulations and I'will follow, in accordance therewith, the Ethical Code of the Member of the Financial Adminisiration, internal regulations and instructions of superiors. Iwill ensure protection of financial interests of the Slovak Republic and of the European Union while protecting, at the sametime, rights of natural persons and legal entities and thoroughly requiring the fulfilment of their obligations. I will perform my obligations duly, fairly, conscientiously and impartially.” Pursuant to Section 76 of the Act No.35/2019 Coll., types of the civil service shall be as follows: a) preparatory civil service; b) permanent civil service; ©) temporary civil service. Pursuant to Section 77 of the Act No.35/2019 Coll., upon entry into service, a member of the Financial Administration shall be allocated in the preparatory civil service. The preparatory civil service sholl mean the preparation for the performance of the permaneni civil service, Within the preparatory civil service,a member of the Financial Administration shall be obliged to receive a designated professional education underthe supervision of appointed trqiner. The preparatory civil service shall take two years. The term of the preparatory civil service may be prolonged by no more than one year, if the member of the Financial Administration failedto obtain, without the member’s fault, the defined professional education.

Pursuant to Section 78 of the Act No.35/2019 Coll., the permanent civil service shall follow after the preparatory eivil service. A member of the Financial Administration sholl be allocated in the permanent civil service, provided that this member has obtained the designated professional education in the preparatory civil service omd if it is capable

22 according to conclusions of the civil service assessment of being allocated in the permanent civil service.

Pursuont to Section 79 of the Act No.35/2019 Coll,, the temporary civil service is intended to be performed fora transitional period, however, for no more than five years, by experts required for the performance of civil service tasks; the temporary civil service may also be performed repeatedly. The temporary civil service shall also be intended to: a) temporarily fill the post of a female member of the Financial Administration or male memberof the Financial Administration taking maternily leave or parental leave; b) perform the office of a clergyman of the Financial Administration; ¢) perform the office of the President or Vice-President; d) temporarily fill the post of a member of the Financial Administration during the temporary incapacity of the member of the Financial Administration to perform civil service due to illness or injury.

Pursuant to Section 214 of the Act No.35/2019 Coll, for the purposes of the obtainment, increasing ond deepeningof the qualification of members of the Financial Administration, in accordance with needsof the Financial Administration, the Civil Service Office shall: a) provide professional and other vocational education for a member of the Financial Administration; b) post members of the Financial Administration to take part in vocational education in schools or other educational establishments. The provided educotion shall allow a member of the Financial Administration to obtain, extend, deepen or renew its knowledge and skills, acquire the competence to perform the prescribed activities or acquire the required level of education for the purpose of the fulfilment of the educational qualification for the performance of the citizen s duties.

Pursuant to Section 215 of the Act No.352019 Coll, the Civil Service Office shall allow a member of the Financial Administration allocated in the preparatory civil service to obiain professional education by studying in a basic course and professional course. The Civil Service Office may allow also memberof the Financial Administration allocated in the temporary civil service to obtain professional education.

The Financial Administration also supporis its members in deepening their qualification, continuous maintenance, renewal, improvement and extension of their knowledge, skills, abilities ond habits recessary for the performance of the civil service by: @) providing specialized professional courses and other forms of further education in accordance with needs of the Financial Administration; b) reimbursement of education expenses.

3.2 What kind of exemptions or alternatives to military service does your State have? The extent of conscription duty, national registration, recruitment, health fitness examination, reserves of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic and a call-up, discharging and exemption from an extraordinary service performance in crisis situotion are regulated by the Act No, 570/2005 Coll. on Conscription Duty and Act No. 518/2007 Coll. amending the Act 570/2005 Coll. The Constitution of the Slovak Republic siates in art. 25 Para 2 „no person can be forced to exercise military service if this is in contradiction with his conscience or religious belief “. Based on a change of the Conscription Duty extent from January 1 2006 and in accordance with Article 18 Para 2 letter b) and Article 25Para 2 of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, in time of war and state of war an alternative service may be conducted instead of the extraordinary service, regulated by the Act No, 569/2005 Coll. on Alternative Service inTime of War and State of War. A registered citizen is obliged to conduct the alfernative service if he or she rejecis conducting the extraordinary service in line with Article 25 Para 2 of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic through a statement in writing that the extraordinary service performance contradicts his or her conscience or religion.

