Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 07/06/2026 10:37 · 52 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

International Politics

View all2868 stories
International Politics

Hungarian Prime Minister Orders Investigation into Pedophile Case Linked to Children's Home

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has ordered an extraordinary investigation into a pedophile case connected to a children's home in Bicske. The investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding a presidential pardon granted by former Hungarian President Katalin Novák. The case has prompted significant political scrutiny in Hungary, where Novák stepped down from her position in February 2024 after controversy erupted over her decision to pardon an accomplice in a child abuse case at the Bicske children's home. The investigation reflects mounting pressure on the Hungarian government to address concerns about how the pardon was granted and whether proper procedures were followed in reviewing the case.

SME
|
International Politics

Economist Questions Whether Europe Needs New Civilizational Doctrine for Age of Chaos

An economist has raised questions about whether Europe requires a new civilizational doctrine to navigate what he describes as an "age of chaos." The discussion draws on insights from British historian Mark Mazower's work "The Dark Continent: Europe in the 20th Century," which argues that politics cannot be reduced to economics alone. Mazower contends that differences in values and ideologies must be taken seriously rather than dismissed as mere reflections of class interests. The 20th century demonstrated Europe's vulnerability to catastrophic ideological movements, suggesting the continent may need fresh philosophical frameworks to address contemporary challenges.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Slovak Energy Minister Calls for EU-Wide Energy Market Reforms

Slovak Energy Minister Denisa Saková has called on the European Union to implement systemic changes to how energy markets operate across the bloc. Saková emphasized that stable energy supplies and affordable energy prices are essential requirements that need to be addressed through comprehensive market reforms. The minister's appeal comes as European countries continue to grapple with energy security and pricing challenges that have affected households and businesses across the continent since the disruption of traditional energy supply chains.

SME
|
International Politics

Slovakia to Manufacture New Tank as Europe Seeks Tomahawk Missile Replacement

Slovakia will participate in manufacturing a new tank model as part of broader European defense initiatives. The development comes amid ongoing efforts by European nations to find alternatives to American-made Tomahawk cruise missiles and strengthen domestic defense capabilities. The tank production represents part of Slovakia's growing involvement in European defense manufacturing partnerships, reflecting the continent's push toward greater military independence and industrial capacity following geopolitical tensions.

SME
|
International Politics

Ukraine's EU Path Has No Shortcuts, Says Analyst, Despite War Not Being Obstacle

A frozen war conflict does not prevent European Union membership, according to analyst Radovan Geist, who points to Cyprus as precedent for joining the EU with occupied territory. Geist's comments address Ukraine's ongoing bid for EU membership while fighting continues with Russia. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004 despite the northern third of the island being controlled by Turkish forces since 1974, establishing that territorial disputes need not block accession. However, Geist emphasized that there are no shortcuts to Brussels for Ukraine, suggesting the country must still meet all standard membership requirements regardless of its wartime circumstances.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

Russia Prepared Tens of Thousands of Drones as Putin Provokes EU, Journalist Claims

Russia has reportedly prepared tens of thousands of drones as part of what a journalist describes as President Vladimir Putin's provocation against the European Union. The drones have reportedly been detected or intercepted in Poland, Latvia, and Romania, suggesting a coordinated effort targeting multiple EU member states along Russia's western border. The incidents represent an escalation in tensions between Russia and European Union countries, with the drone activities spanning across NATO's eastern flank from the Baltic region to southeastern Europe.

Korzár
|
International Politics

Russian Provocations Against EU Detected in Poland, Latvia and Romania

Russian provocative activities have been detected across multiple European Union member states, including Poland, Latvia, and Romania, according to a journalist's analysis. The incidents appear to be part of a broader pattern of Russian efforts to destabilize the European Union. Intelligence reports suggest Russia has prepared tens of thousands of drones, potentially for use in these provocative operations. The activities represent an escalation in tensions between Russia and EU member states, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine continues to strain relations between Moscow and Western Europe.

