Good evening. Here is the Tuesday, July 1 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
'Slovakia is not Hungary,' says president – then echoes Hungarian calls to talk to Russia
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini (l) and Croatian President Zoran Milanović during the opening of a Slovak-Croatian Business Forum in Zagreb on 1 July 2025. (source: TASR )
President Peter Pellegrini has been visiting Zagreb, Croatia, where he has held talks with his counterpart Zoran Milanović, writes the daily Pravda, citing the TASR newswire.
Energy talks: The main topic of the meeting was Slovakia’s potential use of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the Croatian island of Krk, from which a pipeline connects with Slovakia. "Slovakia has been left without stable gas and oil supplies following the halt of transit through Ukraine," Pellegrini claimed at a joint press conference.
In fact, surprisingly stable: There has actually been no interruption in gas supplies to Slovakia since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Remarkably, Ukraine only suspended gas flows from Russia to Slovakia at the end of last year, upon the expiry of a gas transit agreement.
Pellegrini underlined the importance of reducing energy dependency and called for strengthening economic cooperation with Croatia, noting that trade between the two countries has exceeded €1 billion annually in recent years.
'Not Hungary': Pellegrini also distanced Slovakia from Hungary’s controversial foreign policy stance: "Slovakia is not Hungary. We have not blocked any major European Council conclusions and we supported all 17 sanction packages against Russia," he stated.
In fact, surprisingly Hungarian: Slovakia's prime minister, Robert Fico, is currently threatening to veto the EU's 18th sanctions package, just like Hungary (see Other News, below).
Both leaders discussed the need to increase defence spending within NATO (Slovakia and Croatia are both NATO members) while avoiding "excessive price hikes." Pellegrini stressed that defence investments should primarily support domestic industries: "If our governments are to spend more on defence, they should first invest in Slovak and Croatian industries and build on existing capacities," he said.
Bravery, Slovak-style: Regarding Russia's war on Ukraine, Pellegrini called on EU leaders to "show the courage" to meet with representatives of the Russian Federation and to start developing a dialogue aimed at ending the war as soon as possible. "Negotiations on a temporary ceasefire currently depend on talks between the United States and Russia, but Europe must take the initiative," he added. He did not explain what role Ukraine should have in such talks, despite it being the target of daily Russian attacks.
Related:
Business in Croatia: Pellegrini also promoted broader Slovak business activity in Croatia beyond tourism. Sectors such as nuclear energy, e-mobility infrastructure, and renewable energy hold "great potential," he said, highlighting existing Slovak investment, such as Slovak rail carriage manufacturer Tatravagónka's entry into the Croatian rail sector. "Slovaks should not just be tourists in Croatia but active business partners," Pellegrini concluded.
The Director General of the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO), Robert Šimončič, added that Slovak companies are ready to expand their activities in Croatia, with many already established on the Croatian market. He also cited Tatravagónka, which entered Croatia through a major acquisition of a local company and is now contributing to the modernisation of the country’s railway industry. (TASR)
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE
Swim and play: After 50 years, Liptovský Mikuláš finally has its own free public beach on the shores of the Liptovská Mara reservoir — complete with a sandy area, volleyball court and shuttle bus service.
No more queues: Bratislava is getting a second client service centre this autumn to ease long queues for documents — conveniently located near Zlaté Piesky, with free parking and better access for suburban residents.
Corruption trials: Gábor Gál, a Most-Híd party politician who served as justice minister in the Smer-led coalition government between 2018 and 2020, was found not guilty by the Specialised Criminal Court on 30 June after a high-profile trial in which he accused prosecutors of launching a politically motivated case based on the unreliable testimony of a cooperating defendant.
Not-so-free speech: The US Embassy in Bratislava has begun asking student and exchange visa applicants to make their social media profiles public as part of the application process, sparking concern over privacy and stricter screening rules. The American media has reported multiple cases of foreign visitors being denied entry to the United States based on social media posts that the Trump administration deems unacceptable.
Slow down! Ongoing roadworks affecting the D1 highway just north of the capital have resulted in narrow lanes, tight turns and lower speed limits – and contributed to a rise in accidents as drivers struggle to cope with the temporary layout. Learn about the tips that police are offering on how to navigate the tricky construction zone safely.
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FEATURE STORY
Slovak diaspora in turmoil: Is postal voting under threat?