3.3 What are the legal and administrative procedures to protect the rights of all forces personnel as well as conscripts? The international treaties and agreements ratified by the Slovak Republic, the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, the Act on State service, the Act on Defence of the Slovak Republic (No. 319/2002 Coll), the Act on Conscription Duty (No. 570/2005 Coll. as amended), the Act on Social Support of Policemen and Soldiers (No. 328/2002 Coll. as amended), and others ensure that oll military personnel is treated fairly and equally in legal and

23 administrative matters. All military personnel enjoy its constitutional and legal rights during military service; however, some rights are limited. The petition right and the right of free assembly are limited when there is a need to accomplish a mission. The professional military personnel cannot participate in political parties, however they have right to vote. The military personnel do not have the right to go on sirike. The Act No. 281/2015 Coll. on State Service of Professional Soldiers creates better conditions for service performance of the best-qualified professional soldiers and their stabilization in the Slovak Armed Forces. Moreover, the Act No. 378/2015 Coll. on Voluntary Military preparations as amended was odopted.

Police Corps Rights laid down by the Act No. 73/1998 Coll. shall be guaranteed equally to all citizens when entering civil service and to police officers when performing civil service in compliance with the principle of equal treatment in employment relationships and similar legal relationships provided for in a separate regulation. In accordance with the principle of equal treatment, any discrimination based on such grounds as marital status and family situation, complexion, language, political or any other opinion, trade union activities, national or social origin, property or any other position shall also be prohibited, The exercise of rights and obligations arising from the civil service employment relationship must be in compliance with good morals. No one may abuse such rights and obligations to the detriment of another. In connection with the civil service performance, a police officer must not be prosecuted or otherwise sanctioned for having lodged a complaint, action or petition to commence criminal prosecution against other police officer or supervisor. Citizens when entering civil service or afler its termination or a police officer who believes that his or her right or legally protected interest has been breached by failure to adhere to the principle of equal treatment may claim his right before a court and seek legal protection laid down under a separate regulation. The Service Office or superior police officer shall not sanction or disadvantage a police officer for exercising his or her rights arising from the civil service employment relationship. The Service Office shall notify police officers of the provisions pertaining to the principle of equal treatment. Violation of the principle of equal treatment by a police officer shall be considered a breach of his or her statutory duty.

4. Implementation of other political norms, principles, decisions and international humanitarian law

4.1 How does your State ensure that International Humanitarian Law and Law of War are made widely available, e.g., through military training programmes and regulations?

4.2 What has been done to ensure that armed forces personnel are aware of being individually accountable under national and international law for their actions?

4.3 How does your State ensure that armed forces are not used to limit the peaceful and lawful exercise of human and civil rights by persons as individuals or as representatives of groups nor to deprive them of national, religious, cultural, linguistic or ethnic identity?

4.4 What has been done to provide for třne individual service member’s exercise of his or her civil rights and how does your State ensure that the country’s armed forces are politically neutral?

4.5 How does your State ensure that its defence policy and doctrine are consistent with international law?

The Slovak Republic is a treaty party to the all core international treaties in the field of international humanitavian law and the law of armed conflict. Instructions on international humanitarian law ond other international law rules governing armed conflict are ihe integral port of training programmes for all military personnel. The Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic has effective training and education progroms on international humanitarian low. Military personnel are trained in Internaiional Law of Armed Conflict with the emphasis on the Geneva and Hague Conventions, peaceful settlement of international conflicts, sanctions against war crimes and crimes against humanity, protection of property and others. The international humanitarian law is a

