AGP Executive Report

Budget Rules: Parliament is considering looser provisional-budget rules, keeping an annual spending cap but removing monthly limits and giving the finance minister more flexibility. The government’s 2027 draft budget projects a 4.94% deficit; Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický says it brings no new taxes or levies. Streaming and Culture: Parliament approved a levy on foreign streaming services targeting Slovak customers: from 2027, eligible providers will pay 0.5% of Slovak revenue and invest 3% in Slovak audiovisual works. Rail Fares: Robert Fico says the 50% rail-fare subsidy will continue in November, with a possible extension through December and €6 million earmarked for both months. Press Freedom: The long-delayed trial over surveillance of journalists and politicians, including investigative reporter Ján Kuciak, opened in Bratislava but was postponed indefinitely after defendants pleaded not guilty. Business Climate: Slovakia ranks 43rd of 165 countries for economic freedom, scoring best on trade and weakest on government size and regulation.

Budget: Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický presented the 2027 state budget, projecting a deficit of 4.94% of GDP. He says it raises no business taxes or levies and increases spending on health care, education, social services and transport. Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár’s Kuwait visit brought an agreement to establish political consultations and a Slovak decision to reopen its embassy there. Business: Volkswagen has taken a 49% stake in Slovakia’s planned Šurany battery project, a major step for the country’s electric-vehicle industry. Economy: The IMF warns that Central Europe’s growth potential has fallen sharply since EU accession, as ageing populations, weak productivity and slower German industry weigh on the region. Culture: Bratislava-born singer ADÉLA is making an international breakthrough, with two songs from her debut album reaching the Billboard Hot 100.

EU Budget & Politics: Slovakia’s government approved the final state budget for the parliamentary term with a deficit of 4.94% of GDP, promising no new taxes and citing austerity, energy-price support, nuclear policy, drought measures, and higher pay for schools, police and hospitals—while the opposition warns debt could climb and says it may challenge the plan. EU Rule Changes: The European Commission unveiled new dominance guidelines that shift enforcement toward presumptions of harm, with tougher scrutiny for pricing/rebates and digital platform practices like self-preferencing. EU Enlargement: Montenegro is pushing ahead in EU accession talks, with Slovakia stressing merit-based progress and support for gradual integration models. Local Economy: Slovakia’s retail sales rose 1.6% year-on-year in August, rebounding after a small July dip, though hypermarkets and supermarkets fell and e-shops declined. Culture Spotlight: Bratislava-born pop star ADÉLA keeps breaking through internationally, with sold-out Los Angeles shows and a debut album PRIMA gaining major chart momentum. Sports: Slovakia’s rivals in the UEFA Nations League and U21 race keep the spotlight on regional football, with qualification drama and key matches across the week.

Slovak Budget Fight: Slovakia’s government has approved the final state budget for the current parliamentary term, setting the deficit at 4.94% of GDP next year, with Prime Minister Robert Fico saying there are no new taxes and that austerity continues—while the opposition warns debt could climb toward 90 billion euros and plans to challenge the budget. EU Politics: Slovakia opposes any EU move to confiscate frozen Russian sovereign funds, saying it would not support confiscation or any financial obligations for the country. Public Finance Outlook: A draft general government budget for 2027–2029 projects the 2027 deficit at 4.37% of GDP, with gradual changes afterward, but opposition parties criticize election-driven choices. Health & Safety: Russia says it found no plague cases among contacts after a Siberian lab worker died, while the ECDC says there’s no sign of sustained person-to-person spread. Business & Innovation: Sensible Biotechnologies, with Slovak and EU non-dilutive support, raised $47M to scale its mRNA manufacturing platform. Retail Watch: Slovakia’s retail sales rose 1.6% year-on-year in August, rebounding after a small dip in July. Culture: Radio legend Štefan Horský, a major figure in Czechoslovak and Slovak broadcasting, has died at 97. Arts & Entertainment: Slovak pop star ADÉLA is in Los Angeles for sold-out shows tied to her debut album PRIMA.

