Slovakia: Justice Minister presents new Civil Code proposal

Slovak Justice Minister Boris Susko has presented a proposal for a new Civil Code to the National Council of the Slovak Republic. The draft is currently in its second reading and aims to replace the existing code, which dates back to 1964.

Minister Susko noted that the current code is a “mosaic of layers” resulting from approximately 70 amendments since 1991, making it outdated for modern market conditions. The new legislation seeks to unify civil and commercial obligation law into a single regime and shift the legal philosophy from a list of permissions to a set of rules for when parties cannot reach an agreement.

Key proposed changes include new regulations regarding inheritance contracts, real burdens, and the status of vulnerable persons. While the government intends for the new code to take effect on July 1, 2027, the opposition and legal groups like Via Iuris have raised concerns. The opposition warns of missed opportunities for businesses and startups, while Via Iuris has requested a delay of the effective date by at least one year.