Welcome to the Friday, June 27 edition of Today in Slovakia - bringing you the main news of the day in under five minutes.
Coalition stumbles again as Fico, Danko squabble over EU’s approach to Ukraine
PM Robert Fico has been attending an EU summit in Brussels (source: Facebook - Robert Fico)
Tensions within Slovakia’s ruling coalition escalated this week, as Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer) publicly rebuked his coalition partner Andrej Danko, leader of the Slovak National Party (SNS), over critical remarks regarding Ukraine's prospective membership in the European Union.
Exasperated statesman-in-chief: From Brussels, where EU leaders were meeting, Fico expressed frustration on Thursday evening at Danko’s persistent nationalist rhetoric, accusing him of undermining the government’s position.
“A coalition partner – the SNS chairman [i.e. Danko] – is attacking the prime minister over fundamental foreign policy matters from a position of absolute ignorance,” Fico wrote on Facebook, adding: “I don’t understand what Mr Danko is trying to achieve.”
Nag-in-chief: The unusually sharp exchange followed Danko’s criticism of Slovakia’s formal support for Ukraine’s EU accession, a position reaffirmed by Fico during Thursday’s EU summit.
Professional guesser: Danko, who has repeatedly framed Ukraine as a security threat, responded defiantly, also via Facebook: “Really, Mr prime minister? The nation doesn’t want Ukraine in the EU, you can be sure of that,” he wrote in a late-night response to Fico, later doubling down in a video message: “It’s about the truth. Ukraine is a security risk.”
Know-it-all laureate: Danko recorded a video in which he says that Fico is wrong and should be interested in the benefits for the EU and not the "threat" posed by Ukraine’s entry in the EU.
Why the conflict matters: The latest dispute reflects broader political fault lines in Slovakia’s fragile three-party coalition, comprised of Smer, Hlas and the SNS.
Doomed-but-determined showdown: Danko, whose party narrowly scraped into parliament in 2023 with 5.62 percent (at least 5 percent is needed to win seats), has been bleeding voter support in recent polls. Analysts suggest his increasingly strident and Eurosceptic stance is designed to court disillusioned voters from both the other coalition parties and the far-right Republika party, which is currently out of parliament.
Recent surveys by the AKO, Focus, NMS and Ipsos polling agencies have seen the SNS consistently polling below the parliamentary threshold since early 2024, with only 3.2 percent support recorded in this month’s averages.
Political observers note that Danko’s attacks on Fico serve a dual purpose: distancing the SNS from unpopular government policies such as recent tax hikes, and increasing his leverage within the ruling bloc ahead of critical budget negotiations this autumn.
Loyal troublemaker: Despite the heated rhetoric, Danko has signalled he will not actively destabilise the coalition.
“If the government’s survival were tied to the budget vote, I wouldn’t support its fall,” Danko recently stated.
Nevertheless, with nationalist rhetoric on the rise and Slovakia navigating a delicate foreign policy path between Brussels, Budapest and Moscow, intra-coalition tensions are expected to simmer, particularly as the parties position themselves for the next election cycle.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Weekend: Matúš Beňo’s summer picks are your perfect passport to explore festivals nationwide, dance by the Danube, or wander through butterfly-filled gardens in Košice.
Malt recognition: Slovakia has taken the lead in the EU malt industry with Trnava malt earning prestigious PGI status, spotlighting centuries of tradition and unique regional quality.
More good news: Tesco slashes food waste , a Slovak tech firm attracts admirers, disabled workers get a boost – and a minister wonders why she can’t have her own train. It is all in this week’s feel-good round-up.
Festival guide: Pohoda and Grape are not the only summer music festivals in Slovakia. From punk legends and folklore to wine under the stars and seaside beats by the Danube, pick the festival closest to you.
AI startup goes global: Slovak startup Cequence has raised €3 million to revolutionise how global companies manage contracts with AI. How is the Prešov-based team reshaping the future of legal tech? Read on here.
Košice through a comedian's eyes: Discover Košice through the eyes of comic Diana Renner, who reveals why this underrated city is full of surprises, culture, and charm.
