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Slovakia is set to introduce one of the EU’s toughest welfare regimes next month, as a controversial “law against laziness” takes effect, tying subsistence benefits to strict participation in work or training programmes.
From September, labour offices will be empowered to suspend or cut the basic benefit for unemployed people who refuse not only suitable jobs but also activation schemes, retraining courses or other steps aimed at improving employability. Exemptions will apply only in cases of serious illness or the proven need to care for a relative.
The new framework, adopted by lawmakers in May and signed into law by President Peter Pellegrini – a former prime minister and former head of the centre-left Hlas party – in June, also obliges the long-term unemployed to attend regular assessment interviews to demonstrate active job-seeking. Those deemed non-compliant risk having their benefit reduced or terminated.
