Slovak inflation spikes to 4.1% y/y in May, highest since 2023

Consumer price indices in Slovakia increased by 4.1% year on year in May, the highest value since December, and returned to an accelerating trajectory after easing in April to 3.7% y/y.

Ukraine’s “enemies database” adds foreign leaders over Moscow ties

A Ukrainian website that catalogues perceived "enemies of Ukraine" has added several prominent Russia-friendly foreign leaders to its database, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Slovak environment ministry permits shooting of 126 protected brown bears

The Slovak Ministry of Environment, headed by the SNS party nominee Tomas Taraba, has permitted the shooting of 126 protected brown bears since the beginning of this year, which includes 24 exemptions.

Slovak industry returns to decline of 0.4% y/y in April

Deloitte EMEA Fast 500 Technology ranking brims with Turkish, CEE and SEE startups

Top entry from Turkey is Novi Robot, a maker of automation systems for manufacturing plants.

Slovak parliament passes resolution against anti-Russian sanctions after opposition boycott backfires

The Slovak parliament has passed a resolution urging members of the populist left-right cabinet of Robert Fico not to vote against new sanctions directed against Russia.

Fico’s Slovak ruling coalition split over backing sentenced central banker Kažimír for another term

Left-right ruling coalition of the Slovak populist prime minister Robert Fico is split over whether to back Governor of the National Bank of Slovakia Peter Kažimír, for another six-year term in office after the current one expired on May 31.

Global energy investment to reach a record $3.3 trillion in 2025, but problems with grids remain – IEA

Global energy investment is projected to reach a record $3.3 trillion in 2025, despite continued economic uncertainty and heightened geopolitical risks, according to the International Energy Agency.

COMMENT: All three leaders in Poland, Slovakia and Hungary under pressure

All three of the leaders in Poland, Slovakia and Hungary are under pressure and looking at ways to shore up their hold on power.

40% of Europe already in a drought before summer gets fully underway

As Europe slides into its third disaster season, 40% of the EU is already officially facing a drought before the hottest months of the year arrive. And this year’s droughts are likely to become even worse than previous heatwaves.

COVID is back - a new "NB.1.8.1" strain is spreading across continents

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is back. Reports from health authorities around the world have detected a new highly contagious strain of the virus that has been spreading through Asia and has now reached Russia.

Slovakia's central bank governor found guilty of bribery

Governor of the National Bank of Slovakia Peter Kažimír has been found guilty of bribery in a high-profile case and has been fined €200,000, which can be turned into a one-year prison sentence if not paid.

Slovak PM Fico slams German Merz for his comments on EU taking action against Hungary and Slovakia

Slovakia’s populist Prime Minister Robert Fico slammed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for stating that Germany could propose EU block the EU funding for Hungary and Slovakia if the two countries diverge from EU policies.

Czech PPF bosses are ready to take on Netflix and HBO in PPF’s home markets

PPF executives say the group's local content gives it a competitive advantage over international players in small CEE markets.