Radio Slovakia International - English

17/11/2025

November 17th, The Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, marks one of the most important moments in modern Slovak and Czech history. In November 1989, people across Czechoslovakia took to the streets with hope and courage, ringing their keys in a symbolic call for change – and won their freedom.

Thirty-six years after the fall of the totalitarian communist regime, our programme takes listeners back in time to revisit the atmosphere of the Velvet Revolution. Through archival recordings and interviews, we hear the voices of key figures of November ’89 – such as Milan Kňažko and Fedor Gál – along with reflections and insights from participants and experts, among them student activist Zuzana Mistríková, historian Peter Jašek (Nation’s Memory Institute), political scientist Juraj Marušiak (Slovak Academy of Sciences), and sociologist Václav Hrích, among others.

29/10/2025

On October 28, 1815, Ľudovít Štúr — a talented speaker, linguist, teacher, and journalist — was born. Often regarded as the father of the Slovak nation, he remains relatively unknown to international audiences. Yet from Beijing to Budapest, there are students learning Slovak and scholars studying his legacy as the founder of the modern Slovak language — his greatest achievement.

A radio producer recently created a program introducing Štúr to listeners who may never have heard of this historical figure. Professor Tibor Pichler, former director of the Institute of Philosophy at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, discusses the influence of the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel on Štúr’s intellectual pursuits. Meanwhile, Professor Anne Tomiche from Sorbonne University in Paris considers whether this iconic Slovak figure might even be described as a “dandy,” based on a portrait so familiar to Slovaks.

According to film director Marianna Čengel Solčanská, Štúr was a prominent figure in 19th-century Prešporok — today’s Bratislava. In her upcoming feature film Štúr, set for release on January 12, 2026, she portrays the father of the nation as a deeply human character. Among the many fictional and non-fictional works about Štúr, she recommends the 2015 book by Hungarian historian József Demmel.

22/10/2025

The Association of Towns and Municipalities of Slovakia — ZMOS — says people are feeling increasingly unsafe and wants to reopen discussions about tightening the Criminal Code. At a conference on Monday, local leaders pointed to rising street crime and a shortage of police officers.

ZMOS chair Jozef Božik plans to meet Justice Minister Boris Susko (SMER-SD) to propose lowering the damage limit for theft crimes — currently set at 700 euros — and to consider a “three strikes” rule, turning repeated petty thefts into a criminal offense. Mayors warn that police understaffing and mild penalties embolden offenders, leaving citizens frustrated and reluctant to report crimes. They also fear budget cuts could reduce local police forces and end community patrol programs.

The Association of Towns and Municipalities of Slovakia — ZMOS — says people are feeling increasingly unsafe and wants to reopen discussions about tightening the Criminal Code. At a conference on ...

21/10/2025

Members of the parliamentary human rights committee carried out an inspection at the Foreigners’ Police to investigate long-standing problems with unavailable appointments and the alleged resale of booking slots.

MP Zuzana Števulová from the Progressive Slovakia (PS) party said the issue stems not only from an outdated IT system but also from staff shortages that make it impossible to process applications efficiently.

Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok (HLAS-SD) agreed that staffing levels need to be increased.

He said that forty new officers have already joined the Foreigners’ Police and that further recruitment is planned.

Meanwhile, Ombudsman Róbert Dobrovodský called for greater public attention and long-term solutions, while local governments continue to raise concerns, arguing that the lack of progress affects both foreign residents and employers.

According to Daniela Piršelová, spokesperson for the Union of Towns of Slovakia, there has been no visible improvement in the reservation system despite Interior Ministry assurances that it had been upgraded.

Officials say the effects of the new measures should become evident within two to three weeks.

Members of the parliamentary human rights committee carried out an inspection at the Foreigners’ Police to investigate long-standing problems with unavailable appointments and the alleged resale o ...

21/10/2025

Slovak MPs have approved the 2026 state budget, setting a public finance deficit at 4.1% of GDP, just under six billion euros. Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický (SMER-SD) said the plan lowers this year’s expected deficit of 5% of GDP. The budget was passed with all 79 coalition MPs voting in favor out of 145 lawmakers present, while 66 opposition MPs voted against. The Ministry of Finance aims to reduce the deficit below 3% of GDP by 2028 and stabilize public debt around 64% of GDP.

Slovak MPs have approved the 2026 state budget, setting a public finance deficit at 4.1% of GDP, just under six billion euros. Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický (SMER-SD) said the plan lowers th ...

21/10/2025

EU energy ministers have endorsed a proposal to gradually phase out Russian gas imports, with a full ban set for January 1, 2028. The plan, seen as a strong signal to Moscow, now moves to trilogue negotiations between the European Commission, Parliament, and Council for final approval. Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said the EU “will no longer allow Russia to use energy as a weapon.”

Slovakia and Hungary, however, opposed the plan, citing fears of rising gas prices and lack of access to LNG terminals. Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková (HLAS-SD) warned that the country risks isolation once pipeline gas stops flowing. Czech Energy Minister Lukáš Vlček said Prague is ready to help Slovakia through its gas infrastructure. The plan requires a qualified majority, unlike EU sanctions.

EU energy ministers have endorsed a proposal to gradually phase out Russian gas imports, with a full ban set for January 1, 2028. The plan, seen as a strong signal to Moscow, now moves to trilogue ...

