Slovakia

2. Does Slovakia implement UN sanctions?

Yes.

3. Does Slovakia implement an autonomous sanctions regime?

No.

4. What is the nature of the sanctions regime in Slovakia?

Slovakia is a member state of the European Union (“EU”) and United Nations Sanctions Council (“UNSC”). Sanctions are usually adopted by the EU. EU legislation consists of regulations, directives, decisions and other legal acts, of which regulations are directly applicable in every member state (Slovakia as well) and directives have to be implemented. In cases where EU legislation does not impose UNSC sanctions, a national law is used to implement them. Under Act no. 289/2016 Coll. on implementation of international sanctions, if the sanction does not follow from the directly applicable act of the EU or UNSC, it should be declared by the Government of the Slovak Republic through a Government Decree.

Moreover, the EU 3rd Anti-Money Laundering Directive no. 2005/60/EC was implemented in Slovakia by Act no. 297/2008 Coll. on the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing. This Act stipulates the rights and obligations of companies and natural individuals on the prevention and detection of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing and also includes the penalties for non-compliance with this Act.

5. Does Slovakia maintain a list of sanctioned individuals and entities?

Only the EU and UN lists.

6. Are there any other lists related to sanctions?

No.

7. Does Slovakia have a licensing or authorization system in place?

The Slovak Act on implementation of international sanctions stipulates that if a special permission, exception, consent or preceding consent is required in connection with the implementation of the international sanctions the Central bodies, determined by the Act (see below their list and contact details), are responsible to act and decide.

8. What are the consequences for a breach of sanctions in Slovakia?

For breaching international sanctions, the penalties according to Act No. 289/2016 Coll. on implementation of international sanctions can be imposed, ranging from EUR 109 to EUR 132,800. If the sanction is infringed by a legal person or a natural person that is an entrepreneur and the damage caused exceeded the amount of EUR 16.600 or if they have obtained for herself/himself or a third party a benefit exceeding the amount of EUR 16.600, then a penalty of up to EUR 132 800 and EUR 1.659.700 can be imposed.

Depending on the nature of the breach, in certain cases a breach of sanctions can also be considered as a criminal offense, in which case the penalties can also include the imprisonment of the liable individuals.