Archive of articles - December 2003

Fewer laws next year

Poll: People split over 2003

PM: 2003 was a good year

Hyundai a top priority

Reader feedback: A good test case

SDKÚ ends year crushed

THE RULING Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ) has plummeted in popular support over the last three months, with one poll even marking a historic low of 4.1 percent for what was once the strongest ruling party.The SDKÚ's plunge comes much to the joy of the opposition leaders, who are calling for early elections in the central European country.

Events Countrywide

WESTERN SLOVAKIA CENTRAL SLOVAKIACENTRAL SLOVAKIA

Slovakia experienced the year of the rising tiger

January 15SLOVAKIA was named a potential investors' paradise several times in 2003. The Slovak parliament adopted important legislative measures that aim to improve its business environment and attract foreign investments. The flat 19 percent income and value-added tax adopted this year, together with the country's advantageous geographical location and its educated, relatively cheap labour force, could make Slovakia a favourable place for investments in the manner of southern Asian countries, the so-called tigers.

Slovakia turns down EC's steel plan

Radošinci rejoice with work, as usual

RADOŠINSKÉ naivné divadlo (RND) was born the same day as Jesus: December 25. Stanislav Štepka, a local university student of Radošina, a small town near Piešťany, founded it forty years go, offering his own way of "looking at the world". His original humorous look, intertwined with songs, has rapidly grown in popularity and citizens have started to consider the RND "their national theatre".

The Slovak Spectator's top restaurants of 2003

Tempus FugitWhere: Sedlárska 5, Bratislava Tel: 02/5441-4357Open: daily 10:00-24:00English menu: YesReservations: Yes Rating: 8 out of 10QUITE a new addition to Bratislava's high-end restaurants, you can tell from its stiff and impassive facçade, maintained against one of the old city's noisier streets, that here you will be treated like royalty arriving home.

Slovakia a staunch ally of US in Iraq

DEVELOPMENTS in the Middle East have had little direct impact on Slovakia. Unlike in the rest of Europe, the country saw little popular opposition to US action against Iraq and no large anti-war protests. Slovakia, a part of "new" rather than "old" Europe, has stood by the US throughout the conflict, not only in words but also in actions, as the developments of the year clearly illustrate:

Reader feedback: Environment essential

Royal crown counts down the year

TO CELEBRATE the coming of the new year in Bratislava's historical centre has become a tradition that lures tens of thousands visitors to the capital every year. And each time around, the organisers try to perfect the festivities a bit more."We aspire to make the welcoming of the new year in Bratislava the central celebration in Slovakia, also visited by tourists from abroad," the city's mayor, Andrej Ďurkovský said.

Minorities see support

A TWO-YEAR conflict over the Hungarian status law ended as the involved parties, Slovakia and Hungary, signed a bilateral agreement on mutual cultural and educational support for ethnic minorities on December 12.As a result, foundations in both countries will administer the support for ethnic minorities living in their territories.Slovak Foreign Affairs Minister Eduard Kukan and his Hungarian counterpart, László Kovács signed the document in Brussels on December 12.

EU short of constitution

THE FAILURE of European leaders to agree on an EU constitution left many observers worrying about the fate of the integration of an enlarged union. If current tensions lead to the creation of a two-speed Europe, Slovak representatives want to see the country on the faster track.Heads of state from the 15 current member states and ten acceding countries met in Brussels on December 12 and 13 to discuss a draft constitutional agreement, intended to define the role of an enlarged union, govern the competencies of its institutions, and make it more transparent for European citizens.

Nothing is lost, much is to gain

LOOKING at the big picture, the year 2003 has been a success for Slovakia and, although there is good reason to be concerned about what 2004 will bring, it may also turn out to be a pleasant surprise.Slovaks have hoped for entry into NATO and the EU for years. They offer not only the prospect of economic benefits, but have an important impact on the nation's morale.After decades of communist oppression, after years of isolation caused in great part by its own authoritarian leadership, Slovakia has a chance to become a part of the much-admired and prosperous Western world.

If Smer ruled the country...

Dear readers,

We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation for your support and loyalty throughout the year 2003.Your interest in our paper gives our work meaning and helps us to progress.We hope that our commitment to bringing you in-depth coverage from all walks of life in Slovakia and analyses of the trends that move Slovak society will help us retain that support in years to come.