AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather in Bratislava: A supercell hit the capital shortly after 17:00 on Thursday, bringing strong winds, hail and heavy rain. In Petržalka, gusts were reported around 105–110 km/h, with trees down, branches broken and even a noise barrier collapsing on Vyšehradská Street; hail of about 2 cm and short, intense rainfall were also reported. Slovakia on Gaza: Slovakia’s Foreign and European Affairs Ministry condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s call for killing Palestinians in Gaza, saying it rejects such rhetoric from a high-ranking official. STVR Audio Launch: Slovak Television and Radio (STVR) is rolling out Audio STVR, a free, ad-free audio platform with original content and live broadcasts, including news, education, culture and regional programming. Tech Security Warning: Researchers describe a “Zombie Card” method that can revive expired Visa contactless cards for in-store purchases by altering what the terminal reads, raising concerns for payment systems. Drought and History: Europe’s extreme heat and drought continue to expose long-buried relics, including a 1913 steam tugboat wreck in Serbia dubbed “Sava’s Titanic.” Energy Pressure Across Europe: The EU energy chief warns electricity supply may stay tense for weeks as record-low river levels and heatwaves strain generation and demand.

Drought and energy strain: A historic early-1900s steam tugboat surfaced in Serbia’s Sava River as Europe’s rivers run dangerously low, echoing wider impacts on trade and power, including record-low Danube levels that have disrupted nuclear and hydropower generation. Tourism funding push: Seven frontline EU countries, including Slovakia, asked Brussels for support under the next EU budget after security fears and geopolitics hit tourism flows and left SMEs struggling. Electricity crisis in focus: A regional look at how Central Europe is coping with the electricity crunch highlights nuclear and hydropower cutbacks and the scramble to replace missing output via imports and more fossil generation. Local governance and society: Slovakia published the exact financial requirement for a long-term visa—EUR 56 per day of planned stay—backed by bank statements. Bratislava culture: “HerStories from the Capital III” spotlights remarkable women of Bratislava, from early women’s rights advocates to an anti-fascist resistance fighter. Business and policy: The EU’s new FDI screening rules are now in force, with national implementation due in 2028, reshaping how cross-border deals in sensitive sectors get reviewed.

Nuclear Energy Politics: Slovakia’s state is pushing to take full control of JESS by buying out Czech partner ČEZ’s 49% stake, with Prime Minister Robert Fico saying the ownership settlement must be done in September and warning against “unfounded accusations” after fresh speculation over the roughly €189m valuation. Agriculture & Economy: The cabinet will be briefed on drought damage and low milk prices, with Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč flagging trouble mainly in fodder crops like maize for silage and discussing possible funding to compensate farmers if export limits on animal feed clash with EU rules. Immigration Rules: Slovakia has published the exact financial requirement for a long-term visa: applicants must show €56 per day of planned stay, backed by a bank statement. EU Justice Tech: The EU’s e-Evidence rules now fully apply, letting investigators in member states demand digital data directly from tech firms with faster cross-border deadlines. Environment & Transport: Lake Zurich hits a record low as drought disrupts ferry operations and water-based activities, while Europe’s river and power risks keep rising. Culture & Diplomacy: Slovakia and Bulgaria discussed support for the Bulgarian minority and joint cultural projects, including links between Trenčín 2026 and Burgas’ bid for 2032. Sports (Bratislava): Azerbaijan’s wrestlers advanced at the U20 World Championships in Bratislava, reaching semifinals and adding medals.

Nuclear Deal Watch: Prime Minister Robert Fico says Slovakia must settle ownership arrangements for the Slovak Nuclear Energy Company (JESS) in September, with the Government Office taking over the process from the Economy Ministry as the state moves to buy CEZ’s 49% stake to gain full control over the planned new unit at Jaslovské Bohunice. Fiscal Pressure: Slovakia’s Budgetary Responsibility Council warns fiscal space is running out as debt tops 60% of GDP; another crisis could mean higher borrowing costs and sharper, faster consolidation. Visa Rules for Long Stays: Slovakia has published the exact financial requirement for a Slovak long-term visa: applicants must show EUR 56 per day of planned stay, backed by a bank statement. EU Justice Tech: The EU’s e-Evidence rules now let investigators across member states directly request digital data from major tech firms with set deadlines, speeding up cross-border criminal probes. Energy Security Angle: With Russia’s gas share in the EU sharply reduced, Europe is looking harder to Africa for oil, gas and uranium—while Russia targets alternatives. Bratislava Sports & Culture: Slovak hurdler Emma Zapletalová won European gold in Birmingham, and the Nitra Marian pilgrimage drew thousands of faithful.

