Archive of articles - May 2004, page 12

History being written

EUROPE is experiencing historical times. May 1, 2004 is becoming the newest and perhaps one of the most important milestones in its history. It is now the third most populated association of countries in the world and will claim its space in all global relations. The Slovak Republic is determined to become an organic part of this strong world player. It is fascinating, though the situation, even in this case, is not black and white.

Time for a new Slovak anthem?

Cartoon

Why the EU will be no US

CAN the EU be anything like the US? The answer is no, at least not in the foreseeable future. Equally, it cannot hope to match the economic, political, or military strength of what is the globe's sole superpower. Here is why.There are fundamental cultural differences between the old and the new world.

Reader feedback: Leaving Iraq is irresponsible

New members could spark EU reforms

MEMBERSHIP in the European Union is, without a doubt, a significant milestone for Slovakia, as the country now has the right to express its opinion on affairs of international consequence with more weight than ever before.However, analysts say immediate improvements in the Slovak economy and everyday life will barely be noticeable. On the contrary, inhabitants might feel negative reactions, such as price hikes, at first.

Q1 brings Sk300 million in foreign trade

Reader feedback: Self-determination for Iraq now

Banks end Q1 with Sk3 billion profit

No labour barriers necessary

SLOVAKIA will refrain from taking reciprocal measures against current European Union members by restricting access to the Slovak job market, despite the fact that the majority of old EU members have put up temporary barriers to protect their labour markets.However, the Slovak cabinet decided on April 28 that citizens of non-EU member countries would still need work permits in Slovakia."The limitation would only prevent managers, experts, and investors from coming to Slovakia," Foreign Affairs Minister Eduard Kukan told the press.

The age of love

Something's Gotta GiveStarring: Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Frances McDormand, Keanu, Reeves, Amanda PeetDirected by: Nancy MeyersRunning time: 128 minRating: 7 out of 10AGE doesn't matter, right? At least it's not supposed to. Assuming everyone is of legal age, who really cares how much older or younger a potential partner is, as long as there is mutual and genuine attraction?

IT plenipotentiary coming

Slovak art hangs on Viennese gate

THE HISTORIC Viennese Gate in Hainburg has become an attraction of the newly enlarged Europe. Within the Compilation Europe project, it will present works by artists from the new EU countries in one-month intervals, the news agency TASR reported.

Natura 2000 divides Slovakia

PRESERVED nature might be one of the biggest assets Slovakia has brought into the European Union. However, its protection, non-governmental environmental organisations claim, is more a paper formality than it is an actual practice.During the general euphoria that accompanied the celebration of the country's entry to the EU, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) raised the contentious issue.

Wagging the Slovak tongue

THIS WEEK, Slovak Members of the European Parliament began testing the quality of the interpretation of the union's 19 other official languages. MEPs have the right to speak in their official language and receive interpretation during plenary sittings.For major languages like English or German, interpretation into Slovak is fast and good.

Events Countrywide

BRATISLAVAWESTERN SLOVAKIACENTRAL SLOVAKIAEASTERN SLOVAKIAPrepared by Kristína Havasová

Answering fears of labour influx

SLOVAKIA will not take reciprocal measures to prevent the free access of current EU members to its job market. Meanwhile, the citizens of third countries - non-member countries - will need work permits. The Slovak Spectator asked Slovak human resources experts about the possible impacts of the move on the country's labour market.The Slovak Spectator (TSS): Do you think that the government's decision to give EU members free access to the Slovak job market will have any impact on the country?

Reader feedback: A voice from the past

Redrawing the union board game

THE RULES governing the discussion of laws between the state, employers, and employees through their representative groups are to be revised, cabinet ministers agreed on May 5.Economy Minister Pavol Rusko and Labour Minister Ľudovít Kaník will shortly prepare an in-depth revision of the law on tripartite, which obliges the cabinet to negotiate laws with trade unions and employers.Modification of the law to what Rusko described at a press conference as a more open and voluntary forum in which the cabinet will set the themes of dialogue is a softening of Rusko's initial plan to abolish tripartite for good.