Artificial Intelligence law at Slovakia
As of May 2025, Slovakia does not have a standalone national law exclusively governing artificial intelligence (AI). However, the country is actively aligning with the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), which came into force on August 1, 2024, and is set to be fully applicable by 2026. (Wikipedia)
Slovakia's AI Regulatory Framework
EU AI Act Implementation
The EU AI Act introduces a risk-based approach to AI regulation, categorizing AI systems into prohibited, high-risk, and limited-risk categories. High-risk AI systems, such as those used in healthcare, transportation, and finance, are subject to stringent obligations, including risk assessments, transparency measures, and accountability standards. (AmCham Slovakia, HKV Law Firm)
Slovakia is preparing to implement the AI Act's provisions, with certain parts becoming directly applicable from January 1, 2025. By July 2025, the country aims to establish a comprehensive architecture of public authorities responsible for overseeing AI. A regulatory sandbox for AI is expected to be operational by July 2026, facilitating the safe testing and development of innovative AI technologies. (Digital Skills and Jobs Platform)
National Strategies and Initiatives
Slovakia's approach to AI regulation is embedded within its broader digital transformation strategies:(AI Watch)
Strategy of the Digital Transformation of Slovakia 2030: This long-term strategy outlines Slovakia's vision for digital transformation, including the development and regulation of AI.
Action Plan for the Digital Transformation of Slovakia for 2019–2022: This plan details short-term policy measures to build a sustainable, human-centric, and trustworthy AI ecosystem. (AI Watch)
Key initiatives under these strategies include:
Ethical Guidelines: The Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization (MIRRI) is developing principles for the transparent and ethical use of AI, including the establishment of the Standing Committee on Ethics and Regulation of AI (CERAI).(AI Watch)
Data Regulation: MIRRI is preparing a new Act on Data to define regulations on data protection, disclosure principles, data access, and open data regulations.(AI Watch)
Education and Workforce Development: Reforms are underway to integrate AI into educational programs and provide lifelong learning opportunities to equip the workforce with necessary digital skills.(AI Watch)
Public Sector and AI
The Slovak government recognizes AI as a priority technology and is implementing measures to integrate AI into public sector operations:
Digital Innovation Hubs: These hubs will support the uptake of AI in public sector organizations.(AI Watch)
Innovation Laboratories: Established within public administrations, these labs will pilot AI projects and collaborate with private and academic stakeholders.(AI Watch)
Data Utilization: Efforts are being made to improve the availability and use of data within public administrations to support AI applications. (AI Watch)
Challenges and Considerations
While Slovakia is making significant strides in AI regulation and integration, challenges remain:
Compliance Burden: There are concerns about the compliance burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the reliance on self-assessment by AI providers. (AmCham Slovakia)
Privacy and Data Protection: Ensuring privacy and data protection in AI applications is a critical focus, with ongoing efforts to modernize the legal framework in this area.
Educational Adaptation: Adapting educational programs to meet the demands of the AI era is essential, with initiatives to digitalize the school environment and update curricula. (Digital Skills and Jobs Platform)
In summary, Slovakia is actively developing its AI regulatory framework in alignment with EU legislation, focusing on ethical guidelines, data regulation, public sector integration, and educational reforms to foster a trustworthy and innovative AI ecosystem.
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