According to a recent survey, people in western Slovakia are more likely to buy a live carp for Christmas than those in the east, for the traditional dinner on 24 December; however, the number is down on previous years

A €1,3 million EU-backed upgrade of Pustý hrad, the “Deserted Castle”, will begin this autumn; the mediaeval ruin overlooking the town of Zvolen, a popular destination for hikers and history lovers, will improve both visitor experience and infrastructure

Banners criticising PM Robert Fico have appeared on bridges in several eastern Slovak towns in recent weeks, reflecting mounting public frustration with the government’s political direction, even in the areas traditionally more loyal to his party

The city of Bratislava is phasing out white streetlights in favour of warmer tones, guided by new lighting principles and in response to public criticism, in a balance of visual comfort and energy saving

PM Fico held negotiations with US officials and nuclear energy company Westinghouse regarding the construction of a new reactor at the Jaslovské Bohunice site; the next-generation reactor could be built near the existing Soviet-designed nuclear facility