Korzár
|
International Politics

Czech Parliament Opposes Sudeten German Meeting in Brno Despite Organizer's Assurances

Czech lawmakers have expressed opposition to a planned gathering of Sudeten Germans in Brno, prompting criticism from Bernd Posselt, a key figure in the event. Posselt condemned the parliament's stance and emphasized that he considers the issue of the Beneš Decrees to be closed, stating he does not plan to address the topic in his speech. The Beneš Decrees were post-World War II laws that stripped ethnic Germans of Czech citizenship and property, leading to their mass expulsion from Czechoslovakia. Organizers from the Meeting Brno festival view the political resistance as a sign of weakness and fear of confronting historical issues. They maintain that dialogue remains the only path to genuine reconciliation between Czechs and Germans over their shared but troubled history.

Aktuality
|
International Politics

Ukrainian Journalist Warns Slovakia Must Prepare for Possible Drone Attacks as Russia Tests NATO Boundaries

A Ukrainian journalist has warned that Russia is testing NATO's boundaries and that Slovakia should prepare for potential drone attacks. The warning comes as tensions continue along NATO's eastern borders, with Russia conducting various military activities that challenge the alliance's defensive posture. Slovakia, as a NATO member bordering Ukraine, faces particular security concerns as the conflict continues. The journalist also provided predictions about when the war might end, though specific details of the timeline were not elaborated.

Korzár
|
International Politics

EU Chief Condemns Russian Attacks on Kyiv as 'Mockery of Peace Diplomacy'

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned Russia's latest massive bombardment of Kyiv, calling the attacks a mockery of diplomatic peace efforts. The 48-hour bombing campaign resulted in civilian casualties and prompted the European Union to accelerate financial aid to Ukraine. The EU is fast-tracking the first six billion euros from a comprehensive 90-billion-euro loan package, directing funds toward joint drone production initiatives. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is preparing the bloc's 21st sanctions package targeting Russia's military industrial complex. Russia defended the strikes as retaliatory measures aimed at military-linked facilities and energy infrastructure supporting Ukrainian armed forces.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Slovak Coalition MPs Call Czech Parliamentary Appeal a 'Farce' Over Beneš Decrees

Slovak coalition lawmakers dismissed a Czech parliamentary appeal regarding the Beneš Decrees as a "farce," with MP Posselt stating the decrees are not a relevant topic for discussion. The controversy emerged after plans were announced to hold a gathering on Czech territory, which coalition members said was unfortunate as it could reopen old wounds among people. The Beneš Decrees were post-World War II presidential decrees that resulted in the expulsion of ethnic Germans and Hungarians from Czechoslovakia and remain a sensitive historical issue between Slovakia and its neighbors.

TASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Hungarian Opposition Leader Films Inside Orbán's Palaces, Documents Findings

Hungarian opposition politician Péter Magyar conducted a filmed investigation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's palatial residences, documenting his discoveries with cameras. The investigation comes as part of Magyar's ongoing political activities in post-election Hungary. Magyar, who emerged as a significant opposition figure after breaking with Orbán's ruling Fidesz party, has been conducting various publicity campaigns to highlight what he describes as government excess and corruption. The filming represents the latest in a series of opposition efforts to challenge Orbán's administration, which has governed Hungary since 2010 and secured another electoral victory earlier this year.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

German Chancellor Merz Cancels Planned Visit to Slovakia, Opposition Says

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has canceled his planned visit to Slovakia scheduled for May 29, according to Ivan Korčok, former foreign minister and deputy leader of the opposition Progressive Slovakia party. Korčok stated that the visit by one of Europe's most significant political leaders was likely canceled due to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's pro-Russian policies. Representatives of the ruling Smer-SD party, including Fico, had repeatedly spoken about Merz's upcoming visit in recent days and weeks. Korčok described the cancellation as a diplomatic fiasco and called for a government response, suggesting the decision was influenced by Fico's recent trip to Moscow.