24 part of basic ecucation and training in the military courses on various levels, in the Academy of the Armed Forces. There are special international humanitarian law courses with the participation of international lecturers, Troops being prepared for international peacekeeping operations within the UN, NATO and EU are specifically trained on international humanitarian law. The Minister of Defence and the President of the International Commiitee of the Red Cross have signed the Agreement on co-operation in promoting of international humanitarian law. The Geneva Conventions and the additional protocols in the last Slovak version, a videotape with training Jilm on the Law of Armed Conflict and a manual for commanders about “ius bellum”, the Law Concerning the Conduct f Hostilities (Collection of The Hague Conventions and some other International Instruments), a Handbookon the Law of War for Armed Forces, the Law of Armed Conflict — Teaching File for Instructors and manuals for soldiers participating in military operations outside of the territory of the Slovak Republic were distributed to the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. Military personnel from the General Stajf, the command of the Air Force and the command of Land Forces have the possibility to take part in the specialized course “Tus Bellum” in the International Institute of Humanitarian lovw in San Remo. Regulations of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic regarding the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict were approved and entered into force in 2006, This document implements the principles of the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Avmed Conflict (Hogue, 14 May 1954) and the Second Protocol to The Hague Convention of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (The Hague, 26 March 1999). A personnel iraining coniains other documents and regulations of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic concerning the training on the law of the armed conflict. One of the long-term priorities of the Slovak Republic in the fleld of international law is the promotion and full iraplementation of international humanitarian law. To fulfil this objective, the Slovak Committee on International Humanitarian Law was established in 2001 as a permanent inter-ministeriol advisory body to the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. The tasks of the Commitiee include the analysis of the implementation of international humanitarian law in the legal order of the Slovak Republic and its application by ihe competent authorities of the Slovak Republic. Slovakia promoies dissemination, implementation, and respect for international humanitarian law at the domestic level also through the Committee meetings. Committee members include experts from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of the Environment, the Office of the Public Defender of Rights, the Slovak Red Cross, and the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. The members of the Committee also give lectures for universities and high schools students and assist in supporting activists of non-governmental humanitarian organizations. - Within the framework of the criminal law recodification two criminal codes were adopted — Act No. 300/2005 Coll. Criminal Code as amended (hereinafier referred to as “Criminal Code") and Act No. 301/2005 Coll. Code of Criminal Procedure as amended (hereinafter referred to as “Code of Criminal Procedure ‘), which came into effect on 1" January 2006, Both Codes have been amended several times. Chapter Twelve of the Criminal Code (§ 417 fo 435) lays down criminal offences agoinst peace, humanity, criminal offences of terrorism, extremism and war criminal offences. Basic principles of criminal liability are laid down in § 15— 18 of the Criminal Code. In compliance with § 435 paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code, a military commander shall be also criminally responsible for the criminal offences provided in Chapter XII of the special part of the Criminal Code, if the offence was committed by armed forces under his or her effective command and control as a result of his or her failure to exercise control over such forces, if he knew or should have known on the basis of circumstances at that time that the armed forces were committing or were going to commit such criminal offences, and he or she did not take all necessary and reasonable measures within his power to prevent or repress the commission or failed to report the case to competent authorities for investigation and prosecution. The superior who issues an order shall be responsible for a criminal offence committed on the basis of such order as the offender, The Act on State Service in § 132 (Professional Discipline) paragraph 3 loys down that if a professional soldier thinks that a military order, command, directive or insiruction of his or her commander is in conflict with a generally binding legal regulation, he or she is obliged to alert the commander to t. If the commander insists on the fulfilment of the military ovder, command, directive or instruction, he or she must confirm it to the professional soldier in writing and the professional soldier shall be obliged to fulfil it. This section further lays down in paragraph 5 that a professional soldier is obliged to refuse to fulfil a military order, command, directive or instruction of his or her commander, if by its fulfilment he or she would commit a criminal act. He or she shall notify this fact immediately to the nearest superior of the commander, who has issued the military order, command, divective or instruction. A member of the armed forces shall be criminally liable if he or she was aware or could have been aware immediately afier receiving an order that the order was illegal and o criminal offence would be committed by Jfulfilling the order. If the soldier was aware that by fulfilling the order a criminal offerice was committed, he or she 25 should have warned his or her superior in order not to be criminally liable. The Slovak Republic is bound by the Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity, signed in New York on 26 November 1968 (for the Slovak Republic signed on 21 May 1969, ratified on 13 August 1970, Regulation No. 53/1974 Coll,). Pursuant to § 88 of the Criminal Code, the expiry of the limitation period shall not result in the extinction of the punishability for criminal offences setout in Chapter Twelve of the Special Part of the Act, except for criminal offence of supporting and promoting groups leading to the suppression of fundamental rights and freedoms pursuant to § 421 and § 422, the criminal offence of defamation of a nation, race and conviction pursuant to § 423 and the criminal offence of incitement to national, racial or ethnic hotred pursuant to § 424, Pursuant to the provision of § 431 paragraph 1 to 2 of the Criminal Code (War Atrocities), any person, who in wartime violates the rules of international law by inhuman treatment of vulnerable civilian population, refugees, ‘wounded persons, members of the armed forces who have put down their arms, or prisoners of war, shall be liable to aterm of imprisoniment of four to ten years. The same sentence shall be imposed on any person, who inwaitime violates the rules of international law by failing to take effective measures for the protection of persons, who are in need of such help, in particular children, women, wounded or old persons, or who prevents such measures being taken or by impending or blocking civil protection organizations of an enemy, of a neutral or other state in the fulfilment of their humanitarian tasks. Fundamental rights and freedoms are governed by national law, in particular by the Constitution of the Slovak Republic. The Constitution stipulates that the obligations/duties can be imposed by law or on the basis of law, within its limitations and in maintaining of the fundamental rights and freedoms, by international ireaties, which directly confers rights and imposes duties on natural persons or legal persons, or by a regulation of the Governiment. Act No. 321/2002 Coll. on the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic as amended defines the composition, role anduse of the armed forces, armed forces command, control, siatus and roles of different outhorities from the President of the Republic, over the Governiment to the commanders of individual components of the Armed Forces. In accordance with the Act on Defence of the Slovak Republic (No. 319/2002 Coll. as amended) and the Act on Conscription Duty (No. 57072005 Coll.as amended), the Armed Forces are tasked with protection of liberty, independence, sovereigniy and territorial integrity of the state, assistance in prevention and rehabilitation of large-scale natural disasters, catastrophes and accidents threatening the human lives or the property. The legal system of the Slovak Republic guarantees the protection of rights and interests protected by law to all without the difference of sex, nationality, colour of skin and citizenship. The international treaties ratified by the Slovak Republic, the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, the Act No, 28172015 Coll. on State Service of Professional Soldiers, the Act No.319/2002 Coll, on Defence of the Slovak Republic as amended, the Act No, 570/2005 Coll. on Conscription Duty as amended, the Act No. 328/2002 Coll. on Social Support of Policemen and Soldiers as amended, and others ensure that all military personnel is treated fairly and equally in legal and administrative matters. Every person belonging to the military personnel enjoys human rights set forth in the Constitution of the Slovak Republic and other legal acts during military service, however some rights are limited. The petition right and the right of free assembly are limited when there is a need to accomplish a military mission. The professionol military personnel cannot participate in political parties, however they have right to vote. The military personnel do not have the right to go on strike. The Act on the State Service stipulates legal relations at the performance of state service of professional soldiers, conditions of admission to state service, the origin of service relationship. According to this Act the professional soldier, in connection with the performance of state service, must not be persecuted or otheiwise affectedfor the fact that he lodges a complaini, brings an action or proposal for commencement of prosecution against the manager of the staff office, the commander or another professional soldier. This Act ensures the principle of equal ireatment and prohibition of discrimination. While applying Article 54 of the Constitution that the law may restrict the civil rights of the armed forces and armed corps, vestricts certain constitutional rights of professional soldiers (the right to petition ts limited to individual applications, proposals and complaints; there is prohibition of membership in a political party or political movement, active participation in meetings of political parties and movements). The Act defines the rights of professional soldiers, such as right to fair conditions necessary to regularly perform the state service, the financial particulars in the state service,the particulars in kind, protection of health at the performance of state service, the protection of human dignity in service contacts and in personal contacts with the manager of the staff office or the commander and the other professional soldiers, on adequate spirituol care ond participation in religious activities, if it is not in contradiction with the needs of Armed Forces and the performance of state service, Professional discipline is determined as the obligation to follow the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, constitutional acts, acts, further generally binding legal regulations, military oath, the Ethical Code of professional soldier, service regulations, military commands, directives, orders and instructions of managers of staff’

