Good evening. Here is the Friday, March 22 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Will Slovakia get compensated for providing its MiG-29s?
Slovakia has sent 13 MiG-29 jets to Ukraine. (source: TASR - Ján Krošlák)
Doubts have emerged about when, or even if, Slovakia will receive EU-funded compensation for donating its fleet of MiG-29 fighter planes to Ukraine. The obsolete Soviet-era jets had been grounded in 2022, but were of value to Ukraine, whose air force operates the same type; they were transferred in spring last year.
A European Council resolution on common defence underwent slight alterations regarding approval of the eighth tranche of funds to be disbursed to member states aiding Ukraine through the European Peace Facility (EPF), which affects Slovakia's anticipated reimbursement for delivering the fighter jets to Ukraine.
The Politico news site highlighted a revision in the text, which had previously urged prompt approval of the eighth tranche. It now simply advocates for "efforts" to release the funds. The change was made in the context of Hungary's ongoing obstruction of the €500 million repayment over concerns about the presence of a Budapest-based bank on Ukraine's list of international war sponsors. Politico reported in October 2023 that Ukraine had removed the bank, OTP, from its list, but the issue seems to be persisting.
Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár expressed unease over Slovakia potentially receiving less in EPF funds for the MiG-29s, but Slovakia's diplomatic position has weakened since his decision, reportedly at Prime Minister Robert Fico's behest, to meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov earlier this month. Other European nations, with the exception of Hungary, have spurned high-level contacts with Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
More stories from The Slovak Spectator website
Business: One of Slovakia's largest investment groups, Penta, plans to sell gambling firm Fortuna, its second-largest company, as part of a shift towards investments in healthcare.
Weekend: From exploring the enchanting world of Hayao Miyazaki's films to indulging in the biggest coffee, chocolate and tea festival in Košice, and immersing yourself in geeky fun at AnimeShow in Bratislava, a full list of events awaits you here!
Good news: Our weekly selection of this week includes an astrophotographer's quest for the perfect comet photo, the therapeutic impact of dogs in hospitals, and the creation of the world's spiciest sausage.
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FEATURE STORY FOR THE WEEKEND
Biely Kameň Castle in the Small Carpathians
A hidden mediaeval gem lies hidden in the forest not far from Bratislava. (source: FB, Lubimír Kovarik)
Just a short train ride from Bratislava is one of Slovakia's biggest castles by area, Biely Kameň (White Stone). Its centuries-old ruins lie hidden amidst the enchanting forests of the Small Carpathians. Local volunteers have been working hard to stabilise the remaining structures, but for now they warn visitors that that entering the grounds is at your own risk!
10 EVENTS FOR THE WEEKEND
Japanese art in Slovakia
(source: Pinterest)
Learn the art of Japanese book binding at a workshop by the Bratislava's City Library, where you'll get hands-on experience and provided materials to create your own. More other events available in our Top 10.
In other news
European Parliament member Milan Uhrík from the far-right Republika party has been ordered to apologise and pay €6,000 to infectious diseases specialist Peter Sabaka for defamation. This marks the fifth ruling against Uhrík and others for violating Sabaka's rights to personal protection. Uhrík, party colleague Milan Mazurek, and the Republika party must collectively pay €83,000 if the court's decision is upheld.
Traffic on the D2 highway towards the Czech Republic, will be restricted from 7am on Saturday (March 23) until 8pm on Sunday (March 24) to allow for repairs to the carriageway. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and follow police instructions. The National Highway Company (NDS) will be upgrading the D2's road surface near Kúty, Malacky, Veľké Leváre, and Lamač from April 2 to May 13 (TASR).
Slovakia plans to raise the minimum wage to at least 60 percent of the average wage by 2026. The government is also proposing mandatory extension of collective agreements to cover at least 80 percent of all employees in specific industries. The minister of labour, social affairs and family, Erik Tomáš, said the changes are intended to improve wage conditions and adhere to European directives. (TASR)
The first round of Slovakia's presidential election will take place tomorrow, Saturday, March 23, 2024. Ten candidates are running for election. If none attracts more than 50 percent of the votes cast in the first round, a second, run-off round will be held between the top two candidates on Saturday, April 6. The image shows preparations at a polling station in Trenčín on March 22. (TASR) (source: Radovan Stoklasa)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND
This weekend's weather is expected to be cloudy with some showers. Daytime temperatures on Saturday will be a pleasant 13°C to 18°C. Sunday will be cooler, with temperatures expected to rise to only 7°C to 12°C. (SHMÚ)
NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Saturday – Adrián, Sunday – Gabriel, Monday – Marián
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