AGP Executive Report

Danube Revival in Bratislava: A long-neglected riverside stretch in Petržalka has reopened as Staré Lido Riverside Park, with plans to restore natural beaches near Apollo Bridge as part of a wider 20+ km Danube waterfront project. Local Politics & Polarisation: Slovakia is ranked the second-most polarised country in Europe, with the DEKK Institute warning that political divides are starting to spill into everyday relationships. Energy Diplomacy: Slovakia is negotiating a long-term gas supply deal with Azerbaijan’s SOCAR, aiming to secure about 1.2 billion cubic metres annually after 2027 as Europe moves away from Russian supplies. Carbon Market Fight: Ten EU countries, including Slovakia, are pushing to soften the EU ETS overhaul, arguing carbon pricing on fuels will hit households and asking for a slower path to zero emissions. US-Russia Tariff Shockwave: A US Senate bill proposes up to 100% tariffs on the biggest buyers of Russian oil—naming Slovakia among them—while exempting some European gas importers. Azerbaijan-Slovakia Business Links: Slovak firms are stepping up partnerships in Azerbaijan, including reconstruction-focused projects and a push for direct Baku–Bratislava flights from October. Sports & Culture: Project B appointed Igor Kokoškov to lead player development; and Bratislava’s Danube beaches are back in view as the city keeps investing in public spaces.

US-Russia Energy Pressure: A bipartisan US Senate bill would allow up to 100% tariffs on the biggest buyers of Russian oil—China, India, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan—while exempting 15 European countries that buy Russian gas, with a waiver option for the White House. EU Legal Rules on Public Participation: The European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against 14 EU states, including Slovakia, over incomplete transposition of rules protecting people targeted by “gag lawsuits” (SLAPPs). Slovakia–Azerbaijan Ties: Slovak President Peter Pellegrini met Azerbaijan’s parliament speaker and leaders in Shusha, highlighting energy cooperation and reconstruction support, with direct Baku–Bratislava flights planned from October. Business Forum Push: In Baku, Slovak firms sought long-term partnerships in Azerbaijan’s market, with talks also focused on gas supply contracts after Russian gas ends in 2027. Environment Clash in Bratislava: Opposition parties attacked the Environment Ministry’s approval of Slovnaft’s waste-to-energy centre, arguing Bratislava doesn’t need another plant and fears imported waste incineration. Climate Policy Fight: Ten EU countries including Slovakia urged the Commission to rethink the new carbon price on fuel (ETS2) ahead of an ETS review.

Slovakia–Azerbaijan Energy & Diplomacy: President Peter Pellegrini met Ilham Aliyev in Shusha, praising Azerbaijan as a logistics hub and “guarantor of stability,” and thanked it for gas help after Russian deliveries via Ukraine were halted; Slovakia is also pushing for long-term gas contracts as it must stop importing Russian gas from Oct 2027, with talks on 5–10 year supply deals and a planned Bratislava–Baku air link. Bratislava Waste Fight: Opposition parties hit the Environment Ministry for approving Slovnaft’s Waste-to-Energy Centre (CEZO), saying Bratislava doesn’t need a second plant and warning it could burn imported waste. EU Carbon Pricing Clash: Ten EU states including Slovakia urged the Commission to rethink the new fuel carbon price (ETS2) ahead of an ETS reform, warning it could become a “climate tax” that hurts citizens and industry. US Russia Sanctions Pressure: A revised US bill would cap potential tariffs on major Russian oil buyers at 100% (down from 500%), naming Slovakia among the five biggest oil purchasers, while exempting many gas importers that are cutting dependence. Digital Euro Pilot: The ECB selected 36 payment providers for the digital euro pilot starting in 2H 2027, aiming to test functionality and user experience. Local Business Watch: Bratislava’s Nivy rooftop market is growing revenue but still runs losses, with the operator in crisis status. Sports: Nitra Knights will host the Czech Bowl final on July 19 after reaching the championship game by beating Znojmo.

