Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
Last refreshed: 05/06/2026 21:42 · 44 articles added
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Slovak Cave Administration Plans to Reopen Krásnohorská Cave After Two Decades of Private Management

The Slovak Cave Administration announced plans to reopen Krásnohorská Cave to the public after the cave spent two decades under private lease. The cave, which has been closed to public access during its private management period, will require significant renovation of its tourist trail before visitors can return. The Slovak Cave Administration, the state body responsible for managing the country's cave systems, has regained control of the site and is now working to restore public access to what was previously one of Slovakia's accessible underground attractions.

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Society

Slovakia Plans Reforms for Secondary Vocational Education Following Budget Review

Slovakia's secondary vocational education system will undergo reforms based on findings from a government spending review. One key measure involves reducing funding standards for private schools that fail to meet required conditions. The reforms aim to improve the efficiency and quality of vocational training programs, which form a crucial part of Slovakia's education system that prepares students for skilled trades and technical careers.

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Society

Affordable Sunscreen Options Under Ten Euros That Don't Cause Eye Irritation

Slovak consumers can find quality sunscreen products priced under ten euros that offer effective sun protection without common drawbacks like greasy texture or eye irritation. The recommendations come as summer approaches and people seek affordable options for sun safety. These budget-friendly SPF products provide an alternative to more expensive brands while maintaining effectiveness and comfort for users.

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Society

Slovak school application system crashes as parents struggle to access enrollment results

Slovakia's electronic school application system, known as ePrihláška, has experienced widespread technical problems preventing parents and schools from accessing enrollment results. School directors report being unable to log into the system, with one administrator stating they were "kicked out" of the platform. The technical failures have created uncertainty for families trying to determine whether their children have been accepted to their preferred schools. The ePrihláška system is used nationwide for parents to apply for their children's school placements, making the outage a significant disruption during the critical enrollment period when acceptance decisions are typically announced.

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Society

Child Population in Slovakia Drops by 10 Percent Over Two Decades

Slovakia's child population has declined by one-tenth over the past 20 years, reflecting broader demographic challenges facing the Central European nation. The decrease shows significant regional variations across the country's 79 districts. The Prešov district in eastern Slovakia recorded the highest number of children, highlighting the uneven distribution of the country's youth population. This demographic shift reflects Slovakia's declining birth rates and aging population, trends that could have long-term implications for the country's economic growth, social security system, and labor market as fewer young people enter the workforce in coming decades.

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Society

Slovakia Launches Social Taxi Pilot Program for Seniors and Patients in Remote Areas

Slovakia's Ministry of Health has launched a pilot program providing social taxi services for elderly people and patients in need, aimed at improving access to healthcare in remote villages. The government is allocating nearly two million euros for the initiative, dubbed "health on wheels," which will help seniors and people facing hardship reach medical appointments in areas with limited public transportation. The program also includes the provision of defibrillators as part of the broader healthcare accessibility effort, addressing long-standing challenges faced by residents of Slovakia's rural communities who often struggle to access basic medical services.

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Society

Slovak Bistro Owner Defends Premium Pricing, Gains International Recognition

Dušan, owner of Bistro Futrak in the Považie region of western Slovakia, defended his restaurant's pricing strategy, stating that reducing burger prices by three euros would compromise food quality. The bistro has gained recognition from Gault&Millau, the prestigious French culinary guide known for rating fine dining establishments across Europe. The owner's comments highlight the challenge facing Slovak restaurateurs in balancing affordability with quality ingredients and preparation standards.

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Society

Spišská Belá Implements Energy Efficiency Measures at Elementary School

The municipality of Spišská Belá has completed energy efficiency improvements at one of its elementary schools, with local officials expecting the measures to reduce energy consumption by 50 percent. The project represents part of broader municipal efforts to cut energy costs and improve building efficiency in the eastern Slovak town.

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Society

Bratislava's Bory Maternity Hospital Offers Prenatal Treatment Three Years After Opening

The Bory Maternity Hospital in Bratislava now provides advanced prenatal medical treatment, capable of treating children before birth, three years after the facility first opened. The hospital has expanded its capabilities to include specialized interventions that can address medical conditions in unborn children, marking a significant advancement in Slovakia's maternal and neonatal healthcare services. This development represents a major milestone for the facility, which has grown its medical expertise and technology since beginning operations in 2021.

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Society

Slovak Advice Column Addresses Parental Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

A Slovak mother wrote to an advice column seeking guidance on how to support her 16-year-old son, whom she suspects may be gay. The mother expressed her desire to communicate acceptance to her son without pressuring him to disclose his sexual orientation before he is ready. The letter, published in Dennik N, reflects ongoing conversations in Slovak society about family support for LGBTQ+ youth and parental approaches to creating inclusive home environments.

