Glad to have you with us! Welcome to the first edition of Today in Slovakia in 2025, bringing you all the top news from Thursday in one place. Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2025 – here’s to a great year ahead!
Fico labels Ukrainian leader a ‘saboteur’
PM Robert Fico (source: TASR - Jakub Kotian)
A day after delivering a New Year’s address laced with football metaphors about his government’s performance, Prime Minister Robert Fico released another video on Thursday – this time featuring a vintage telephone as his co-star. While some viewers are left speculating about the mysterious settings of Fico’s recent videos, the message was anything but light-hearted.
Fico once again took aim at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of “sabotaging Slovak public finances.” The crux of the complaint? Ukraine’s failure to extend its gas transit contract with Russia, which expired at the start of the year. According to Fico, the decision will cost Slovakia €500 million annually in lost transit fees. He made no mention of Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine since the February 2022 invasion.
For days now, the Moscow-friendly PM has floated punitive measures against Ukraine, including cutting off electricity exports. However, even Fico seems aware of the potential blowback for Slovakia. As a result, he’s proposed a different retaliation: slashing support for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia – a benefit already reduced once this year.
Next week, Fico heads to Brussels, a city he derides as a stage for “Ukrainian politicians’ audacity to complain about Slovakia.” His mission? To negotiate either the resumption of Russian gas transit through Ukraine or seek compensatory mechanisms to plug the €500 million hole in Slovakia’s budget.
Time to explain the trip: The opposition is calling for a session of the parliamentary committee on European affairs, scheduled for January 10. Their goal: to summon Prime Minister Robert Fico to explain the details of his December meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Questions remain unanswered about how Fico travelled to the Russian capital and what exactly was discussed during his talks with the Kremlin.
Electricity: Slovakia accounted for nearly a quarter of Ukraine’s electricity imports last year, according to ExPro Electricity, a consultancy cited by Ukrainska Pravda. The state-owned Slovak Electricity Transmission System (SEPS) facilitates electricity transfers in Slovakia, benefiting from a $200 million annual payment from Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. A halt in electricity exports to Ukraine would not only strain SEPS but also harm Slovak energy traders, including Slovenské Elektrárne.
Challenge: Despite PM Fico’s warnings of a drastic impact from the halt of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, EU gas prices have continued to decline, according to Lukáš Kovanda, chief economist at Trinity Bank. “The threat of severe consequences for the EU has not materialised in the slightest,” Kovanda said, noting that while market prices remain 150 percent higher than 2018–2019 levels, the bloc has managed to maintain stability by securing alternative sources. For Slovakia, the challenge isn’t finding gas from new suppliers but adapting to higher costs compared to cheaper pipeline imports from Russia. (SITA)
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR
A hit or a miss? The updated version of Slovakia’s national anthem has drawn mixed reactions.
A step backward: Instead of aiding their voters, lawmakers have sent Slovakia spiralling back in time – just as flu season hits. Patients now face longer waits for prescriptions.
Subtle jabs: President Pellegrini didn’t hold back in his first New Year’s address, delivering some criticism of his former mentor and current PM, Robert Fico.
Investment buzz: With plans for new nuclear facilities and expanded renewable energy projects, Slovakia’s energy transformation is entering a bold new phase.
Mystery unearthed: What began as an ordinary day in Dubovany turned into an archaeological marvel.
A house like no other: Ján Kovačka’s yard is a playful wonderland of gnomes, statues, and even a fence crafted from old skis. Have a look at this eccentric Slovak landmark.
A winter surprise: The season’s first significant snow has arrived in the Slovak capital, catching both residents and meteorologists off guard.
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WHAT TO DO IN BRATISLAVA
Walking with the Three Kings
The Three Kings—Gaspar, Balthazar, and Melchior—and the Holy Family during the Epiphany procession at the Main Square in Bratislava on Saturday, January 6, 2024. (source: TASR - Pavel Neubauer)
Looking for free events in Bratislava in the coming days? From a festive Three Kings procession at Bratislava Castle to a rare celestial show and a wintery exploration of nature on Kamzík Hill, there’s something for everyone to enjoy without spending a dime.
SLOVAK MATTERS
What to make of mak
Opekance with poppy seeds. (source: TASR)
From Marmite’s divisive charm to Slovakia’s obsession with poppy seeds, every culture has its culinary quirks. This playful deep dive into Slovak traditions explores why “mak” is both a delicacy and a dilemma, peppered with linguistic gems and practical tips for navigating local hospitality. Whether it’s strudel, dumplings, or dodging a second helping, this piece will leave you amused and maybe a little hungry.
IN OTHER NEWS
Jaroslav Spišiak, Progressive Slovakia MP and former police chief, has claimed possession of a photograph showing the car of SNS leader Andrej Danko after a collision with a traffic light last January – a crash from which Danko fled the scene. The repaired vehicle was later sold by the party for over €37,000 to the town of Holíč, where the mayor is an SNS member. Holíč financed the purchase with a nearly €30,000 loan to be repaid over 48 months.
In its first year, Robert Fico’s fourth government has replaced more than half of the directors in institutions under the Health Ministry, according to an analysis by Transparency International Slovakia. The shake-up has seen leadership changes in 28 out of 48 organisations and institutions.
In 2024, the Hungarian government allocated nearly €5 million from the Gábor Bethlen Fund, a programme aimed at supporting ethnic Hungarians abroad, to three Slovak football clubs. DAC Academy received the lion’s share, securing €2.8 million, followed by KFC Komárno with €1.1 million and FC Košice with €890,000. (Napunk)
Lukáš Machala, a senior pro-Russian official at the Culture Ministry known for spreading disinformation, is claiming censorship after the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation blocked his ability to comment on their Facebook posts. Machala alleges the move came after repeated criticism of the player selection system for Slovakia’s national teams. However, the federation clarified that it had restricted commenting on certain posts as a blanket policy, not targeting any individual. (Denník N)
A 19-year-old from Kyrgyzstan, identified as Elaman B., has been charged with disorderly conduct following a knife attack on New Year’s Day. The incident occurred between midnight and 1:00 on Furmanská Street in Bratislava, where he reportedly attacked a 20-year-old compatriot near a playground adjacent to a dormitory building. (SITA)
Slovakia has officially assumed the role of NATO’s contact embassy in Azerbaijan through its diplomatic mission in Baku, the Foreign Ministry announced. The two-year mandate will be carried out in collaboration with Sweden.
As of January 1, the funeral grant has increased from €79.67 to €200, following amendments to the Funeral Grant Act. (TASR)
The ceremonial firing of artillery salutes in honour of the national holiday marking the Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic, from the Danube embankment in Bratislava, on January 1, 2025. (source: TASR - Jaroslav Novák)
WEATHER BRIEFING: Friday’s forecast brings a mix of clouds and the occasional flurry to keep things interesting. Daytime temperatures will range from a chilly -3°C to a slightly more bearable 4°C. A west wind up to 30 km/h will add a brisk touch—so bundle up and brace for a wintry day! (SHMÚ)
PARTY TIME: Happy namesday to all the Danielas out there! Celebrate in style this Friday, January 3 – it’s your special day in Slovakia!
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