Good evening. Here is the Friday, September 12 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in a few minutes.
No digest on Monday, September 15 — it is a public holiday (also PM Robert Fico's 61st birthday). Enjoy it while it lasts — the government has already axed a few other days off in the name of "fiscal discipline".
After just 33 years, UEFA grants Slovakia's its share of European glory
After more than three decades of independence, Slovakia has officially been recognised as a European football champion. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has acknowledged that the 1976 European Championship title, won by Czechoslovakia in Belgrade, belongs not only to the Czech Republic but also to Slovakia.
For years, the trophy had been attributed exclusively to the Czech side. Yet the Slovak share of the triumph is undeniable: in the final against West Germany, eight Slovak players were on the pitch, and coach Václav Ježek's assistant was none other than Jozef Vengloš, a Slovak.
Belgrade final enters history: The 1976 tournament in Yugoslavia remains one of the most dramatic in European Championship history. Czechoslovakia stunned the football world by defeating the Netherlands 3:1 after extra time in the Zagreb semi-final, before facing the reigning world champions, West Germany, at Belgrade's Red Star Stadium on 20 June.
Early goals from Ján Švehlík and Karol Dobiaš gave Czechoslovakia a 2:0 lead. Dieter Müller pulled one back in the 28th minute, and with only seconds left on the clock, Bernd Hölzenbein equalised to force extra time.
With no further goals, the final went to penalties – the first time a European Championship had been decided this way.
Marián Masný, Zdeněk Nehoda, captain Anton Ondruš and Ladislav Jurkemik all converted for Czechoslovakia. After Uli Hoeness missed for West Germany, the stage was set for Antonín Panenka, whose audacious chipped penalty past Sepp Maier became one of football's most iconic moments.
The Czechoslovak line-up was built around players from Slovak clubs such as Slovan Bratislava, Spartak Trnava, Inter Bratislava and VSS Košice. Goalkeeper Ivo Viktor was the hero between the posts, but it was the Slovak core that gave the team its resilience and attacking edge.
Among those selected for the tournament's All-Star Team were Slovaks Karol Dobiaš, Anton Ondruš, Marián Masný and Zdeněk Nehoda (though the latter played for Dukla Prague, he hailed from Slovakia).
Recognition after 33 years: Slovakia and the Czech Republic parted ways peacefully in 1993, but for decades the European title was credited only to the Czechs. Now, after persistent calls from Slovak football historians and officials, UEFA has updated its records.
For Slovak fans, this is more than a bureaucratic correction: it is a long-overdue acknowledgement of a golden generation whose skill, courage and flair helped secure one of the country's greatest sporting achievements.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Culture boycott: Over 65 illustrators are boycotting the Bratislava Illustration Biennale 2025, citing mismanagement and missing artworks, sparking a major controversy in Slovakia's cultural scene.
Drones and insurance: Slovak homeowners could face huge bills if a Russian drone strike were to hit their property, as insurance policies issued in Slovakia exclude war-related damage in almost all instances. A house in neighbouring Poland was severely damaged this week by a Russian drone.
Good news: From the Slovak who's been breaking modelling records despite losing his sight, to supporting new mothers with innovative mental health care, and dazzling audiences abroad with Slovak folklore – our fresh selection of inspiring , feel-good stories is here to brighten up your day.
3 free things: Wondering what to do for free in Bratislava? Celebrate sustainable fashion and local design at Block n Sustain, sip traditional Slovak grape juice at the Rača Wine Festival, or enjoy music, food and family fun at the Vrakuňa Festival.
Slovak Matters: Discover the humble charm of Slovakia's hŕstková polievka – literally “fistful soup” – and the colourful words, farmyard antics, and seasonal flavours that make this rustic dish a uniquely Slovak experience.
Charity fraud: Pavol Rusko, a former economy minister and ex-CEO of private TV station Markíza, has been acquitted in a long-running charity funds case – but his controversial past and current prison sentence still cast a shadow. Find out how the court cleared him and what it means for one of Slovakia's most polarising figures.
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FEATURE STORY
The rise of wine in Trnava
Starting with just 12,000 bottles in their first year, Víno Mrva & Stanko has grown into one of Slovakia's most modern and innovative wineries, producing 300,000 bottles annually. The Trnava-based family business has won multiple international awards, created exclusive wines for restaurants and private clients, and recently earned a nomination for the prestigious Félix Business Award.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
Movie weekend is the best weekend
Kino Lumiere (Špitálska 4, Bratislava) once again offers a gripping cinematic escape with Caught Stealing. Hank (Austin Butler), a former baseball player turned bartender, enjoys a quiet life – until his neighbour Russ, a chaotic British punk, leaves him saddled with a cat, an apartment, and a criminal mess. Suddenly, Hank is dragged into New York's underworld, where it is shoot first, ask questions later. Tickets are just €7 –perfect for an adrenaline-packed night without breaking the bank.