26 offices and commanders. Commanders issue oral or written military orders, which commit the professional soldier to act according to them or to abstain from an action. The military order must not be issued in contradiction with the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, constitutional acts, acts, further generally binding legal regulations, service regulations, military oath and the Ethical Code of professional soldier. The Slovak Republic included in its legal order the institute of ombudsman — public defender of rights, whose position and activity are regulated by the Constitution of the Slovak Republic in article 151a and Act No. 564/2001 Coll. on the public defender of rights as amended. The public defender of rights is an independent body of the Slovak Republic which within the scope and in the way set down by a law protects fundamental rights and freedoms of natural persons and legal persons in proceedings before state administration bodies and other public power bodies, if their operotion, decision-making or inactivity is in conflict with the legal order. In the cases laid down by law, the public defender of rights may iake part in the exercise of liability of persons operating in public power bodies, if the persons violated a fundamental right or freedom of natural persons and legal persons, Everybody who presumes that his or her fundamental rights or freedoms have been violated can turn to the public defender of vights. The public defender of rights may, in the matters of compliance with legal regulations pursuant toarticle 125 paragraph 1 of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, if their further application can threaten the basic rights or freedoms, or the human rights and basic freedoms resulting from an international treaty, whichwas ratifiedby the Slovak Republic and which was declared in a way set by law, file a suggestion for starting proceedings before the Constitutional Court of the Slovak Republic. Effective from st May 2023, the Ministry of Defense established an office of the Service Complaints Ombudsman (SCO) for the Slovak Armed Forces. The role of the Service Complaints Ombudsman is to protect Service personnel's fundamentol rights and freedoms as long as they serve in the Armed Forces. Consistent with Act 281/2015 Coll. on State Service of Professional Soldiers, the Service Complaints Ombudsman investigates formal Service Complaints made, either individually or of the Ombudsman’s own initiative, by Service personnel over violations of their fundamental rights and freedoms. By the establishment of the institution of the Service Complaints system, the complaints by Service personnel and citizens believing their fundamental rights and freedoms may have been violated in a matter relating to their service will be investigated thoroughly by an independent and objective body and their grievances redressed. The democratic political control over the Armed Forces in the Slovak Republic is exercised by shored responsibilities and control power to various constitutionally established authorities. The National Council of the Slovak Republic, the President of the Slovak Republic, the Government of the Slovak Republic and its bodies shave the assignments and responsibility in the field of defence and security of the Slovak Republic. In the field of state defence, the National Council makes decisions on basic issues of state defence and security, approves basic state defence and security concepts, fundamental strategic documents (Defence Sirategy, Security Strategy, White Book), development programmes and plans in the field of state defence and security (submitted by the Government), It conducts supervision over fulfilment of state defence and security tasks as well. It has a special Committee for Defence and Security Issues, The Government approves siate securily sysiem concepts and state defence system concepts, submits to the National Council proposals of fundamental state defence concepts and proposals ofprincipal sirategic state defence and security documents, which must be in accordance with international agreementsthat are binding for the Slovak Republic. The Ministry of Defence implements defence policy according to guidelines and decisions of the Goverament and develops concepts and plons jor ihe Armed Forces. The respect for the international law principles, including those set forth in international treaties is the condition sine qua non for the Slovak authorities. As the Party to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, signed at Vienna on 23 May 1969 they ensure compliance with commitments and obligations under international treaties including their implementation into the national law.