Slovak Public Finance: Slovakia’s 2027 general government budget draft sets the deficit at 4.94% of GDP, up from the originally planned 4.1% for 2026, with the government also pointing to improved tax collection and no new tax or mandatory levy hikes. US–Slovakia Defence Aid: The US confirmed it redirected about €46m (US$52m) in unspent military aid originally intended for Slovakia to Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru, drawing criticism over support linked to the Ukraine war. EU Budget Pressure: Seventeen EU states, including Slovakia, are urging the Irish EU presidency to protect cohesion and farm funding in the 2028–2034 budget, warning cuts would weaken key policies. NATO Readiness Question: A new analysis says NATO forces on the eastern flank would be able to respond in self-defence without waiting for permission if Russia entered NATO territory. Local Culture: The Slovak National Theatre is set to premiere a play based on Václav Havel’s essay, with Slovak dates on Oct. 8–9. Tech & Industry: Volkswagen plans to take a 49% stake in Gotion’s Šurany battery plant, a move aimed at easing concerns around the Chinese-backed project.

Slovak Economy & Industry: Volkswagen is set to buy a 49% stake via PowerCo in the Gotion battery plant in Šurany, a move aimed at easing worries around the €1.25bn project and helping with delays. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU states, including Slovakia, are pushing the Irish EU presidency to protect Cohesion Policy and the CAP from cuts in the 2028–2034 budget. Local Mobility Costs: Slovakia plans to halve transport fares for 30 days amid high fuel prices, as Greece also announces subsidies. Business Climate: Eurostat data shows 3.5m new enterprises were created in the EU in 2024, but in Slovakia more firms closed than opened. Tech & Media: Apple raised Apple One Family/Premier prices in multiple European countries including Slovakia, about €2/month on average. Culture & Society: Chinese is gaining ground in Slovak schools, with bilingual programmes starting as early as high school. Sports: Ireland U21 face England U21 in a decisive qualifier, with a play-off spot on the line.

EU Budget Talks: Seventeen EU governments, including Slovakia, Italy and Romania, are urging Ireland’s EU presidency to protect Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy from cuts in the 2028–2034 budget negotiations. Local Impact & Funding: The same budget fight is also putting a spotlight on journalism funding, with analysis warning that EU support has disproportionately gone to larger broadcasters rather than local and community media—an issue the EU is trying to fix before 2028. Refugees & Education: Ukrainian students in the US face uncertainty as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is set to end on Oct. 19, threatening their ability to stay and continue studies. Security & Diplomacy: Spain says it will keep its embassy in Kyiv despite Russian threats, aligning with EU diplomats who insist on staying in the Ukrainian capital. Housing Market: Netherlands data shows fewer newbuild homes sold in Q2 2026, while existing-home sales rose. Sports (Slovakia-linked): Northern Ireland’s Kieran Morrison marked his debut with an assist in a 3-0 Nations League win over Ukraine played in Slovakia.

Tragic School Attack: A knife attack at a primary school in Staškov, northern Slovakia, has claimed a second life: a schoolgirl died in hospital, after a 61-year-old teacher was killed at the scene. Police detained a 13-year-old suspect and are still investigating the motive; a crisis team is supporting pupils, teachers and parents. Government & Budget: Slovakia’s coalition is edging toward agreement on next year’s state budget, with talks expected soon; the big political fights include whether to scrap the transaction tax and how to handle debt-brake rules. Tax Deal: The junior SNS says it has secured abolition of the transaction tax from 31 December 2027, while also claiming a return of €5 million for the Culture Ministry from ticket sales. EU Funding Pressure: Seventeen EU leaders, including Slovakia, are pushing back against proposed cuts to Cohesion Policy and the CAP, warning that reductions would weaken the EU and public support. V4 Diplomacy: Slovakia’s foreign minister joined Visegrad-4 talks with India on UN sidelines, with agreement to back India for a permanent UN Security Council seat. Green Cities Watch: Košice is among the finalists for the EU’s 2026 Green Capital title, with winners announced next week in Portugal. Sports (Local Connection): Northern Ireland stunned Ukraine 3-0 in Slovakia in UEFA Nations League action, with young players starring.

