Good evening. Here is the Wednesday, July 2 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in a few minutes.
Petržalka tram extension to launch in a few weeks
The state of the work on the Petržalka tram line extension as of June 26. (source: TASR)
After a series of delays, the extension of the tram line in Petržalka now has a confirmed launch date.
“The Petržalka tram has received the necessary approval from the Bratislava Self-Governing Region (BSK) for early use. Once this decision comes into force, the line can begin full operation. The official launch date is set for Sunday, July 27,” said Bratislava spokesperson Peter Bubla, as quoted by the TASR newswire.
By then, shelters at public transport stops should be installed, landscaping along the route completed, and pedestrian infrastructure—including pavements, crossings, and a connection to the Slnečnice neighbourhood—finalised. The cycle path from the Janíkov Dvor area to the city centre is also due to be marked out.
Ahead of the launch, another round of driver training runs will take place over the weekend of July 19–20.
Some finishing works will continue even after the tram line begins operation, though they will not affect service. These works are expected to be completed by December 31, 2025 at the latest.
“We’re eagerly awaiting the launch of the tram to Janíkov Dvor, especially as it should help ease traffic congestion in Petržalka,” said Iveta Jančoková, acting mayor of the borough. She added that it was unfortunate some elements—such as finalising the stops and installing safety signals at the Farského Street crossing—would not be completed until the end of the year.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
POLITICS: Nine years after brushing off journalists with the now-infamous line, “Don’t bother me, we’re harvesting,” PM Robert Fico returned to the fields this week – and once again faced questions, protests and political theatre.
SLOVAKS ABROAD: A grassroots network of informal civic hubs known as “Slovak Cafés” is taking shape across Europe, driven by concern over recent political developments in Slovakia.
NO MORE VACATION: Two days ago, Slovak travel agency HappyTravel.sk was still selling holiday packages to Egypt and Turkey. Yesterday, the company declared insolvency.
ROBOTICS: A humanoid robot designed to help children cross the road has been tested in Bratislava, in a pilot aimed at exploring how machines could improve safety in cities.
TRAVEL: Norwegian Air has returned to Bratislava after more than a decade, reviving a long-dormant route that once connected the Slovak capital with Copenhagen.
SPORT: Alex Delvecchio, one of the Detroit Red Wings’ most enduring legends and a Hockey Hall of Famer with roots stretching from Italy to Slovakia, has died at the age of 93.
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FEATURE STORY
Slovak scientists looking for new treatment
Illustrative stock photo (source: SITA/AP)
Danish footballer Christian Eriksen’s collapse on the pitch during a match at Euro 2020 made global headlines. The shocking incident focused attention on the dangers of cardiac arrest – even for young, extremely fit athletes. He was lucky; cardiac arrest mortality remains high despite medical progress.
A team of scientists from the Biomedical Research Centre of the Slovak Academy of Sciences studies a specific type of cardiac disease. Their newest paper may open up path to new treatments for the condition.
EVENTS FOR SUMMER HOLIDAYS
Outdoor cinemas are back
Outdoor cinema next to the Kuchajda lake in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
Outdoor cinema under the night sky has long been a popular summer tradition in Slovakia. This year is no different, with several open-air venues already screening films or set to begin soon. In Bratislava, screenings are held at Amfiteáter pri Štrkoveckom Jazere in Ružinov, the Rača amphitheatre, Nová Cvernovka, and the Central shopping centre, among others. Other towns, including Trnava, Nitra, Levice, Martin, Prešov and Košice, are also taking part. Entry is usually free, but may vary by location—for example, there is an admission fee in Košice. Residents are advised to check their local authority websites for nearby events.
IN OTHER NEWS
The European Green Party has criticised Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) for vetoing the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia, calling it “outright sabotage” and accusing him of acting as “Russia’s Trojan horse” within the European Council. The party urged the EU to replace the current unanimity rule in foreign policy with qualified majority voting, particularly on matters related to support for Ukraine. (European Greens)
This year’s harvest in Slovakia is being severely affected by extreme drought, high temperatures and violent storms, according to Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč (Smer) and Andrej Gajdoš, head of the Slovak Agriculture and Food Industry Chamber. The harvest began last week in the south and is gradually expanding to other regions. While average yields of cereals and oilseeds are expected, a lack of rainfall is the main concern, with drought currently affecting 66 percent of the country. (TASR)
Slovakia will reopen embassies in Kuwait and Ethiopia, both located in their respective capitals. Closed in 2022, the embassies will also cover Slovakia’s representation in neighbouring countries. The Foreign Ministry said Kuwait is a key partner in diversifying energy sources, particularly oil, while Ethiopia represents a potential market of over 100 million people. (TASR)
The matriculation ceremony for the 23rd edition of the Children’s Comenius University took place on Wednesday. The summer programme is open to children aged 9–17 and offers age-appropriate lectures across a variety of scientific fields. Applications are open until July 14. More information is available at www.duk.sk. (source: TASR)
On Wednesday, firefighters tackled a blaze at a paper dump covering around 800 square metres in Galanta, western Slovakia. A pumping station was also set up at nearby Lake Šárd. A separate fire broke out on a field near Svodín in the Nové Zámky district, covering up to 100 hectares. That fire has since been extinguished. (TASR, My Nové Zámky)
The Vadaš Thermal Resort in Štúrovo remains closed following the death of an 11-year-old boy in mid-June. Authorities suspect the child may have contracted a rare but deadly amoebic infection during a swimming course. Although the amoeba has not been confirmed in water samples so far, testing continues with results expected in seven days. Only two pools—reserved for guests staying at the resort—remain open. From Wednesday, public health officials will begin extraordinary checks at swimming facilities across the country. Results from new water samples are expected within a week. (My Nové Zámky)
Slovakia handled the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in spring well, according to President Peter Pellegrini. He noted that the European Commission and other international bodies have praised the response. Pellegrini also commended the work of firefighters, authorities, and public communication during the outbreak. (TASR)
Slovakia’s U20 women’s ball hockey team celebrated a 3–1 win over the United States at the 2025 World Championship, held in Poprad between July 2–6. The men’s team lost 2–4 to the U.S. on the same day. Matches are streamed live on the ISBHF Media YouTube channel. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR THURSDAY: Sunny to partly cloudy skies are expected. As the day progresses, cloud cover will increase in the west, with occasional showers or storms likely. Daytime temperatures could reach up to 38°C, prompting level 1 to 3 heat warnings nationwide, with the highest alert issued for south-western Slovakia. See the warning map here. (SHMÚ)
JULY 3 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Miloslav
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