Slovakia-Azerbaijan Energy Talks: Slovak President Peter Pellegrini met Ilham Aliyev in Shusha, calling Azerbaijan a “key” stability partner and saying Slovakia is seeking long-term gas supply deals as Russian deliveries end in October 2027. Bilateral Projects in Aghdam: The presidents inspected reconstruction in Bash Garvand village and laid the foundation stone for a new Milan Rastislav Štefánik secondary school for 840 students. EU Sanctions Pressure on Russia: A new US bipartisan Russia sanctions and tariff bill names Slovakia among the biggest buyers of Russian oil, alongside China, India, Hungary and Azerbaijan, with tariffs and broad blocking sanctions on Russia’s economy. Digital Euro Moves Forward: The ECB selected 36 payment providers across 19 euro-area countries for the digital euro pilot, with Slovakia included among the participating jurisdictions. Bratislava Waste-to-Energy Greenlight: Slovakia’s environment ministry approved the environmental assessment for Slovnaft’s planned Bratislava waste-to-energy plant, targeting start-up in 2029–2030. Modernisation Funding for Energy Efficiency: The environment ministry launched new Modernisation Fund programmes, including €150m for businesses and a renewed Obnov Dom Mini+ support round for households.

Digital Euro Rollout: The ECB has picked 36 payment providers to join digital euro trials starting in late 2027, aiming to test the system’s tech and user experience. Bratislava Waste Plan: Slovakia’s Environment Ministry approved the environmental assessment for Slovnaft’s Bratislava waste-to-energy plant, with up to 220,000 tonnes a year and operations planned for 2029/30. Postal Reform: Slovak Post defended its modernisation plan, saying reforms are needed because over 1,000 of its 1,300 branches run at a loss, while critics warn rural closures lack alternatives. Energy Support for Homes and Industry: The government is expanding Modernisation Fund programmes: a €150m scheme for businesses and a new Obnov Dom Mini+ round for households facing energy poverty, with applications opening 15 July. EU Sanctions Standoff: EU foreign ministers failed to approve the 21st Russia sanctions package, with Slovakia saying the proposals won’t harm its economic interests. Tech Security Alert: ESET says it found old Microsoft-signed UEFI shims that can bypass Secure Boot, after which Microsoft revoked the binaries. Demography Watch: Eurostat projects major population decline across eastern EU regions, including Latvia, with Slovakia also expected to shrink in most regions. Airport Business News: Bratislava airport opened a new 24-hour café, with passenger numbers up sharply year-on-year.

Bratislava Airport Boost: M. R. Štefánik Airport has opened a new 24-hour Craft Coffee Factory café in Terminal 14, offering 100+ seats and more food options as passenger numbers keep climbing (510,152 in June, up 81% year-on-year). EU–UK Cyber Crackdown: The EU and the UK rolled out their first joint cyber sanctions package against Russia, targeting nine people and four entities tied to the FSB’s Centre 16 and the Turla espionage network, with claims of sabotage against critical infrastructure across Europe including Slovakia. Diplomatic Fallout: Germany, France and the Netherlands said they will summon Russia’s ambassadors after the sanctions, as Finland also took action following the EU’s accusations. Politics in Slovakia: President Peter Pellegrini said he doesn’t expect major government changes this autumn, though individual ministers could leave. Culture & Community: Slovakia’s Pohoda Festival wrapped up its 30th anniversary with over 33,000 paying visitors and record ticket demand for Pohoda 2027.

EU Cyber Sanctions: The EU and the UK hit Russia with coordinated sanctions over a yearslong cyber campaign, targeting nine people and four entities linked to the FSB’s “16th Centre,” accused of espionage and sabotage across Europe including Slovakia. Slovakia & NATO Ukraine Funding: Slovakia’s president says Bratislava will not contribute financially to NATO’s new €70 billion Ukraine support package, echoing similar moves by Hungary and the Czech Republic. Online Child Safety: A special EU panel delivered a report on child safety online, as governments push for tougher rules. Local Tech & Industry: Reinforce3D and Czech firm 3Dees are teaming up to make CFIP structural reinforcement easier to adopt, with 3Dees acting as a sales partner across Central and Eastern Europe including Slovakia. Bratislava Business/Infrastructure: Leyard says it produced and shipped an LED video wall from its Prešov plant for a Munich Airport retail project in just three days. Culture Spotlight: Karlovy Vary’s top prizes went to Fruit Gathering (Grand Prix) and the Slovak-Czech romance Lover, Not a Fighter (Proxima).

Slovak Politics & Security: Prime Minister Robert Fico says many NATO countries at the Ankara summit showed interest in dialogue with Russia, while Slovakia will not join the €70 billion military-assistance project for Ukraine. EU Foreign Policy: The EU is trying to agree on a watered-down 21st Russia sanctions package, with disputes over how the oil price cap is recalculated and whether it could effectively let more Russian oil flow. Children Online Safety: Slovakia plans a single law to restrict children’s access to social media after education and investment ministries merged competing proposals. Healthcare Reform: Health Minister Kamil Šaško discussed OECD-backed reforms to improve hospital performance, AI use, and healthcare efficiency. Culture & Media: Slovak arts journals are forming PUČ, a shared platform, after funding cuts hit independent cultural journalism. Bratislava Sports & Society: A new report highlights how temporary protection for Ukrainians is shifting across EU countries, with Slovakia among the highest per-capita hosts. World News (for context): China released a visa-free list for 35 European countries, and Saudi Arabia published its 2026 tourist eVisa eligibility list for 40 European nations.

