Good evening. Here is theThursday, April 11edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
A different Fico in Michalovce
Ukrainian PM Denys Shmyhal and Slovak PM Robert Fico during a press conference in Michalovce, eastern Slovakia, on April 11, 2024. (source: TASR)
Slovak and Ukrainian governments, led by premiers Robert Fico and Denys Shmyhal, held an intergovernmental meeting in Michalovce, a town in eastern Slovakia, on Thursday.
Fico emphasised that Slovakia supports Ukraine’s efforts to join the EU. He also noted that Russia broke international law by invading Ukraine. The Slovak premier, who halted military aid to Ukraine last year and stated in January that there is no war in Kyiv, hopes to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Ukraine that will uphold territorial integrity, sovereignty and be fair to Ukraine.
Fico said that Slovakia supports commercial arms deals and will continue to help Ukraine clear its territory of mines.
“We’re here to assist you,” Fico said, adding that some people in Slovakia may not comprehend the daily struggles of Ukrainian people. “Our trivial wars seem insignificant compared to what you’ve been dealing with.”
This was the second meeting of this kind. The first meeting took place in January.
Quote: “We are aware that each of our countries has its national interests and priorities, which may sometimes not coincide. At the same time, we have good will, a pragmatic attitude and a desire to resolve all issues in the format of a constructive and effective dialogue.” (Denys Shmyhal)
On Thursday, Ukraine and Slovakia agreed on the following: The reconstruction of the Mukachevo - Veľké Kapušany electrical interconnector and of the Vyšné Nemecké - Uzhhorod border crossing, diversification of nuclear fuel supplies to nuclear power plants, Slovakia to have access to Ukraine’s marine oil terminal and Ukrainian gas storage facilities, Slovakia to work on the prompt cancellation of unilateral restrictions on Ukrainian agricultural products, launching a direct passenger railway connection between Kyiv and Košice by the end of this year, development of the cross-border railway route Chop - Čierna nad Tisou, and the joint production of engineering equipment for detecting and disposing of mines.
Fico’s previous statements about Ukraine: Before Fico won the 2023 parliamentary elections, he’d stated that no bullet would have been sent to Ukraine. He says that Ukrainian neo-Nazis are to blame for the invasion. The PM thinks that Ukraine’s accession to NATO would potentially lead to a third world war. He blasted the West for attempting to destroy Russia and slandering Putin in February.
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FEATURE STORY FOR THURSDAY
Slovak matters: Words that sound almost the same
(source: wayhomestudio on freepiks.com)
Vločky and vložky may appear and sound similar, but their meanings could not have been more different. Which one goes with milk?
FREE EVENTS IN BRATISLAVA
The Big Show
A photo from Day 2 of the V4 Improv Connect! (source: Funnylicious Theater)
Would you like to try improvisational theatre in English? Well, join one of the workshops running in Bratislava these days. On Friday and Saturday, you can also look forward to two shows. But if you want to try something else, here are two more tips on what to do in Bratislava for free in the coming days.
IN OTHER NEWS
Slovenská Národná Strana, one of the three coalition parties, is trying to get the Slovak Arts Council (FPU) under the control of the Culture Ministry. The fund supports diverse artistic endeavours. Politicians have no influence on what projects are supported financially. The nationalist party wants to change this.
The EU can stop European funds for Slovakia if the government does not convince the Commission that the risk of corruption and embezzlement of European funds will not increase after the abolition of the Special Prosecutor’s Office and the amendment of the Penal Code. (Denník N)
After the presidential election, president-elect Peter Pellegrini received €250,000 from his political party, Hlas. The law prohibits the practice of sending money to a candidate’s transparent bank account after an election. The party called it a “technical error”. Pellegrini can send money from his personal bank account to the transparent account, which he didn’t do in this case.After the presidential election, president-elect Peter Pellegrini received €250,000 from his political party, Hlas. The law prohibits the practice of sending money to a candidate’s transparent bank account after an election. The party called it a “technical error”. Pellegrini can send money from his personal bank account to the transparent account, which he didn’t do in this case.After the presidential election, president-elect Peter Pellegrini received €250,000 from his political party, Hlas. The law prohibits the practice of sending money to a candidate’s transparent bank account after an election. The party called it a “technical error”. Pellegrini can send money from his personal bank account to the transparent account, which he didn’t do in this case.
WEATHER FOR FRIDAY: Clear skies. The highest daytime temperatures will range from 16°C to 24°C. (SHMÚ)
APRIL 12 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Estera.
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