SMEDennik NAktuality
|
International Politics

Polish Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Spy Plane Over Baltic Sea Near NATO Border

Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over international waters in the Baltic Sea on Thursday after the spy plane approached NATO borders with its identification transponders turned off. The Russian Ilyushin Il-20 surveillance aircraft was flying near NATO airspace with its tracking systems disabled and identification data concealed, prompting the Polish Air Force response over international waters. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz characterized the incident as an aggressive action by Moscow designed to test Poland's air defense systems. Such aerial intercepts have become increasingly common as tensions between NATO and Russia remain high, with alliance members regularly scrambling jets to monitor Russian military aircraft operating near their borders.

AktualityTASR/Teraz
|
International Politics

Pope Francis Maintains Measured Stance Amid Disagreement with Donald Trump

Pope Francis has adopted a cautious and calm approach while remaining resolute in his position during a disagreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The pontiff has demonstrated restraint in his public statements while maintaining his stance on the issues in dispute. The disagreement reflects broader tensions between the Vatican's positions and Trump's policies, though the specific nature of the current dispute was not detailed in available reports.

SME
|
International Politics

Slovak Justice Ministry Denies Change in Position on WHO Pandemic Agreement

Slovakia's Ministry of Justice rejected claims that the country has changed its stance on the World Health Organization's pandemic agreement negotiations. The ministry stated that reports suggesting Slovakia had shifted its position do not reflect reality. Officials clarified that Slovakia maintains a critical approach specifically toward negotiations on the controversial PABS annex, while distinguishing this from the main pandemic agreement itself. The WHO pandemic agreement has been under international negotiation as countries work to establish frameworks for responding to future health emergencies, with various nations expressing concerns about sovereignty and implementation details.

SMEAktuality
|
International Politics

Budapest Mayor Says Hungary Can Become 'Normal Country' After 16 Years of Fidesz Rule

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony expressed optimism about Hungary's political future, stating that after sixteen years of Fidesz rule, it seems almost incomprehensible that the country could become a normal nation again. The mayor praised the political transformation of Péter Magyar, who has emerged as a significant opposition figure, and expressed his interest in seeing a strong Tisza Party government by 2029, when the next municipal elections are scheduled. Karácsony's comments reflect growing opposition momentum in Hungary against Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party, which has dominated Hungarian politics since 2010. Magyar, a former government insider turned critic, leads the Tisza Party, which has positioned itself as a centrist alternative to both Fidesz and traditional opposition parties in Hungary's increasingly polarized political landscape.

Dennik N
|
International Politics

Peace with Putin not expected, analysts warn

Military analysts and political observers are warning that peace negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin remain unlikely in the near term. The ongoing war in Ukraine represents an existential struggle not only for Ukraine's survival as an independent nation, but also for Putin's political future and Russia's strategic position. The conflict has become a defining moment for Putin's leadership, with his domestic legitimacy increasingly tied to the war's outcome, making any compromise or withdrawal politically dangerous for the Russian leader.

SME
|
International Politics

Slovak Town Expresses Solidarity with Ukrainian Partner City After Drone Attacks

The Slovak town of Stará Ľubovňa has expressed solidarity with its Ukrainian partner city Svalyava following drone attacks that targeted critical infrastructure. The attacks represent part of ongoing strikes against Ukrainian civilian and infrastructure targets amid the war with Russia. Stará Ľubovňa, located in northeastern Slovakia near the Ukrainian border, maintains partnership ties with Svalyava in Ukraine's Zakarpattia region, reflecting broader cross-border connections between Slovak and Ukrainian communities.

Korzár
|
International Politics

Slovak Export-Import Bank Discusses New Risks for Exporters at Astana Meeting

Slovakia's Export-Import Bank participated in discussions about emerging risks facing exporters during a meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. The talks focused on challenges arising from the changing global economic environment, where economic security, market diversification, and effective risk management have become increasingly important priorities. The Export-Import Bank, which provides financing and insurance services to support Slovak companies' international trade activities, joined the discussions as businesses worldwide adapt to new uncertainties in global commerce.

SMETASR/Teraz
|