Section III: Public access and contact information 1. Public access

1.1 How is the public informed about the provisions of the Code of Conduct? 1.2 What additional information related to the Code of Conduct, ¢.g., replies to the Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct, is made publicly available in your State? 1.3 How does your State ensure public access to information related to your State’s armed forces? Under the Constitufion, the Act on Free Access to Information No. 211/2000 Coll. and other laws as amended, all citizens have the right to receive information on activities of the armed forces unless this information is restricted under the Act No. 215/2004 Coll. on Protection of Classified Information or ynder other special laws for national 27 security reasons, The MOD has a concept of media policy for enhancement of transparency of the activities of the Armed Forces. The MOD regularly conducts public opinion surveys regarding security and defence and armed forces, aswell as additional surveys within the Armed forces of the Slovak Republic and area of responsibility of the Ministry. The MOD public relations and information service provides the public with comprehensive information on national security policy and activities of the Armed Forces. There are regular press conferences, radio and television interviews, seminars, open days in garrisons, exhibitions and presentations, meetings with NGOs, periodicals and publications, brochures, audio-visual materials and helpline. The MOD has its own web site (www.mod.gov.sk) with bastc facts on the armed forces. There are authorities responsible for contacts with the public at every command level. For official statements of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic there is one authorized person — spokesman of the Armed forces. Journalists may contact him or her at his or her e-mail hovorca ossri@mil.sk. Concurrently information about current events in the armed forces are provided on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ozbrojenesily/. The MOD issues the yeorbook ,, Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic “ with comprehensive information on military and political issues, organizational structure of the Ministry of Defence as well as the Armed Forces, defence plonning and resources management, armaments modernization, international cooperation activities of the Slovak Armed Forces in operations of the taternational crisis management, military education system, culturaland sports activities, as well as the social system for the military personnel. The MOD public relations and information service issues a yearbook , Budget in figures, Facts and graphs with comprehensive data, which ensuresthe transparency of the exploitation of the state budget financial resources. According to the White Poper on Defence of the Slovak Republic), the aim in the field of communication and public relations is fo achieve positive attitudes of the public towards the status and legitimacy of national defence and the Armed Forces, and to the mobilization of resources needed to fulfil the tasks set.