21/10/2025

Prime Minister Robert Fico (SMER-SD) met United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. Talks focused on trade, renewable energy, innovation, future technologies, and culture. Both leaders also exchanged views on global issues, stressing the importance of dialogue during crises.

Slovakia and the UAE signed agreements to boost economic and investment ties. Fico said discussions included transport infrastructure and defense industry opportunities for Slovak firms. He added that both sides see the Ukraine war as lacking a military solution and expressed hope in a future Trump – Putin summit in Budapest.

Prime Minister Robert Fico (SMER-SD) met United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation. Talks focused on trade, ren ...

21/10/2025

Slovakia supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union but insists all entry criteria must be fulfilled, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (SMER-SD) said after Monday’s EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg. He noted that while Ukraine is progressing with reforms, concerns from other member states must be respected.

Blanár also said Slovakia will back the EU’s 19th sanctions package against Russia if its economic concerns are addressed, including car engine bans after 2035 and energy prices. He highlighted ongoing cooperation with Ukraine on energy aid, humanitarian projects, and education initiatives. The council also discussed the situation in Gaza, with Blanár urging more humanitarian support, and addressed developments in Moldova, Sudan, and Georgia. In Moldova’s case, he highlighted the country’s pro-European direction.

Slovakia supports Ukraine’s accession to the European Union but insists all entry criteria must be fulfilled, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (SMER-SD) said after Monday’s EU Foreign Affairs Council ...

21/10/2025

A Slovak court has sentenced 72-year-old Juraj Cintula to 21 years in prison for committing a terrorist attack. The Specialized Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica ruled that Cintula deliberately targeted Prime Minister Robert Fico (SMER-SD) as a political figure, not a private citizen. The verdict is not yet final, as the defendant may appeal.

Prosecutors had sought a life sentence but the court considered Cintula’s age and health as mitigating factors. The retired man shot Fico five times during a public government meeting in Handlová in May 2024. The prime minister was seriously injured but survived. The attack shocked Slovakia and was condemned internationally.

A Slovak court has sentenced 72-year-old Juraj Cintula to 21 years in prison for committing a terrorist attack. The Specialized Criminal Court in Banská Bystrica ruled that Cintula deliberately ta ...

20/10/2025

A total of 2,300 homeless people have been identified in Košice, including 1,304 adults and 996 children who live with their parents in institutions or in inappropriate housing, while approximately 150 people live directly on the streets, according to the results of a coordinated census of homeless people aimed at helping to target assistance in a better way.

The largest concentration of homeless people in Košice is found in the Old Town, the borough of Lunik IX and in the South borough. More than 43 percent of adults were found to be living in substandard housing, such as shacks or sheds.

In terms of age, the middle generation was represented the most. Among the homeless, the majority were people living alone and without children. At the same time, 78 percent of homeless people in Košice have permanent residence in the city. Family and financial problems were the most frequent reasons for the loss of a home.

"About 63 percent of people have been homeless for a long time, more than five years. A related finding that also requires further action is that [among those living] in this non-standard and substandard housing, up to 27 percent said that they'd never had stable housing in the past - be it rented or owned accommodation. These are actually people who were born into housing need," researcher at the Institute for Work and Family Research Darina Kvalová told a briefing this week.

According to Kosice vice-mayor Lucia Gurbalová, a specific solution can be prepared on the basis of the obtained data, and she also announced the formation of a working group focused on homelessness. "It will be composed of representatives of the city, NGOs that have experience in eliminating homelessness in the city, the Labour, Social Affairs and the Family Office and the city police, which have an irreplaceable role in this," she said.

Košice is the only city in Slovakia in which such a census has been conducted. It was carried out a year ago as part of a two-year European project involving a total of 15 cities in ten European countries.

A total of 2,300 homeless people have been identified in Košice, including 1,304 adults and 996 children who live with their parents in institutions or in inappropriate housing, while approximatel ...

20/10/2025

Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he and his government delegation will hold official talks with the country's top officials on Monday ( October 20) and will also meet with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expecting significant investment impulses for Slovakia from the talks.

"Slovakia needs investment, we need to support economic growth in 2026. That's why, as part of Slovakia's sovereign foreign affairs policy oriented in all four cardinal directions, we're looking for all opportunities for cooperation," Fico said in a video on a social network.

Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) has left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he and his government delegation will hold official talks with the country's top officials on Monday ( Octob ...

20/10/2025

The continuation of austerity measures in the coming years will take a different form than in 2024 and 2025, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated in a video posted on a social network on Sunday, noting that the vote on the state budget for next year is scheduled to take place on Tuesday (21 October). "Maintaining the current standard of the welfare state will require us to strengthen economic growth in 2026 and 2027 through more effective investment and tax policies, while at the same time making further savings at the expense of the state," stated the Premier.

According to Fico, the deficit should fall from 5 percent to 4.1 percent of GDP next year. Despite this, he said, spending on education and health care should be increased, the 13th pension maintained and high energy prices compensated for. The Prime Minister added that funds from the defence budget are also to be used for dual-purpose projects, such as the construction of a 1,000-bed hospital in Prešov, which is scheduled to open in 2027.

The continuation of austerity measures in the coming years will take a different form than in 2024 and 2025, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated in a video posted on a social network on Su ...