Good evening. Here is the Monday, March 11 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Discussion regarding revision of Slovak-US defence pact to be initiated
Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer). (source: SME - Jozef Jakubčo)
Speaking on the Sobotné Dialógy (Saturday Dialogues) political talk show, Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer) claimed that a discussion in regards to revising some parts of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) with the US will begin following a recent analysis.
"We find some of the agreement's provisions not well balanced and would like to negotiate because only well-balanced agreements really work," said Kaliňák, adding that the provisions concern mutual ties, notification duties and permissions.
The contract cannot be revoked sooner than after 10 years. It outlines the rules of cooperation and enables money to be drawn in favour of the Slovak Armed Forces, while also fully respecting Slovakia's sovereignty. Many NATO member states have signed such a contract.
Prior to approving the DCA, the pact encountered fierce resistance of then opposition parties including Smer and Hlas, highlighting divisions in politics and society. At the time, the former wanted to hold a referendum.
Disinformation about the pact was spread, including that the US would bring nuclear weapons and its soldiers would abuse women.
The talks on the agreement were first launched by the former foreign affairs minister, Smer-nominated Miroslav Lajčák, in 2019.
Kaliňák also mentioned that a contract on the new air-defence system is expected to be drafted by the end of March. Italy will soon withdraw its SAMP/T Mamba air-defence system from Slovakia.
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FEATURE STORY FOR MONDAY
Don't ask for the Wi-Fi password at a mountain hut
Although the weather was not exactly photo-friendly on this particular hike, it was still good to be out there in the mountains. (source: Matúš Beňo)
While most of the hiking trails in the High Tatras are closed during the winter season, a handful remain open year-round. These include several-hour long hikes to mountain huts.
In this travel guide, you'll find out about the hike to the Zbojnícka Chata mountain hut located at the end of the Veľká Studená Dolina valley, as well as about the various aspects of the trail that snow changes compared to the late summer season.
CONCERT FOR FRIDAY
Industrial electronica in Bratislava
This Friday, Matthew Barnes, the British electronica producer known as Forest Swords, will perform in Bratislava's A4 venue. Last year, he released a new album, Bolted, to critical acclaim. The music for the LP was recorded in a warehouse, so you can expect industrial electronic this time around. Admission is €22, get tickets here.
IN OTHER NEWS
On Monday, the amendment to the Penal Code, as well as the Constitutional Court's decision to suspend the effect of some sections of the former have been published in the Collection of Laws. The amendment will come into effect on March 15. However, the Special Prosecutor's Office will cease to exist on March 20. (TASR)
On Saturday, NASA published a photo taken in Slovakia as its Astronomy Picture of the day. Taken by Czech astrophotographer Petr Horálek from the Institute of Physics in Opava in the Revúca district, southeastern Slovakia, the photo show Haley-type Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks and the Andromeda Galaxy in the night sky. (NASA APOD)
A new road bridge over the Ipeľ River opened on Monday, shortening the journey between the Slovak village of Ipeľské Predmostie, the Banská Bystrica Region and the Hungarian village of Dregelypalank by about 20 kilometres. The bridge is the 40th border crossing with Hungary. (TASR)
The new St. Barbara Bridge over the Ipeľ River connecting the Slovak village of Ipeľské Predmostie and the Hungarian village of Dregelypalank. (source: TASR)
A total of 24 political parties and one coalition have submitted their slates for the European Parliament elections on June 8. In total, the slates feature 324 candidates. Slovaks will elect 15 MEPs for five-year periods. (TASR)
It is important to Slovakia that the Visegrad Four (V4 - Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland) format continues to function, said Slovak Speaker of Parliament Peter Pellegrini (Hlas) at a news conference held jointly with his Hungarian counterpart László Kövér during the former's visit to Hungary on Monday. (TASR)
Following a meeting with Czech ex-president Václav Klaus on Monday, Slovak PM Robert Fico (Smer) said that the ties of both countries are precious and valuable to him. He added that he saw no reason to burden them with diverging opinions on events that seldom concern common Slovak and Czech life. (TASR)
A skier in the Záhradište resort in Donovaly, Banská Bystrica Region. The popular skiing locality has insufficient snow. (source: TASR)
WEATHER FOR TUESDAY: Overcast with rain and showers, snowing at altitudes above 1,700 metres. Daily temperatures between 9 °C to 15 °C. Level 1 rain warning issued for most of Slovakia, see the districts here. (SHMÚ)
MARCH 12 NAME'S DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Gregor.
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