Slovakia

GymBeam, Slovakia’s biggest fitness brand, built a regional e-commerce empire from Košice; now, after attracting investors for €110 million, is moving its headquarters to Austria

A Bratislava court has barred former Slovak National Theatre director Matej Drlička from making any public statements about Culture Minister Šimkovičová from 6 December, granting her request for an emergency injunction following a defamation complaint

A long-awaited 9,1 km section of the R2 between Kriváň and Mýtna opened to traffic, a symbolic victory for the government; it cuts about 8 minutes of travel on the stretch and comprises Slovakia’s longest and highest viaduct 4,3 km up to 41 metres high

Media freedom organisation Reporters without Borders latest list of press freedom “predators” lincludes prime minister Fico, citing social media attacks and partisan appointments to the public broadcaster and media regulatory body

Prime Minister Robert Fico has once again invoked his veto power to block a new round of European Union sanctions against Russia, setting the stage for a full-blown clash during next week's summit of leaders.

Bratislava is launching a major modernisation of its tram line in Ružinov, one of the city’s busiest districts, after its first tender collapsed; the 1970s-era route is to be rebuilt with €102 million EU fund following completion of Petržalka extension

Public broadcaster STVR’s newsroom has brought in several new faces, mainly from private TV Markíza and news channel TA3; many among media and public are voicing their concern over the risk or more pro-Russia news or even propaganda

Archaeologists have uncovered a rare Celtic the Late Iron Age sacrificial pit during renovation works at Trenčín Castle, containing the skeletal remains of at least five people, including a child; third such pit found in Slovakia

A ban on all open fires, including the use of official firepits, the burning of bushes and trees, and smoking, is in effect in the forests of Bratislava this week and until further notice, due to high risk fires

Opposition parties have renewed scrutiny of agricultural subsidies, alleging that millions of euros in EU funds were granted to farms owned by entrepreneurs with long‑standing ties to the governing Smer party that made fortunes in IT and telecoms

Slovakia’s IT sector has slowed down with reduced numbers of job openings: professionals are experiencing layoffs and more competition for fewer vacancies, with young jobseekers in greater difficulties if without specific skills

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