Slovak Government Rejects WHO Regulations Revision, Citing Sovereignty Concerns

Government Approves Rejection of Revision

The Slovak government, at its meeting on March 12, 2026, approved the rejection of the 2024 revision of the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Health Regulations (IHR). The deadline for submitting a formal notification of rejection was set for March 19, 2026 – if Slovakia had not filed an objection, the revised regulations would have become binding on the country from September 19, 2026.

Argument of Sovereignty and Constitutional Concerns

The Ministry of Health submitted the proposal to reject the revision, citing legal analyses from three Slovak law faculties. These institutions pointed out potential conflicts between the revised regulations and the Slovak constitutional order. Specifically, they highlighted the expansion of the WHO Director-General's powers, the automatic binding nature of changes without parliamentary ratification, and potential financial obligations without the consent of the National Council of the Slovak Republic.

Minister of Health Kamil Šaško described the government's decision as a "soft rejection" – a temporary step while domestic legal issues are resolved, not a permanent detachment from international health cooperation. "We unconditionally support the scientific and research aspect," Šaško emphasized. Minister of Justice Boris Susko added that Slovakia remains bound by the original IHR regulations from 2005 and the coordination frameworks of the European Union, so international isolation of the country is not immediately threatened.

Doctors and Experts Sound the Alarm

The medical community reacted critically. Medical faculties of Comenius University, the Slovak Medical Society, and the Association of Private Doctors of Slovakia warned that rejecting the revision could limit Slovakia's access to epidemiological data, medicines, and vaccines in the event of a future pandemic. "Slovakia would not participate in a system that ensures faster sharing of epidemiological and genetic data on pathogens and better international coordination during pandemics," the doctors said in a joint statement.

Experts also emphasized that Slovakia is not and never will be self-sufficient in the area of biological security. The Association of Private Doctors criticized the government's decision for being based solely on legal interpretations without adequate consideration of the medical and public health impacts on the population. The University Hospital of Comenius University recommended inter-ministerial consultations and seeking reservations within the regulations themselves instead of rejection.

Opposition: Concession to Disinformation

Opposition MPs sharply condemned the decision. SaS MP Tomáš Szalay described it as "a concession to the spread of disinformation." Critics point out that the government's move resonates with narratives that present the IHR revision as an attempt by the WHO to take control of national health systems – which the WHO and the expert community strongly deny.

Slovakia is Not Alone, But in the Minority

By rejecting the revision, Slovakia joins those countries that had not previously accepted the 2022 IHR amendments either – in addition to Slovakia, these are Iran, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The 2024 revision, approved by WHO member states in May 2024, was intended to strengthen global preparedness for health emergencies and accelerate international response in the event of new pandemics.

Despite the government's assurances of the temporary nature of the step, it remains questionable under what conditions and within what timeframe Slovakia would eventually accept the revised regulations. Health experts are calling for an open public debate that would take into account not only legal but also medical and security considerations.