EU Russia Sanctions: The EU is watering down parts of its 21st Russia sanctions plan after member states pushed back, with the biggest fight over how the floating-rate oil price cap is recalculated—risking a higher cap that could effectively ease limits on Russian oil. NATO & Russia Dialogue: Slovak PM Robert Fico says many NATO countries at the Ankara summit showed interest in dialogue with Russia, while he reiterated Slovakia won’t join the €70 billion military aid project for Ukraine. Slovakia Health & OECD: Health Minister Kamil Šaško met OECD partners in Paris to shape reforms for better hospital performance, healthcare efficiency and the use of AI. Child Safety Online: The Slovak government is preparing a single law to restrict children’s access to social media after education and investment ministries merged competing proposals. Culture & Media Funding: Slovak arts journals are forming PUČ, a new platform for independent cultural journalism, after funding cuts tied to changes in the Slovak Arts Council. Bratislava Nightlife: A developer is seeking parking spaces in the legendary Luna Bar, raising questions about the future of the venue. Sports: Slovakia’s Zuzana Rehak Stefecekova is tied near the top at the Shotgun World Cup, while India’s Neeru Dhanda leads after perfect rounds.

NATO & Russia Dialogue: Slovak PM Robert Fico says many NATO participants at the Ankara summit showed interest in dialogue with Russia, while reiterating Slovakia won’t join NATO’s €70bn military aid project for Ukraine. Local Politics: Czech President Petr Pavel expects tensions with Czech PM Andrej Babiš to ease after NATO disputes, and dismissed a proposal to strip Zelenskyy of a top honour as absurd. EU Migration Numbers: Eurostat reports rising Ukrainian temporary protection recipients across the EU, with Slovakia showing the highest concentration per 1,000 residents. Children Online Safety: Slovakia’s government is preparing a single law to restrict children’s access to social media after education and investment ministries merged proposals. Healthcare Reform: Health Minister Kamil Šaško discussed OECD-backed reforms to improve hospital performance and healthcare efficiency, including AI use. Culture & Film: Karlovy Vary’s Proxima winner “Lover, Not a Fighter” drew laughter, while “Fruit Gathering” won the Crystal Globe for its Myanmar-set story of obsession and queer desire. Bratislava/Slovakia Sports: Slovakia’s Zuzana Rehak Stefecekova tied near the top at the Shotgun World Cup, as India’s Neeru Dhanda fired a perfect 75/75 to lead.

Bratislava Nightlife Under Pressure: The future of Luna Bar in Bratislava is in doubt as the Hotel Kyjev complex is set for reconstruction and the club is planned to be moved to make way for underground parking. Child Safety Online: Slovakia’s government is preparing a single law to restrict children’s access to social media after education and investment ministries merged competing proposals, with stricter rules backed by the Children’s Commissioner. Healthcare Reform Push: Health Minister Kamil Šaško says Slovakia will use OECD know-how to improve hospital performance and working conditions, including work on AI and healthcare efficiency. EU Economy Watch: The EU Council opened an excessive deficit procedure for Bulgaria, setting a deficit-cut path through 2029. Sports Spotlight: Slovakia’s Zuzana Rehak Stefecekova is tied near the top at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup after Neeru Dhanda’s perfect start in women’s trap. Culture Journalism: Slovak arts magazines have formed PUČ, a new platform for independent art and literature journalism after funding cuts.

Bratislava nightlife under pressure: The developer behind Hotel Kyjev wants to relocate the legendary Luna Bar and replace it with underground parking, after securing a building permit in May—sparking a “last dance” mood among students and locals. Local food brag: Bratislava pizzeria U Taliana, Sapori Italiani climbed to 8th in the 50 Top Pizza Europa 2026 ranking, its best showing yet. Regional energy talks: Slovakia and Hungary joined technical discussions for the expanded Greece-to-Central Europe Vertical Corridor gas project, aimed at boosting non-Russian supply routes. EU budget discipline: EU finance ministers are set to vote on placing Bulgaria under an Excessive Deficit Procedure, with a path to end it by 2029. Migration snapshot: Eurostat reports 25,490 Ukrainians under temporary protection in Cyprus in May, with Slovakia among the highest per-capita recipients. Sports (Slovakia connection): U18 street and ball hockey worlds in Banská Bystrica ended with Team USA winning gold.

