ZMOS calls for modernization of Slovak municipal laws

The Association of Towns and Villages of Slovakia (ZMOS) is calling for a modernization and clarification of the municipal competency system as the Law on Municipal Establishment marks its 36th anniversary.

Originally approved in 1990 to restore democratic local self-governance following the era of national committees, the law has undergone 56 legislative amendments and two Constitutional Court rulings. ZMOS President Jozef Božik noted that while the law successfully returned autonomy to municipalities—allowing them to manage their own property, income, and local development—the scope of their responsibilities has expanded significantly over three decades.

ZMOS has identified approximately 4,500 competencies, rights, and obligations performed by municipalities across 44 areas. These tasks are governed by hundreds of legal regulations, including cross-cutting laws regarding budgeting, employment, public procurement, e-Government, personal data protection, and cybersecurity. Božik emphasized the need for a system where it is clearly defined who performs specific tasks, who is responsible for them, and which funding sources cover their execution.