Visa Rules: Slovakia has set a clear financial benchmark for a long-term visa: applicants must prove they have €56 per day of planned stay, backed by a bank statement. Nuclear Power Politics: Prime Minister Robert Fico says ownership arrangements for the Slovak Nuclear Energy Company (JESS) must be settled in September, with the Government Office taking over the process as the state moves to buy CEZ’s 49% stake to secure full control of a planned new reactor. Public Finance Warning: Slovakia’s Budgetary Responsibility Council warns that rising debt has drained fiscal space, leaving the country more vulnerable in any new crisis, with debt projected to reach around 75% of GDP by 2030 if nothing changes. Energy Security & Europe: With Russian gas dependence already cut sharply, Europe is looking increasingly to Africa for oil, gas and uranium—while Russia targets alternatives to keep the shift from working. Bratislava & Sports: Slovak athletics celebrates a home win as Emma Zapletalová takes European gold in the 400m hurdles, and Slovak wrestlers also shine at U20 Worlds in Bratislava. Local Culture: Three bishops joined pilgrims at Nitra’s historic Marian Calvary pilgrimage, drawing several thousand faithful. Working Life: Reports say Slovakia’s labour market is increasingly reliant on foreign workers, while public concern about the foreign workforce is rising.

Military Sport in Slovakia: Qatar’s parachuting team is competing at the CISM World Military Parachuting Championship in Slovakia, running through Aug. 23 with squads from 33 countries; the team is aiming for medals and world-record ambitions, including a Guinness bid for the largest night parachute interlocking formation. Slovak Finances: Slovakia’s fiscal space is “exhausted” as debt rises, with the Budgetary Responsibility Council warning that another crisis could force painful consolidation and even threaten financing on acceptable terms. Nitra Pilgrimage: Thousands of faithful joined a traditional Marian pilgrimage in Nitra, with three bishops celebrating Mass and confessions on Calvary hill during the 250th annual thanksgiving event. Foreign Workers Debate: Slovakia is relying on tens of thousands of foreign nationals to cover labour shortages, especially in western regions including Bratislava, while public concern about foreign workforce is growing. Nuclear Plans: Prime Minister Robert Fico says ownership arrangements in the Slovak Nuclear Energy Company (JESS) must be settled in September as the state moves to buy CEZ’s stake for the Jaslovské Bohunice nuclear project. Tech/Business: Arrow Electronics expanded IBM distribution coverage to include Slovakia, boosting channel partners’ access to infrastructure, automation and data solutions. Sports (Bratislava): Armenia’s Samvel Terteryan won the U20 World Wrestling Championship in Bratislava in the 77kg category.

Public Finance Watch: Slovakia’s Budgetary Responsibility Council warns that rising debt has wiped out the country’s fiscal “space,” with public debt above 60% of GDP and projected to hit 75% by decade’s end—meaning future shocks could force painful, fast austerity and even reliance on outside help. Nuclear Energy: Prime Minister Robert Fico says ownership arrangements in the Slovak Nuclear Energy Company (JESS) must be settled in September, as the state prepares to buy CEZ’s shares to gain full control over a new plant at Jaslovské Bohunice. Labour & Migration: Slovakia is increasingly relying on foreign workers—around 150,000 people—mainly from Ukraine and India, as companies struggle to find enough staff locally, while public distrust of foreign labour keeps rising. Energy Security & Climate: Europe’s drought and record heat are worsening the energy picture, with low Danube levels raising risks for nuclear cooling and exposing how climate extremes can disrupt power supply. Society & Rights: Slovakia refuses to recognise overseas same-sex marriages, despite an EU court ruling, with the government citing constitutional limits. Culture & Faith: Thousands joined the Nitra pilgrimage celebrating the Assumption of Mary, with bishops taking part in the historic Calvary climb. Business & Tech: Arrow Electronics expands IBM distribution coverage to include Slovakia, boosting access for local channel partners to infrastructure, automation and data solutions.

Children’s Culture: Chinese illustrator Cai Gao became the first from China to win the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award, praised for a distinctive style that blends tradition and modern creativity. Heat & Safety: Europe is in the grip of a dangerous fifth heat wave, with record temperatures linked to wildfires, drought and thousands of excess deaths during heat events. Film & Festivals: The European Film Festival in Brežice is set to screen a mix of competition and non-competition titles, with Slovenian works included and a new award for outstanding European film contribution. Local Environment & Energy: Record-low Danube levels are raising alarms about climate risk for nuclear power and wider energy reliability across Central Europe. Slovakia in Focus: Slovakia is refusing to recognise same-sex marriages performed abroad, after an EU court ruling—an issue tied to government constitutional changes. Ukraine Support: Ukrainian firefighters returned from France after nearly two weeks helping tackle major forest fires under the EU civil protection mechanism. International Security: A Ukrainian-American rapper linked to drone logistics survived an alleged FSB assassination plot after Polish security services arrested a suspected Russian hitman.

