Radio Slovakia International - English

27/07/2025

Slovakia’s proposed €15 billion nuclear project at Jaslovské Bohunice has divided its political scene. The government argues the new 1,200 MW block is essential to meet rising electricity needs and maintain economic competitiveness. In contrast, opposition politician Igor Matovič and his Slovensko party claim Slovakia already produces surplus nuclear power and doesn’t need to build more—especially as Mochovce power plant’s fourth reactor will position the country at the top of per-capita nuclear generation globally.

Critics warn of massive costs, potential overruns, and production prices far above current market rates, projecting possible annual losses near €500 million. Analysts caution that energy prices remain uncertain and call for rigorous feasibility studies. Meanwhile, the final decision on which global supplier—Westinghouse, EDF, or Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power—will build the plant has not yet been made.

Slovakia’s proposed €15 billion nuclear project at Jaslovské Bohunice has divided its political scene. The government argues the new 1,200 MW block is essential to meet rising electricity needs an ...

27/07/2025

In mid-2025, almost 127,000 migrants were working in Slovakia, with their number increasing by almost 30,000 over the last two years, mainly from third countries. The number of employees from the EU has increased by only about 550 people since June 2023. Foreign workers are becoming increasingly visible on the Slovak labor market. This was pointed out by ČSOB chief economist Marek Gábriš.

"The government has gradually adjusted the conditions for importing labor, i.e., employing foreign workers. The situation on the labor market is thus gradually changing toward an ever-increasing number of foreign workers. However, despite this dynamic growth, it is not possible to fill all the vacancies on the market. These are mostly people with lower levels of education," Gábriš explained.

The largest number of foreign workers still comes from Ukraine, with over 48,680. Following the recent relaxation of rules on the employment of foreigners, the number of people from the former Soviet republics, India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Indonesia is also growing. Indian workers are gradually catching up with the second largest group of foreigners employed in Slovakia, namely Serbs.

In mid-2025, almost 127,000 migrants were working in Slovakia, with their number increasing by almost 30,000 over the last two years, mainly from third countries. The number of employees from the ...

26/07/2025

"Window to the World" is the name of a new series that takes a closer look at how Slovak cities cooperate with partners abroad. What inspires us from around the world, and what can we offer in return? This joint project by Radio Slovakia International and Rádio Regina Západ launched this summer.

In the second episode, we open another window to the world – this time from Michalovce, in eastern Slovakia, toward the Iberian Peninsula. It is in Spain, in the region of Valencia, where the people of Michalovce have found their twin town: Vila-real.

🔊Listen to the new series on our website, enrsi.stvr.sk, and wherever you get your podcasts 📻

Today, we open another window to the world – this time from Michalovce, in eastern Slovakia, toward the Iberian Peninsula. It is in Spain, in the region of Valencia, where the people of Michalovce ...

26/07/2025

Each Saturday, we bring you the Week in Review for RSI English. Whether you join us for our live broadcast at 16:00 (GMT+1) a little bit later today or at some other point over the course of the weekend, we can promise an overview of the news highlights and interesting picks from this week's broadcast.

🔊Find all of our shows in our archive at enrsi.stvr.sk and wherever you get your podcasts📻

26/07/2025

Slovnaft has become the first industrial company in Slovakia to reduce CO₂ emissions by purchasing biomethane through the Renewable Gas Registry run by SPP – distribúcia distribution company. The refinery also received a Guarantee of Origin certifying the gas's renewable source.

This step supports Slovnaft’s decarbonization goals and may serve as a model for future renewable gas trading under the EU’s Emissions Trading System. It is also the first company within the MOL Group to use such a system.

Biomethane, produced from biodegradable waste, is nearly identical to natural gas and can be used in existing infrastructure. SPP – distribúcia distribution company currently operates two biomethane plants, with more planned.

The registry has already certified over 100 GWh of renewable gas and plays a key role in boosting transparency and meeting EU energy standards.

Slovnaft has become the first industrial company in Slovakia to reduce CO₂ emissions by purchasing biomethane through the Renewable Gas Registry run by SPP – distribúcia distribution company. The ...

26/07/2025

The Slovak population is ageing, and this is already being felt in the labour market, which is seeing fewer and fewer young people entering it, while older generations are moving into retirement age, the Trade Union Confederation (KOZ) has pointed out on a social network, noting that age management could be the solution.

In 2000, the average age of an economically active man was 37.5 years, while in 2021 it was 42.3. The average age of workers is rising, with an average of almost 45 years expected by 2035.

"There will be more and more workers over the age of 55, and their share should soon reach 25 percent. This places completely new demands on working conditions, work organisation and the approach taken by employers," said KOZ.

According to KOZ, the risks in the labour market include mass early retirements, which increase pressure on certain sectors. A shortage of skilled workers is currently evident in areas where the difference between the youngest and oldest sectors is almost ten years. One solution could be a national project called Age Management - work adapted to stages of life, which is currently being launched by the Sector Councils Alliance, of which KOZ is a member.

The trade unionists added that the project will measure the work capacity of 15,600 employees in all sectors of the economy and support from employers in creating working conditions that take into account the age of employees and develop model approaches to age management for each sector.

The Slovak population is ageing, and this is already being felt in the labour market, which is seeing fewer and fewer young people entering it, while older generations are moving into retirement a ...

