Slovak malt has become an important export product in recent years: at present, Slovakia is one of the 10 largest exporters in the world, while in the European Union it ranks fifth after France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands

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

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