U20 Wrestling in Bratislava: India’s Greco-Roman wrestlers had a tough Day 1 at the U20 World Championships, with only Dheeraj Kumar reaching the quarterfinal before the medal hopes ended. EU Court vs Slovakia: Slovakia refuses to recognise same-sex marriages carried out in other EU countries, after a CJEU ruling—sparking claims of government interference in a Slovak couple’s registration case. Slovakia in the spotlight at global sports: World Athletics leadership debate is heating up, with World Athletics VP Ximena Restrepo arguing federations must unite to keep track and field growing. Local culture and international ties: Slovakia’s presence also shows up abroad, from international events to global greetings—while India’s 80th Independence Day drew messages from leaders worldwide, including Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. Crime and security watch: A Norwegian-government-linked foundation reportedly held secret meetings with senior Hamas officials in 2021, according to internal documents.

EU Court Clash in Slovakia: Slovakia is refusing to recognise same-sex marriages performed in other EU countries, despite an EU court ruling requiring registration, after a Slovak gay couple say government interference blocked their case. Drought Hits Nuclear Power: Record-low Danube river levels are forcing Hungary to cut output at Paks and leaving Romania to shut its last reactor, raising alarms about cooling water for atomic energy as Europe bakes. Ukraine Firefighting Help: A Ukrainian State Emergency Service team returned from France after nearly two weeks battling major wildfires under the EU civil protection mechanism, working alongside French and Slovak rescuers. Poland Security Raid: Polish counter-terror police arrested a Russian man accused of plotting to kill Ukrainian-American rapper Kyivstoner, with claims he was acting on orders from Moscow. Global I-Day Greetings: Leaders including Putin, Macron, Rubio and others sent messages to India on its 80th Independence Day, praising ties and expanding partnerships. Bratislava Link in Industry: Bratislava-based SIPRON signed a cooperation deal with Zimbabwe’s Harare Institute of Technology to boost industrial automation and machine design training. Local Culture & Travel: Agoda data shows Slovakia among the fastest-growing European markets searching for trips to Asia, while Sziget Festival in Budapest drew visitors from 112 countries.

Drought and energy stress: Record-low Danube levels are forcing major nuclear curtailments, with Hungary’s Paks output cut to just over 10% earlier this month and Romania shutting down its last working reactor after cooling-water diversion failed. Slovakia energy policy: Slovakia is moving to cut wind energy zones, leaving only one area in eastern Slovakia (split into two zones), with municipalities’ consent required for new wind farms. Local governance: European cities and municipalities are meeting in Fiľakovo to discuss EU cooperation and the future of Europe, including visits to EU-funded development projects. International ties: World leaders including Putin, Macron, Rubio and Albanese sent greetings to India on its 80th Independence Day, praising its global role and partnerships. Security and Ukraine: Polish authorities say they arrested a Russian hitman allegedly sent to kill rapper Kyivstoner (Slevin Dadyan/Albert Vasiliev), with claims linking the plot to drone logistics through Slovakia and the region. Culture: Azerbaijan showcased its folklore at an international festival in France, with performances also featuring Slovakia among other countries. Tourism: Agoda reports European interest in India is up, with Slovakia showing the biggest jump in accommodation searches (+148%) for summer 2026.

Children’s Culture: Cai Gao, the first Chinese winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, met readers in Bratislava at the IBBY World Congress, signing books and sharing her everyday-life rooted art. Citizenship Rules: Slovakia says citizenship applicants must have continuous permanent residence for at least eight years right up to the application date, and it has also listed eight categories exempt from the Slovak language test. Economy: Slovakia’s Q2 GDP growth slowed to 0.7% year-on-year, with consumption supporting growth while investment dipped. Energy & Climate: Record-low Danube levels are disrupting nuclear power across the region, with Romania shutting its last reactor and Hungary cutting output at Paks—raising pressure to cool plants with less river water. Local Governance & Industry: A Fiľakovo meeting brought European cities together to discuss EU cooperation, while Bratislava-based SIPRON is partnering with Zimbabwe’s HIT to boost industrial automation and training. Wind Power Policy: Slovakia plans to cut wind energy development zones from eight to just one area in eastern Slovakia, with municipal consent required. Tourism: Agoda data shows Slovakia led European interest in India searches for summer 2026, up 148% year-on-year.

