Archive of articles - November 2004

Ford might invest in Slovakia

Winner and runner-up hanging tight for government decision December 10

SDA says definitive "yes" to merger with Smer

Sk23.4 billion in investments in Slovakia in nine months

Crown ignores key interest rate cuts

Colombia interested in Slovak mine-clearing equipment

Slovak highways most expensive in Europe

Meet the next stars

FATE has smiled kindly on Bratislava this year. The next NEXT festival, a celebration of new and experimental music, will feature its largest, and most star-studded programme in its history, bringing artists instrumental in shaping the music of tomorrow to the floor of the A4 centre for contemporary culture.On Thursday, December 2, the event opens with its big stars - Ikue Mori and Zeena Parkins - veterans of the New York improvisation scene who are certain to convince visitors of the quality of the rest of the festival.

Why did the Tatras fall?

IN THE AFTERMATH of the severe windstorm that flattened or damaged 24 thousand hectares of forestland in Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains, ecologists and environmentalists started speculating on why the forests blew down.“At the core of the problem is global warming...”“Agricultural policies ...”“European drought...”“Tree insects...”

Quote of the Week

Fulghum in Slovakia

ROBERT Fulghum, one of America’s most popular writers, will stop in Bratislava December 1 for a book-signing at the Artfórum bookshop (Kozia Street 20) between 17:00 and 18:00. He will talk to readers and sign books at Stoka Theatre (Pribinova 1) starting at 19:00.

The Roma

HOW the Roma live is a big talking point in Slovakia. This picture, taken somewhere near Košice between World Wars I and II, shows just how bad living conditions used to be.At that time the Roma were still partly nomadic and these holes, dug into a bank above a creek, served as temporary homes. Children, and a lone woman, sit staring bleakly into the camera.

Tax revenues higher than expected

Healthier diesel? Cleaner fuel means purer air

SLOVNAFT refinery, based in Bratislava, has opened a production unit for deep desulphurisation of diesel. The new unit will produce diesel with ultra-low sulphur content and thus meet European Union diesel standards that take effect in 2005 and 2009.According to EU regulations, the content of sulphur in diesel sold after 2005 must be lower than 50 miligrammes per kilogramme of fuel; starting in 2009, sulphur content must be lowered to 10 miligrammes per kilogramme.The unit will have a production capacity of 5,500 tonnes of de-sulphurated diesel, Slovnaft said. Total construction costs are expected to reach Sk3.2 billion (€80,000).

Competition energises market

Next year, corporations and businesses will be able to choose who supplies them with electricity. At present, official regulations determine providers. Choice comes as part of a package of energy laws recently approved by parliament.“The position of a customer on the domestic market has changed,” reads the government’s official document introducing the laws. “A customer will now have the right to choose an energy supplier.”

Forsaking wealth for art

HANS Weiss is an artist of German Carpathian descent who has become an American success story. In addition to having been a successful businessman and engineer, Weiss is an artist of international renown.The Museum of Carpathian German culture in Bratislava houses a permanent exhibition of paintings, photographs and Apollo components by Weiss.

Crime on the rise

Energy prices to rise next year

Youth alcohol consumption up