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FEATURE STORY
Slovak matters, and so do mistakes
(source: Pixabay)
Did you know that the Slovak phrase "nech sa páči", which literally means "let it please you", is a favourite phrase among foreigners in Slovakia because of how often it is heard in daily life – in shops, on the street, or in restaurants? Or that the word "ohľadne". meaning "in respect to", often confuses foreigners because of its similarity to "hladný", which mean to be hungry? Slovak isn’t an easy language, but it’s certainly fun to learn. Read more in our Slovak Matters series to expand your vocabulary and sound like a true Slovak language master.
EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND
An evening of art under the stars
(source: BKIS)
A one-night opportunity to enjoy concerts, exhibitions and installations beneath the trees and stars – what could be more romantic? This exhibition presents paintings, objects, sculptures, video art and music by artists from Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Mexico. Come and see how old road signs have been transformed into works of art. In addition to this event, Tamara Zinchenko has prepared a guide to another nine events, so you can make the most of your free time!
IN OTHER NEWS
Barbecuing in Bratislava’s forests is off the table from today, Friday, June 27 as the city has banned open fires in all its forest recreation areas. It is now forbidden to light fires in Bratislava’s forest park, following a decision by the city’s Fire and Rescue Service. The ban applies until further notice, including areas with designated fire pits or portable grills, the city forests authority (Mestské lesy v Bratislave) announced. Grilling is only allowed in specific areas: paid shelters at Partizánska lúka, the main free shelter at Partizánska lúka, the lodge on Pekná cesta, and the permanent grill in the Krasňany area. Residents are asked to report violations to the Bratislava municipal police by calling 159. (Facebook)
The final of the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship will see England face Germany at Bratislava’s National Football Stadium on Saturday, June 28, at 21:00. Both teams advanced from Group B and have already faced each other during the tournament, with Germany winning their group-stage match in Nitra 2:1. The final brings together the last two champions of the competition — England lifted the trophy in 2023, while Germany won in 2021. Both nations will be fighting for their fourth U21 European title. In the semifinals, England defeated the Netherlands 2:1 with both goals scored by Elliott, while Germany secured a dominant 3:0 victory over France with goals from Weiper, Woltemade and Gruda. (Sportnet, Under 21 Championship)
Local residents in Martin have expressed concern about the safety of artworks following a visit by Lukáš Machala, the chief official at the Culture Ministry, to the city's Ethnographic Museum. However, the Culture Ministry stated that no artwork was removed, and dismissed allegations that Machala had taken valuable items as false. Machala’s visit was reportedly related to a team-building event for ministry employees, though there is speculation about his interest in works by the Slovak artist Martin Benka. (Aktuality.sk)
The last government evacuation flight from the Middle East landed at Bratislava Airport last night. The military special flight brought 11 Slovaks and seven foreign nationals from Aqaba, Jordan, marking the tenth evacuation flight in 11 days. Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár confirmed a total of 266 people, including Slovak citizens and nationals of 27 other countries, have been evacuated from the crisis region. Slovak diplomatic staff continue to monitor the security situation closely, with consular teams remaining on alert. Slovak citizens in need can contact the International Crisis Centre on +421 2 5978 5978. The ministry recommends travellers register for its free voluntary travel service before going abroad. (TASR)
Many schools wrapped up the school year as early as Friday. Students at the Ján Adam Rayman Grammar School in Prešov, eastern Slovakia, show off their report cards after the end-of-year ceremony on June 27, 2025. (source: TASR - Veronika Mihaliková)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: It will be partly sunny to partly cloudy, with occasional showers in some areas. Despite the possibility of brief rain, temperatures will remain high, ranging from 26°C to 33°C. Sunday is expected to be the hottest day of the weekend. The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has issued a Level 1 heat warning for southern Slovakia on Sunday due to the expected high temperatures. If you plan to spend time outdoors, don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated. Enjoy your weekend! (SHMÚ)
WEEKEND PARTY TIME: This weekend Beáta, along with Peter, Pavol, Petra and — last but not least — Melánia are celebrating their name days. Don’t forget to send your best wishes: to Beáta on Saturday (June 28), Peter, Pavol and Petra on Sunday (June 29), and Melánia on Monday (June 30) – and make your friends feel even more special!
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