Avoiding Risk to EU Funds, Slovakia Amends Criminal Overhaul

Slovakia amended an overhaul to its criminal code, yielding to pressure from the European Commission to avoid a clash that would put crucial funding at risk.

Lawmakers in Bratislava increased penalties for the misuse of European Union funds on Tuesday, following months of negotiations with Brussels. The original legislation drew scrutiny from the EU’s executive arm, which warned that the changes heightened the risk of inadequate protection for EU financial interests.