Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 06/06/2026 21:36 · 34 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

International Politics

View all2863 stories
International Politics

Hungary Welcomes Slovak Constitutional Court Decision but Renews Criticism of Beneš Decrees

Hungary welcomed a recent decision by Slovakia's Constitutional Court while simultaneously renewing its criticism of the Beneš Decrees, post-World War II presidential decrees that expelled ethnic Germans and Hungarians from Czechoslovakia and confiscated their property. The Hungarian response prompted Slovakia's Foreign Ministry to reject claims that the country systematically violates the rights of ethnic Hungarians living in Slovakia. The exchange reflects ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries over historical grievances and the treatment of national minorities, particularly Slovakia's ethnic Hungarian population which comprises about 8% of the country's residents.

SME
|
International Politics

EU Unlikely to Strip Slovakia of Voting Rights, German MEP Says Funding Freeze More Effective

Slovakia is not currently at risk of losing its voting rights in the European Union, according to German MEP Daniel Freund. Freund argued that the EU should stop hesitating after issuing warnings to Slovakia and instead deploy what he considers a more effective tool. The German parliamentarian stated that freezing EU funds would be a more powerful weapon than invoking Article 7, the procedure that can ultimately lead to the suspension of a member state's voting rights in EU institutions.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

Russian fighters threatened British reconnaissance aircraft over Black Sea

Russian fighter jets posed a threat to a British reconnaissance aircraft operating over the Black Sea, according to Britain's defense ministry. The incident represents the latest in a series of aerial confrontations between NATO and Russian forces in the strategically important region. Britain's defense minister stated that the incident would not deter the country from its commitment to defending NATO, emphasizing continued alliance solidarity despite Russian military pressure. The Black Sea has become a focal point of tensions since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with NATO countries conducting regular surveillance missions to monitor Russian naval and air activity in the region.

SME
|
International Politics

Former Slovak Finance Minister Analyzes Economic Impact of Trump's Policies

Ivan Mikloš, Slovakia's former finance minister, published an analysis examining the economic results and consequences of Donald Trump's policies during his presidency. Writing in Dennik N, Mikloš follows up on his previous commentary about Trump's foreign policy, which he argued weakened rather than strengthened America's geopolitical position. In his latest piece, Mikloš focuses specifically on Trump's economic policies and their outcomes, evaluating what he terms "Trumponomics" through the lens of macroeconomic development. The analysis comes as part of ongoing Slovak political and economic commentary on international developments and their broader implications.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Putin's China Visit Yields Limited Results Despite Nuclear Exercises Display

Russian President Vladimir Putin's 25th visit to China ended with modest achievements, despite attempts to impress both his hosts and the West with precisely timed nuclear exercises. The two-day trip, which Putin described as a visit to a "long-time good friend," has been assessed as disappointing even by Russian observers. The visit failed to secure significant progress on key Russian priorities, including energy cooperation and pipeline projects that Moscow had hoped would strengthen its economic ties with Beijing amid ongoing international sanctions. The nuclear military exercises, conducted during Putin's stay, appeared to be the most notable demonstration of Russian power during the diplomatic mission, suggesting limited substantial agreements were reached between the two leaders.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Influential German MEP calls Slovak PM Fico a 'Putin spokesman' over his alliance choices

A prominent German member of the European Parliament, Niclas Herbst, criticized Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for his political alliances, stating that Fico has chosen his allies and that Europe does not need another spokesperson for Vladimir Putin. The remarks reflect growing tensions within the European Union over Slovakia's foreign policy direction under Fico's leadership. Fico, who leads the social-democratic Smer-SD party and returned to power in 2023, has faced criticism from EU partners for his positions on Russia and Ukraine, marking a departure from Slovakia's previously strong pro-Western stance.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Slovak MEPs Divided Over European Parliament Resolution on Rule of Law

Slovak members of the European Parliament have expressed differing views on a recent European Parliament resolution concerning the rule of law. Katarína Roth Neveďalová, an independent MEP affiliated with the ruling social-democratic Smer-SD party, criticized the resolution as an attempt by some European parliamentarians to directly interfere in Slovakia's political situation and influence elections. The disagreement reflects broader tensions between Slovakia's governing coalition and European Union institutions over democratic standards and judicial independence.

TASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Slovak MEPs Welcome EU Steel Protection Measures

Slovak Members of the European Parliament have welcomed new European Union measures designed to protect the continent's steel industry. Martin Hojsík, representing the Progressive Slovakia party in the European Parliament, described the EU institutional agreement on steel as providing a solid foundation for ensuring fair conditions for both Slovak and European steelmakers. The measures come as the European steel sector faces ongoing challenges from international competition and market pressures.

TASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Chinese Invasion Would Wipe Out Tenth of Global GDP Overnight, Taiwanese Diplomat Warns

A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would eliminate one-tenth of global GDP overnight, according to warnings from a Taiwanese diplomat. The Australian think-tank Lowy Institute predicts that a Chinese occupation of Taiwan would be followed by massive repression and attempts at total control over the island state. The warning highlights the severe economic consequences that would accompany any military action against Taiwan, beyond the immediate humanitarian and political impacts. Taiwan, a self-governing democracy of 23 million people, remains one of the world's most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints, with China claiming the island as part of its territory while Taiwan maintains de facto independence.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Slovak woman possibly detained as Israeli forces intercept Gaza flotilla

Israeli naval forces intercepted 16 ships from the Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla attempting to break the blockade of Gaza on Monday, with a Slovak woman possibly among the detained activists. According to family members and international activists, Slovak citizen Dáša Raimanová was aboard one of the vessels when they were seized by the Israeli military. Slovakia's Foreign Ministry is awaiting confirmation from Israeli authorities about whether a Slovak national is among those detained. The Global Sumud Flotilla is a humanitarian initiative that attempts to deliver aid to Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007 following Hamas's takeover of the territory.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Iran's Parliament Speaker Accuses US of Trying to Start New War

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the United States of attempting to initiate a new war, as tensions between the two countries have escalated despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. The accusations come amid heightened mutual threats between Washington and Tehran, occurring at a time when the two nations are exchanging proposals to end a conflict that began on February 28. A ceasefire has been in effect since April 8, though the specific conflict being referenced was not detailed in the available information.

TASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Russians Face Risk of Land Seizure for Unmaintained Properties

Russian property owners in Slovakia face the threat of having their land confiscated if they fail to maintain it properly. The risk is particularly elevated in areas where demand for land is high, creating pressure on authorities to reclaim neglected properties. This development comes amid broader tensions between Slovakia and Russia following the war in Ukraine, with various measures affecting Russian citizens' property rights and business activities in the country.

SME
|
International Politics

Hamas Condemns Ben-Gvir Video with Activists, Netanyahu Also Criticizes

Hamas condemned a video featuring Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir with activists, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticized the incident. According to information from the Global Sumud Flotilla website, Slovak citizen Dáša Raimanová is among those detained. Ben-Gvir, who leads the far-right Otzma Yehudit party and serves in Netanyahu's coalition government, has been a controversial figure known for his hardline positions on Palestinian issues. The incident appears to be connected to activist detention, though the specific context of Ben-Gvir's involvement and the nature of the video that drew condemnation from both Hamas and Netanyahu remains unclear from the available information.

TASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Slovakia Faces Potential EU Funding Cuts as European Parliament Demands Stricter Controls

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Wednesday criticizing Slovakia's rule of law situation and suspected misuse of European funds, with 347 members voting in favor, 165 against, and 25 abstaining. The non-binding but politically significant document calls on the European Commission to take decisive action to protect European values and taxpayer money. While the resolution carries no legal force, it represents growing European concern about Slovakia's handling of EU funding and raises the possibility of financial penalties or restrictions on future disbursements. Slovakia has previously faced scrutiny over its management of European Union structural funds, which provide billions of euros for infrastructure, education, and economic development projects across the country.

Košice Dnes
|
International Politics

Italy summons Israeli ambassador over treatment of activists

Italy has summoned the Israeli ambassador to protest the treatment of activists by Israeli authorities. The diplomatic action was prompted by behavior from Israeli Minister Ben Gvir, who mocked activists who were kneeling on the ground with their heads down. The incident has strained diplomatic relations between Italy and Israel, leading to the formal diplomatic protest through the ambassador summoning.

SME
|
International Politics

Slovak PM Fico Reaffirms Support for Albania's EU Membership Bid

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico declared his country's full support for Albania's integration into the European Union during a meeting with Albanian President Bajram Begaj on Wednesday. Fico emphasized that EU enlargement represents an investment in European stability, while stressing that the accession process must remain fair and merit-based. The meeting comes as Albania continues its efforts to join the EU, with Slovakia positioning itself as a supporter of Western Balkan integration into European institutions.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

Ukrainian Food Bank Volunteers in Kyiv Package Aid for War-Affected Populations

Volunteers at a food bank warehouse in Kyiv are packaging humanitarian aid parcels for people affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The packages represent more than just food assistance, providing crucial support to civilians impacted by the conflict. The food bank operation serves as part of the humanitarian response to address the basic needs of Ukrainians displaced or affected by the war that began with Russia's invasion in February 2022.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

Russian Cultural Censor Sergej Novikov Targets Ideological Enemies in Arts

Russian cultural official Sergej Novikov has emerged as a key figure in the Kremlin's censorship of artistic and cultural expression, particularly targeting works that deviate from official state ideology. His role has become increasingly prominent as Russia intensifies control over cultural institutions following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The censorship extends to concert performances, where traditional programming has been altered to align with state messaging about the war. Novikov's activities represent part of a broader crackdown on cultural freedom in Russia, as the government seeks to eliminate what it views as ideological threats in the arts and entertainment sectors.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Slovak President Pellegrini Meets Former European Parliament Chief to Discuss EU Reform

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini met with Martin Schulz, former President of the European Parliament and current director of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, in Bratislava on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed the current functioning and future of the European Union, with both agreeing that the bloc must become more capable of action and more agile. The meeting reflects ongoing debates about EU institutional reform and effectiveness, as the union faces various challenges requiring more decisive responses. Pellegrini, who took office as Slovakia's president earlier this year, has been engaging with European leaders on questions of EU governance and Slovakia's role within the bloc.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

Slovak Commentary Highlights Oil Price Paradox Amid Russian Sanctions

A Slovak media commentary has described the current situation as a "cynical paradox" where cheap Russian oil remains available while gasoline prices stay high for consumers. The piece argues that responsible European governments cannot afford to purchase discounted Russian crude oil, presumably due to international sanctions imposed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The commentary appears to criticize the economic burden placed on ordinary citizens who face elevated fuel costs while cheaper alternatives exist but remain politically and ethically inaccessible to European Union member states committed to the sanctions regime.

SME
|