Good evening. Here is the Monday, July 14 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in a few minutes.
Bratislava's tram line 3 to get boost
Test runs on the Petržalka tram line extension. (source: TASR)
With the date for the Petržalka tram line extension (still) set for July 27, the project is expected to significantly improve travel quality in Bratislava’s largest borough.
Its launch will also prompt a series of changes to public transport that will affect services not only in Petržalka, but across the capital.
First and foremost, the entire new tram section through Petržalka—from Janíkov Dvor—all the way to the terminus in Rača will be served by line 3, which will operate at shorter intervals than before. During the morning rush hour, trams will run every 2.5 minutes—down from 4, and every 4 minutes in the afternoon rush—down from 5. At weekends and on public holidays, the line will operate every 5 minutes instead of the previous 7.5. At other times, the current frequency will remain unchanged.
As a result, parallel bus lines 95 and 59 will be discontinued, since both largely duplicated the tram route. One of the reasons when it comes to the latter line is the closure of several schools in the Na Pántoch area; the number of students using line 59 has halved when comparing data from May 2023 and May 2025.
Tram line 7, which previously operated between Rača and the Main Railway Station, will also be discontinued. Passengers will now need to change at Račianske Mýto and take bus lines 61 or 71, or trolleybus line 40.
Additionally, the route of bus line 192, which connects Petržalka with Patrónka, will be significantly shortened within the borough. It will now terminate at the Jungmannova stop instead of continuing to the depot at the far end of Petržalka.
“Any adjustments to other lines in Petržalka will depend on real data, which we will evaluate once the tram becomes operational. Future changes will reflect new and evolving passenger habits,” said Jozef Vozár, spokesperson for Bratislava public transport company DPB, as quoted by the TASR newswire.
Related: Bratislava has cancelled the public tender for the planned modernisation of the Ružinovská tram line, citing the receipt of only one bid—which exceeded the estimated €95 million cost by 50 percent—as the reason. A new call for proposals will be announced soon. Despite the delay, the city still expects work to begin on schedule in 2026.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
EDUCATION: English still rules the workplace in Slovakia, with employers showing no sign of letting go. According to job website Profesia.sk, it remains the most sought-after foreign language.
EMPLOYMENT: The Slovak Spectator offers the basic information a foreigner needs to know about employment relations in Slovakia.
WINE: If you’re a wine enthusiast eager to explore what Bratislava’s Rača borough—once a winemaking village—has to offer but aren’t sure where to begin, a special bus might be just for you.
BUSINESS: Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia, the country’s largest information technology employer, has confirmed plans to lay off around 150 staff.
SPORT: Slovak teenager Mia Pohánková clinched the girls’ singles title at Wimbledon, delivering a statement performance to defeat American sixth seed Juliete Pareja and claim her maiden Grand Slam crown.
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FEATURE STORY
Women, wine and song
In the film, Karol Duchoň is portrayed by Vladislav Plevčík. (source: KVIFF)
For several years now, Slovak ice hockey players have been listening to Karol Duchoň’s song "Mám ťa rád" (I Like You) during breaks between periods. They say it gives them energy – and they let loose to it.
Since his career ended before they were even born, they likely know little to nothing about him. That may change if they go to cinemas to see a new movie about the singer. But it is not a light-hearted story.
EVENT FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS
Popular festival in Trnava returns
Slovak pianist and composer Alan Bartuš, bassist Štefan "Pišta" Bartuš and Italian drummer Antonio Cerfeda during last year's edition of Trnavský Jazzyk. (source: TASR)
A staple of summer cultural life in Trnava, western Slovakia, the Trnavský Jazzyk music festival is back. Running from Monday to Thursday, the 22nd edition will feature both Slovak and international performers, headlined by 13-time Grammy nominee and multi-genre singer, composer, and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello. Full festival passes are no longer available, but tickets for individual concerts can still be purchased. Find out more here and here.
IN OTHER NEWS
In a letter, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has urged his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico not to obstruct the European Union’s 18th package of sanctions against Russia. According to Czech broadcaster ČT24, Fiala also stated that Slovakia’s stance had become increasingly isolating during a recent call with Western leaders and at the international Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. He emphasised that Slovakia is Czechia’s closest regional partner and expressed hope that the Slovak government would “take into account its responsibility towards shared European values of freedom, security, and solidarity.” In response, Fico asked Fiala to respect Slovakia’s pursuit of guarantees as a "national and state interest". As Europe seeks to cut ties with Russian gas sources, Fico said Slovakia must secure enough gas at a reasonable price after January 1, 2028. He also invited Fiala to a joint Slovak-Czech government session, which have been suspended since March 2024 due to tensions over Slovakia’s foreign policy. (TASR)
A new survey of 120 NGOs involved in human rights, environmental protection, anti-corruption work, and social services has revealed that many face "authoritarian practices from the state, as well as threats and harassment in both online and offline spaces". The survey was conducted by Amnesty International Slovakia. Up to 85 percent of the NGOs expressed concerns about the future, particularly in light of a proposed amendment to the law on NGOs. Some 35 percent reported staff being subjected to online harassment or threats in recent months by members of the public or influencers connected to the government—including cyberbullying, hateful posts, hacking attempts, and doxxing. Meanwhile, 18 percent said their employees were also targeted in real life. As a result, 31 percent of organisations said they have had to implement protective measures. (Amnesty)
Common sunflowers on the field near the village of Horovce in the Michalovce district in eastern Slovakia. (source: TASR)
Drivers travelling near Košice in eastern Slovakia should be aware of closures and detours, as construction on the city bypass enters its final phase. This affects the right-hand lane of the R4 expressway in the direction of Milhosť–Košice. Traffic is now being diverted at the Kechnec junction through the Kechnec industrial zone via the I/17 road. All changes are clearly signposted. (Korzár, TASR)
On Sunday morning, Dušan Mitter, mayor of the central Slovak village of Korytárky, was attacked from behind in the garage of his home after returning from a folklore festival in nearby Detva. Mitter also serves as the regional chair of the Hlas party. According to Mitter, he regained consciousness in a “pool of blood.” The police have launched a criminal investigation. The motive for the attack remains unknown. The Association of Towns and Municipalities of Slovakia (ZMOS) has condemned the attack and expressed concern. (MY Zvolen, TASR)
Overnight from Saturday to Sunday, a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in the back, and the attacker fled the scene. The boy was taken to hospital, where his condition is now stable and no longer life-threatening. The Bratislava Regional Police Department apprehended the suspect within 24 hours and has launched criminal proceedings. (SITA, KRPZBA)
WEATHER FOR TUESDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy skies, with rain or thunderstorms expected in some areas. Daytime temperatures will reach up to 32 °C. A Level 1 storm warning is in place for several districts in central Slovakia and across the entire eastern region. (SHMÚ)
JULY 15 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Henrich
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