The fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 not only reshaped the political landscape of Europe; it also unlocked new business opportunities in Slovakia. While many foreign companies seized the moment to expand, entrepreneurial minds in Slovakia harnessed the newfound freedom to develop innovative ideas and launch businesses.
Among these companies and entrepreneurs were IKEA, McDonald’s, the sport aircraft manufacturer Tomark, the telecoms provider Slovanet, and the Slovak arm of Citibank – all of which are marking 30 years on the Slovak market this year. Their journeys reflect the transformation of Slovakia’s economy, from a state-controlled system to a dynamic, market-driven environment.