IN OTHER NEWS
Slovak deep-tech startup AI:Dental is set to transform dental education and diagnostics with support from Slovak Investment Holding (SIH) and the Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies (KInIT). The two institutions are investing €800,000 in the company, €400,000 each via convertible loans, funded through Slovakia's Recovery and Resilience Plan. AI:Dental develops AI-powered clinical diagnostic tools and interactive educational platforms to assist dentists throughout their careers, from university training to professional practice. The investment will enable the startup to complete CE certification for its clinical AI solution, a crucial step for its market launch. Already collaborating with universities and clinics across Europe, the US, India and Egypt, AI:Dental aims to establish itself as a global leader in dental AI technology. The project highlights Slovak innovation and research with the potential to make a worldwide impact on healthcare.
More than 400 Slovak artists, including actors, writers and visual artists, are calling for the resignation of the Slovak National Gallery’s (SNG) director Juraj Králik and artistic director Martin Dostál. The public appeal, launched by the initiative Otvorená kultúra! (Open culture), criticises the gallery for unprofessional handling of exhibitions, removal of artworks without consent, and disrespectful communication with artists. The protest follows the controversial opening of the Bang! Bang?! exhibition, where many artists' works were displayed without their consent or even knowledge. During the vernissage, hundreds of people demonstrated, chanting “Shame!” and “Resign!” while holding banners demanding accountability. Recent disputes at the gallery include the dismantling of exhibitions at Zvolen Castle, the removal of artworks by Denisa Lehocká and Jozef Sušienka, and accusations of politically motivated decisions. Signatories argue that only a change in leadership can restore trust in the SNG as a key institution for art and cultural heritage in Slovakia. (Sme)
Zoltán Andruskó, who was previously convicted for his role in the 2018 murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová, has been found guilty of tax and insurance fraud by the Bratislava I District Court. The court decided not to impose an additional sentence, as Andruskó is already serving 15 years for his role in the murders. A co-defendant, Ján M., received a two-year suspended sentence and a six-year ban from holding executive or supervisory positions in companies. The court also confiscated €440,404 from the company MIDO SLOVAKIA, which will now become state property. Andruskó, considered a middleman between the mastermind and perpetrators in Kuciak’s murder, had previously cooperated with investigators and testified in several related trials. The verdict is not yet final. (Sme)
Repairs on part of the D2 highway bridge over Stupava Stream in western Slovakia will begin on September 16 and are expected to last around two weeks. The work will affect the main carriageway towards Bratislava and the connecting lane from the Stupava rest area, with traffic diverted through two narrowed lanes, while the left lane remains open. According to the National Highway Company (NDS), the repair will improve safety and comfort for drivers and extend the bridge's lifespan. The NDS emphasised that the work is being planned to minimise disruption to traffic flow. (TASR)
Slovenské Elektrárne (SE) has signed a long-term agreement with Canadian company Cameco for the supply of natural uranium hexafluoride (UF6) and conversion services, ensuring fuel for their nuclear power plants in Mochovce and Jaskovské Bohunice from 2028 onwards. UF6 is a critical step in the nuclear fuel cycle, converting natural uranium into a form suitable for enrichment. SE says the deal diversifies suppliers, reduces dependence on a single source, and guarantees smooth reactor operations. Until 2022, the sole supplier of fuel for SE's plants was Russian company TVEL. SE produces over 87 percent of Slovakia’s nuclear electricity and operates five nuclear, 31 hydro, and two solar plants. (TASR)
Police have announced the temporary closure of the D1 highway towards Trnava between Zlaté Piesky and Senec. Work starts on Friday, September 12 at 20:00 and is expected to finish on Monday, September 15. Traffic will be rerouted via state road I/61, with signage and police directing drivers. Authorities are urging caution when passing through the area.
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: expect partly cloudy skies with occasional showers. On Saturday temperatures will reach a high of 21°C–26°C, with Sunday cooler at 15°C–20°C. (SHMÚ)
Saturday: Bratislava, Trenčín, Nitra and Trnava Regions are under a Level 1 storm alert.
Sunday: A Level 1 rain alert is in force across Slovakia due to expected heavy rainfall.
WEEKEND PARTY TIME: This weekend, Ctibor, Ľudomil and Jolana are the lucky ones celebrating their name days. Don't forget to send your best wishes to all the Ctibors (on Saturday, September 13), Ľudomils (on Sunday, September 14) and, last but not least, all those Jolanas (on Monday, September 15) in your life.
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