2. Contact information 2.1 Provide information on the national point of contact for the implementation of the Code of Conduct. This Questionnaire on the Code of Conduct on politico-military aspects of security was prepared in cooperation with Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance and National Council of the Slavak Republic. The national point of contact is the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.

28 Attachment 1: Questions contained in the Interpretative Statement Under Paragraph 1v.1(A)6 of The Rules of Procedure of the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe

Implementation of OSCE MC.DEC 14.05 and UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Section I: Prevention 1, Measures to increase armed forces personnel understanding of the special needs and contributions of women in conflict, Gender related issues have been integrated into the NATO/EU/UN led operations pre- deployment training.

Inclusion of specific matters related to the protection of women’s and girl’s rights in the basic education of armed forces. Gender related issues have been integrated into the NATO/EU/UN led operations pre- deployment training,

Availability of specialised in-service training for armed forces personnel on the protection of women’s and girl’s rights. Training as mentioned above has been integrated into the NATO/EU/UN led operations pre-deployment training.

Inclusion of specific matters related to the protection of women’s and girl’s rights in the pre-deployment training for international peacekeeping missions. Gender related issues have been integrated into the NATO/EU/UN led operations pre- deployment training. Lectures covering the gender topic have been delivered by national experts. Since 2010 NATO e-learning and Joint Advanced Distributed Learning (JADL) Curses partially covering the gender topics have been used as well.

Availability of plans to address and gather information from local women populations in areas at risk of conflicts. Plans as mentioned above are not available. Information resources and experience of lead nation of operation are used.

Inclusion of systematic gender analysis of areas at risk of conflicts, including gender- disaggregated socio-economic indicators and power over resources and decision making. Not applicable in the armed forces. See remark mentioned above.

Measures to address the violation of the rights of women and girls, in line with international standards. The legal aspects of state service of professional soldiers (beginning, change and termination of state service of professional soldiers) are governed by the Act No. 281/2015 Coll. on State Service of Professional Soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic and on Amendments and Supplements to Some Acts, as amended — in effect from 1 January 2016. Act No. 281/2015 Coll. stricily sets protection standards (34).  Number and percentage of military manuals, guidelines, national security policy frameworks, codes of conduct and standard operating procedures/protocols of national security forces that include measures to protect women’s and girls’ human rights. Considering equal opportunity standards mentioned above (§ 4 Act No. 281/2015 Coll.) there is no need to set other specific rules/codes of conduct etc. in military environment on the national level. However, other relative legislation must be also applicable — such us Antidiscrimination Act No. 365/2004 Coll. On the international level all military personnel involved in NATO/EU/UN led operations must also follow specific rules applicable for the particular operation.

Number and percentage of directives for peacekeepers issued by head of military components and standard operating procedures that include measures to protect women’s and girl’s human rights. 0 — on the national level. NATO/EU/UN directives covering the protection of women's and girl's human rights have been used.

Section II: Participation 1, Measures to increase the number of women in general and in decision-making positions in the armed forces and the ministry of defence. Adoption of the Act No. 281/2015 Coll. on State Service of Professional Soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic has been the most significant factor in building equal opportunity environment in the armed forces. Since the Act No. 281/2015 Coll. prevents discrimination in some key aspects of military life like pay grades or promotion rules etc. no further measures in this area have been identified as necessary. From this perspective, female representation present in the armed forces reflects their interest and ambitions to serve in military forces. Number and percentage of women applying to be part of the military forces. 2024: 816 female applicants; 2641 male applicants; overall percentage of women applicants: 24%; overall applicants 3457.

Establishment of policies to attract female candidates (Targeted campaigns, review of accession tests, etc.). No specific policies to attract female candidates in joining armed forces have been established. Interest of female population reaches the level sufficient to cover armed Jorces needs of having 11 - 12 % female in military service.