Energy & Climate: Drought is hitting nuclear cooling hard across the region: Romania shut its last working reactor on record-low Danube levels, while Hungary’s Paks is being pushed to the brink as river levels fall again, raising fears of further output cuts or even a full shutdown. Local Energy Policy: Slovakia is making wind development tougher, with the Environment Ministry removing seven of eight proposed acceleration zones, leaving only one eastern area for further review. Economy & Living Costs: Slovakia’s Q2 GDP growth slowed to 0.7% year-on-year, with consumption supporting growth while investment cooled. Citizenship Rules: Slovakia says foreigners must have continuous permanent residence for at least eight years right before applying, and it has listed eight categories exempt from the Slovak language test. Culture & Tourism: Sziget Festival in Budapest drew visitors from 112 countries, with Slovakia among the key source markets. Local Governance: Cities and municipalities are meeting in Fiľakovo to discuss EU cooperation and share development experience. Tech & Security: Researchers warn of WindRelay malware turning Android phones into remote contactless card skimmers, enabling real-time fraud. Sports/Media: Spain’s broadcaster RTVE apologized after omitting an Israeli athlete’s name and nationality during a live athletics lineup. International Politics: Poland says it will not lift its ban on Ukrainian grain imports despite EU pressure. Culture Tips: Trenčín’s Grape Festival in the European Capital of Culture kicks off with an international lineup, ending with Slovak electronic artist Fvlcrvm.

Energy & Climate: Record-low Danube levels are forcing Central Europe’s nuclear operators into emergency mode, with Romania shutting down its last working reactor at Cernavodă after cooling-water shortages, while Hungary has already slashed output at Paks—raising fresh questions about how atomic power can survive hotter, drier summers. Local Energy Policy: Slovakia is making wind farm construction harder after the Environmental Ministry rejected most proposed “acceleration zones,” leaving only one pilot area moving forward and putting EU renewable funding at risk. Cybercrime: Researchers warn that the WindRelay Android malware can turn phones into contactless card “skimmers,” enabling real-time theft after a short compromise—an attack seen across Central and Eastern Europe. Slovakia Abroad: Slovakia will fund 11 development projects worth over €1.4 million through SlovakAid, backing Slovak businesses in countries including Angola, Iraq, Kenya, Nigeria and Ukraine. Tech & Travel Rules: Starlink’s new roaming rules exclude Poland from a Europe-wide travel region, triggering a public clash between Poland’s foreign/digital officials and Elon Musk—while Slovakia is included in the broader region. Business & Society: Eurostat data shows fewer Slovaks use tobacco/nicotine daily, especially among 25–34-year-olds, as the EU pushes toward a 2040 target of under 5%.

Energy & Climate Shock: Record-low Danube levels are forcing major nuclear cutbacks across Central Europe, with Romania shutting down its last operating reactor at Cernavodă and Hungary slashing output at Paks as drought and heat worsen cooling-water limits. Gas Supply Politics: Greece’s politician says the “Vertical Corridor” for LNG deliveries to Ukraine via Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova is still “mostly on paper,” citing political and economic pushback. Renewables Gridlock: Slovakia’s Environmental Ministry rejected seven of eight proposed wind “acceleration zones,” leaving only one pilot area moving forward and putting renewable funding at risk. Cybercrime Alert: Researchers warn of WindRelay malware targeting Android users via vishing and custom malware that can clone contactless cards quickly. Slovakia Abroad & Business: Slovakia will fund 11 development projects worth over €1.4m through SlovakAid, backing areas from wastewater reuse to renewable energy. Tech & Travel Tensions: Starlink’s roaming exclusions sparked a Poland backlash that also affects the wider region including Slovakia. Health & Tourism: A Bratislava stem-cell clinic partnership is marketed as expanding access for international patients to regulated European therapies.

Human Rights Row: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi hit back at France after France and nearly 30 countries condemned alleged executions of protesters in Iran, accusing Paris of “hypocrisy” tied to Gaza and Tehran. EU Migration Update: Eurostat says 4.41 million Ukrainians are under temporary protection across the EU as of end-June, with Germany hosting the most and Slovakia among the highest per-capita concentrations. Local Tech & Security: CETIN Networks in Slovakia is rolling out RADCOM’s AI-driven service assurance across its mobile network as it moves toward 5G Standalone and a cloud-native core. Health & Lifestyles: Eurostat reports fewer young Slovaks use tobacco/nicotine daily, with the biggest drop among ages 25–34. Sports: At the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, Matt Hudson-Smith claimed historic 400m gold, while Slovakia’s Emma Zapletalová won women’s 400m hurdles and Great Britain’s Emily Newnham took silver. Business: Just Eat Takeaway will stop delivery services in Bulgaria from September 15, affecting about 220 employees and 480 couriers.