Good evening. Here is the Friday, August 22 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in a few minutes.
Slovakia and Hungary turn on Kyiv over Druzhba attacks
The endpoint of the Druzhba pipeline at the Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
Slovakia and Hungary have sent a joint letter to the European Commission protesting attacks by Ukrainian forces on the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia, which have halted oil supplies to both countries. The Druzhba oil pipeline, which runs from Russia through Ukraine to Slovakia and Hungary, was hit by another attack on Thursday, August 21.
Economy Minister Denisa Saková confirmed that oil is not currently flowing to Slovakia, but said there is no immediate supply risk as the state holds 90 days’ worth of oil and fuel reserves. Ukraine has acknowledged the attack, with drones hitting the Unecha pumping station in Russia’s Bryansk region, causing a fire.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó described the incident as a further threat to energy security and warned against attempts to involve Slovakia and Hungary in the conflict. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár noted that the attack has seriously damaged the pipeline, affecting supplies to the Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava.
The Slovak National Party (SNS), a small pro-Russian party that is part of the current governing coalition, called on Blanár to summon the Ukrainian ambassador and seek compensation, stressing that the attacks endanger the strategic interests of Slovakia and Hungary. Oil flows through Druzhba were only restored on Tuesday evening after previous attacks.
Presidential reaction: President Peter Pellegrini warned that attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline threaten Slovakia’s economic stability. He expressed hope that peace talks would soon lead to a ceasefire, praising US President Donald Trump’s firm stance against the pipeline strikes and underlining the need for EU support to protect Slovakia’s energy infrastructure.
Interior minister's reaction: Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok says that attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline could worsen the situation not only in Ukraine but also for neighbouring countries. He confirmed that supplies are currently halted but expected to resume early next week, and stressed that Slovakia is not at risk, thanks to its strategic reserves.
Šutaj Eštok described the attacks as unfriendly actions that threaten Slovakia’s energy security and stressed that the issue would be addressed at EU level. Slovakia and Hungary sent a joint letter to the European Commission urging it to "guarantee" the energy security of member states.
Letter from the Slovak and Hungarian foreign ministers to the European Commission (source: X - Péter Szijjártó)
Reality check: Government figures in Bratislava keep saying Ukraine threatens Slovakia’s energy security. That’s straight out of Moscow’s playbook – and while Brussels is not buying it, the rhetoric muddies Europe’s debate on Ukraine’s reliability.
Meanwhile: The Economy Ministry insists Slovakia is well-prepared even for prolonged disruptions. The country holds strategic reserves of oil and petroleum products, and officials say they are moving ahead with diversification plans – from developing alternative supply routes to tapping storage facilities.
Trump “VERY ANGRY”: US President Donald Trump said he was “VERY ANGRY” upon hearing that Ukrainian drones had damaged the Druzhba pipeline, reportedly after receiving a complaint from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a political ally of the American leader. The attacks were carried out in mid August by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, led by Major Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, who hails from Uzhhorod, near the border with Slovakia and Hungary (hence his call sign). In a handwritten note, apparently sent by Trump, that was published on the Facebook page of Orbán's Fidesz party, the president instructs Orbán to "TELL SLOVAKIA". It was not immediately clear why Trump was not able to "TELL SLOVAKIA" himself.
A note, purportedly from US President Donald Trump to Hungarian premier Viktor Orbán, that was shared on Facebook by Orbán’s ruling Fidesz party. (source: Facebook - Fidesz)
A little background: Slovnaft is a major central European refinery, majority owned by Hungarian oil company MOL. The Druzhba pipeline in Slovakia is operated by Transpetrol, a state-owned company that is a significant source of revenue. Oil is a globally traded commodity that Slovakia would be able to obtain from a variety of sources even if supplies from Russia were to cease. Hydrocarbons, principally oil, comprise Russia's main export by value, accounting for as much as half of all state revenues. As such, they provide the main source of funds for its war on Ukraine.
Slovnaft’s slip: The oil refiner ranked third among Slovakia’s most profitable companies in 2024 – down one spot from the year before – with earnings of nearly €366 million and revenues of more than €5 billion. (Finstat)
Transpetrol’s take: The state pipeline operator earned more than €8 million in 2024, on revenues of nearly €71 million. (Finstat)
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Good news: A Slovak winemaker who has won a place on top wine lists abroad, a refugee who now saves lives in Slovakia as a doctor, and children from Sumy who are getting a break from war during a stay in Slovakia's forests – here's your fresh selection of feel-good stories to brighten your day!
Weekend: From castle ruins and Roman settlements to air shows, festivals, and 90s parties, this weekend is packed with culture and fun. Pick your favourite event!
No laziness: Slovakia’s new “law against laziness” will tie welfare to strict work and training requirements, sparking fears it could push vulnerable families, especially in Roma communities, deeper into poverty.
Domestic flight: Slovakia is set to revive daily domestic flights between Bratislava and Košice – by subsidising Hungarian airline Wizz Air to provide them.
Pot calls kettle black: The US State Department is warning that Slovakia’s media freedom and democratic institutions are under growing pressure amid political attacks and threats to journalists. It notes that senior Slovak officials frequently criticise NGOs and independent media.