26/07/2025

Running from early July through the beginning of August, Authors’ Reading Month (MAČ)—the biggest literature festival in Central Europe—offers readings by both local and international writers. Readings are held across three countries: Czechia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. In Slovakia, public readings have been being held in Bratislava, Trenčín, and Prešov. On July 23 though, this literary gathering expanded beyond Czechia and Slovakia to include the Ukrainian city of Lviv.

In past years, the event highlighted authors from a single featured country. This year, however, the spotlight is on exiled writers from around the world, offering audiences a broader and more diverse literary experience.

On July 22, Martina Greňová Šimkovičová attended a reading in Prešov. She was delighted to reconnect with her former university professor, acclaimed Slovak playwright Karol Horák, and to hear a short story from "Jokes for the Gunmen" by Palestinian writer Mazen Maarouf — one of 31 writers from 26 countries presenting their work to Slovak audiences as part of the program.

The following conversation about his collection of absurd grotesque stories—long-listed for a Man Booker International Prize in 2019—was conducted by Pavel Drábek, a theatre historian and academic living in the UK who was the program dramaturg of this event.

🔊Don't miss the full feature, available on our website, enrsi.stvr.sk, and wherever you get your podcasts📻📚

Running from early July through the beginning of August, Authors’ Reading Month (MAČ)—the biggest literature festival in Central Europe—offers readings by both local and international writers. Rea ...

25/07/2025

The Doctors' Trade Union Association (LOZ) has urged President Peter Pellegrini to ensure transparency and professionalism in the public tender for ambulance service licences. In a letter, LOZ expressed concerns over a lack of information, an unclear selection process, and fears that the tender may be driven by non-transparent interests rather than public health needs.

“It’s still unknown who sits on the selection committee or what criteria will be used,” said LOZ chairman Peter Visolajský, warning that the procurement risks turning into a pre-arranged business deal instead of a fair and lawful process.

In response, President Pellegrini called on Health Minister Kamil Sasko to ensure that the tender process complies fully with Slovak law. The Health Ministry stated that the selection of 344 ground ambulance and seven helicopter EMS units will be conducted transparently and objectively, and dismissed LOZ’s concerns as "artificially created hysteria."

The union maintains that emergency medical services must remain free of political influence and subject to public oversight.

The Doctors' Trade Union Association (LOZ) has urged President Peter Pellegrini to ensure transparency and professionalism in the public tender for ambulance service licences. In a letter, LOZ exp ...

25/07/2025

President Peter Pellegrini received the new ambassadors of Georgia and Spain—Konstantin Kvachakidze and Sofia Ruiz del Arbol Moro—at an introductory audience at the Presidential Palace on Thursday.

Both diplomats presented their letters of credence. Pellegrini wished them success in their missions and praised the strong relations between Slovakia and their countries, emphasizing opportunities for deeper cooperation.

Kvachakidze is a seasoned diplomat who previously served in Cyprus and at Georgia’s missions to the Council of Europe and OSCE. Ruiz del Arbol Moro, with over 20 years of diplomatic experience, arrives from her post as consul general in Miami—her first ambassadorial assignment.

President Peter Pellegrini received the new ambassadors of Georgia and Spain—Konstantin Kvachakidze and Sofia Ruiz del Arbol Moro—at an introductory audience at the Presidential Palace on Thursday ...

25/07/2025

To uncover the story of the coronations in Bratislava, we first need to visit another city—a city in Hungary called Székesfehérvár. This city, rich in history, became the seat of Hungarian kings during the reign of King Stephen I in the early 11th century. It later became the first free royal town in the Kingdom of Hungary and served for centuries as the main coronation site of Hungarian monarchs. But history shows us that even the glory of Székesfehérvár eventually came to an end, and royal attention shifted to another city—Bratislava. How Bratislava became the new coronation city, what historical events led to it, and what these ceremonies looked like will be explained by Dr. Diana Duchoňová, Head of the Department of Early Modern History at the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling back a few centuries in time, this coming weekend in Bratislava you’ll have exactly that chance. From July 25th to 27th, Bratislava will be transported to the 18th century, specifically to the year 1712, when King Charles III was crowned. Chairwoman of the Bratislava Tourist Board, Nina Erneker, told me all about what you can experience during the Bratislava Coronation Days.

🔊Don't miss the full feature, available on our website, enrsi.stvr.sk, and wherever you get your podcasts 👑

To uncover the story of the coronations in Bratislava, we first need to visit another city—a city in Hungary called Székesfehérvár. This city, rich in history, became the seat of Hungarian kings d ...

25/07/2025

In this second episode of our travel series "Country Roads," we journey to Muránska planina National Park in central Slovakia. Here, we uncover the unique flora, fauna, and geology that make this relatively new national park so special. We also delve into the region’s fascinating history and culture—once known as “the iron heart of Hungary.” Along the way, you’ll get practical travel tips, discover how Slovak literature can enrich your trip, and even learn how feeding a ground squirrel might just make your adventure unforgettable.

🔊Don't miss Jeremy Hill's full feature on our website, enrsi.stvr.sk, and wherever you get your podcasts📻

In this second episode of our travel series 'Country Roads,' we journey to Muránska Planina National Park in central Slovakia. Here, we uncover the unique flora, fauna, and geology that make this ...