Good evening. Here is the Monday, December 18 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.
Japan's steel giant buys U.S. Steel Košice
U.S. Steel Košice (source: Courtesy of USSK)
The American steel giant U.S. Steel is changing hands. The company, whose portfolio also includes the Košice steelworks, will be acquired by the Japanese company Nippon Steel Corporation.
The Japanese firm is the fourth largest steel producer in the world.
U.S. Steel Košice, which has been underfunded in terms of investment for years, now has hope for modernisation, more ecological production and a better chance of being able to compete with cheap Chinese steel.
More stories from The Slovak Spectator website
Foreigners: The Constitutional Court that the police cannot reject a foreigner's residence application purely on the basis of a negative opinion written by intelligence agencies.
Survey: Speaker Peter Pellegrini is the mos trusted party leader in Slovakia, a poll shows.
Opinion: Read the perspectives of journalists on the events of 2023 in the last edition of Last Week in Slovakia in 2023.
Business: TheAustrian bank Gutmann, a family business, is looking to expand in the local private banking market.
Advertorial: Explorethe most common problems affecting family businesses and how appropriately established legal relationships between spouses can help eliminate these issues.
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FEATURE STORY FOR MONDAY
Bratislava has a new tram project
(source: SME - Jozef Jakubčo)
Bratislava's tram network is undergoing a significant transformation, with the Vajnory tram line nearing completion, the Petržalka line seeing the installation of the first rails, and plans for extensions and new lines. However, challenges, including concerns about disrupting cultural institutions and the public space, persist in the proposed developments.
Efforts are also being made to modernise existing tram lines, address noise complaints, and enhance overall public transportation in the city. Bratislava is prioritising public transport in its budget, with plans for the Petržalka tram line and the modernisation of depots. Despite ongoing concerns and delays, these developments aim to meet the growing demand for efficient and sustainable transportation in Bratislava.
EVENT FOR TUESDAY
Slovak Christmas
A comedy about the creation of the world and what happened afterwards. (source: divadlo.sluk.sk)
In anticipation of Christmas, SĽUK, a Slovak ensemble, prepared the dance comedy Slovak Christmas for all. The ensemble was inspired by the Slovak folk theatre when creating the production. It represents an inimitable synthesis of sacred and profane themes.
Join and immerse yourself in the festive Christmas atmosphere on Tuesday, December 19, or Wednesday, December 20. Buy tickets here.
In other news
Police have implemented measures for enhanced road and public safety during Christmas and New Year celebrations in Slovakia, focusing on traffic rule compliance. Drivers are urged to drive cautiously, especially preventing alcohol-related risks. Increased police presence will monitor public order during New Year's Eve, emphasising the responsible use of fireworks. Citizens are encouraged to promptly report any dangerous situations to the police. (TASR)
The project involving unemployed individuals in the restoration of cultural heritage will continue in 2024-2025, with €12.5 million allocated from the European Social Fund. The collaboration between the Culture Ministry and the Labour Ministry aims to renovate approximately 30 monuments, providing employment for around 400 workers, including marginalised Roma communities. The initiative is seen as a synergy between cultural heritage restoration and increased employment, fostering cooperation between public administration institutions. (TASR)
A high school in Bratislava's Rača district was evacuated due to a bomb threat. The threat also prompted the evacuation of the school's dormitory and accommodation areas. (TASR)
Slovan Bratislava will face the Austrian side Sturm Graz in the play-offs for the Round of 16 in the 2023/2024 UEFA Europa Conference League. The first leg will take place on February 15 at Sturm Graz's venue, with the return leg scheduled a week later at Slovan's Tehelné Pole. The play-offs will follow a home-and-away format on February 15 and 22, 2024, with the successful teams progressing to the Round of 16 on March 7 and 14, 2024.
President Zuzana Čaputová appointed Aurel Sabó as the new Rector of the Military Academy of M.R. Štefánik in Liptovský Mikuláš. She emphasised the academy's vital role in shaping both knowledge and character for future security defenders. (source: Pavel Neubauer (TASR))
WEATHER FOR TUESDAY
During the day the weather promises to be overcast with low clouds and mist. Occasional light precipitation with possible freezing rain, especially in the eastern part of Slovakia. Also, partially clear skies will lead to very warm conditions. The highest daily temperature will range from -2 °C to 4 °C , reaching 4 °C to 10 °C with decreased cloud cover.
The meteorological office has issued a level 1 warning for all Slovakia due to ice and fog.
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