MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Thursday, May 1, 2025 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Wednesday, April 30): BRATISLAVA - Slovakia's membership of the European Union (EU) and NATO is one of the country's greatest achievements, President Peter Pellegrini stated on Wednesday in Slovakia during a meeting with acting head of the European Commission Representation in Slovakia Radim Dvorak, held to mark the 21st anniversary of Slovakia's accession to the EU, TASR learnt from the President's Office on the same day. The president noted that membership of the EU enjoys strong and stable support among the Slovak population. However, he also emphasised the importance of continuously reminding people of the benefits this membership brings. "We must not take this support for granted. It's essential to keep highlighting the positives of our membership of the European community. People need to be aware of the advantages the EU offers us, but at the same time, we must also recognise Slovakia's important contribution to the future of Europe," Pellegrini stated, adding that the EU must continue to take steps that enhance the quality of life for its citizens. BRATISLAVA - The Council of the Arts Support Fund (FPU) has dismissed Robert Spotak from his position as director, according to Petra Bacinska of the Culture Ministry's press department, who stated that the decision was based on repeated and serious breaches of legal and employment obligations. According to the Culture Ministry, Spotak failed to comply with the council's resolution from April 16 and didn't provide documentation for projects supporting folklore events within the set deadline. "By doing so, he prevented the council from making decisions based on relevant materials," the ministry noted. "He disclosed voting records of council members, which are confidential under the FPU act, thereby breaching the principle of confidentiality and proper handling of information," the ministry specified. Bacinska added that the Culture Ministry respects the decision of the FPU Council as the fund's highest authority. "In line with the FPU act, interim leadership will be appointed shortly, and a selection procedure for a new director will be announced," she explained. BRATISLAVA - A just and lasting peace in Ukraine requires dialogue rather than one-sided statements, the opposition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) stated on Wednesday, adding that the way Moscow approached the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War raises doubts about Russia's willingness to engage in such dialogue. The KDH views the temporary ceasefire announced by Putin for three days around the anniversary celebrations as a superficial gesture from the Russian totalitarian regime. Only after the celebrations of the end of the war in Moscow will it be clear whether Russia is serious about seeking lasting peace, or if this is just another of its manoeuvres. "We must not be deceived by Putin's gestures," the party stated. According to the KDH, Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) shouldn't attend the celebrations in Moscow. BRATISLAVA - If the local government doesn't want the Malinec hydro-electric plant in the village of Latky (Banska Bystrica region), Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) won't submit the proposal for its construction, the minister stated after a government meeting in Mala Lehota (Banska Bystrica region), adding that he's a politician who will always respect the decisions of the people. According to Taraba, five potential sites have been identified in Slovakia where a hydro-electric plant could be built. "We're offering them the opportunity. A two-billion investment is on the table, which can be financed through genuine financial sources outside the state budget, as it's so profitable that even banking consortia are expected to compete to fund it. But if the locals say they don't want anything there, that they only want bears, high unemployment [rate], and not the €3,000 salaries that are planned, then that's their decision," the minister said. The minister believes that Slovakia is well-suited for building hydro-electric plants, which he considers the most environmentally friendly and profitable solution. He claimed that Austria has 13 such plants under construction and 23 already in operation, while 17 have recently been built worldwide. BRATISLAVA - The dismissal of Robert Spotak as director of the Arts Support Fund (FPU) is unlawful and a major overstep, stated parliamentary culture and media committee chair and member of the opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) Zora Jaurova on Wednesday, arguing that individuals such as Spotak are heroes who defend institutions, laws, and common sense, not personal interests. The MP added that she would turn to all available legal institutions, as she believes immense harm is being done to culture and the legal system. According to her, the damage caused by the Culture Ministry's nominees in the FPU council will be very difficult to undo. "It's crucial to replace this government as soon as possible so we can restore institutions and the rule of law to the people of Slovakia," she explained. BRATISLAVA - Representatives of the Slovak Towns and Village Association (ZMOS), the Self-governing Regions Association (SK8), and Slovak Towns Union (UMS) called on the government on Wednesday not to reallocate funds from the Slovakia Programme intended for local governments to other areas, warning that such a move, linked to the European Commission's new funding priorities, could cost municipalities €400 million needed for infrastructure, school equipment, and water and sewage systems. "We reject any reallocation and call on the Slovak premier [Robert Fico] to maintain funding designated for municipalities, towns, and regions, otherwise local projects, such as the construction of social service homes or expanding primary school capacity, will be at risk. The money must go directly to regions, towns, and municipalities," said SK8 chairman Jozef Viskupic, warning that redirecting funds for new state priorities would seriously endanger key regional projects. Municipalities have already discussed the issue with the Investment Ministry, which is concerned about the slow drawing of EU funds. The municipalities stressed they can spend the money from the Slovakia Programme, but the process takes time due to complex project preparation. They called on Robert Fico to engage in open dialogue. BRATISLAVA - The opposition Progressive Slovakia (PS) party, along with the 'Slovakia' party, called on Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) on Wednesday to transfer her land in Bratislava's borough of Vajnory, located next to the site of the planned national hospital, to the state at its market value [prior to the hospital's announcement]. "We call on Denisa Sakova to urgently transfer these lands to the state at their market value prior to the hospital construction announcement. This is the only way to address the conflict of interest," said PS vice-chairman Michal Truban. He rejected government officials' claims that the land issue is merely a coincidence. The 'Slovakia' also believes that the Economy Minister should transfer her land to the state to prove that she's not pursuing personal profit. The party stated that while the land owned in Vajnory by the minister and her family, was previously valued at around €800,000, its value has since risen to €10.8 million. lin