Bratislava nightlife under threat: Luna Bar at Hotel Kyjev could be relocated as the developer Lordship seeks underground parking spaces, with a permit already granted in May. Local food bragging rights: Bratislava pizzeria U Taliana, Sapori Italiani climbed to 8th in the 50 Top Pizza Europa 2026 ranking. Slovakia in Europe’s migration picture: Eurostat says 25,490 Ukrainians in Cyprus are under temporary protection, with Slovakia among the highest per-capita beneficiaries. EU budget pressure: The Council opened an Excessive Deficit Procedure for Bulgaria, with a vote due in Brussels and Slovakia listed among other countries already under the mechanism. Energy talks with a Central Europe angle: Slovakia and Hungary joined technical discussions on the Vertical Corridor gas project, expanding the route from Greece toward Central Europe. International business link: Eurobank enabled a first cross-border payment from Greece to India via UPI. Global travel rules: South Korea published short-term visa-free guidelines for 62 countries, while Japan confirmed visa exemptions for 74. Sports: Luke Littler will skip the European Darts Open 2026 due to a packed schedule. Earthquake: A 5.5 quake hit the Czech Republic and Slovakia, according to GFZ.

Immigration Overhaul: Slovakia will tighten and streamline its visa and work-permit system from July 15, extending national visa validity from 90 to 120 days and giving legally resident workers longer to find new jobs after losing employment. EU Finance Watch: EU finance ministers are set to vote on placing Bulgaria under the Excessive Deficit Procedure, with the Council noting nine countries already under the rule, including Slovakia. NATO Summit Diplomacy: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met Slovak President Peter Pellegrini in Ankara, discussing bilateral trade and defence cooperation alongside NATO’s European security role. Bratislava Health & Environment: A Comenius University study links air pollution to more than a year of lost life expectancy in Slovakia, with the worst impacts tied to household solid-fuel heating. Earthquake Alert: A magnitude 5.5 quake hit the Czech Republic and Slovakia, according to GFZ. Business Logistics: cargo-partner’s integration into NX Group advances in Slovakia, including renaming to NX Cargo-Partner Slovakia from July 1 and dissolving the Nippon Express branch. Culture & Community: Detva’s 59th Folklore Festival under Poľana opens, running until July 12, with performances, exhibitions and workshops.

Immigration Overhaul: Slovakia is tightening its rules from July 15, extending national visas from 90 to 120 days and giving legally staying workers longer to find new jobs after losing employment. Air Quality Impact: A Comenius University study says air pollution cuts life expectancy in Slovakia by more than a year on average, with the worst burden in areas where solid fuels are common. Industrial Slowdown: Slovakia’s industrial production fell 2.0% year-on-year in May, hit hardest by weaker transport equipment output, while chemicals surged. NATO Diplomacy: President Peter Pellegrini met Erdoğan on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, with both sides stressing NATO’s European pillar and EU defence efforts. Business Watch: Tesco is reportedly exploring a sale of its Central and Eastern European operations, which would end its presence in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Local Culture: The 59th Folklore Festival Under Poľana opens in Detva, running through Sunday with performances, exhibitions and workshops. Tourism Pressure: Vlkolinec residents complain UNESCO village tourism has turned their homes into a “film set,” with calls to limit overtourism.

Tesco Exit Watch: Tesco is reportedly exploring a sale of its Central European supermarkets, including operations in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, after hiring bankers to review options—an exit that would affect about 22,000 jobs and 561 stores, while the company says it “never comments on rumours.” Tourism Pressure in Slovakia: Vlkolinec, a UNESCO-listed Slovak village, is facing overtourism backlash as residents complain about privacy and “no entry” signs being ignored by visitors. EU Worker Safety: Brussels has sent Spain a formal warning over asbestos protection rules and could escalate to the EU court if Spain doesn’t fully transpose the directive; the Commission says similar infringement steps also remain open for several states, including Slovakia. Defence Spending: Slovakia is set to spend about 2.02% of GDP on defence in 2026, with plans to reach 3.5% by 2034. Culture & Film: Slovak producer Katarína Krnáčová has been elected vice-president of FACE, a win for Slovakia’s film scene as European partners discuss long-term support for Ukrainian cinema. Local Economy: Slovakia’s trade surplus rose to EUR 580.6 million in May, the highest since June 2023.