Progressive Slovakia and Smer are neck and neck in latest March poll

The largest opposition party, centrist Progressive Slovakia, maintains a narrow lead of 21.7% ahead of the ruling Smer party (21.2%) of the populist Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Rule of law in EU deteriorates, with decline concentrated in eastern members

Liberties report finds collapse of democratic standards in Hungary, and strong deteriorations in Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Slovakia.

COMMENT: Is the EU going to fall apart?

Is the EU about to break apart under the stress of taking over the full weight of supporting Ukraine, the need to rearm and the hundreds of billions that must be invested if it is to become competitive again?

Slovak PM Fico insists his policies are ‘sovereign’ after not blocking EU’s Ukrainian policy

Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico insisted his policies are “sovereign” after he took part in the EU summit, which he had threatened to boycott earlier.

Slovak unemployment drops to 3.79% in February

Slovakia’s populist PM Fico signs agreement with ex-ruling coalition legislators, restoring parliamentary majority

Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico has signed an agreement with Samuel Migal and Radomir Salitros, who were ejected from Fico’s Smer’s key ruling coalition ally, the conservative centre-left Hlas party.

EU to soften gas storage rules to avoid price spikes

EU member states are considering softening the bloc’s binding gas storage targets in order to avoid sending gas prices soaring again ahead of what is anticipated to be a difficult year.

OPINION: CEE infrastructure to take centre stage as Ukraine post-war reconstruction looms

The war in Ukraine appears to be drawing to a close and Central and Eastern Europe's infrastructure capabilities – or lack thereof – will soon be thrust into the global spotlight.

Slovak industry falls by a disappointing 5.2% y/y in January

Slovakia’s industrial output fell by 5.2% year on year and by 7.3% month on month, significantly deepening its mild December dip of 0.1% y/y and ending the growth period registered for much of the second half of 2024.

Mass protests against PM Fico’s pro-Russian turn continue across Slovakia

Mass protests in Slovakia against the left-right cabinet of populist Prime Minister Robert Fico continued with rallies under the slogan “Slovakia is Europe” held in more than 40 cities and towns across the country.

Slovak GDP grew by 2% in 2024, the highest since 2021

Slovakia’s gross domestic product increased at constant prices by 2% in 2024. It was the highest GDP growth since 2021, Slovak statisticians reported following the confirmation of the 2024 final quarter figures.

EU countries weigh costs of planned military buildup

What we know so far about EU member states’ plans to hike defence spending in face of "existential challenge" from Russia, and how this will be financed.

Slovakia’s PM Fico backs EU resolution on Ukraine defence despite veto threat

Robert Fico had threatened to block the EU summit unless the conclusions contained a provision about the renewal of Russian gas transit through Ukraine.

EU leaders back defence spending boost, pledge support for Ukraine

EU leaders unanimously agree to ramp up defence spending at emergency summit, but Hungary refuses to endorse statement on support for Ukraine.

EU Council president says leaders “here to take decisions” as he arrives at Brussels summit

EU leaders to discuss support for Ukraine and strengthening of Europe’s defence capabilities in response to the sudden change in the geopolitical situation.

Fears Russia-friendly EU members to undermine ‘five to midnight’ summit

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban indicated ahead of the crucial summit that he might veto additional support for Ukraine.

Slovak unemployment inches up to 3.92% in January

The unemployment level in Slovakia (PDU indicator) continued to inch upward in January to 3.92% after it inched up to 3.81% in December. Unemployment dropped year on year by 0.05 percentage points.

EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation

Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.

Relief in Emerging Europe at AfD’s election defeat, but concern over party's gains

Mainstream politicians across Central and Southeast Europe have expressed relief at the outcome of Germany's general election, which saw the far-right Alternative for Germany make gains but ultimately fall short of securing victory.

Leader of far-right SNS offers to give up party's ministries to keep Slovakia’s ruling coalition together

Populist Prime Minister Robert Fico's left-right coalition has been scrabbling for votes after three rebel legislators quit the SNS parliamentary grouping.