Slovakia

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

For the first time since 2000, Slovakia hosts a major football event with the 25th edition of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship; this year all 16 teams are based in a single host country and matches played in eight Slovak cities

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

Foreign students are now afraid to speak their mother tongue in the university town of Nitra, after verbal and physical attacks have taken place against students speaking Ukrainian