Architecture: From riverside saunas to hillside family homes, discover Slovakia’s most innovative architecture finalists, which are competing for the CE ZA AR 2025 awards. The winers will be announced in October.
Slovak seas: Discover Slovakia’s “secret seas” and the quirky expressions, hidden swimming spots, and summer adventures that make this landlocked country surprisingly wet and wonderfully refreshing.
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FEATURE STORY
Slovakia takes the lead in building Europe’s biggest solar telescope
The observatory at the summit of Lomnický Štít in the High Tatras. (source: WIKIMEDIA CC)
Slovakia is punching above its weight in global astronomy: its scientists hold top seats in the European Solar Telescope project, soon to be the continent’s largest such scientific endeavour. Slovak companies are already in line to supply key high-precision technology. With construction planned in the Canary Islands, the EST will not only help predict solar eruptions that can disrupt life on Earth, but also give Slovak science and industry a rare shot at the world stage.
EVENT
Silent but bright night at Devín Castle
Step back into the golden age of silent cinema with The Nibelungs – Siegfried and Vyšehrad at Devín Castle. As part of the of the Silent Nights at Devín series, experience the 1924 epic brought to life with live, genre-blending music. A unique fusion of history, film and sound awaits already this weekend in Bratislava!
IN OTHER NEWS
Yesterday, 21 August, while Slovakia commemorated the 1968 Soviet invasion, Russia launched an attack on western Ukraine, coming closer than ever to the Slovak border. The strike hit the city of Mukachevo, just 50 kilometres from Slovakia, injuring 15 people. Ukrainian air defence reported shooting down 546 drones and 31 missiles, noting Russian strikes at eleven locations, though details of the exact sites were not provided. The western Ukrainian city of Lviv was also hit by a combined missile attack on the same night, leaving one person dead, two injured, and dozens of residential buildings damaged, according to local authorities. (TASR)
Slovak Post will temporarily suspend accepting goods shipments to the US from 25 August 2025, including gifts between individuals, due to new US rules ending the $800 duty-free threshold. Only letter mail with printed documents will be accepted. Customs duties must now be paid at posting. The measure follows similar steps by other European countries. Negotiations with the US and postal organisations are ongoing, and updates will follow. (Slovenská pošta)
In 2024, total mandatory payments in Slovakia were so high that an average employee would need 231.6 days to pay them, reaching so-called “Tax Freedom Day” on 22 August – two days later than last year and 12 days later than in 2015, according to Peter Gonda of the Conservative Institute. Mandatory payments now account for 63.5 percent of average wages, leaving just 36.5 percent at individuals’ discretion. Income and payroll taxes make up 46.2 percent, consumption taxes 14.6 percent, property taxes 1.4 percent, and business taxes 1.2 percent. By comparison, the total tax burden is 1.66 percentage points lower in the Czech Republic and 0.25 points higher in Austria. Gonda warned that Slovakia’s tax burden has steadily increased over the past decade and will rise further due to new measures such as the financial transaction tax, higher VAT, and higher corporate income tax rates. He stressed that public spending and debt have grown faster than revenues and suggested that the government should focus on cutting expenses rather than raising taxes. (TASR)
The week-long PRIDE Košice 2025 festival will culminate on Saturday, 23 August, with a colourful programme at Kasárne Kulturpark and a traditional rainbow parade through the city. “Events like PRIDE Košice are vital, offering the queer community a joyful space while also protesting ongoing oppression and injustice,” said Róbert Furiel, director of Saplinq, the organising NGO. The park opens at 10:30, with the official programme starting at 11:00 and the parade set for around midday. (Sme)
Slovak Ambassador to Warsaw Andrea Elscheková-Matisová emphasised the need to strengthen relations between Slovakia and Poland up to the level of a strategic partnership. In this context, she highlighted the opening of a new honorary consulate-general in Krakow, replacing the consulate that was closed at the end of 2024. The new consulate, set to begin operations in the autumn, aims to support the Slovak minority, academic exchange, and business cooperation. (TASR)
A man was found dead with a bag over his head at Račianske mýto in Bratislava on Friday morning. Police cordoned off the area near a fountain; the body is yet to be identified. Authorities have not ruled out foul play, and the cause of death will be confirmed by an autopsy. A forensic doctor attended the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. (Pravda, TASR)
Near the village of Golianovo in the Nitra district stands a wooden observation tower anchored on four reinforced concrete pillars. The structure rises 22 metres, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. (source: TASR - Dano Veselský)
WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND: Autumn is knocking on the door: this weekend will be cloudy, especially in the mornings, with isolated rain or showers in the north and east. The highest daytime temperatures will range from 18°C to 23°C on Saturday, dropping slightly on Sunday to a maximum of 22°C. (SHMÚ)
Saturday: The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute has issued a yellow Level 1 warning due to frost during the growing season for Banská Bystrica, Košice, Žilina and Prešov Regions. The phenomenon is expected from 00:00 to 07:00.
WEEKEND PARTY TIME: This weekend, Filip, Bartolomej and Ľudovít are the lucky ones celebrating their name days. Don’t forget to send your best wishes to all the Filips (on Saturday, August 23), Bartolomejs (on Sunday, August 24) and, last but not least, all those Ľudovíts (on Monday, August 25) in your life.
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