Good to have you with us! Here is the latest edition of Today in Slovakia - all the top news from Wednesday, wrapped up in one place!
Germany shuts down repair hub in Slovakia
In the premises of the Slovak Armed Forces base in Michalovce, an official operation to repair Ukrainian military equipment was launched in mid-December 2022 in the presence of Slovak and German military leaders. (source: Defence Ministry)
Ukrainian military equipment will no longer be repaired in Michalovce, eastern Slovakia. Germany, which financed the facility, has decided to shut it down by the end of the year.
The repair centre, located on Slovak military premises, was opened two years ago. It handled repairs for self-propelled howitzers PzH 2000, Dingo armoured vehicles, the MARS II rocket artillery system, and Gepard anti-aircraft tanks. From January, these repairs will be conducted in Germany.
According to the DPA news agency, cooperation with Slovakia regarding the operation of the facility was described as cumbersome, particularly concerning the interpretation of EU customs regulations. This comes despite Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár (Smer) stating in October, after talks with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock in Berlin, that Slovakia wanted to expand the repair operations for Ukrainian equipment.
Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák (Smer) downplayed the closure, claiming it would not pose a problem for Slovakia as only 10 people were reportedly employed there. He emphasised that the repair centre was always intended to be a temporary measure.
Related: The government of Robert Fico has criticised the EU and NATO over their policies towards Russia. This week, Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár appeared on the disinformation platform Infovojna, where he repeated claims that Ukraine had violated the rights of Russian-speaking citizens within its borders. However, Slovakia’s Foreign Ministry has refuted this information on its official website. While Blanár condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, he also criticised EU allies for what he described as hypocrisy—supporting Ukraine while continuing to rely on Russian gas. Slovakia itself is among the countries that fit this description.
MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR
Biathlon prodigy: Slovakia’s new biathlon talent comes from Russia. It’s no coincidence.
Always a ‘but’: The government has spared non-profits from the controversial transaction tax. But there is a catch.
Slightly controversial: An exhibition in Nitra meant to challenge people’s perceptions. Not everyone got the message.
A sigh of relief: The Tatras have reversed plans to introduce fees for ski touring this winter.
If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and subscribe to our newsletters.
RECIPE
How to make a Drunken Franciscan
Drunken Franciscan (source: Marko Erd)
The Drunken Franciscan, or Opitý Františkán—also affectionately known as Drunken Isidore (Opitý Izidor)—is a Slovak dessert staple that has graced festive tables across the country for generations. Available in countless variations, it can be enjoyed as a large cake, cupcakes, gluten-free, or even unbaked. The beloved treat recently made an appearance on Pečie Celé Slovensko, Slovakia’s answer to The Great British Bake Off.
EVENT
New Year’s Eve in Bratislava
Bratislava has revealed what’s in store at its main squares as the clock ticks down to 2025. Expect Slovak bands, plenty of energy, and best of all, it’s completely free. Get ready to dance your way into the new year, Bratislava style!
IN OTHER NEWS
Slovenská Pošta will deliver parcels submitted by customers by December 19 in time for Christmas. Parcels can also be submitted and paid for via the Slovenská Pošta app, after which they simply need to be placed in a BalíkoBox or handed in at a post office.
Prime Minister Robert Fico aims to discuss Russian gas supplies at Thursday’s European Council meeting. Earlier this week, Fico spoke to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who confirmed that Russian gas would no longer transit through Ukraine from the start of the new year. Still, Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková (Hlas) travelled to St. Petersburg earlier this week, aiming to preserve the transit of gas through Ukraine.
Former Supreme Court judge Štefan Harabin must apologise to Slovak cybersecurity firm Eset for spreading conspiracy theories, according to a ruling by the Bratislava Regional Court. The decision upheld a previous court ruling in favour of Eset, which sued Harabin over unfounded claims that the company, allegedly in collaboration with the CIA, rigged the 2019 presidential election against him. The legal battle lasted over five years.
A year after the Covid-19 pandemic officially ended, Slovakia’s Supreme Audit Office still lacks basic answers. According to chair Ľubomír Andrassy, auditors face a “data black hole,” with no clarity on the number of mobile testing sites or their total cost to the state.
The government has designated the purchase of American Black Hawk helicopters as a strategic investment. This classification allows the Defence Ministry to bypass traditional tender processes and proceed with direct purchases.
On Wednesday, a protest took place outside the office of the Slovak Arts Council fund (FPU) as demonstrators sought to draw attention to recent developments within the organisation. The fund’s board, now under the control of the Culture Ministry, was set to adopt a new statute on Wednesday, which critics say would effectively end funding for a significant portion of cultural projects previously supported by the fund. The board postponed the decision and will revisit the issue in January. Once an independent cultural institution, the FPU has seen its autonomy eroded in recent months, sparking concerns over the future of arts funding in Slovakia.
A protest outside the FPU building in Bratislava on December 18, 2024. (source: Jakub Kotian)
WEATHER BRIEFING: You can expect mostly cloudy weather on Thursday, December 19, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 12°C. (SHMÚ)
PARTY TIME: Happy namesday to all the Juditas out there! Celebrate in style this Thursday, December 19—it’s your special day in Slovakia!
Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us.
P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.
Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram(@slovakspectator). For news from Slovakia in Ukrainian, click here or follow Novyny on Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram.