Green City Watch: Eight European finalists for the EU’s 2028 European Green Capital and Green Leaf awards were announced, with Košice in Slovakia among the five cities in the main Green Capital race; winners will be revealed next week in Guimarães, Portugal. Slovak Politics & Serbia Ties: Prime Minister Robert Fico backed Aleksandar Vučić’s bid to lead Serbia, but canceled a Belgrade rally appearance after a doctor advised against flying; his prepared speech was read out instead. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU leaders, including Slovakia, urged Ireland’s EU presidency to protect Cohesion Policy and the CAP from cuts in the 2028–2034 budget negotiations. School Tragedy: A girl injured in the Staškov school knife attack has died in hospital, making her the second victim after a teacher; a 13-year-old suspect is detained. Public Finance: Slovakia’s coalition is moving toward agreement on next year’s state budget, with debate over a possible end to the transaction tax and how to meet debt-brake rules. Local Economy: House prices kept rising across Europe, with Slovakia among countries posting double-digit annual gains. Sports (Bratislava angle): Northern Ireland stunned Ukraine 3-0 in a Nations League match played in Slovakia, with young players starring.

Slovak-Serbian Politics: Robert Fico will not fly to Belgrade for the pre-election meeting of Aleksandar Vučić’s “United Serbia” list, citing acute health problems (a viral infection), while Vučić’s camp says the PM’s absence is linked to the aftermath of an assassination attempt. Fico still backed Vučić for Serbia’s snap vote on 25 October, with his prepared speech read out at the rally. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU leaders, including Slovakia, urged Ireland’s EU Council presidency to protect Cohesion Policy and the CAP from cuts in the 2028–2034 budget talks, warning reductions would weaken the EU and public support. School Tragedy in Slovakia: A girl injured in the Staškov primary school knife attack has died in hospital, making her the second victim after a teacher. Police detained a 13-year-old suspect and a crisis team is supporting pupils and families. Housing Watch: House prices kept rising across Europe, with Slovakia among the faster growers (13.6% year-on-year in Q2 2026). Sports (Local Angle): Northern Ireland stunned Ukraine 3-0 in Slovakia in Nations League action, with young players starring.

School Attack Aftermath: A second victim has died after the knife attack at a primary school in Staškov, northern Slovakia. The 61-year-old teacher died at the scene, while a schoolgirl later passed away in hospital; another teacher remains in hospital but is not in life-threatening danger. Police have detained a 13-year-old suspect and are continuing investigations, while a crisis team supports pupils, teachers and parents. Civil Code Overhaul: Slovakia’s new Civil Code was approved by MPs and will take effect next July, reshaping contract rules, inheritance and compensation for damages, and introducing new safeguards for weaker parties. Budget Talks & Taxes: The governing coalition is nearing agreement on next year’s state budget, with debate over whether to scrap the transaction tax and how to cover the revenue gap. SNS on Transaction Tax: The Slovak National Party says the transaction tax will be abolished as of 31 December 2027, while also claiming a return of €5 million for cultural event ticket sales to the Culture Ministry. Regional Politics: Slovak PM Robert Fico is set to speak at a Serbian Progressive Party rally in Belgrade, with Vučić presenting him as a “friend of Serbia.”

EU Budget Clash: Seventeen EU countries, including Slovakia, have banded together to block cuts to farm and cohesion funding in the bloc’s 2028–2034 budget talks, warning the plan must stay “genuine, fair, simple and non-regressive.” Slovak Politics: President Peter Pellegrini dismissed Environment Minister Tomas Taraba, handing the portfolio to Prime Minister Robert Fico and exposing fresh coalition strain after SNS MPs voted to remove their own nominee. Regional Security & Sport: Northern Ireland stunned Ukraine 2-0 in a Nations League match played in Slovakia, while the wider Nations League slate keeps drawing attention to Trnava and other venues. Tech & Business: Slovak Telekom is refreshing its BiznisNet broadband offer with new fibre plans for firms, adding features like mobile and power backup. International Ties: Putin publicly backed Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić and signalled support ahead of October elections, with Fico set to address an SNS rally in Belgrade. EU Mobility Rules: The UK published a list of 38 ATAS-exempt countries, including Slovakia, easing certain job clearance requirements.

