Safely in the European Union, Slovakia is apparently returning to the crooked ways of Vladimir Meciar’s regime (“Heading South,” November 21, 2009). As you point out, the special anti-corruption court has been suspended and replaced by a weaker substitute. High-profile corruption cases with roots in the 1990s are now at risk of fizzling out. Frightening. And even more frightening if you read about it in Croatia, where anti-corruption institutions are now proliferating in the hope of joining the Union as soon as possible. Once safely in the fold, Croatia is more than likely to follow Slovakia’s example. High-profile corruption cases with roots in Franjo Tuđman’s crooked regime are almost certain to fizzle out, as well. Which only points at the silent complicity of the Union. For how could it ever tolerate such brazen backsliding? The only hope at this stage is that the Union has learned something from Slovakia and other Eastern European countries fond of backsliding after accession.