<p>The aim of this thesis is to study the situation of minorities in Slovakia before and after the EU-membership and if EU has played a role in the situation. Also the criteria for becoming a member and other treaties regarding protection of minorities between European institutions and the accession/member states are studied. With the help of i.e. literature, relevant internet pages and yearly studies of EU, the conclusion has been made that Slovakia has made an immense change in the state’s legislation when it comes to minorities and their fundamental rights, but that changes need to be made in attitudes as well. Nationalist parties have been and still are in government and keep on disregarding EU rules, and in order to make the situation better for minorities and legislation work even in practice, the EU needs to take more action against the government than just agreements on paper.</p>

The aim of this thesis is to study the situation of minorities in Slovakia before and after the EU-membership and if EU has played a role in the situation. Also the criteria for becoming a member and other treaties regarding protection of minorities between European institutions and the accession/member states are studied. With the help of i.e. literature, relevant internet pages and yearly studies of EU, the conclusion has been made that Slovakia has made an immense change in the state’s legislation when it comes to minorities and their fundamental rights, but that changes need to be made in attitudes as well. Nationalist parties have been and still are in government and keep on disregarding EU rules, and in order to make the situation better for minorities and legislation work even in practice, the EU needs to take more action against the government than just agreements on paper.