Slovak Politics: Slovakia’s coalition is under fresh pressure after parliament dismissed Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba, with seven SNS MPs backing the opposition—leaving PM Robert Fico temporarily running the ministry and raising fears over the 2027 budget and possible early elections. EU–Russia Sanctions: Ukraine says it will respond to the EU lifting sanctions on Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov by preparing restrictions on more than 20 other oligarchs. Transport Costs: Slovakia is set to halve bus and public transport fares for 30 days amid high fuel prices, aiming to ease pressure on commuters. Business & Economy: Eurostat data show enterprise creation in the EU outpaced closures in 2024, while Slovakia saw more businesses shut than opened. Energy & Industry: The Slovak state will buy ČEZ’s 49% stake in JESS for €189.4 million, clearing the way for preparations for a new nuclear plant at Jaslovské Bohunice. Tech & Health: A new partnership brings AI ECG analysis into prehospital emergency care via corpuls devices across the EU and beyond.

Slovak Politics: Slovakia’s coalition is under fresh pressure after seven SNS MPs backed the opposition to oust Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba, shrinking PM Robert Fico’s parliamentary room ahead of key votes including the 2027 budget. Nuclear Energy: The Slovak government approved buying ČEZ’s 49% stake in JESS for €189.4 million via JAVYS, clearing the way for preparations for a new Jaslovské Bohunice nuclear plant. Health Tech: Powerful Medical and corpuls will integrate the “Queen of Hearts” AI ECG model into corpuls emergency devices across the EU, Switzerland and the UK to speed heart-attack detection in prehospital care. Public Transport Relief: Regional bus and public transport fares in Slovakia’s regional capitals will be cut by 50% for 30 days from Oct. 12, with Bratislava receiving the biggest subsidy. Culture & Film: Slovak director Martin Gonda’s debut “Flood” is discussed as Slovakia’s Oscar submission, revisiting the forced displacement of Rusyn villages for a reservoir. Business/Industry: Hyundai WIA has started mass production at a new Slovakia plant in Martin, expanding CVJ and thermal management component output for European automakers.

Politics & Government: Slovak President Peter Pellegrini officially dismissed Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba after Parliament’s no-confidence vote, and Prime Minister Robert Fico will temporarily head the ministry while a new appointment is prepared. Coalition Tensions: Smer-SD says keeping the government majority will take “enormous effort” and urges coalition partners to stop internal disputes from driving policy. Public Transport Relief: Slovakia will cut suburban bus and regional public transport fares by 50% for 30 days from Oct. 12, with Bratislava receiving the biggest subsidy allocation. Economy Watch: The central bank (NBS) revised its outlook, lifting 2026 GDP growth to 0.8% and lowering inflation to 3.6%. Parliament Agenda: MPs began debate on “Vision Slovakia 2040” and a draft bill on an integrated system to protect against radicalisation and mobilisation to violence. Regional Cooperation: V4 ministers stressed that strong regions and the EU’s eastern border are key to a competitive Europe. Defense & Industry: Slovakia is set to supply Latvia with 155 mm “Morana” artillery systems under a trilateral deal involving Czech and Slovak firms. Culture & Weekend Picks: Biela Noc (White Night) returns in Bratislava with light-based installations, and Stupava’s Dni Zelá (Cabbage Days) celebrates local cabbage traditions.

Government Stability: Smer-SD says it’s ready to work with SNS to finalise the environment minister appointment, urging coalition partners to stop internal disputes and focus on budgets and key projects. Parliament Ousts Minister: President Peter Pellegrini dismissed Environment Minister Tomas Taraba after MPs passed a no-confidence vote, with Prime Minister Robert Fico set to lead the ministry temporarily. Coalition Fallout: SNS leader Andrej Danko denies his party breached the coalition deal over Taraba’s dismissal, blaming the coalition partner for the breakdown. Transport Relief: Slovakia will cut suburban bus and regional public transport fares by 50% for 30 days from Oct. 12, with Bratislava receiving the biggest subsidy. Classified Info Deal: Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis approved an agreement with Slovakia on exchanging and protecting classified information. Security Hardware: Latvia, Slovakia and Czech defence firms signed a trilateral deal for 155mm “Morana” artillery systems. School Violence: A stabbing at a Slovak school left one woman dead and two others injured, with the attacker reported as an eighth-grade student.