Election by mail may be in a risk. (source: TASR)
The Slovak diaspora worldwide is in shock after suggestions that Slovaks living abroad might lose their right to vote by post. Diaspora representative Vladimír Skalský, head of the World Association of Slovaks Abroad, a non-official group, made sceptical remarks about postal voting that have sparked controversy. Speaking at a public event attended by government representatives in Bratislava, he said he wants a "different model", and claimed the current system is not secret or secure. However, Skalský provided no specific examples of deficiencies in the current system, and offered no alternatives. His comments were echoed by Slovak National Party (SNS) leader Andrej Danko, a deputy speaker of parliament.
MOVIE FOR WEDNESDAY
Summer screams at Nová Cvernovka: Suspiria under the stars – tomorrow!
The horror film Suspiria will be screened at Nová Cvernovka. (source: Facebook/Nová Cvernovka)
The Nová Cvernovka cultural hub is presenting a series of outdoor screenings of horror films for you to enjoy on a warm summer evening with friends or partners – or on a solo date with yourself. This week it's the hit 1977 Italian horror movie Suspiria, about a young dancer. The story follows an American girl, played by Jessica Harper, who comes to Europe to make her name at a ballet school. But the school hides some dark (and extremely gory) secrets. Find out what they are tomorrow, Wednesday, 2 July, at 21:00 at Nová Cvernovka.
IN OTHER NEWS
PM Robert Fico spoke by phone with Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez to discuss leadership in the eurozone and the proposed EU ban on Russian gas supplies starting 1 January 1 2028. Fico expressed support for Spain's candidate to lead the eurozone group and stressed that Slovakia cannot back the 18th sanctions package against Russia without firm guarantees to minimise the impact on Slovakia of cuts to Russian gas supplies. Sánchez acknowledged Slovakia’s concerns. Fico reportedly also held a call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. (TASR)
From Tuesday, most districts in Slovakia face a high risk of wildfires, the Fire and Rescue Corps (HaZZ) announced on social media. The warning covers almost all of western and central Slovakia, except Zlaté Moravce and Ružomberok districts. In eastern Slovakia, the risk applies to Prešov, Sabinov, Vranov nad Topľou, Humenné, Levoča, Poprad, Rožňava and Kežmarok districts. During this period, open fires, and the burning of grass, shrubs or trees are strictly prohibited. (TASR)
Several changes take effect from July at the Sports Support Fund (FnPŠ). The fund’s activities are being expanded to include educational and advisory services in sports. The supervisory board will increase from three to five members, and the management board from 10 to 12 members, with higher compensation for members. The fund’s budget triples from €20 million to €60 million. (Sme)
PM Robert Fico and Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč visited farmers near Veľké Ripňany, Topoľčany district, as part of their annual summer harvest tour. The programme included talks with farmers and food producers, a harvest inspection, and a visit to the Radošinka agrofarm. The farm is under investigation for illegal waste dumping, including hazardous materials like asbestos. Though police initially reported 800 cubic metres of waste, the amount mentioned in official charges has since been reduced to six lorry loads. The cooperative denies wrongdoing, and the case remains under review by the local prosecutor. (Aktuality.sk)
Cinema attendance in Europe dropped by 2 percent last year, but Slovakia saw an 8-percent increase, with nearly 28 percent of visitors choosing Slovak films. According to the 2024 Slovak Audiovisual Report by Creative Europe Desk Slovakia, nearly 5.5 million people visited Slovak cinemas. Local films ranked high among the most-watched: Miki, about a notorious Slovak criminal, attracted 378,694 viewers, Kavej 290,640, and the documentary Prezidentka 33,366. A record 140 Slovak films were screened, seen by over 1.5 million viewers – the highest in Slovakia’s independent history. Film production also remained strong, with 46 new Slovak feature films produced last year, including 24 fiction, 20 documentaries, and two animated films. (Sme)
WEATHER FOR WEDNESDAY: It will be clear and warm tomorrow, with maximum daytime temperatures climbing to between 29°C and 34°C. Winds will be light to calm in most areas. Don't forget to use sun protection! The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMÚ) has issued a Level 1 heat warning for western and southern Slovakia due to the high temperatures. (SHMÚ)
WEDNESDAY PARTY TIME: This Wednesday Berta is celebrating her name day. Don’t forget to send your best wishes to the Bertas in your life on 2 July.
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