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Society

Education Ministry Proposes Changes to Kindergarten Regulations

Slovakia's Education Ministry has proposed amendments to regulations governing kindergartens, with the draft currently undergoing inter-ministerial review. The proposed changes are designed to align with recent amendments to the country's education law and include provisions for combining children from multiple classes during afternoon hours for operational reasons. The Ministry of Education oversees Slovakia's education system, including early childhood education provided through kindergartens for children typically aged 3-6 years.

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Society

Swimming Pools Across Slovakia Prepare for Summer Season Opening

Swimming facilities across Slovakia are preparing to launch their summer season, with pools currently being filled with water. Visitors can expect new features including automated ticket machines and other improvements when the facilities open for the warmer months.

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Society

Slovakia maintains drug classification for homeopathic remedies despite Spanish ministry declaring them placebo

Spain's health ministry has officially declared homeopathic remedies to be placebo treatments containing no active ingredients after years of research. The announcement contrasts with Slovakia's approach, where homeopathic products continue to be sold in pharmacies with drug classification despite having no proven medical efficacy. Slovak Health Minister Kamil Šaško has indicated he will maintain the current system that allows these products to be marketed as medicines. The Spanish decision follows extensive scientific evaluation concluding that homeopathic treatments provide no therapeutic benefit beyond placebo effects, highlighting different regulatory approaches to alternative medicine across European Union member states.

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Society

Commentary Questions Official Role in Social Benefit Fraud Cases

A Slovak commentary piece has raised questions about the role of government officials in social benefit fraud cases, arguing that such schemes require complicity from civil servants who approve fraudulent claims. The analysis suggests that discussions of benefit fraud should include examination of the officials who enable such activities, rather than focusing solely on recipients. The commentary appears to challenge the typical framing of social welfare fraud as primarily involving dishonest claimants, instead highlighting the administrative processes that allow fraudulent payments to occur.

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Society

Slovakia's Benefit Fraud Debate Shifts Focus to Complicit Officials

A debate has emerged in Slovakia over the role of government officials in enabling benefit fraud, questioning why public discourse focuses primarily on fraudulent claimants rather than the civil servants who approve illegitimate payments. The discussion highlights systemic weaknesses in Slovakia's social benefit administration, where fraud requires both dishonest applicants and officials who either negligently or deliberately approve fraudulent claims. This shift in focus suggests broader concerns about corruption and accountability within Slovakia's public administration system, particularly in agencies responsible for distributing social welfare benefits.

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Society

Slovak Children Becoming 'Rare Orchids' Due to Overprotective Parenting, Expert Warns

Slovak parents are turning their children into "rare orchids" through excessive protection and supervision, according to a commentary by political analyst Miroslav Beblavý. He highlighted the concerning trend of parents accompanying their 16-year-old children on two-day school trips as an example of overprotective parenting that limits children's independence and development. Beblavý, a former education minister and current member of parliament, argued that this helicopter parenting approach is contributing to declining birth rates as children are treated as precious, fragile beings rather than being allowed to develop resilience and self-reliance. The commentary reflects broader concerns about changing parenting styles in Slovakia and their potential long-term social consequences.

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Society

Slovak Politician Criticizes Overprotective Parenting as Birth Rate Declines

Former Slovak politician Miroslav Beblavý criticized what he sees as overprotective parenting in Slovakia, comparing children to "rare orchids" that require constant care and supervision. Beblavý pointed to the example of parents escorting their 16-year-old children on two-day trips as evidence of excessive protection. He argued that this overprotective approach contributes to Slovakia's declining birth rate, suggesting that treating children as precious but fragile objects may be deterring people from having more children. Beblavý, a former member of parliament and presidential candidate who now works as a policy analyst, has been vocal on social and demographic issues affecting Slovakia.

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Society

New 2:2:1 Variable Walking Method Promises Heart and Mental Health Benefits in Just 20 Minutes Daily

A simple exercise method called the 2:2:1 technique combines fast walking with light jogging in variable intervals to provide cardiovascular and psychological benefits. The approach requires only 20 minutes of daily exercise and alternates between different pace levels to maximize calorie burning and improve endurance. Health experts say the variable tempo training method can enhance both heart health and mental well-being while being accessible to people of different fitness levels.

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Society

Slovak Graduates Don't Need to Immediately Handle Social Insurance Contributions After School

Slovak graduates do not need to immediately address social insurance contributions after completing their education, according to the Social Insurance Agency. The agency confirmed that recent graduates are not required to register immediately upon finishing school, and contribution payments can be delayed. However, graduates do not automatically receive unemployment benefits or other social support without taking additional steps to qualify for such assistance.

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