MORNING NEWS HIGHLIGHTS - Wednesday, 27 August 2025 - 9 a.m.

TASR brings a quick morning overview of the most important events seen in Slovakia on the previous day (Tuesday, 26 August): BRATISLAVA - Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) spoke with Ukrainian officials over the phone and asked them to ensure that Ukraine's armed forces refrain from attacks on the Druzhba oil pipeline, noting that such attacks harm not only Slovakia but also Ukraine itself, TASR reported on Tuesday based on the minister's social media post published late Monday (25 August) evening. Blanar discussed the issue by phone on Sunday with his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha and on Monday with Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka. He informed them about a letter sent to the European Commission regarding the protection of strategic energy infrastructure in connection with Ukraine's attacks on the Druzhba pipeline in recent days, leading to the suspension of oil transport to Slovakia as well. This was also criticised by other Slovak politicians, including President Peter Pellegrini. BRATISLAVA - The plan by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) and Minister of Tourism and Sport Rudolf Huliak (independent) regarding gambling is “sick,” according to Michal Sipos, chair of the opposition's 'Slovakia' parliamentary caucus. Sipos responded this way to a proposal from a group of MPs that would allow the national lottery company to operate state-run casinos without any need to seek approval from affected towns and municipalities – even in places where local bans on casinos are already in place. „Under the government of Igor Matovic ('Slovakia'/2020-21), we pushed through legislation allowing cities and municipalities to ban gambling and gaming halls because they know it's an evil that causes addiction and increases crime," Sipos stated. BRATISLAVA - Foreign investment is welcome in Slovakia, and every investor can count on assistance from the relevant ministries and specialised state agencies, said Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) on Tuesday during the official opening of a new plant for producing heat pumps built by Liechtenstein-based company Hoval in the village of Istebne (Zilina region). The opening ceremony was also attended by other representatives of the Slovak and Liechtenstein governments. "Slovakia is fully oriented towards car manufacturing and supplies for that type of production. When any fluctuation occurs in a country like Germany, Slovakia's economic growth is affected immediately. Diversification into production with high-added value is extremely important for Slovakia," Fico stressed. Built with an investment of around €60 million, the new plant is expected to create 250 new jobs by 2030. The government approved €8 million in tax relief for the company, which aims to produce as many as 32,000 heat pumps annually. BRATISLAVA - The European Commission plans to cut funding for agriculture by 30 to 40 percent after 2028 despite an overall increase of around €800 billion in the EU budget for the 2028–2034 period, Slovak Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) stated at a briefing on Tuesday, also attended by MEP Katarina Roth Nevedalova. According to Takac, the proposed capping of subsidies for large farms will have a significantly negative impact on the Slovak agricultural sector. "The agricultural sector is set to receive 30 percent less under the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) proposal. When accounting for inflation, this reduction could reach up to 40 percent. Although the EC plans to spend more on defence in the expanded 2028–2034 budget, agriculture will see substantial cuts," said Takac. He noted that until now, agriculture had a dedicated budget line in the EU framework. "The new proposal merges all funds into one package. This is a very poor approach, as it will result in the loss of a significant amount of funding. The existing two-pillar structure of the CAP will be abolished and replaced by a single agricultural fund," he explained. BRATISLAVA - Public Ombudsman Robert Dobrovodsky signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday with the Emile Foundation, aimed at assisting in the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Dobrovodsky described the document as an important step in strengthening the protection of children’s rights in the context of military aggression, according to his post on social media. „Children are among the most vulnerable participants in conflicts – they lose their homes, safety, access to education, and often their basic sense of security. It is our duty to do everything in our power to ensure their rights are respected and protected," Dobrovodsky stressed. According to the ombudsman, the memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation in the protection of children directly or indirectly affected by armed conflict. It includes commitments to share expertise and professional knowledge, provide methodological support, and prepare recommendations for public institutions and international organisations. BRATISLAVA - The Republican Union of Employers (RUZ) called on politicians on Tuesday to respect the work of scientists and stop questioning the results of expert analyses. The union voiced deep concern over ongoing attacks against researchers from the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV), warning that such actions have a destructive effect, undermine public trust in facts, and provide breeding ground to disinformation. „We cannot accept a situation where ignoring or denying facts is given so much room. Politicians should stop questioning the results of serious scientific work,” emphasised RUZ Vice President Jozef Spirko in an official statement. RUZ stressed that science, which drives societal progress, naturally evolves through criticism and opposition. However, it must take place strictly within the framework of critical rationalism, not political battles or disputes. The union added that the work of scientists and researchers should be valued, as their findings should serve as the foundation for responsible decision-making. jrg