Establishment, promotion, maintenance and use of specialised rosters of female profiles in the military fields. Not applicable.

Number and percentage of women in the military forces disaggregated by rank. Overall percentage of women in the armed forces reaches 15,8%. Number of women disaggregated by rank can be found in Appendix 1.

Number and percentage of discrimination and sexual harassment complaints that are referred, investigated and acted upon. 0;0 %

Development of regular analysis of retention and promotion practices for men and women in the forces.  Regular analyses as mentioned above are not available.

. Measures to increase the number of women in peacekeeping forces. Any specific measures have not been taken. Women have been siandardly included in NATO/EU/UN led forces.

The Slovak Police Corps maintains a personnel database of police officers participating in international civilian crisis management missions and operations. There are currently 87 police officers in the database, of which 17 are women, 4 of them are currently deployed in three missions: 2 in UNFICYP, 1 in EUMM ond 1 in EUCAP.

Number and percentage of women in peacekeeping forces disaggregated by rank.

Updated to 31 December 2024 Number of women in the armed forces 2040 Number of women in the NATO/EU/UN led operations 44 % 2,1

Number and percentage of international missions where gender advisors were appointed. 0; 0%

Number and percentage of participating State’s international missions that address specific issues affecting women and girls in their terms of reference and the mission reports. 0%

Section I1I: Protection

1 . Increased access to justice for women whose rights are violated. Number and percentage of reported cases of exploitation and abuse allegedly petpetrated by uniformed peacekeepers that are referred, investigated and acted upon. 0;0%

Section IV: Other information

Information on the development, implementation and evaluation of a National Action Plan to implement UNSCR 1325. Slovakia firmly believes that UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security should be Jully implemented because it is an important instrument for advancing and defending women's rights during conflicts and in post-conflict situations. Active and equal participation of women in peace and security processes, including in peace and reconciliation efforts, is the most effective way to prevent sexual exploitation, abuse and all other forms of violence against women. Women"s empowerment can play a critical role in peace-building processes. wi In April 2024, the Concept of Gender Equality of Professional Soldiers within the Ministry of Defense was adopted. The concept includes measures designed to improve the situation of professional soldiers in the area of reconciliation of family and working life, and the Gender Equality Action Plan, and the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in the Ministry of Defense for 2024-2030.

Long term focus on measures in the area of gender equality and UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security has led to an increase of the number of female officers within the military force structures (e.g. currently representing the figure of 23,8% in all kinds of army units, including among the Slovak troops deployed in the UN, NATO and EU missions).

Women in the Slovak Armed Forces undergo the same training as men and pre- deployment training of our peacekeepers includes also special gender training with particular emphasis on the promotion of gender equalily and prevention of sexual crimes.

Information on best practices and lessons learned. Not applicable.

Any other relevant information. Implementation of UNSC resolution No. 1325/2000 on Women, Peace and Security and related resolution No. 1820 of 2008 is a long-term political process. The issue deserves more attention at NATO and the EU levels (particularly in the fleld of CFSP/CSDP). Nevertheless, it can be already concluded that the adoption of the resolution No. 1325 has helped to increase awareness of the importance of women's participation in peace and reconstruction process. As a tangible contribution to promoting women’s meaningful participation and gender responsiveness in the UN conflict resolution efforts Slovakia adopied its first National Action Plan in 2020. The goal of the NAP is to establish conditions for complex national politics that uphold women's and girls' rights and take into account their specific needs in peace and security, at the national and international levels. Multiple initiatives and actions were taken by line Ministries to implement NAP in the fields of: 1/ Increasing women s participation in peace and security; 2/ Protection of women'’s human rights and their specific needs in line with Women, Peace and Security agenda; 3/ Awareness- raising and enhancing expertise on Women, Peace and Security agenda, and 4/ International Cooperation.  uswom 0voz 30 JoquINU |jeIBAQ 0 189 65S€L UBUOM J0 JBdgUINN s|ejauan) SIB0Q POISNUJ AroBajeo juey F# | 9L |L0L| 69L | GBS c | 48| 92L | 6LL Z €8l e | BiE 0 | uswom jo sequinN glel < & glsl N & 2[2 a EN 2|3 e o 2|3 > o o 8|s—A (s > & s[sx 335 &> !¢3 I — Huey